By Joseph Kemp
If you’re like me, you know next to nothing about golf. Sure, you know Tiger Woods when you see him. You may have played a few rounds of putt-putt golf, but you just can’t understand the fascination the game holds. However, you are interested in learning more.
When I began looking for information on the topic, I didn’t even know where to start. So, I turned to the Web and with good old Google, I found some great tips.
For instance, it is recommended for us beginners to start off with a half set of clubs. In fact, many instructors recommend just beginning with a 3-wood, 3-iron, 5-iron, 7-iron, 9-iron, and a putter. After you’ve mastered the basics and have started hitting better, you can buy a new set or fill in your missing clubs individually.
As for tees, it is recommended that you start off with what is known as forward tees. After a few rounds, you’ll be able to tell if you’re hitting the ball with any degree of accuracy. I was told if you are unable to reach par 3-holes (in terms of distance, not putting the ball on the green) in one shot or par 4-holes in two shots, it is a good sign you need to stick with the forward tees.
Looking into lessons is also highly recommended. However, you may wish to try a few holes on your own to judge your abilities, or lack there of.
Another confusing thing for us newbies is the odd terms often associated with the game. What is a bogey? A birdie?
Surprisingly, a bogey has nothing to do with Humphrey Bogart. Simply put, a bogey means to have a great game. Where as par means to have a good score on a hole, to have a bogey usually means you’re one over par. If you’re two over, you have a double bogey.
A birdie is someone who is having a good game, usually one stroke under par at a particular hole. An eagle is two under par and an albatross is three under par.
With golf, there’s also a tremendous amount of etiquette involved. Having good manners on the course is a must. Some of the major rules are not to interfere with another golfer in play – don’t swing your club near or at another golfer, before hitting the ball make sure the group ahead of you is well out of range, and if your ball is headed toward another player, yell “Fore!”
Those are just an example of extensive golfing etiquette and manners that are expected on the course. Most of them are for safety and to make sure the game keeps up a good pace. They do not deter from the fun of the game in the slightest. So, feel free to do your best Bill Murray impression amongst your friends when you tee off.
After learning more about the sport, it is easy to see why people become so immersed in it. It is a game of skill, patience and practice. With so many beautiful courses in the area, you should take a day to hit a few. There’s no shame in being a beginner, so go out and enjoy the great sunshine on a beautiful course.