HOW TO GET STARTED
Golf is a great game, sometimes rewarding, often frustrating but highly addictive. Getting started is actually not so difficult, we have listed a few tips on how to get you started.
The very first step - Finding the right golf equipment can be a challenge since you're just starting out and do not know which set fits you best. This is the classic conundrum all beginner golfers face.
Learning to play with the best in new club technology gives a beginner a huge advantage over one who’s using old clubs, because the equipment is much more forgiving and can be fitted to your individual needs, just keep in mind that to be properly fitted for new clubs you need to possess a fairly repeatable swing. However, the body and swing fundamentals that determine the club specifications (shaft flex, shaft length, grip size, clubhead lie etc.) are in place almost from the start and don’t vary much as you improve.
Beginners should spend time at the driving range with loaner or rental clubs, a better alternative if you want to have a go without committing to a set until you are sure which clubs work best for you. You need to have a basic understanding on which club suits you reasonably well before you buy.
When you’ve tried out a couple of different clubs, then go to a reputable pro shop or retailer and ask for a fitting. Buy a half set to start out with, this generally comprise of five irons and perhaps two woods and a putter. Usually the irons are the odd numbers 3,5,7,9 and wedge. These clubs are more than enough to get you started. The shortest iron (nine iron) or a wedge are the best clubs to start, practicing with it will give you the feeling of hitting the ball in the air and should be fairly straightforward.
Keen to play! - As hard as it will be to contain yourself, don't even contemplate going anywhere near a golf course. Golf is technically quite demanding, and without at least some basic training you'll end up with a lot of frustration. You've seen the top players on TV loosing their cool in frustration, imagine how you will feel if not even a single shot goes where you want it to. Besides, the other people having to wait for you will also not be happy. As a beginner at the great game of golf, start off at a driving range, take at least four or five lessons, learn the fundamentals, progress to a 9 hole course and eventually venture out into the great unknown of an 18 hole golf course.
Where to get lessons? Certified Golf Professionals are the only people qualified to teach you how to play the game. Lessons from a Pro will cost you money but will be the best investment you'll ever make. Taking advise from non Certified Golf Professionals is likely to teach you wrong techniques at the very early stage, and it will take a long time to correct the faults later. You can visit our website Golf Academy section for listings on reputable golf academies in the UAE. You don't have to be a member of a club to get a lesson from a Golf Academy. The costs for lessons vary, but you’ll find package deals and most golf academies offer group lessons, which are cheaper than individual lessons.
What else to do? - Books and videos can be invaluable in learning the basics. To build a sound golf swing you will need the three fundamentals: Grip, Stance and Posture. There are some very good books and videos on the market that will help you to establish the three fundamentals. Take a look at the golf tips on our website, for some advice as well.
Summary
1. Make sure you buy the correct clubs to suit your individual requirements
2. Don't go near a Golf Course until you have reached a basic level and you’ve spend some time on the driving range
3. Get lessons from a qualified Golf Professional
4. Learn the three fundamentals - Grip, Stance and Posture
5. Practice
6. Learn the rules of golf and the basic golf etiquette