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| 1
Where to Start
In order to have a memorable experience on the course for the
first time, you should have some experience from practicing at
a driving range. You must also have the ability to hit the ball
at least 100 yards with some sense of control. Most public golf
courses will have a driving range. You can usually rent a few
clubs for $3-$5, and get a bucket of range balls for approx. $5-$10.
When first renting clubs I would highly recommend a 9 iron or
7 iron. After the first couple of days, or whenever you feel more
comfortable you may want to get a wood. You should begin by only
using a 5 wood.
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| 2
Measuring Progress
Always use a short rubber tee at first, as this will help you
with consistency and confidence. Your first goal should be to
hit 5 good shots in a row using a 9 iron. Each of the 5 good shots
should be hit on the face of the club in the same general direction
and distance. When you hit the face of the club the ball will
go in the air. If the ball is not going in the air you are probably
hitting the top of the ball.
Your swing should be kept to about hip height and you should focus
on contact. Stay in control of your balance to achieve good contact,
and not worry about how far the ball goes. Once you achieve this
first goal you may want to move upto a seven iron, and then a
5 wood. Make sure you keep your hands at the bottom of the grip.
Proceed to hit 5 good shots in a row with each club. You will
notice that the ball will fly a different distance with each of
the clubs. Once you can consistently hit the ball (3-5 in a row)
at least 100 yards with all of your clubs you are ready for the
next step.
If this step takes more than three 30-minute practice sessions,
you should see a CPGA Golf Professional for a lesson. They will
greatly increase the speed of the learning process. I can also
help you in this area. I am a CPGA Professional teaching golf
lessons fulltime at the University Golf Club - Vancouver, BC.
You can call and enquire about lessons with myself - Todd Spring,
at (604)224-7799 .
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| 3 Putting
& Chipping:
Now that you can hit the ball at least 100 yards with some sense
of control, you need to practice some putting and chipping. Most
public golf courses have a putting green for practice. Again,
ask someone in the proshop if you can use it. Most of the time
it can be used without a fee.The goal of putting is getting the
ball in the hole in the fewest number of shots. Usually, we strive
to get the ball in the hole from anywhere on the putting surface
using only 2 shots. First, test yourself by playing three holes
from 15-30 feet, and try to play all of them in 6 shots or better.
Once you can do this - you are ready to move to chipping.
Chipping is a short shot used to put the ball on the green. We
loft the ball in the air with an iron, so that the ball lands
on the front of the green and rolls close to the hole. Start practicing
this shot on a short tee 5 ft. off the green. Use a 7 or 9 iron
with your hands down at the bottom of the grip. Practice a 20-30
ft. shot, until you can get 3 out of 5 balls within 5 feet of
the hole.
If you can accomplish both the putting and chipping task within
1 hour, you are definitely ready to proceed to the golf course.
If not, you should talk to your local professional or myself for
a lesson on each of these areas.
If you decide that you need lessons you can look further at the
lesson packages with the best value. |
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Rules & Ettiquettes
In order to enjoy a round of golf with friends, one must have a
general idea of certain rules and etiquette. You can get a book,
video, or CD-ROM, which can give you some general rules. If you
ever have any questions, feel free to ask the golf professionals
at any golf course or driving range. It is our job to help you enjoy
your round. Many people find they learn better in a classroom environment.
Spring’s Golf Solutions will provide this information in classroom
seminars. |
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| 4 Equipment
to Play
When playing on the golf course you will need your own set of
golf clubs and a golf bag. Most of us only need a half set to
start with. Start with three irons: 5 ,7, 9 and SW, as well as
a putter. You may also want a 5 wood. Bring at least 6-12 cheap
golf balls, tees and a few coins to use for a ball marker. You
will also need a divot tool and a towel to clean your clubs. |
| 5
Where to Play
The solution for enjoying the game of golf is to play a course
that is best suited to your ability. It is OK to try all types
of courses, but beware of the frustration that may come if the
course is too difficult. There are three types of courses that
are designed to provide enjoyment for all levels of players. |
Pitch
& Putt.
Recommended for beginners and intermediate level players,
to advance from the range to the golf course. Pitch & putt
courses will also provide you with an unintimidating, and stress
free environment with a chance to learn basic rules and etiquette.
Most golf courses will consist of 18 holes, where the holes range
from 40-150 yards. All of these holes are considered par 3 holes.
Which means that a professional like myself should complete the
hole in 3 shots. 1 shot to get on the green, and 2 putts. These
courses are designed for those people who can hit the ball at
least 100 yards on the average shot. You should continue to play
here to learn the general rules. When you can at least achieve
par on at least 6 out of the 18 holes, you are ready to move on
to a more difficult course. |
Executive
length course
This type of course is suitable for any level of golfer.
It is recommended for anyone who cannot consistently hit the ball
over 200 yards. These courses usually only have par 3 holes and
short par 4 holes. A par 4 usually ranges in length between 240-480
yards, but most par 4’s are less than 350 yards. Most professionals
will take 2 shots to get to the green and 2 putts to achieve par.
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Championship
Length Course
These courses are usually a combination of par 3, par 4, and par
5 holes. They generally total 72 over 18 holes. Most par 5 holes
range from 480-650 yards, and take an average of three shots and
two putts for a professional. These are the most difficult courses
that may have many hazards such as sand, water, trees, hill or mountains.
These courses provide the best test of golf, but often just create
frustration for the average golfer. |
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Getting
Started
