Sometimes getting started with golf can be overwhelming to the first time golfer and sometimes even more overwhelming to the first time female golfer. The following tips are shared in hopes that they can help you get started playing a sport that you can enjoy your whole life!…
Find an Instructor
Find an instructor that you like and understand not all teachers and students are a good match. Try a lesson from a golf professional at your local course or driving range and see if you hit it off. Once you do, it’s time to try a group course lesson.
Group Lesson on the Course
Find a professional who takes out a beginning groups to learn to play on the course after they have taken a couple regular lessons on the driving range. Also learn the course as you are out on it. Check out the scorecard and compare the numbers and tees on the scorecard to the tee where you are standing. The forward tee is sometimes known as the “women’s tee” which is incorrect. Junior golfers use those forward tees as well as do new golfers and older golfers.
Understanding The Rules
The game of golf has the same set of official rules regardless of the set of tees that are used. Now stand on the tee and ask the instructor to explain the tee marker and where you would tee up your ball. Drive to a par 3 hole which is a shorter hole and then to a Par-5 which is a longer hole. Par means scoring even. The golfer has taken as many strokes as the hole’s Par number. In theory, pars are achieved by two putts, with the remaining shots being used to reach the green. Some holes on the golf course are harder because of hazards like lakes, long grasses, and sand bunkers. So those holes that have hazards are rated as more difficult on the scorecard. Check out a sand bunker and walk in it and then rake your footprints out. Stop at a green and walk on it and feel the grass. Find a ball mark left by a thoughtless golfer and fix it properly. With your new knowledge watching the golf tournaments on TV will be lots more interesting.
Three Basic Golf Swing Terms
The best golfers make their swing look effortless. The economy of motion and smooth arc that great golfers put on display are a result of all the training and effort they put into perfecting their swing. However, sometimes even the best golfers have to go back to the drawing board and relearn those initial golf swing basics all over again. You will be learning three basic golf swing terms… Grip, Stance, and Alignment. You will be hearing these terms often in your lessons. Your instructor should help you find your best personal and most effective grip. Next will be your stance (how your body is positioned from the angle of your feet, your hips, and your shoulder including where your weight is (front foot or back foot or in the middle). Finally, alignment is your shoulder and hips position so you can make a great swing.
Golf Clubs
Ask the instructor to show you why different clubs have different clubheads and even different shaft lengths. Fitting clubs to your body type is an important first step. Most clubs come with a standard length shaft, but if you are more than 6 feet 6 inches tall or shorter than 5 feet tall, look for clubs with shafts at least an inch longer or shorter than standard. Most standard women’s clubs are about an inch shorter than men’s and are generally lighter in weight. Golfers are allowed to have fourteen clubs in their bag including the putter. Most golfers will not use them all. You can begin playing golf with just a few clubs. But you will always want a putter. Ask your instructor to show you her swing using different clubs. It is not likely you will be able to hit as far as your instructor, but it is good to know what good swings look like with different clubs.
Resources to Improve Your Golf Skills
After you have had a few personal lessons you will be wanting to improve your skill. Watch the teaching videos on the internet. Just put a problem into google for example ” hitting out of sand bunkers”, there will be many lessons and not all the same. Check out websites recommended by your Golf Instructor. Watch the putting lessons. Every new golfer can be a “star” on the green. The thing is, you can have a lot of fun learning how to get better – no matter how well you play.
Meeting Other Women Golfers
If you do not have your own friends to play golf with there are many places to meet other women golfers. Check out your area for organizations such as the Executive Women golfers association. Ask your instructor about other women’s groups who golf. Ask about local leagues for new golfers.
—
Golf Lessons
- Lessons for Beginners are Essential – Simply put, golf is not intuitive. Everyone has to learn how to swing a golf club. No one, not even the best pros have simply picked up a club and knew what to do with it.
- Lessons are the Best Way to Improve Your Game – Lessons can help knock the rust off your skills or pinpoint why your game got worse. They are also a direct way to improve your game once it plateaus and your professional’s opinion about your gear, can save you money!
Contact Heidi Mitchell (678-637-2802) to Learn More!
Lessons | Clinics | Simulator | Events
—
About Heidi Mitchell
I’m an LPGA Class A golf professional with over 26 years of experience in teaching golf. I can bring your game to a new level by teaching the fundamentals, psychology and functional body movement of golf based on each student’s individual learning style. I use techniques learned from highly acclaimed golf instructors and organizations such as Jimmy Ballard, David Leadbetter, Dr. Gary Wiren, Jim McLean, Dr. Debbie Crews, The LPGA, and The Titleist Performance Institute. I’m on the NIKE golf staff and I’m a TPI level II instructor, US Kids certified instructor as well as a PGA Hope Veteran program instructor and a GSGA adaptive golf instructor.
Stop Talking About It and DO IT!
See it, here it or do it! I will find the quickest way to communicate the fundamentals of the game. I use video analysis and send you images and notes for a better understanding. This means you get out on the course playing to your potential sooner!
What You Get…
Golf instruction that lets you understand the how, what and why about ball flight. Learn about the body swing connection and how YOU create the most efficient and effective swing for you. When we are done you will have practice drills and stretching tips to get you better quicker.
