What Do I Do When I first Go To The Course??

When you first go for your first ever game, it can feel quite overwhelming. The best recommendation I can do is try and play with a more experienced golfer to show you the 'ropes' or attend a golf program that has you going out with a golf professional. What they would often recommend is organising a time with the golf shop which suits best for beginners. This is typically most afternoons after 3pm. Also when going with a friend, try and choose a course that is quite short such as a Par 3 course.

The next piece of advice would be based on strategising your way around the golf course. The Driver is typically the hardest to use at the beginning so I would recommend using a club that you are most comfortable with, such as a 7 iron or even a 9. The biggest key to developing your game and easing you into the sport of golf, is using clubs that you are most confident with from the tee shot all the way to the green. You don't need to feel like you have to use certain clubs for certain distances, this will come over time.

Another excellent way to ease you into playing is using a tee for most of your shots. The only time you can't use a tee is if you're playing competition (Except when teeing off), otherwise you can use a tee whenever you like. A great way of making the transition into then playing the ball off the grass is using a tee 50% of the time and the other, playing off grass. When you do play the ball off grass, try and do 1-2 practice swings each time trying to skim the grass so that you can simulate what it would feel like when striking the ball off grass. You always want to feel that you're taking a divot when you do play off grass.

The other element is managing your expectations. Even if you have struck the ball well on the Driving Range, the course can be very different. Try the best you can to enjoy the experience no matter how you play and just view improvement as a long term goal rather than thinking you will master everything straight away. You want to play every round taking note of what you did right and what you need to improve. If you appoint a coach that you see even on an infrequent basis, you will at least start to have your questions answered on how to improve and thus make your journey more fulfilling instead of falling into the trap of frustration.

If you have any questions on how to venture to the course the right way, just contact myself at David Waters Golf located at Emerald Lakes Golf Coaching Centre.