[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

There is a used club sale, once a month, at Palmer CC Golf Academy.

Thank you, good to know.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

Try shopping used at 3ballsgolf, they give U 30 days to return, great prices and the used quality as stated is correct.

I picked up nice R9 driver a few months for $90

The warehouse is close to my northern seasonal home. Great site, have used without issue many times.

In fact, I just received a 'new to me' TaylorMade Rescue R9 22 degree. I need the new weapon where I play as they have let the rough go to 4 inches and FAT chance I can hit a long iron out of it

[eweissenbach]

I have purchased both used and new clubs and other accessories from globalgolf.com and have been very satisfied with both price and quality.

When new to golf, you shouldn't worry about embarrassing yourself or making more experienced partners and others feel you are getting in their way. One of the truly great things about golf is that people of different abilities can play and enjoy the game together. When we are in TV, we (my friend James and I - our wives don't play) sign up for tee times online and play with whomever we are paired with. It is fun and interesting as some are brand new, some experienced, some very good, and some very bad. As long as they keep moving and are congenial (which almost everyone is) we enjoy each other's company. One gentlemen we played with apologized before we started for being a beginner. I responded that I have been a beginner for fifty years -- we had a great time btw.

As to the point about keeping moving, that is the main thing to keep in mind in my opinion. No one cares if you hit a poor shot as long as you don't spend a long time looking for the ball. If you hit it into a spot where it may be lost - look for a moment and drop a new ball in the area and keep going. Also, don't take ten practice swings, get up to the ball, address it (hello ball) and take one or two swings to get into rhythm, and hit away. Once you have reached double par (six on a par three, eight on a par four), pick your ball up and move to the next tee. Being a stickler for the rules is a necessity for an experienced golfer, but for a new golfer you should just try to hit the ball solidly and enjoy your successes - don't worry about the score, other than to try and improve on it as you progress. Finally, don't get discouraged and don't constantly apologize for your bad shots or bad game, we all have those and we understand. Have fun - you'll meet a lot of great people and have a healthy diversion.

[jimbo2012]

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

[eweissenbach]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

That wouldn't bother me, but the starters and ambassadors might not agree.

[ajbrown]

Learn etiquette, google it, read it and you are way ahead.

One couple we were paired with on an executive course was new to the game. They were taking lessons and learning. They played a two person scramble (both hit shots, select best one, both hit from there). They were having a great time.

My wife always used a tee when starting her golf journey no matter where the ball was.

You do not always have to go to the next tee after so many shots, if you dub the tee ball, dub the second and third, pick it up and drop near the green to practice chipping and putting.

You have one positive thing going for you as you start your journey. You will experience the joy of achievements and improvement at a rate that none of us will ever see again. One week you will be wondering if you will make contact with the ball and the next you will start to wonder how far each club goes. You may go from shooting 150 to 110 in your first year. My scores are headed the other way in the game but still trying .

One thing I wish to add about pace of play that I hear folks telling beginners. Letting a group play through because you are slow is NOT a normal practice and will slow down a course that is crowded. You will have no issue keeping up so do not worry about it.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by jimbo2012

First few times I played the folks with me suggested playing double ball, this is where you hit two shots then play the better of those. But you need to be quick about it.

It builds confidence.

Most of the course I play actually tell you NOT to do that, double the time and double the damage (divots, ball marks, etc). If I am on a wide open course with plenty of time I like to hit various shots, but I try to minimize damage. Fix extra marks on greens, do not hit shots from the exact same spot.

I do play two balls too often, but the second ball is called a provisional

[Posh 08]

Anyone have experience with the FJ casual contour shoe. The spikeless one. The lady at APL CC said they were very popular.

[Dhollingsworthus]

Originally Posted by Posh 08

I'm coming back to the game after 20 years away from it. I have a set of irons that "will do" but looking at drivers has me stifled. Pricey and big, when did that happen. Any recommendations for a good driver that is not $300?

I have a relatively new Cobra that is a sweet club that is for sale (with many other clubs). Call 763-772-8947 if you want to look at it. Priced $ 150 w/head cover

[DonH57]

I never played golf until moving here. I first went to the good golf class and then attended new to golf at Palmer. Since then it's been practice, practice, practice.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Find a PGA Golf Professional and take several lessons. do not expect to be able to play after two or three lessons. Many professionals have a package of six or so lessons and most people need at least two series of six lessons before they should venture out onto a golf course.
The Villages has something called, The Good Golf Course, which I understand will give you the basics of some of the rules, etiquette and procedures that you need to know in order to get around the course, have a good time and not interfere with other people's good time. I strongly suggest a course of this type.

[rockyisle]

Go see Sandra Chester at the Oxford Driving Range - or go out to Golf Your Best, Inc. (GYBI) (352) 446-2255 cell (352) 751-5122 office - Home and see her videos and pricing. She is THE BEST golf teacher money can buy. She's funny, she's serious, she will teach you to play the game in a way you will learn quickly and effectively. She is an LPGA Golf Pro and a top notch trainer. You won't be sorry...
And, Welcome to the Villages

[bandsdavis]

Originally Posted by Posh 08

I'm coming back to the game after 20 years away from it. I have a set of irons that "will do" but looking at drivers has me stifled. Pricey and big, when did that happen. Any recommendations for a good driver that is not $300?

There are many, many options for buying drivers and other clubs that are 1 or 2 years "old" in terms of being "the latest thing" for $100 or less. Go to some of the discount golf places, or to some of the bigger retailers like Dick's and look around. No need to buy the latest thing when you are just starting out. As far as drivers go, TaylorMade is the most popular, just buy one that is not pre-owned but is a couple years old in terms of technology. It will work very well for you.

[jimbo2012]

You can get very good lightly used clubs at callawaygolfpreowned.com and 3balls.com.

Both have ez return policies

[DonH57]

I found my starter set at a garage sale at a great price, a proper fit and a decently built set . As a new golfer I don't see buying more and more expensive clubs until I'm playing good enough to pay our mortgage. I really don't think that will happen anytime soon. LOL.