[NJblue]

As someone who was in the same situation a year ago, I agree with much of what is said here. One bit of additional advice, however, is to do some golf conditioning before you even start. A year ago, when I started, I thought all I needed to do was hit a bunch of balls at the driving range and then head out to the course to play. What I failed to realize was that I no longer had the body of a younger person such that it would readily adapt to the new stresses that I was going to subject it to. As a result I hurt my shoulder significantly enough such that I was put out of commission for golf for 6 months. Had I first done some basic conditioning specific to golf and warm-up prior to heading to the range, this could have been avoided.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by hoseman

Get a pro to fit you with clubs. Take group lessons. Hit a ton of practice balls until you can fairly predict where your shot is going. You are liable for any damage you inflict to property and paying for broken windows and car dents will quickly sour you of the game.

No offense to other beginning golfers but the quickest way to learn golf is to play your first few rounds with experienced golfers (who are nice folks) (who have patience) that will teach ediquete on the course. Ediquete is the key to enjoying golf - knowing to keep your shadow out of the other guys putts, not talking during shots, not offering unsoliticed advice during a round, not yelling at friends, not dragging your feet on the green, not using range balls on the course, not kicking balls into play, not grounding your club in a hazard, how to tend the flag, but most importantly of all this stuff: Experienced golfers know how to keep you moving along to not delay others. Number one hate of golf is slow play.

Don't keep score your first 10 rounds - you don't care at the learning stage - you will know when you are ready to keep score.

Been playing for 50 years....I've shot an 79 on The Greater Hartford Open TPC and I've shot 112 at some course in Pheonix (guess I was scared of lizards as those little suckers were everywhere). You know what, I had just as much fun shooting the 112 as I did the 79 as I am not a professional golfer, hardly anyone is and I can accept that, nor do I take the game seriously. I love the game as every once in a while I hit a beautiful shot - maybe only one shot a round but that's the one the wife hears about all day)

Golf is a great game that can be enjoyed one's entire life. Congratulations on your decision to play the game.

Well said. If you do all this and keep up, you can play with just about everyone.

[Pturner]

Originally Posted by hoseman

... not kicking balls into play.

WHAT! You don't use a foot wedge?

Just kidding.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by GuyWin

How long do we need to take golf lessons? Group or private? How much will it cost? How much for the equipment?

I have playing since I was young enough I that needed clubs cut down and now I am old enough to have missed my prime on the senior tour and ......

I still take a lesson or two a year. If you get hooked it is a life long journey....

Here is a similar thread, I was too lazy to retype...

Begginer Golf Lessons

Welcome and HAVE FUN!!

PS. Next time you are in a pro shop, grab a rule book....

1. Learn about the game: rules and etiquette
2. Learn how to play the game
3. Learn how to have fun at the game

Number three would seem obvious, but I have struggled with that in my life....

[Ohiogirl]

Originally Posted by jebartle

It takes a LOT of Humility and tons of Patience and just a weeency bit of talent, but who cares as long as we have a few laughs with great friends.

I beg to differ - Golf TEACHES humility. Just when you think you've got it down (finally) . . . .