Starting to play golf is no small undertaking both in terms of learning the game and buying the equipment. Learning to play golf can be difficult for the beginner. The learning process requires a high learning curve. Many beginner golfers struggle to even connect with the golf ball their first time out on the course. The lingo alone, such as "slicing," "divots," "bogies" and "birdies" can make it frustrating to focus on mechanical basics. In addition, many who have witnessed golf tournaments may assume golf is a team sport; not true. When you play golf, you're alone out on the fairway, just you and the golf clubs. If you chip your ball into the woods, it is only you that can deal with that golf hazard. What's more upsetting is that one wrong swing of the golf club usually leads to another and another... and yes, another bad swing. And then of course there's the investment of the golf equipment.
The beginner golfers who start their game with a trip to the golf store can find themselves spending thousands of dollars before they reach the tee box. This is because a fully-fitted golfer needs a driver, golf irons, wedges, one putter, cleated shoes, a golf bag... and the list goes on. Mind you, this is all before you buy the country club logo'd hat so that you can brag about what golf greens you've played (oops, that's right, you haven't played your first golf game yet. Nevermind that.). But when the day comes to play your first round, don't forget to budget in the green fees and slot out four hours from your day (well, probably six for a beginner). And of course, if your golf buddies are smart, they'll introduce you to the rule that "the loser buys a round of drinks at the 19 Hole" (another expense you'll incur).
If you're NOT convinced by this point that golf is NOT the game for you, well then, welcome to the golfing community because all stubborn people make great golfers. Said another way, determination for the beginner golfer is a must. While it is true your learning curve must be high... for professional golfers, that is (did I forget to clarify that?), to become a great social golfer, all you need is patience and a good grasp of how the golf swing works. And while patience is a virtue, understanding the golf swing can be found in an instructional golf book. And speaking of buying a golf book, this is really the only new item a beginner golfer should buy. Buying new golf equipment at a retail store is not smart thinking. The Internet is a gateway to finding gently used golf clubs. Before spending big money, the beginner golfer needs to learn about their golf game: flex, loft, hybrid versus fairway wood are only a few of the variables. Making a minimum investment with pre-owned golf clubs is just plain smart. And when it comes time for that new Titleist, Callaway or Nike club, the resale value on your pre-owned clubs still remains.
Granted, it is hard for the beginner golfer to visualize four or more hours on the golf course. The first 18 holes will no doubt harken back to your first day off training wheels. Be aware that fatigue will set in around the second hole. The natural inclination will be to swing harder and cuss louder. You may be overcome with a sense of bafflement by the advice that a gentle grip is needed so as to let the club do the work. The best advice at this point is to let Mother Nature take over. Whether it is the clean air, the smell of grass, or being 500 yards away from a computer and desk, there is something about being in a natural setting that puts the mind at ease. Until of course you lose two of your TaylorMade Penta balls at five dollars a pop to a murky lake where the ducks refuse to swim... no, wait, stop. Let's come back to the clean air and flittering leaves falling to the ground. Golf is about composure; not throwing your 7 iron into the lake as well (warning: easier said than done).
Don't worry, Beginners. The sentiments in the previous paragraph are reserved for the veteran golfer. It is the case that once the beginner golfer starts to phase out of the novice stage, both in terms of making solid contact with the ball and the ability to translate the fairway lingo, a feeling of satisfaction will overcome you. When the day comes where you make your first par, triumphant pride will stream through your blood and a golf addiction will be born. Finding yourself in a bunker will no longer be viewed as trouble but instead an opportunity for rescue. For your birthday, you'll ask for a gps yardage device. Your yearly vacations will include a golf bag. You'll ask your children or spouse to learn the game. You will have created a hobby for yourself that will stay with you regardless of age, gender or health. Your golfing partners will come and go but the memories of birdies and bogies will remain.
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