Being a complete and utter novice of 40, what's the best way to take up golf?

Question

I am not expecting to be the next Tiger Woods, just want a new hobby in my life.

Answer 1

Go out on the pitch & put first - get a feel for it. Go to the driving range etc. then have 3 or 4 lessons. See how it goes....

Answer 2

At almost-40 myself, I just started golf as a way to meet people my age who want to socialize and get some exercise.

Take some lessons from a professional FIRST. Do **not** make your first attempt to play be 'on the course'. The instructors (golf pro's) caution that a new player will not be able to learn the game on-course. You will frustrate other golfers who must wait for you to take each stroke, and you're likely to be worn out and frustrated long before you're done.

A handful of lessons - range, chipping, putting - from a professional who can identify your strengths and weaknesses -- is the best way to go.

Your buddies, who will volunteer to 'help' you, probably all have bad habits themselves (which is why their names' aren't Tiger). Some men CAN hit the ball hard on the range, which impresses you there, but have no accuracy or short game.

Really, (did I say this?) take some lessons, and THEN head out to play with your buddies. You won't have bad habits to break when you start, and you'll impress the guys when you have some decent form early.

Answer 3

There are many ways to get started. there are no right and wrong way to go about it.

The most important part of it is to always ask your self prior, during and after if you asre enjoying it.

There are many kinds of golfer. Most that you will find on the course will have the same attitude and principles off the course.

Start with a friend you already know and learn and enjoy the game together.

The best way to start up this game is by enjoying it from the beginning until it last.

Take a putter and a ball. Learn how to putt from the practice green. (1.) It's free, (2.) that is where it counts.

Take the same ball, and learn how to pitch and chip.

If you get good at it and are still enjoying what you're learning... Hmmm...

Enjoy your day.

_n.

Answer 4

most of the answers are good, play with someone who knows the game on a slow day so theres no pressure so you can get familiar with how to handle yourself on the course, take some lessons, they dont have to be from a good pro at a nice country club, try to find a golf retail store and get lessons there (not a general sports retailer, but golf only) and get yourself a cheap set of clubs, if you keep playing you'll be so much better in a year or 2 that you will need new clubs to fit your game, also get a subscription to golf diegest or another big golf mag, it will help make you familiar with the game and they are full of good instruction for all levels of players

Answer 5

Good I golf and the easiest way to get started is to go to a par 3 with a friend who golfs. The secret to golf is to understand how to move around the course. To keep moving and do as little hurrying as possible. Ask them where to put your bag/cart when you reach the green for example. Do not worry about distance just stay in the fairway with smooth not hard swings. Do not look up to see where you hit while swinging watch your club hit the ball. Do not buy a bunch of expensive clubs/stuff and do not buy used clubs that some one has sprung the shaft. Good old cheap K-Mart to start.

Answer 6

When I first started to get into Golf I bought some DVD's and Books from the internet, watched the sport on TV to get a better idea of the etiquette of the game, then signed up and practiced. I also got a few practice aids and tried things before going to a club:

Book I bought:
Dave Pelz Putt like the Pro's Book from http://www.golfunplugged.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=5_31&products_id=329 - Price: £12.99

DVD I bought:
Know Your Golf DVD - Understanding the Rules from http://www.golfunplugged.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=5_31&products_id=315 - Price: £13.99

Practice Aids:
Izzo 3'x4' Practice Mat: £49.99 from http://www.golfunplugged.co.uk / £54.95 From www.118golf.co.uk

Izzo Rapid Range Net: £99.00 from http://www.golfunplugged.co.uk / £149 from www.golf-store.co.uk

Answer 7

Take some lessons from a professional at the Golf Course by your house.

Answer 8

Book some lessons with a pro at your local golf club. They should have a putting green for practice and maybe somewhere to practice chipping as well. Certainly, all good golf clubs have a driving range, which is an excellent way to practice your swing. Just ask for details at your local club.

Answer 9

the first thing you need to be is very patient . it is a difficult game to take up but once you reach a level your happy with i promise you,ll be hooked . there is nothing better for unwinding . i would reccommend buying a golf book and read up on the basics , ie grip , stance , ball position . then go to your local pro and take maybe up to 10 lessons and practice practice and more pratice . if you work hard at it you will see the results in the end . i was hopeless when i started at age 16 and now after years of persevering play off 6 and i love golf , it,s awesome and you will love it . go for it !!!!!!!!

Answer 10

i'd agree with the other comments so far (except the midlife crisis nonsense).

go out in your yard or wherever, and just swing a club for a bit. don't do it so much that you get comfortable with an incorrect swing, but just enough that you feel like you could take a fluid swing and hit a ball.

after that, take a few lessons. this is the best way to jump in, as it will teach you proper technique.

after the lessons, you'll need to hit the range quite a bit to develop muscle memory with your new swing.