Learning Golf

[Jax]

Yesterday I played Chip n Putt version for the 1st time and despite half decent to utter awful at times, I enjoyed it so will be going more often. Just wondering does anyone here have tips on stance, grip etc....

My biggest problem was getting under the ball from the ground, Judging power and eye co-ordination from my club to the ball during a swing (though the last one should just improve over time). Despite that at times I did hit a few sweet long drives, which settled in a very nice position.

It was a 18 hole chip n putt course ranging from 60-ish yards to 110-ish, they were all par 3's and my best was a couple of par 4's with my average being around a 5 though I did hit a few 6's.

Going to driving range soon to practice basic technique, Anyone else just starting Golf ?

 

[JonathonWally]

Uh, without being there to see your stance and swing, the best I can do is to tell you to keep your wrists straight, keep your back elbow up, pivot from your hips. Keep your feet shoulder length apart and point your toes straight out.

That's just the basics though.

If you're hooking or slicing, there are changes you can make to your stance.

If you're just starting out though, I'd recommend a few lessons. Get the basics down and stop you from picking up any bad habits.

As for grips, I lock my pinky and forefinger, but that may not be for everyone.

 

[Pegaritaville]

I'll second the recommandation to take a few lessons. Golf may look simple, but it takes time to get the mechanics down. I've been golfing since I was 10 and I still find it useful to take a lesson once in a while.

It's a good idea to play on par 3 (what you call Chip n Putt) courses at the beginning. I've seen too many beginners get frustrated on a regular golf course. And keep practicing at the driving range- it can get boring at times, but it does pay off, especially if you practice hitting all of your clubs.

 

[Jax]

I don't know if I will ever play on a proper golf course but Driving ranges and Chip/Putts do offer enjoyment and despite beinng far harder than any of the sports I have played before, Football, Cricket, Tennis mainly...

I think the Golf is something I would like to do on a regular basis so I will see how I do with chip n putt (look around for lessons) and take it from there.

 

[JonathonWally]

since you're just dealing with irons on a chip and putt, that's cool, but just keep in mind that drivers are a different animal.

 

[scottydog]

Yep, lessons are the best way to go. In my experience, the most common mistake that amateurs and newbies make is trying to hit the ball in the air by trying to lift the ball up upon contact. Golf is a game of opposites -- which means, paradoxically, that to get the ball airborne one must hit down on the back of the ball.

Ball position is also important. On a short chip or pitch, the ball must be placed back in the stance, which means for a right-hander the ball should be positioned in front of the right foot.

 

[Starbreaker]

Forget the game. Just drive around drunk in a golf cart and yell "Fore!"