When Should I Start Playing on the Golf Course?

Make this your home till you have hit not less than 3000 balls!

Many say that to get the feel of the game, you should start playing on a golf course as soon as possible. But frankly, from my own experiences, it's worth a couple of more visits to the practice/ driving range.

Why I say this is because golf courses will invariably have other golfers around, so to keep up with them, you will be creating more pressure on yourself, and such situations only harm your game. I have many friends who incidentally started the game by playing on a golf course and ultimately quit just after a couple of days into the game -  one of whom I'm using the golf clubs!!

Secondly, 60 to 70 percent of what you do right on the practice/ driving range only shows in your game on a golf course. So, if you are not connecting the ball cent per cent on the range, you will have a lot of miss shots which will add to your frustration.

So if you ask me, I would say till you have played at least (AT LEAST) 3000 to 4000 balls on the mat, try to hold on to the idea of playing on a golf course. Yes, it's a good idea though, to occasionally visit a golf course and see other golfers playing. It helps you judge what they may be doing wrong and thereafter correct your own game and also boosts your confidence - 'Oh! I can do better than that!'

Golf Club Distances - How Far Should I Hit Each Golf Club?

This is perhaps one of the most-asked questions from golf newbies! When I started off, after hitting each ball I would question my coach if I was hitting the yardage right. And every time he would say, "Don't waste your time on that, instead try hitting the ball straight." But I was definitely not satisfied.

I know, as beginners, you would be asking the same question. Although a lot depends on the clubs and the balls you are using, your gender and age, your physical fitness, coordination and athleticism, your swing speed,etc. nevertheless, here is a table of the yardage of each club in your bag:

But, if you are still not getting the distance, try getting your swing right, try hitting the ball straighter - better the connection of the club head with the ball and straighter your shot, further your ball will travel. 

First Things First!

When you start going to the driving range, at lot will be going inside your head - get the grip right, get the back swing right, are my shoulders twisting, am I hitting the ball rather than taking a swing.

Well, get this all out of your head. First of all forget about how far the ball is going. That's not important at all. What's important in the beginning is getting the basics right, each time, every time!

First, the right grip. Although there are three different grips - overlapping, interlocking and baseball grip - I recommend the interlock grip where the little finger of the right hand is interlocked with the index finger of the left hand. This gives you the confidence to grip the club lightly (think of opening the cap of the toothpaste tube) without the fear that if you hold it lightly it will fly off your hands.

Next is to move your shoulders back as far as possible in the back swing so when you release the club forward, it carries the momentum of your entire upper body.
 
Third, follow the thumb rule - left elbow straight during back swing, both elbows straight as the club hits the ball and right elbow straight during the follow through (front swing).

Most important, a good posture. It is critical in making solid, repeatable contact and having a balanced, powerful swing. So the best posture is to set your feet approximately to your shoulder width apart, tilt forward from the pelvis (your butt a little out to put it straight!) and establishing a slight knee flex allowing your arms to hang straight down from your shoulders.

Great! See you at the driving range!

What you need to start playing golf

1. First of all, a whole lot of patience.

2. A coach. If you have a friend who has been playing for quite some time now, it would do too. But I recommend a coach because it will bring some seriousness to your practice and he will be able to guide you better in the initial stages.

3. If you already have a golf club set, nothing like it. If you don't you need not buy today. borrow a pitcher or a 7 iron - these are good clubs to start with. Most driving ranges rent out clubs for a minimal rent.

4. Identify a driving range to practice.

5. Left hand glove/ grip.

6. A golf cap

7. Most importantly, a good pair of golf shoes. Avoid the iron/ steel spikes shoes.

Let the Game Begin!

So, you have decided to try your hand! Contrary to what people might say about golf - that it's a post-retirement sport - playing golf actually requires a lot of fitness, and athleticism. So whether you are young at heart or age is on your side, golf is the game for you.

But let me warn you! When you are beginning golf will bring a whole lot of frustrations to your life - both in the driving range and on the course. So patience is the key. Like my coach puts: G-O-L-F means: A Game Of Limitless Frustrations. I recommend be positive, play on, practice, and let these beginners' frustrations be hilarious hi-tea jokes, a year from now.

So, let's tee of then!