Talk of The Villages Florida - What's a beginner to do

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TIP for new golfers. When I first started out my golf instructor would have us tee up all the way down the fairway. I ended up doing this for about a year:):) It really helps you to get more comfortable hitting off the fairway AND saves time. Even now if I start getting frustrated my hubby says T UP:)

Whalen, Brings back memories. It gets easier. I still get nervous when my husband and I get to the golf course and we're set up with people we don't know because you don't know how good they are. But we've met some very good and patient people and that gets easy too. There are so many golf coarses in Mn.,that the one we like, if we go in the middle of the week about noon we've had the place to ourselves. That's all ways great.

Playing as a two-some really isn't an option here. The tee time system will just pair you up with another two players. I played this morning with another gentleman who knows who to play and two women who just came out to have fun and enjoy the day. They compensated by playing best ball to keep the pace going and avoid stress. It worked out quite well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whalen (Post 221159)

Played my first round of golf this Monday at the Turtle Mound Course.
Our foursome is new to the game so we thought a course rated 1 was for beginners. We arrived on time for our 8:05 tee time.

The starter called us to play and we proceeded to the first hole where we waited for the golfers in front of us to leave the green. We then all took our first shots and as I walked back towards my cart the ambassador drove up to me and abruptly told me we had to move the game along, no more than 10 minutes a hole, 6 shots pick up your ball and go. I told him we were beginners and he then told me to play in the afternoon when no one is around. I noticed the party behind us were impatiently tapping their feet so we left & moved on. By now we're a bit nervous, looking over our shoulders, rushing our shots and not having much fun.

As we get to about the third hole the ambassador was sitting by the path watching us, we exchanged pleasantries about Walden Pond and played the hole.

Now we are at the the sixth hole, Mr Ambassador is after us again because the group in front of us was a hole ahead of us and I looked back to see the toe tappers. At this point I said to the ambassador we just started playing, we picked this course because it was an easy course for beginners, I didn't know I'd be playing with Arnold Palmer in front of us And Jack Nicklaus behind us, and don't tell me I have to play at high noon or at night when no one is around, that's just not fair. My husband said we're not really behind and if these players are so good why don't they play a harder course. The ambassador was then very gracious and told us not to worry, play our game and he'll take care of the people behind us.

Well now the day is just about over, between the toe tappers behind us, the road runners in front of us and the ambassador in the bushes I couldn't wait for the ninth hole to end. Which it did at 9:45.

I foolishly thought that golf was a genteel game, played at a leisurely pace by civilized people.
I didn't realize it was a race to the finish.

And please don't beat me up over this post, I've already had my golf whopping for the week.

Thanks for listening.

You are funny and I'm sure FUN to play golf with!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whalen (Post 221220)

We finished our round in 1 hour and 40 minutes, I really had no idea that golf is such a fast game. Live & learn.

Thank you all for your kind words, encouragement, and good advice.
It is greatly appreciated.

Did you ask the toe tappers what song they were singing :throwtomatoes::throwtomatoes:?

I see that this thread was revived, and that Whalen posted about her new golf experience more than a year ago!

But now, I'm curious. Gail, did you stick with it? Do you still golf? I'd be happy to golf with you next time I'm there.

It would be interesting to hear the one year update.

We were all beginners at one point and faced the same issues.

However, I do agree that real beginners should practice at a range a little prior to their first round. Then during their first few rounds employ some of the ideas mentioned earlier (like pick up after X strokes, move ahead a hole if behind etc.). Or maybe play a scramble for the first few rounds so they can play from the best shot.

Most courses suggest that real beginners play other than early morning. I think that is a good practice.

I have more issues with people who are NOT beginners who play slowly. "Don't look around, you know who you are! "(George Clooney, 2010 Emmy show)