English Major Golfer

I enjoy working with those who are new to the game of golf. And I get a number of common questions. Here’s a list of common do’s and don’ts when starting the game:

1. Don’t: Buy new or get fitted for new clubs – might sound counter intuitive and the reality is if you are new to the game, your swing is going to be SO new that fitting you for clubs will be expensive and not do you any good in your initial development. Here’s a good analogy – when you were just learning to drive, did you buy a brand NEW car? (If the answer is yes well then….mmmkay) I recommend getting with a friend who is a golfer and going to a second-hand store and getting a “starter” set. Your friend should be able to help you find something that is of value with a little life left that you can beat the remaining life out of…this also helps you not invest in a sport that you may or may not like in the end. Also: Don’t buy a Driver. I repeat DO NOT BUY A DRIVER. Waste of time and money when just starting the game. Buy a 3W or 5W.
2. Do: Realize that golf IS a sport with a complex body movement. Start early with a fitness program that focuses on legs, back, shoulders. Focus on flexibility. Understand that the golf swing is about timing – so start doing drills like the Step Swing drill. The more you connect golf with actual fitness, the faster your swing will develop and you can THEN get fitted for those brand new irons!
3. Do: Get lessons. Get Lessons. Get Lessons. Your local golf course has a professional instructor who offers lessons. The new golf simulators like X-Golf offers lessons. Find someone to teach you the basics of the swing and help you understand the movement. You can also watch folks like Danny Maude on YouTube. I have learned a lot from him.
4. Do: Go to a driving range and work on your game there BEFORE trying to play on a course. Generally, folks I work with are hitting off a mat; the range or in a simulator for a couple of months before we try to tee it up on a course. Playing golf on a golf course for the first time can be a little intimidating. If you can, try playing in a local charity captain’s choice or scramble – this is a great way to be on the course with a group without the pressure of single/stroke play.
5. Do: Buy a PUTTER! Yep, go to Golf Galaxy or Dick’s Sporting Goods and try out all kinds of putters. (Yeah but didn’t you say not to buy new clubs!?). Buying a new putter is a club you can grow into. So it is an investment in the game – be sure you love the game before buying – and spend some money finding a putter that fits your eyes and “feels” right when you contact the ball. We’ll discuss this more and putting is the place you should actually spend the most time developing in your overall game.
6. Don’t: Ignore every swing training aid you see on Facebook. Wait. Get an understanding of your swing. Develop some movement first, then investigate the right training aid to develop around you. If you buy these too early, they will collect dust in your garage. Also, these training aids need to be linked with your fitness program. 
7. Don’t: Skip a club membership – for now. You simply aren’t going to play enough as a beginner to make the investment work for you. Spend that money on lessons or a putter 😉.
8. Do: When the time is right, go play several rounds with your friends or your coach to learn the etiquette of the game. There are things you can do to enjoy the round without holding up others on the course. Hopefully, they teach you things like raking bunkers and fixing your divots through the fairways and greens and walking around other player’s lines.