Thinking Of Taking Up Golf?

Do you eat, sleep or breathe the game of golf? Do you dream of the 300-yard drive or 60-foot putt? Does the scent of freshly mown grass and the sight of newly scraped divot conjure visions of good times with friends? If not, then it may be time to explore your inner Tiger and discover what you’ve been missing.

I discovered golf in 1999 while stationed at March Air Force Base in Riverside, California. Fees at the base course were low and there really wasn’t much else to do if you didn’t have a car. My buddy, Wade and I would go out three mornings per week and smack the ball around before heading to the office.

At first, I must admit that I hated it. Every ball I hit was either a “worm burner” or “duff shot” that traveled less than 20 yards. But each time I went out, I saw improvement and that kept me coming back.

Today I still play nearly 3 times per week. I am definitely not a scratch player, but I can hold my own and each round I have 3 or 4 brilliant shots that give me some bragging rights until next time. Golf is good fun, and cheaper than therapy; trust me!

Here are some quick tips for those of you looking to develop a solid golf habit of your own.

Get The Right Equipment Up Front

You can buy golf equipment in lots of places both on and offline. I always recommend, however, you stick with brand name golf equipment. I know this is contrary to what many people advise, but there is a reason some clubs cost more than others and it isn’t because they are pretty. Brands like Ping, Callaway and Nike have full line sets designed for beginners that are more forgiving of mis-hits and mistakes. This breeds confidence in your swing and ability to make shots. Solid technology is not often found in off-brands or copies.
In addition, I have no doubt that once you get out and play a few rounds, you’ll be hooked. It is always nice to start with better equipment, rather than upgrade soon after you make progress. Buy quality now so you don’t have to re-tool and spend more money later.

Take A Few Lessons

I was fortunate that when I first started, my buddy was able to teach me the basics and much more. But for most folks, it is a good idea to find a local pro and get some golf instruction. You’d be surprised how fast you can shave strokes off your game by taking advice from someone trained in the art of hitting par. Most pros will start you off by developing your swing to the point where it becomes natural. This normally takes place at a driving range where you can hit a bunch of balls in a short period of time.
Taking lessons is not as expensive as you may think, so get started soon before you develop any bad habits.

Find A Home Course

Most towns have at least one golf course, but most have more. Some golf courses are private, while others public. It’s always a good idea to establish a presence at a local course that you can learn and feel comfortable playing. This is also where you can make new connections and learn the social side of the game. Having a home course is also great when it comes time to entertain business clients or friends.

The time to get started and develop your golf habit is now. Winter will be over before you know it, and spring is a great time to get out and enjoy the links. Take advantage of pre-season pricing on everything from golf equipment to golf course memberships and even vacation travel packages. I’ll see you on the 18th green!

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