[George Bieniaszek]

Hello Fellow Villagers!!!
Now that I have been a Villager for 2 years, the next progression to the Villager Lifestyle is golf. I have never picked up a golf club other than at a mini-golf range and am looking for a little advice.
I booked some lessons to minimize any damage done to golf front homes and lanais and can't wait to get started. Golf has been on my "Bucket List" for a while now.
Looking for suggestions in where to purchase a set of clubs, what clubs to buy, etc. and any tips or recommendations from you guys.

[VillagesFlorida]

You are wise to get some lessons. I also had a few hours of instruction when I first began playing. Was your first lesson about how to warm up, exercise, strengthening, etc.? Mine wasn't. Consequently, I hurt my rib cartilage and have suffered off and on for the past 12 years with costochondritis. I believe that this injury could have been avoided had I received training on how to loosen up and strengthen my body BEFORE I ever swung a club. I do not understand why this isn't the very first lesson a new golfer gets? Most of us who start playing this game so late in life may not be in perfect shape and the last thing we need is a serious injury. The only advice I have is to educate yourself, with or without the help of a golf instructor, as to how to take care of your body while you play the game. I have paid dearly for the lack of a real "first" golf lesson.

[Sail41]

HI,

Don't buy anything at first. Let your pro after a few lessons make some recommendations. (It doesn't have to be the most expensive) Maybe even used? It will save you a lot of greenbacks. Most have clubs to start your lessons. I've just started playing again after 25 years of absense and I've been happy with Steve Wresh at Continental. He's also a club fitter. Enjoy the game!

[Tom Hannon]

I've seen many golf club sets sold on TOTV that were so cheap, I thought of buying them just to have an extra set in case visitors wanted to play while they were visiting me. And I already have two sets.

[alemorkam]

Start out playing mens day on the executive courses. scramble format and meet some nice people.

[jmaxhimer]

Do you know where my grand daughter can get some lessons? She had some lessons and is looking for a good place to get some more to keep getting better

[dfn8tly]

When it comes to lessons I strongly recommend the professionals at Palmer Golf Academy. They really know what they are doing and they do it every day. To minimize cost and meet some people in the same category as yourself you can start with group instruction. This will also keep you on a training schedule.

As for clubs, if you want to get any good at the game you should NOT buy someone else's weapons off TOTV or the Internet. In order for your clubs to satisfy you body and your swing style it's best to go with the recommendation of your instructor. They can tell so many things about you from observing your swing and sometimes your physical restrictions. Again the golf shop at Palmer can be an immense help. You don't have to have custom built clubs made for you the first week (that would be a waste of money and undoubtedly very frustrating). You can get good used clubs and even excellent new clubs to fit your startup game without spending big bucks.

Trust your instructor, use the right clubs for your style and swing, take care of your health, practice, practice, practice and don't be afraid to get on the executive courses when you feel confident. Welcome to the game. It can be a joy for many years to come.

[George Bieniaszek]

Thank you all that responded to my post!! Looking forward to golf as my new hobby. I really appreciate all the comments and suggestions.

[ajbrown]

Lessons are great, so you are headed the right way. In addition to them read Ben Hogan's Five Fundamentals to Golf.

Here is a link at Amazon. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Five-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf/dp/0671612972]Amazon.com: Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf (9780671612979): Ben Hogan, Herbert Warren Wind, Anthony Ravielli: Books[/ame]


I never understood parts of the golf swing until I read this simple and wonderfully illustrated book. I wish I had read it sooner.