How do I get started in Golf?
 

After arriving at The Villages, I realized how integral golf is to the lifestyle here. I’m thinking that I’d like to learn as a way of becoming more active and well, get into the swing of things! But I’ve never played before, and frankly I’m a bit intimidated by it. Wondering if I should hire a pro, read a book, etc. I’d like to get my husband involved too, but if not, can I do it alone? (I actually know of someone who does play by himself, accompanied by his wife.)
All suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Go on YouTube, lots of good learning skills, and it is FREE

For a more "hands on" approach, there are several "Golf Academies" in TV. They have a 5 day course that will teach you the basics, the rules and the etiquette of the game...

But to really start to play, you must learn to "Address the ball"...

Address The Ball - YouTube

Like anything it's important to know what your learning style is. Some people can take a class and others need more one-on-one. The best thing I ever did was take a golf class offered at a local community college. It was cheap, I needed a PhyEd credit for my degree I was taking at night school, but it broke everything down to get you started. I was in a class of about 15 people but still got some individual attention. I had been playing prior to that with lessons from friends and family and I could never break 100. After the class I was usually in the 90's and taking some more focused one-on-one time with a pro, I usually play in the 80's and have broke 70 a couple of times.

Just be sure to understand why you are playing and what your goals are. Have fun and don't expect to play like Tiger.

I started 5 years ago from scratch and took group lessons in California. I was told by a pro that you won't play well for at least 4 years or more depending on your age and abilities and flexibility. So just go out and have fun. It will take years to get where you are enjoying golf fully. Also no matter how good you get, like paid golf pros, they still hit a ball in the wrong direction sometimes. See about lessons at the Sarasota driving range. And hitting over water should be fun there since it doesn't really matter where the ball goes at first and after a few years you will be able to control the ball. Golf is really fun after a few years.

Start here
Villages Good Golf School
Good Golf School

Then go here - learn to golf at Villages Golf Academy
Golf The Villages

I would then repeat the good golf school.

Plan to play executive courses - as you’re learning, late afternoon/evening is a good time to not be intimidated by people behind you
Find a friend/neighbor who golfs, to go with you, to explain things.

You’ll need clubs. Depends on your budget. Get something cheap that you can take to the academy. Find an instructor, take more lessons, talk to him/her about new clubs.

A lot of good information here:
Golf The Villages

Villages Golf Academy
 

Welcome to The Villages.

The Villages Golf Academy has a new to golf school that is for people who have never played before and want to get started. Don' t know cost but you can reach them at (352)259-8121 or (352)259-2077 for more information. There are individual and group classes available. They should be able to answer any questions you might have and advise you as to what equipment you will need to get started.

it is easier to learn good habits if you haven't developed bad habits already. With that in mind, I would encourage you to take a series of lessons right from the beginning. The Village based golf schools are good. You might want to explore off campus venues as well. Women sometimes prefer a female coach. If that describes you, consider Sandra Chester at the Continental Country club off Route 44 ((352) 751-5122). Steve Wresh who teaches there is also pretty good.

When you get out on the course, don't worry about getting good hits all the time. Every time I think I am going to have a good round, my evil twin shows up to dish me a big serving of humble pie.

So relax and enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine.

When we arrived here we didn't play golf either. Took a few lessons, went to the driving range, practiced at the practice greens and got in with others that were new to golf, now we play on a regular basis.

Very good advice.

Start with YouTube. The real issue with lessons is they show you a good golf swing but your body may have limitations which do not allow you to swing that way. At least they give you the fundamentals. Play and have fun. Lots of trial and error

Golf very hard and it takes very long time to somewhat master several swings in golf. Yes, if you serious you need to be fitted with set or clubs. As suggested attend classes, take lessons, and practice EVERY day. After all that you may still need further swing instructions to correct all the little thing wrong that developed along the learning process. Golf is not cheap you have to be financially commended also it you even want to be even average golfer.

Saw several posters who suggested getting a lesson via the internet. This might work for some people. Do suggest taking a series of lessons offered through TV. This way you can learn etiquette, basic swing etc.

Enjoy and have a lot of patience.

You spelled "decades" wrong... :icon_wink:

Reading
 

Harvey Penick - Little Blue Golf Book

I highly recommend
Golf Teacher | Cornettas Golf Supreme Golf Swing

It's a 20 week muscle memory course to get the professional swing. You get twice monthly meetings to correct any problems.

And to work on putting and chipping.

I never played golf before I came here in 2018 and now about 90% of my drives are in the air.

Taking three lessons from a golf pro are not going to get you great results.

You spend 10 minutes a day doing muscle memory and every week you do a little bit more of the swing.

After 20 weeks you have a professional swing.

Golf is fun for me now.

See Sandra Chester. You won’t be sorry

:bigbow:

How do you get started?
First, you have to purchase a golf cart. All great players have a golf cart.
Then, you must purchase at least one golf club. One lady in the Villages plays the whole course with only a putter, so purchase that first.
Then, you have to wear the right attire. Any of the country clubs will set you up with the proper threads.
Once you have done all that, you are a golfer. Do not listen to anyone that talks about "handicaps" because that is no longer PC. You must use the term "disability." Or, you may in certain circumstances use the term "par impaired." :gc:

How do I get started in Golf?

You might start by buying a dictionary of every 4 letter word ever invented:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Or,
 

You might talk to a few old sailors. If you buy, they will talk. Oh Lord, and how they will talk.

It's called "golf" because all of the other "4 letter words" were taken...

And learn what the acronym "F.I.S.H." means...

Make an appointment with a PGA professional and tae a series of lessons. Go onto a golf course when he/she says that you're ready.

Don't be intimidated by golf.

As one top pro said some years back when asked the secret of playing golf, "just tee it up and hit it. And when you find it, hit it again".

They had to name it golf because $hit and fu@k were already taken.

I would suggest that you dress inappropriately, play out of the bag of the person you ride with, play from the tips, and keep hitting the ball until it goes into the hole regardless of how many strokes it takes. Most importantly, play an executive and make sure your t time is the one right before Mortal. I can’t wait to read the new thread after that round. Just kidding : )

Please, please, please go take a series of lessons from a PGA professional and only venture onto a golf course when he/she feels that you are ready.

You should also familiarize yourself with some basic rules, especially those concerning golf etiquette and care of the course.

All the suggestions above are good except one. Don't even try to learn from watching some video. Go get lessons. If you are a lady, try Maria at the golf academy. My wife, who was not a golfer, took a one week group lesson with Maria and I was amazed at how much she learned. I have been playing for 67 years and 10 years ago when she wanted to play golf, I sent her to the professionals. The Good Golf School is also important to attend because it will teach you the etiquette of the game, which is very important and lacking in many of the so-called golfers on the courses today. Good luck and remember, enjoy the game and don't concentrate on your score at the beginning.

"I never made a mistake in my life. I thought I did once, but I was wrong."