Golf 101

[LasciviousXXX]

Ok, there's tons of threads about Golf and tons of threads with Golf Jokes in 'em. But I figured I'd start a Golf 101 thread where some of the experienced guys out there can help out guys like me who know absolutely nothing about the game.

I'm just starting out in the Golf arena (Slim will be so proud ) and I would really appreciate any advice/info/helpful hints/etc.

I know the basic principle of the game.... hit ball into hole. I know the differences between the types of clubs. Other than that..... I'm clueless.

Can you guys help out a Gorilla who wants to learn?

I'll be going to the driving range this weekend to start practicing my swing, I've gotten that far at least LOL

XXX

[galaga]

Its a really, really easy, boring game that's not worth getting into IMHO -- do yourself a favor, save your money. It's not worth it.

[SIZE=1]Bwahahahahahahaahahaha[/SIZE]

[jgros001]

First thing I recommend to beginning golfers is to purchase and read "Harvey Penick's Little Red Book". IMO, it is the best book on golf and gives great tips on playing the game and swinging the club.

[galaga]

#1 I'm going to give you a little advice. There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.

[CJupdike]

Do yourself a favor and don't blow a load on nice clubs until you've been playing a while. Instead, spend that dough on a introductory instruction package from your local pro. They'll give you the first good bits of stance, grip, swing mechanics and tempo, as well as how to read which club for what situation and what to do in the sand. You can usually get this for a good price for a 6 lesson package. If you don't what you might end up with is a mishmash of swing tips and swing corrections that just end up being bad habits which will cost a fortune to un-learn.

[NCRadioMan]

I would suggest you not worry with distance at all when starting. Focus on hitting the ball straight. Then you can adjust to get distance when your comfortable with your swing. Always keep head and foot movement at a minimum. I would suggest the "Natural Golf" method(not interlocking fingers on the grip). Always remember, the swing is like a dance 1-2-3 and should be a fluid motion. Plus, a few good lessons from the local pro are really worth it!

Like galaga said, "be the ball" and smoke stogies all the while............

Good luck Dustin! It will "hook" ya!



NCRM

[Jason Love III]

Originally Posted by galaga

#1 I'm going to give you a little advice. There's a force in the universe that makes things happen. And all you have to do is get in touch with it, stop thinking, let things happen, and be the ball.

In the words of Ty Webb, "Nananananananana..."

Last time I went golfing I threw the club farther than the ball. Let us know how you're progressing if a pro helps with your swing etc...I love being on the course, but I'm terrible. One of these days I may do the same thing that you are and I'm sure will think of this thread...

[croatan]

I would advise you to drink heavily. I played with Tresputt over the weekend and alcohol and cigar consumption was the only thing over which we had control on the course. We had a great time, though.

[AAlmeter]

Get some beer and cigars. Go to your local park. Find a squirrel and chase it around the woods. Thats pretty much golf.

Other than that, play for a while, then see a pro. As was mentioned before, money spent on practice and instruction is far more important than money spent on clubs. I used to be able to beat my friends playing an entire round with a 7 iron and a putter. Now I suck, and because I delofted my 7 iron so much to hit it 200+ yards, Ive developed terrible swing habits.

But the most important rule of golf...take up fishing instead.

[Uniputt]

Golf is as addictive as any drug out there. You're doomed. Give it up before it consumes you. You've been officially warned now.

(It's much too late for me, but perhaps I can save the soul of some other unfortunate, unsuspecting gorilla......Turn back now-before it's too late........Go toward the light!......)

But Croatan's right.

If you're bit by the bug, the best thing is to drink heavily. Because trying to get that damn little ball will in the hole most certainly drive you to drink. Golf is never mastered.....remember that; and at least if you're drunk, it's easier to accept the inevitable dissappointment you will undoubtedly face!

Good Luck. The support group meets every weekend at first light on the first tee. Bring some cigars, too.

[colgate]

Alright. Here you go.

1. When addressing the ball always be polite. "Hello ball" is acceptable.
2. Strive to move the little ball (golf) further than the big ball (the Earth).
3. If you cannot clear the lady's tee with your drive, remember to unzip and prove you're a man to the rest of the group (obligatory).
4. If you screw up and fail at number 2, do not run after the dribbler with your club between your legs in an attempt to retrieve and retry. You will trip and twist a knee or worse, snap your club shaft (I actually saw this, he was okay but it was probably the single funniest thing I've ever seen).
5. If King Kong decides it's time to hit one on through your party without permission, quickly move to his ball and place it on a tee whereever it came to rest. Polite and effective.

[LasciviousXXX]

Thanx for all the info and tips everybody (well except for maybe colgate...)

I'll be practicing my swing this weekend with a pro out at the Driving range. Fortunately he's a good buddy of mine so the price will be minimal (2 cocktails ) I'm hoping to at least learn good habits if anything at all this weekend.

Great thing about golf is that its the only sport where they allow you smoke a stogie while playing. I'll let you guys know how it goes and the progress of my game as we go along.

Oh and Colgate, I don't have to follow rule number 3 as I frequently drop my pants for no good reason anyway. LOL

XXX

[dadof3illinois]

I play too much golf according to my wife. I usually get a couple 9 hole rounds in through the week and play at least one day on the weekend unless I'm in some sort of tourney then it's both. So I guess she's right, I do play too much.

IMO, I would get a few lessons. Just some basic things like grip, stance, take away, tempo and finish. Don't worry about striking the ball and where it goes at first. Then just get out there and play. You have to play to be good. You can go and hit thousands of shag balls at the range but being able to "play smart" golf in different situations will give you a lower score.

Just remember, you have to relax and check your temper at the door before playing golf. You can never play golf mad and be any good at it.
The best advice I ever received was after I scalded the ball over the green I got pissed and in an upset rage slammed my club down in anger, an elder scratch golfer I was playing with spoke up and said, calm down son your not even close to being good enough to get mad at a bad shot!!!

So take this sport as something the whole family can enjoy together for many many years.

As you can tell this is by far my fav. hobby. I'm not very good but have fallen in love with the sport. Plus you can smoke cigars while your doing it so how good it that!!!!!!!

PS: Another thing to do is read through the rule book. If you think the game is complicated wait until you read through the rules!!

[P-Town Smokes]

From one duffer to another. Swing slowly and keep your eye on the ball when hitting, Just like baseball. don't look up, thats what your friends are for and " follow " thru all shots. Don't waste your money on a pro, because believe me, you and me will never get to where he is. So just have fun, go to a local sporting goods shop and spend $ 150 to $ 200 on a cheap set of clubs, smoke big cigars, drink a few cart sodas and enjoy life and before you know it, you will be hitting and scoring just barely under 100 like me
If your are ever in P-Town, look me up and we both can go and you won't look like a rookie

[Dogwatch Dale]

Originally Posted by dadof3illinois

IJust remember, you have to relax and check your temper at the door before playing golf. You can never play golf mad and be any good at it.
The best advice I ever received was after I scalded the ball over the green I got pissed and in an upset rage slammed my club down in anger, an elder scratch golfer I was playing with spoke up and said, calm down son your not even close to being good enough to get mad at a bad shot!!!

The game is supposed to be fun. Sure, it can be frustrating at times (well, OK, lots of the time) but if you leave your temper in the trunk with your street shoes, you'll enjoy it more and get better at it sooner.
Lots of "good" advice will come to you from folks who can't break 100 on their best day. Spend your most of your money on real lessons, the majority of the rest of it on greens fees and what little you have left on cigars. In other words, learn from the best you can, then practice, practice, practice. I'll bet you a box of PSD4 that if you do that, you'll be a better, HAPPIER player then 85% of the guys in your local mens club in less then a year.