[dwbevan]

The love of my life (Sammy the dog) just kidding, The love of my life, Tim, and I are coming to TV for a month beginning Oct. 23. We would be new golfers - I mean brand spankin' new. We will have guests who have golfed with us for a week beginning Oct. 30th and they may want to go out once or twice. How welcome will we be if we become a foursome???? I figure you have to begin somewhere, but I don't want the TOTV to be the ST##### on the golf course who are beginners. Is there a place we should be (besides the Berkshires where we don't play golf)?
A time of day (when it would still be light) that wouldn't upset anyone. A place where our friend could golf without the embarassment of being with us.
This is serious - I can't believe that this is stressing me out.

This group is always so helpful - please advise . . .

Thank you,
Debbie

[Whalen]

Just make sure you golf pretty fast.
See atttached.


What's a beginner to do

[dwbevan]

Whalen,

Thank you. I checked the link and some GREAT advice. I am not sure if I am ready for a round of golf this time. I may have to rethink, but what I gather is later in the day is better - and move along! I have a little over a month to learn some more so we shall see.

Thanks again,
Debbie

[jebartle]

Just relax, it is only a silly game, the key word is game....If you can
go to the range and hit a few balls that would be good...If any of us
were any good we would be on the tour! Playing after 6:00 on an executive course will allow you some time between shots....Enjoy your fun time here...I know you will love it..

[starflyte1]

The executive courses are rated for difficulty-chose an easier course. And, as my 88 year old aunt says, "Pat, you can always pick up your ball and move on." In fact, my husband had an open tee time yesterday and one of the foursome did just that.

TV has something like a "Good Golf" 3 hour class several times a month. They explain how to get tee times, and everything about playing golf in TV. You can call 352-750-4558 to get the time and dates.

I hope that you and your friends have a wonderful time.

[EdV]

If you are only interested in learning a few basics so that you can simply play a couple of rounds of golf with them, you would be making a big mistake. It will be a frustrating experience for all of you. This isn’t shuffleboard where you can pretty much pick up the basics in an hour or so and play an ok game.

In this case I would plan to have your friends play as a twosome and they’ll be paired with another couple at the 1st tee. Is it really necessary that you and your friends do absolutely everything together that week. A couple of breaks while they play some golf and you run some errands would probably be welcomed.

On the other hand, if you and Tim are really interested in finding out if you would like to learn how to play golf, the Villages Golf Academy has a great opportunity for you. It’s called the ‘New To Golf’ program. It’s a five day program that meets mon-fri at 8:30-10:00 and costs $225/student. It will teach you all the fundamentals of the game including the all important course etiquette. So while your friends are playing golf, you’ll be in golf school and you’ll have plenty to talk about when you meet for lunch. They also have several intermediate three day courses that you friends should consider on the days they are not playing.

This is the way I learned the game, and it was the best move I could have made. They provide everything, all you need is sneakers and a golf glove. Give them a call at 352-259-8121

[dwbevan]

Thank you all so much - this is a great idea and a great gift for the two of us. I don't want to stress anyone out me, our guests, other golfers and especially Tim (he may get cranky : - ) I am going to look into Good Golf, lessons while we are there or maybe lessons here before we go. AND if that doesn't work I will just pick up my ball and go from hole to hole in the dark when no one will care. I thought golf was supposed to be relaxing ?????!!!!!

[Tom Hannon]

During my baseball years I swung at a round ball using a round bat and I was told to hit it squarely. The ball I was trying to hit was going 90 miles an hour and in some cases moving in unpredicted directions. Yet I managed to hit the ball. Why is hitting a golf ball, which is not moving more difficult?

[dwbevan]

Originally Posted by Tom Hannon

During my baseball years I swung at a round ball using a round bat and I was told to hit it squarely. The ball I was trying to hit was going 90 miles an hour and in some cases moving in unpredicted directions. Yet I managed to hit the ball. Why is hitting a golf ball, which is not moving more difficult?

Tom,
I will let you know. I have also hit a moving ball NOT 90 miles per hour, but not sitting still either. I should be able to do this AND have fun too.

Debbie

[Tom Hannon]

I know you can. I was just joking. It's a great game. Enjoy

[bluedog103]

Originally Posted by dwbevan

Thank you all so much - this is a great idea and a great gift for the two of us. I don't want to stress anyone out me, our guests, other golfers and especially Tim (he may get cranky : - ) I am going to look into Good Golf, lessons while we are there or maybe lessons here before we go. AND if that doesn't work I will just pick up my ball and go from hole to hole in the dark when no one will care. I thought golf was supposed to be relaxing ?????!!!!!

Relaxing? Maybe sometimes. Often I have another word for it.
It is a great game but not one you learn quickly. Be patient and have fun with it.
I started playing relatively late in life and lessons were mandatory for me. I know I'll never master golf so I don't take myself or the game too seriously. If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't do it.

[bricknj]

Hi Whalen. Where about in the Poconos, we lived in Bushkill.