These five tips were put together for beginner golfers who feel they are ready for the golf course. We steer you through the do’s and don’ts so that you can enter the range with confidence. Answer a few questions to establish if you should stick to the driving range or are good to go.
Make Sure You Are Ready
If you have been spending all your golfing time at the driving range, you may be anxious to join more experienced golfers on the golf course. But how do you know if you are ready to tee up? After all, how many golf courses place a handicap restriction on new entrants when it is more profitable to accept their fees? In the USA, there are relatively few golf courses that demand a certain level of competence. A visit to the golf course when you are not ready can be devastating and set you back years in the game.
Driving ranges and golf clubs are good places to find PGA professionals to coach you. Determine if you are better off with a teacher who can give you all of his attention or prefer to join in group lessons. Your coach will let you know when you have reached the right level to play for real. While there are numerous online courses, these will not be able to judge your abilities. However, there is nothing wrong with using these to perfect your swing.
You can assess your readiness on a few key points. Does it take you more than 20 seconds to set up before you can take a swing? Do you make contact with the ball most of the time? Can you get the ball in the air using a variety of clubs? How are your bunker and short game shots from different slopes? Your answers will tell you if you need more training before entering the golf course to play.
Book a Tee Time
It is advantageous to book a slot (tee time) at a golf course in advance. This will spare you the inconvenience of traveling to a site only to find out that there is a league game taking up the course or that the club is private and does not accept non-members. If you want to play over weekends, remember that these slots will go quickly. You should always book a week ahead, while some of the top-end clubs may need to be booked three months in advance. Check if you can get your tee time online or by calling directly.
You will want to get a tee in the 25+ or 20 to 24 handicap range. A shorter course is preferable. Look for tees of 4,000 to 5,500 yards.
Get the Right Gear
You will need the right gear to play golf on a course. This includes beginner’s golf clubs, a driver, a putter, and a few wedges. You will also need golf balls and a men or women’s golf bag, For details on the best options, see here. The type of golf bag you need will depend on whether you are using a golf cart or carrying the bag around on your back.
If you plan to use a golf cart, you also need to decide whether to rent or buy. Those who play golf regularly may want to buy at an Icon dealership in the Beaumont area for convenience and to save money in the long run. Golf Cart Tire Supply will outfit you with the perfect set of tires for your golf cart. The standard size is an eight-inch width and 18-inch height, although this can vary. When it comes to comfort and performance on the course, it’s essential to choose quality footwear like FootJoy golf shoes, which offer excellent support and durability.
Dress Correctly
What you wear is also important. If you don’t want to stand out, go for a shirt with a collar and a decent pair of slacks. Golf or athletic shoes complete your ensemble. Women should also wear a collared shirt, a skirt or pants, and athletic shoes.
What Not to Do at a Golf Course
- Leave the alcohol at home. You are there to enjoy the game, but you don’t need to drink for that, and most clubs would frown on it. After the game, you can go to the club bar if they have one.
- Don’t steal golf balls from the range. Apart from it being theft, it is also bad form and could get you excluded.
- Unless your friend is a novice golfer who is going to be playing too, you shouldn’t ask him/her to accompany you. The same applies to your dog.
With these background tips you should soon feel confident on the golf course.