First time golfing - any tips?

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I would at least get to a driving range before then and hit a bucket of balls. Have you even done that before?

That's one thing I have done - I've been to the driving range a bunch, so I'm at least comfortable with that aspect. I've also had the tiniest bit of instruction from a friend of mine on each of the clubs, so I'm at least familiar with them.

Thanks everyone thus far, the advice is great.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

That's one thing I have done - I've been to the driving range a bunch, so I'm at least comfortable with that aspect. I've also had the tiniest bit of instruction from a friend of mine on each of the clubs, so I'm at least familiar with them.

Thanks everyone thus far, the advice is great.

You're probably fucked, to be perfectly honest - it depends on how many range sessions, etc.

Call me before you go - I'll be around all weekend, I'll give you more specific advice, but here's my common advice for first-timers (I've actually taught quite a few now, which is weird):

-Don't keep score (for yourself). At all. Just concentrate on advancing the ball the best you can. In fact, don't keep score for a little while.

-Do NOT worry about direction, just that you hit it hard. For example, you'll probably slice a few out there and hack a couple directly left or right. Don't worry about that - just get a feel for hitting it hard. Golf requires muscles you really don't have yet - they'll get there, but until then it'll be a little rough.

-For that same reason, don't worry about "keeping up" or hitting as far as long-time golfers. I'm at least 6 inches shorter than you and average about 265 off the tee, with the longest drives reaching 300 depending on conditions - this is purely because of back/leg muscles and timing. Again, you'll get there.

-Practice chipping/putting - about 70% of your shots will come from 100yds and in. Before the round, hit a couple of balls on the range if possible, but spend 2x that amount of time on the putting green. Trust me.

-Most of your shots will have little to no chance of reaching the green. Find two clubs you're comfortable with (say, a 5-wood and a 7-iron, for example) and use those when you don't have another clear shot. For instance, let's say you're 220 yards away. If you're in the fairway, hit the 5-wood, advance it as far as possible, then hit it again. If you're in the rough, hit the 7-iron, even if you'll still have between 50 and 100 yards left - that's fine, you'll feel (and score) better making a "smart" play to hit the ball better.

-Check your posture/grip/alignment often - use your partners for this. That's the easiest thing to drop during a round.

-Have a couple of beers - seriously, sometimes that little bit of relaxation is huge.

That's probably way too much to think about, but seriously, hit me up and I'll give some more specific stuff.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

You're probably fucked, to be perfectly honest - it depends on how many range sessions, etc.

Call me before you go - I'll be around all weekend, I'll give you more specific advice, but here's my common advice for first-timers (I've actually taught quite a few now, which is weird):

-Don't keep score (for yourself). At all. Just concentrate on advancing the ball the best you can. In fact, don't keep score for a little while.

-Do NOT worry about direction, just that you hit it hard. For example, you'll probably slice a few out there and hack a couple directly left or right. Don't worry about that - just get a feel for hitting it hard. Golf requires muscles you really don't have yet - they'll get there, but until then it'll be a little rough.

-For that same reason, don't worry about "keeping up" or hitting as far as long-time golfers. I'm at least 6 inches shorter than you and average about 265 off the tee, with the longest drives reaching 300 depending on conditions - this is purely because of back/leg muscles and timing. Again, you'll get there.

-Practice chipping/putting - about 70% of your shots will come from 100yds and in. Before the round, hit a couple of balls on the range if possible, but spend 2x that amount of time on the putting green. Trust me.

-Most of your shots will have little to no chance of reaching the green. Find two clubs you're comfortable with (say, a 5-wood and a 7-iron, for example) and use those when you don't have another clear shot. For instance, let's say you're 220 yards away. If you're in the fairway, hit the 5-wood, advance it as far as possible, then hit it again. If you're in the rough, hit the 7-iron, even if you'll still have between 50 and 100 yards left - that's fine, you'll feel (and score) better making a "smart" play to hit the ball better.

-Check your posture/grip/alignment often - use your partners for this. That's the easiest thing to drop during a round.

-Have a couple of beers - seriously, sometimes that little bit of relaxation is huge.

That's probably way too much to think about, but seriously, hit me up and I'll give some more specific stuff.

Thanks, that's all really good advice. I'll definitely give you a call if I get a chance before Monday. I've been to the range quite a bit (10+ times this summer, and a lot before that), but I figured that it wouldn't help out much, if at all.

You hit on most of the areas where I'm concerned, so at least I know those are rational worries.

I know it will be rough out there, but I'm just hoping it will be a "little rough," instead of "don't want to play again" rough.

[texas*princess]

DON'T LOOK UP WHEN YOU SWING!

My golf instructor used to yell at me for that...not literally, but you know what I mean lol

Hit at least 1 good ball... you'll be hooked no matter how many times you screw up during the entire 4-5 hr span.

[KSig RC]

Originally Posted by KSigkid

Thanks, that's all really good advice. I'll definitely give you a call if I get a chance before Monday. I've been to the range quite a bit (10+ times this summer, and a lot before that), but I figured that it wouldn't help out much, if at all.

You hit on most of the areas where I'm concerned, so at least I know those are rational worries.

I know it will be rough out there, but I'm just hoping it will be a "little rough," instead of "don't want to play again" rough.

It'll definitely help - actually, it's good you did that, as it'll make it go way better. However, most people's range time is dedicated to full swings with a limited number of "pet" clubs or shots - most people don't spend enough time on the green or practicing "real" shots. You're in a better position than most people, but one thing to take out of your first round is to learn the things you need to improve upon.

It'll be "a little rough" at worst - I'm hoping you picked an easy, laid-back course, as that helps immensely. Just remember to keep pace with the people in front of you and not to get frustrated - it's a hard sport to learn as an adult, but you'll get better even as the round progresses.