 Golf can be an especially intimidating game for the novice. There's learning how to hit the ball, joining a golf club, that incomprehensible golf lingo, people watching how you hit the ball - it's all daunting at first, but it gets better if you take it one step at a time.
And the first step is to take golf lessons. Of course you could buy a set of golf clubs and just head out on your own to play, but more than likely you'll get so frustrated that you'll stop playing altogether. It's better to take things slowly. Look for a golf pro you like and would be willing to learn from. If you or your friends don't know of anyone, go to a golf club and ask if you can have a trial lesson. You won't turn into a pro golfer overnight - it takes a lot of time and effort to develop good golf skills. If you work with a golf pro you'll start out with the fundamentals and proceed from there. In fact, you may need a number of lessons just to learn how to grip the club. But with concentration and practice, you'll eventually improve.
You'll need to practice as often as you can. It's especially helpful to practice immediately following a lesson so that you can review what you've just learned. The idea is to develop muscle memory so that your mind and muscles will naturally do what's necessary. You'll have to hit a lot of balls before that can happen. You should find a golf course or driving range where you can practice without worrying about what others are thinking; remember, they were all beginners once, too. And it's not uncommon to find experienced golfers struggling to make the shots they've just studied in their most recent lesson. Once you think you've got the hang of it, head on out to a par 3 course - they're perfect for beginners and not as challenging as an 18-hole course.
And keep in mind that the game of golf is more involved than just smacking a ball off a tee: there are many techniques to master, such as pitching, chipping, and putting -- all invaluable skills which can be taught to you by a golf pro.
After you've been taking lessons for awhile, playing rounds on the par 3 course and practicing on the driving range, becoming a member in the golf club won't seem so intimidating. And your game will only get better after you've played with other golfers, especially in competitions.
|
