Golf Beginner

Golf Beginner's Introduction to Proper Golf Attire and Fashion

2008-09-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

Greetings golf beginner! I was perusing Golf for
Women the other day and
wondered where are the women who wear the golf attire
modeled in women’s golf magazines? I’ve never seen
women, professionals included, who would dress in such
expensive and outrageous clothes!

It’s easy to spend money outfitting yourself for golf.
Hats, sunglasses, gloves, shirts, shorts, socks,
windbreakers and shoes all add up quickly, even if you
shop the sales. Add in equipment, bag and cart and you
have to play quite often to keep down the "CPU" - cost
per use.

One glossy advertisement showed a model in short
shorts (like that’s allowed on courses!) that cost
$275, the Tse golf shirt ($595), jacket by Ralph
Lauren ($185) and two-toned Utuser shoes ($425).

That comes up to $1480; I could never hope to get the
CPU on that outfit anywhere near a normal level in my
lifetime! Don’t get me wrong; I love clothes. I really
love shoes, but could never afford, or want, golf
shoes that cost more than the national budget of some
small countries.

Granted, you want comfortable shoes that don’t look
like something your grandmother would wear, but you
can easily find less expensive and fashionable shoes.

I have several really stylish golf outfits, none of
them brand name. If I totaled the cost of all of them
up it would not come up to the price of the Tse golf
shirt. Personally, I’d rather have several stylish
outfits and one outrageously priced one.

If I were to wear a $1480 outfit to play golf, I would
simply be too worried about getting dirty or
perspiring to play a decent round.

Come back soon for more on Golf Beginner Guide.

Choosing Your Golf Beginner Shoes

2008-09-01T08:24:00.000-07:00

As a golf beginner, you should know, that even as
your swing will change, your accuracy and distance
will improve with practice, and you’ll become deadly
with a putter, but you will always do these things
while standing on your feet.

Your feet need to be comfortable! Have you ever
developed a blister while walking or running? It’s all
you can think about and it ruins the experience. Don’t
let uncomfortable shoes ruin your golf game.

This is one area where you shouldn’t let your
frugality make the decision for you. You will be
wearing these shoes many times and they should be
considered an investment.

Comfort should be your biggest concern when buying
shoes. Your foot should not move at all on your heel
when you walk, yet your toes shouldn’t feel cramped.
Have you shoes professional fit to your feet and walk
around in them before you buy them.

Proper golf shoes should be waterproof so that your
feet remain dry in damp conditions. Good socks are
important too; they will wick perspiration away from
you feet, keeping your feet dry and comfortable.

All golf courses prohibit metal spiked shoes in the
effort to protect their delicate greens. Purchase
shoes that allow you to change the rubber spikes
easily, and while you’re there, purchase some extras.
You never know when you might lose one. Replace the
spikes when they become worn.

With all the things you have to worry about as a golf beginner,
your feet shouldn’t be one of them. When
it comes to golf footwear, quality counts.

Learning Etiquette as a Golf Beginner

2008-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Golf is a dignified game of rules and manners, and
it’s important for a golf beginner to know the basics before you play for
the first time.

Whether you are playing alone, in a twosome or a
foursome, you must wait your turn. You must keep aware
of the group on the next hole and wait until they are
well ahead of you before hitting your ball.

It’s never cool to "push" the group in front of you.
If you are playing with others, wait for your turn to
hit the ball; never hit at the same time as another
player.

While you wait for your turn, go to your ball and
determine what club you’ll need and how you are going
to hit it. This is called "ready golf" and keeps the
game moving. Don’t rush, just be ready.

If your team is holding up the players behind you, let
them play through. You would simply wave them through,
or if they are close enough, ask them if they’d like
to play through. You will never make an enemy in doing
this!

When someone is making a shot, you should be behind
them and you shouldn’t make a sound! It is so
distracting to be ready to tee off and just as you
pull back, someone decides to jingle in coins in their
pocket or noisily unwrap a piece of candy.

Replace your divots. When, in the fairway, you hit the
ball and a clod of dirt and grass goes flying, replace
it. On some courses you just put the clod back and
step on it to press it on; on most courses, there is a
sand/seed mixture on your card to put into the divot.
If your ball makes a deep impression when it lands on
the green, use your divot tool to repair it.

As soon as you have completed a hole, replace the flag
and leave the green so that the next players can play.
Count your score and write it on the scorecard when
you’re back at your cart.

Of course, there are many more rules of golf for you to learn
as a golf beginner, but
these simple ones will enable you to get through the
course without coming to blows with anyone. We must
all keep the game dignified, right?

Golf Beginner Basics: Putting

2008-08-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings golf beginner! Today we will talk about putting.

"Drive for show, putt for dough" is the lesson we’ve
all seen and learned from watching professional
golfers in every tournament and championship.

The masters of golf can drive a ball from here to
eternity, but it all boils down to how many strikes of
the ball it takes to put the ball in the hole. The
long accurate drives don’t amount to anything if
you’re unable to putt accurately.

Choosing a putter is important, but using whatever
putter you have consistently is more so. I’ve had the
same putter for fifteen years; I know what it feels
like in my hand, I know its weight and how that plays
into my putts.

Putting takes lots of practice. Typically, we drive
the ball eighteen times in a game, but putt at least
double that number. Doesn’t it stand that we should
practice our putting at least twice as much as
driving? If you can’t get to the practice green
regularly, practice on your carpet at home.

Keep in mind that no ball can make it into the hole if
it doesn’t have enough power behind the ball to get
there. Take the time to get down and look at the path
from your ball to the hole; does it slant one way or
the other? Is it uphill or downhill?

Stand with your feet spread for balance and line up
the putt. Keep you hands, arms and shoulders
completely still; imagine that you are a "bobble head"
but you move from just below your chest. Keep your
head directly over the ball. Pull your club back; keep
your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders steady-the
movement comes from your chest. Hit the ball,
following it with your club.

Learn from each putt and remember the lesson.
And whether your a grizzled veteran or a golf beginner -
Practice, practice, practice!

Golf Beginner's Inbtroduction to the Short Game

2008-08-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Even if you are a complete golf beginner, Im sure you have seen
the long accurate drives of Tiger
Woods. The ball flies through the air and lands in the
middle of the fairway, 300 yards away.

The green-eyed monster of envy consumes us as we
wonder if we could ever hope to drive like that.
Fortunately, long drives are not the be-all-end-all
game of golf.

Enter the short game. Without good short game skills,
all the long drives are for naught.

The short game is those shots that get us onto the
green from about one hundred feet out, be it from the
fairway, a bunker, the rough or a drop zone and
includes chips, sand shots and pitches.

This is where your higher numbered clubs would be
used, as well as your pitching iron, sand wedge or lob
wedge.

Most golf courses have practice areas as well as a
driving range. Spend some time working on hitting your
ball onto the green from different distances. Aim for
a ten-foot circle in the center of the green at first.
Experiment using your wedges; what works for someone
else, might not work for you and your particular
swing.

After you get accustomed to doing this drill
consistently, it’s time to spend some time in a sand
trap. Knowing how to get the ball out of a trap will
cut your score.

Plant your feet firmly into the sand, with your left
foot turned toward the hole. Imagine a 4-inch circle
around the ball and try to hit the edge of the circle
that is away from the ball.

Take lots of sand with your ball and swing completely.
Don’t decelerate at all when or after you hit the
ball. It should pop up onto the green and stop. This
doesn’t work unless the sand is very soft and powdery.
On hard surfaces, you might need to avoid actually
hitting the sand.

As in all aspects of the game, only practice will help
you to improve as a golf beginner.

Golf Beginner Guide: Learning the Long Game

2008-08-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Just in case you are a golf beginner and don't know the terms yet -
the long game refers to your drives (shots off the
tee) and fairway shots; everything short of the shots
you make to get onto the green.

Each hole has a different difficulty level, different
par and distinctive hazards, so instructing you to use
your Driver on every tee would be blatantly wrong.

This is something you will learn over time as you
learn the various shots you make according to the
club, the placement of the ball and your personal
swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the
longer and lower your ball will go. A 4-iron shot will
travel long and low and will most likely roll, whereas
a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less
distance both in the air and on the ground.

The professionals on television make it look so easy;
they consistently hit the ball long and straight and
never miss-hit the ball making it dribble ten feet, or
completely miss the ball.

Driving is very important to the game, and many hours
spent at the driving range will help improve your
distance. Experiment with the same club to see what
works for you if you move the ball forward or backward
in your stance. Take a lesson, if possible, and learn
the proper swing from the beginning.

So remember as a golf beginner that mastering the
long game helps you get to the green in
fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration
level down. Remember that it takes a long time to
learn consistency and remember to have fun!

Golf Beginner's Golf Bag

2008-08-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings golf beginner!

As you may or may not know
There are many golf bags available, some designed for
fashion, some for utility and some that combine both
features. There are big bags, bigger bags and bags so
big that they would keep everything I need for a long
weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a bag just large enough
to hold your clubs, extra balls, your glove, tees, car
keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever,
sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella.

It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a
band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects
are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very
handy.

A small pack of baby wipes come in very handy; in your
bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get
sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice
warm wipe can be very refreshing.

I happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, so
my Epipen is an important addition to my bag. I am
also hypoglycemic so I carry Lifesavers, which has to
be replaced several times throughout the year because
they tend to melt.

One item that doesn’t need to be in your golf bag is
your cell phone. If you must carry it, turn off the
ringer as a courtesy to other players. If you must use
it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or
putting their ball. Be considerate!

Having these items in your golf bag should provide
everything you will need, even in a minor emergency
(like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a
sudden rainstorm. As a golf beginner, remember that
being prepared makes the game a great deal more fun.

Are You a Golf Beginner?

2008-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

The popularity of golf has increased tremendously over
the past forty five years, giving us champions like
Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods, and
world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta
National and the Blue Monster at Doral.

Why has golf become so popular? It’s the opportunity
to be outside, to get a good whole body workout,
network with friends or business colleagues at a
leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never
perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, shows your improvement,
which keeps you playing again and again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who
has no clue about the game.

Golf is played on an eighteen-hole course; each hole
has its "par", which is the number of tee shots
(drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you
approach the green), and putts.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty
of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the
ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you
"made par." If it took you six shots, it’s called a
bogie, if you made it in four, it’s a birdie.

There are usually "hazards" of some sort on all the
holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are
strategically placed to make the hole more
challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find
courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer
hazards.

Each player keeps their own score, marking the number
of total number of shots for each hole. At the end,
each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the
winner.

It is important for beginner golfers to not take
themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get
good at this game; even though the professionals make
it look so easy.

Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you
develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good
start.

Remember that it’s just a game. Have fun and look at
the big picture-you’re outside and you’re not at work!

Are You a Golf Beginner Looking to Take Lessons?

2008-08-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

If you are a golf beginner, It’s never easy asking for help, but in golf, it is
almost a necessity. Unfortunately, we often ask our
buddies and partners, when in reality we should take a
lesson or two.

We think that a Pro would critique harshly, but they
are honest, positive and very helpful.

Lessons at the local course aren’t as expensive as you
might think and they are worth it because your game
will improve rapidly and cause you less frustration,
making the game much more enjoyable for you.

Of utmost importance, is being honest about your game.
The Pro will ask you what you want to start with;
driving, chipping, putting or whatever you feel you
need help with.

Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may
have doubts if the Pro changes your stance, your grip
or your swing; the Pro knows best.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Don’t worry about if
the question or concern in stupid-they’ve heard it all
before and will not make you feel like an idiot for
asking. If you don’t "get it", tell him/her that
you’re not getting it. You should never walk away from
a lesson with unanswered questions.

You can concentrate on one thing during a lesson, or
several. You might start with a lesson in driving; get
the right grip, the right stance, the right swing, the
right follow-through in one lesson, and then practice
it. Next time, you might work on your short game, or
putting.

You’ve invested in the equipment, doesn’t it make
sense to learn how to use them to their advantage and
improve your abilities as golf beginner?

How to Choose Golf Equipment for a Golf Beginner

2008-08-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you are a golf beginner, buying golf equipment can be like dumping money into a
money pit, but armed with some knowledge you can save
time and money in selecting the right clubs for
yourself. As with most things in life, you can spend a
lot or you can spend a little several times before you
get what you really need.

If you are first starting out and not completely sure
you want to commit to this addictive game, you should
either rent clubs at the golf course, or buy a starter
set of clubs.

Buying a set of started clubs enables you to become
accustomed to them; enabling you to concentrate on
your swing instead of wondering how this set of
miss-matched clubs you just rented are going to work
out.

As you become better at the game, you should invest in
a better set of clubs, fitted to you.

Generally, a set includes a driver, one or two fairway
woods, 4-9 irons, a wedge or two and perhaps a putter.

As you become more experienced and start thinking
about new clubs, you may want to consider buying your
driver separately. Some players want a driver to give
them more accuracy; some need the distance.

There are numerous balls available and the box will
usually have a chart on the back and direct you to the
right ball for your needs. As you learn the game and
get better at it, you should experiment with different
balls which could improve your accuracy or distance.

Just remember, if you are a golf beginner, having the
right equipment is an important aspect of the game; buy wisely!