A few weekends ago, I played my first round of golf since a torturous 18-hole round of golf during my high school senior week that was more akin to “golf-cart polo” that served as my introduction to the game.
In the intervening years, I’ve taken a golf PE class at college (3 hrs total) and gone to the driving range a handful of times. To say that I am a n00b would be an understatement.
That said, my 2 hours in the company of 3 friends yielded a number of thoughts for those of you who are just starting out like me.
The Insights
Hole 1: Golf is a game about form
Hole 2: Golf is a game about consistency
Hole 3: Accuracy is worth more than distance (unless you are putting)
The Practical
Hole 4: Get a golf cart. You’ll be spending a lot of time chasing wayward balls
Hole 5: Reduce the number of clubs you use. Each new club is just another variable for your body to have to adjust to.
Hole 6: Go with one good person (who can help spot balls and bail you out if you play “best ball”) and one other novice (who you can commiserate with.)
The Meta
Hole 7: Have fun
Hole 8: Set realistic goals
Hole 9: It’s just a game
The Reality
The Driving Range: Golf costs money. $100 for clubs, $5 for trips to the driving range, $10-30 each time out.
Chip and Putt: Teaching yourself is hard. After going to the driving range 4-5 times in the past few weeks, I’ve resigned myself that I’m either going to have to make a new friend (any readers out there teach golf? =b) or shell out for lessons (which also cost money).
