And I was wondering if you guys had any advice on what beginners should do. Specifically I was hoping someone could provide information on what set of clubs would be good for a beginner? Also what kind of shoes are best for this sort of thing. I was going to go with Nike but dont know if thats the best buy. Any info anyone can provide to a beginner who is just picking up the game would be helpful. Thanks!
Find a place where you can get custom-fitted clubs. That sounds expensive, doesn't it? It's not really and your experience with taking up the game will be more pleasant. Find a place that sells knock-offs. Better to put your money into the custom fitting than the brand name. If you have the option, try Natural Golf. It's easier to pick up, but you will need an instructor in my opinion.
If you are here in Houston, go to Academy to get your clubs. They've got lots of nice starter sets for decent prices, plus all of the accessories you will need. I would then go for lessons if I were you. There are quite a few places here in town that give lessons, both public and private courses. After that, try to go to the driving range as often as possible. Hitting a bucket of balls regularly is important, IMHO. Most driving ranges have pitch & putt areas as well so you can practice your short game. I just wish I had more time to play golf. I have two sets of clubs at home, but I'm so damn busy with work and music that I rarely have 4 hours to devote to a round of golf any more.
You get out what you put in. If you want to get better, you must put time into your game. I suck at golf, but if I have one good shot, it was worth it. Now that I have a limited budget and my spending money goes into my motorcycle, I don't ever play.
Word! But that one shot from 175 yards out that taps the pin makes that whole round worth it! I suck but love to play!
I've never understood the second part of golf scores. When they say he shot a -10, 70 or a +6 80 or whatever where do they get that second number from?
I think shoes aren't that big a deal, especially brands, that tells you nothing about the shoe. You need something that has spikes, and is comfortable and that's about it. These are not like basketball shoes so just because tiger wears them doesn't mean they are right for you. Clubs, you should go to a driving range that also has a store and try out different clubs to see what works with your swing with advice from a pro there. If you are a beginner, you will probably make the mistake of trying to hit it as hard as possible while not putting as much into perfecting the swing and hitting it straight. For those reasons, i'd stick with a stiffer shaft and a cast iron head for the irons. These are usually cheaper and should be treated as beginner clubs before you get your swing down, and when you start getting better you can move up depending on your swing style. i've played almost 15 years and good clubs will really only help your game 15-20% at most (and it's mostly in the new woods, you can pound the ball with those). It's all in the swing, knowing which club to use and putting. I played with old clubs from the 80's wearing sneakers a few months ago when i didn't have any gear and it didn't affect my game much. The game is all skill, so don't make the mistake that a lot of people make when they think new specialized clubs will make them a better player.
That's my suggestion as well. Don't spend a ton of money on it if you're just starting out. That's what I did. I've had the chance to play with some nice set of clubs and, at my level (low...very low), I can't tell a difference. All you can do to get better is play. After playing sparingly for the past 5 years with the world's worst slice (Caddyshack 2 bad), I made a slight adjustment and I now hit the ball straight. I still can't chip and putt, but at least I'm getting to the green without losing a sleeve of balls... My best tip is this... Know that you suck. You're a terrible golfer...possibly the worst ever. Keep that in your mind and you will never not have a good time with it. I never get angry like some of my friends that I play with. There's no point in it. I'm there to have a good time. This is the worst game in the world to take seriously and to take yourself seriously.
go to a golfsmith type of store (golf supercenter type of store) you can try out clubs there. They have lessons etc. Start there. As previously said, don't spend tons on equipment. Work on your swing first. Buy Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf
Buy cheap clubs, cheap shoes, and cheap balls to begin with. Take some lessons, then when you get better worry about upgrading your equipment. When you first start playing, the difference in equipment means nothing, so why pay for the brands?
i would go with the start cheap idea.Especially with cheap clubs. After a while you will find your own swing and realize what you are and arent good at. Personally i'm not great with a driver so i just have a cheapy but im much better with my irons so i have a nice set of taylormades. even shoes you dont need, especially if you are just starting and only practicing at the range. I actually have never had a pair of golf shoes and i've played since i was 13, off and on.'
I just started myself. My advice is to sign up for Leisure learning 2 day class. The guys spends a lot of time working on your form which changed my game tremendously. before I just got random pointers and tried to get better but the coach there helps a lot. I got a set from rockbottomgolf.com Adams GT2. I think it was 300 for the entire thing. maybe 280. Wow, this set is 299 and has a bag. http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/adams-golf-tight-lies-classic-complete-golf-set-with-bag.html
