Things to know as a new golfer on the golf course, etiquette, rules, golf 1-2-3 Options

[Medson]

First of all, thanks for reading. I am a new golfer. I picked up the game last Oct and have been putting in a lot of hours, almost going to range everyday. I think I finally get the hang of the game, and have been to the golf courses 4 times. (2 18-hole, and 2 9-hole)

One of my biggest fears on the golf course is my slow play. I do not try to play slow, but my skill just kinda dictates my pace. I cannot hit ball 200+ yards (in fact, the longest club I can hit is 4 iron, which is still pretty much a hit or miss). And then, there are those shank/miss shot, lost balls, ... I lost 9 balls on the back nine of my last 18-hole course. As you know, searching for lost balls takes a long time. Most of time, I do not wish to hold up to the group behind me, so I just gave up searching immediately. Frankly, I think looking for lost balls is the single most reason for my slow pace.

Last time when I was at 18-hole, I got very anxious because the group behind us was always on our heels. When I hit a bad ball (really bad, it probably takes me longer to recover if I can even find it), I drop another ball and try to hit again. And they were impatiently yelling "com'on!". Anyway, I let them play through, but the group behind them quickly came behind us again.

Anyway, long story short. I'm wondering if I'm better of by playing on short 9-hole courses first? Once I improve, I can try to come back to normal 18-hole courses later. I'm not sure if you guys understand since it appears most of you are single handicap players.

[Big A HG]

Find a course you feel comfortable at and "fit-in" per-se. Get the hang of the course you are playing and hone your skills. If you are consistently losing a lot of balls, you are probably playing a course you shouldn't be.

Best of luck to you.

(PS, don't be afraid to spare some change for lessons!)

[Headgames]

Everyone on this board, regardless of their current HDCP index, at one point or another knew nothing about the game of golf. Then they learned a bit, went out to the course, and SUCKED. Then they learned a bit more, and they got better. So, with that in mind, I offer the followng advice...

1 - Stick with it. I've been there myself. You WILL get better. That's what makes golf fun. And infuriating. Usually simultaneously.
2 - Buy used (read: CHEAP) balls, till you get your game dialed in. I'm talking $10/dozen or less. It'll make losing balls a lot less painful, and easier to simply stop and drop when one goes into the woods/water/housing complex next to the course.
4 - Hit the range, but do so with a purpose. You can find loads of drills and games to play on the range on the various forums here. That will make practicing a lot more fun, and a lot more productive. Never hit the same club more than 5 times in a row when on the range, and be sure to hit the putting green for at least as long as you hit balls for. These last 2 alone have shaved strokes off my own game, they will for you too.
5 - With regards to slow play the best rule is this - keep up with the group in front. If you're doing that, then no one can or should say anything to you. If they do, simply point up the fairway and tell em you're keeping pace. Another thing that helps is playing "ready golf."

Other than that, just be patient with both yourself and your swing. It'll come in time.

This post has been edited by Headgames: Jun 24 2009, 11:22 PM

[honketyhank]

If you study the swing via readily available internet sources, books, or even private lessons if you have the bucks --- and if you practice the drills and swing thoughts you have learned at the range (ie, not on the course) --- you will soon not be having to search for lost balls quite so often. And maybe you don't have the bucks for a lot of range practice. So maybe you can find a place where you can hit into a net or hit foam balls or something. Practicing the swing, even with wiffle balls or foam balls, is much better than trying to learn while playing and trying to score. The scores will come if you practice whatever it is that you are learning with your internet, books, lessons, etc.

I agree that looking for a lost ball on every hole is tedious for all around you, but that will go away relatively quickly. Then, the realization sets in (or, rather, should set in) that slow play that is not related to ball searches is for the most part avoidable, whether you shoot 120 or 75. Find out, and this forum is a good place to start, the principles of ready golf.

My partner and I in a 9 hole league have played in 2 hours despite her score in the mid 60's (at the upper end of the league gross scores) and mine in the low 40's (at the lower end), plus two opponents scoring somewhere in between us. On the other hand, we have played the same 9 holes in over three hours in good weather with opponents who were never ready to hit, were chit chatting when they should have been moving up the fairway, etc.

[birdiegirl11]

I started on 9 hole executives, but even when I thought I was ready for 18, it was still traumatic. I see reasonably well skilled golfers play slowly... it's a matter of being prepared. Here are some tips to help you move faster and feel less 'in the way'. A wise instructor once told me that on the golf course, time is lost in 30 second increment.

1) Play "Double Par". When you've hit your 6th shot on a par 3, 8th shot on a par 4, and 10th shot on a par 5, pick up your ball and go to the next hole.

2) If you are sharing a cart, drop your partner off and then move to your ball.

3) Don't watch everybody else's shots. Get ready for your shot, put your club in the bag, drive to your ball... whatever. Just don't sit and watch.

4) Play ready golf. If you are ready, take your shot.

5) Take a couple of clubs with you when you walk to your ball.

6) Play with recycled balls. That way, if you hit one where you can't find it, you won't feel as bad when you stop looking after a minute or two and drop another ball. The moral of this one -- don't waste too much time looking for balls that you squirt off one way or the other.

7) If you hit a bad shot, move on... both mentally and physically. The most frustrating players to play behind aren't those that can't hit the ball straight... they are the players who can't hit the ball straight, then stand there for a minute or two with their hands on their hips swearing at the ball or themselves and lamenting about the shot.

8) If a player hits into a bunker, they go first. A player who is closer to the pin can rake the bunker for them while they are marking their ball or preparing for the next shot.

[huy]

If you really want to play on the course without worrying about other people, go during the twilight hours. You might not get to finish a whole round but it is a lot cheaper and fewer people play during those times.

Another thing I recommend is getting used golf balls. If you keep losing balls this will really help your wallet. Lostgolfballs.com have used balls for as cheap as $3-4 a dozen. That is a quarter a ball. When you stop losing balls you can get the better balls.

This post has been edited by huy: Jun 25 2009, 12:15 AM

[blackcourse53]

Try to pay around 10 times more attention to your errants shots than you do. I believe this is something that every golfer can and should do. I mean really pay attention. Try to know exactly which tree or patch of fescue your ball last traveled by. Try not to get mad at the poor shot and lose your focus from watching the ball.

[Medson]

Thanks all for the reply. I did buy used balls for about 50c each. So losing them does not hurt the wallet, but they just take a long time to search. I also took lessons from a PGA head professional. My game is definitely improving (and at a fairly good pace), but there are still a lot of work to be done. Again, I'm in no rush to lower my score.

The "double par" is a great idea. I also probably should hit a variety of my clubs instead of just 7i and PW. I might want to go try twilight tee time. Frankly, I just want to play at a time that has less people playing. When I first started in Oct, I used to come to the range at 7 AM sharp, so I can hit the ball horrible, but also alone for a while.

Oh, another reason for me to lose or take a long time to locate the ball is that I lose track of the ball when it is near landing. I probably just need to develop a habit to watch them closely.

[CUTiger]

Try and play as quickly as possible but everyone has been where you are now. Stick with it, and spend as much time practicing on the range as possible. Try and find a decent par 3 course where you can improve your game from 150 yards in. Work on the driver at the range. You'll be keeping up with the pace of play in no time.

[bermuda]

birdiegirl has great suggestions, and cutiger's suggestion of playing par 3s is also good. Regarding lost balls, keep your eye on your shot and if it's going in the rough or woods or near water, mentally mark it with a nearby tree or shrub or stake. That'll reduce your search area and speed up the searching process.

Once your group holes out, move on to the next tee to write down scores rather than standing near the green or sitting in the cart to do that.

One more thing: Harvey Penick wrote that you should work on your swing with one club then transfer that to your others instead of practicing with all different clubs.

http://books.google.com/books?id=uvyoWNCU2...lt&resnum=1

Good luck and have fun.

[Johwak121]

really good advice here...if i were you i would only be playing 9-holes its cheaper and it wont lose you as many balls (w/ extra money goto the range) Plus play twilight hours as someone said above, its fun i do it all the time its after league play and nobody is on the course, if they are there always a few holes behind at least, then you will have time to not worry about jack***s yeslling at you and will be able to play 2 balls or take a few extra hits on ur ball and even look for your ball given nobody is behind you

[Solutions Etcete...]

Hitting the ball further doesn't mean hitting it harder; it is about putting a pure swing on the ball. You can hone your swing with an 8,9, and pw..

Consider playing a full season on a 3-par nine hole course and grooving your swing to hit the greens. Then an executive course with a few par 4's to get the feel for putting your swing on the longer clubs.

Ranges are good for mechanics, but if your hitting off matts, it is quite different than hitting off grass. Not to mention lies that are not perfectly flat. Even when on the 3 pars, try and find some sidehill/downhill/uphill lies around the tee box you can hit from instead of the perfectly level ground. Don't use a tee so you can get used to the grass of a fairway lie.

If you're in the northern hemisphere, this time of year is wonderful to go off weekdays at 6pm on the front nine of an 18 holer. Its cooler, more wildlife is out, and the long light makes the course look beautiful. I rarely have someone behind me at this time of day and you will finish your nine before the last groups get to 18. Tell the guys in the golf shop you would like to be the last off for nine and they'll tell you the best time (and may even give you a break on the rate as I am sure they love to get a little extra business at a time when others don't play).

Most of all have fun and stay positive.

[jjj912]

...
One of my biggest fears on the golf course is my slow play. I do not try to play slow, but my skill just kinda dictates my pace. I cannot hit ball 200+ yards (in fact, the longest club I can hit is 4 iron, which is still pretty much a hit or miss). And then, there are those shank/miss shot, lost balls, ... I lost 9 balls on the back nine of my last 18-hole course. As you know, searching for lost balls takes a long time. Most of time, I do not wish to hold up to the group behind me, so I just gave up searching immediately. Frankly, I think looking for lost balls is the single most reason for my slow pace.

When you are losing a lot of balls it's just not possible to search for each one and expect to keep up with the group in front. All you can do is spend no more than 30 seconds looking for the lost ball. Then you have to drop another one and play on. And don't look for more than two balls on a single hole.

As someone else mentioned, once you get to double par, pick up and stop playing that hole. Another method is to drive, hit at most two shots from the fairway (one shot if on a par 3, three if on a par 5). Then, if you are not near the green, pick up and goto the green and drop your ball couple yards off the green and about 10 yards from the flag. Then chip and putt, but don't putt more than twice.

Last time when I was at 18-hole, I got very anxious because the group behind us was always on our heels. When I hit a bad ball (really bad, it probably takes me longer to recover if I can even find it), I drop another ball and try to hit again. And they were impatiently yelling "com'on!". Anyway, I let them play through, but the group behind them quickly came behind us again.

At this stage, you might be better off not trying to hit recovery shots. If you find your ball and it's in a bad spot (like 20 yards into the woods), move it to the fairway for your next shot. Consistently hitting the ball well is hard enough from the fairway, trying to do from bad lies in the rough is impossible. Always hitting from the fairway will help your pace of play as well. When your ball striking improves to the point where you are usually keeping the ball in the fairway, you can then start playing the ball where it lies. And your recovery attempts will have more success.

Anyway, long story short. I'm wondering if I'm better of by playing on short 9-hole courses first? Once I improve, I can try to come back to normal 18-hole courses later. I'm not sure if you guys understand since it appears most of you are single handicap players.

You mentioned that you can not hit the ball 200 yards. Play short courses is a great idea for you. The course length will fit your game better and the courses are usually not as hard. I highly recommend par 3 courses. As you improve, you can move up to the longer and more difficult courses.

Pace of play is usually more about the logistics of moving around the golf course than skill level. You can shoot 120 and still get around the course in an acceptable time. Just be heads up about what going on around you. The big trick is to not dilly dally around or wait until it's your turn before you do anything to prepare for your next stroke. Be ready to play before it's your turn to play and once it's your turn to play,

Some tips on how to keep a good pace of play: After you hit a shot watch to see where the ball comes to rest so that you know exactly where to go to find it. As you head towards your ball, be thinking about what club you might need for your next shot. Be on the look out for yardage markers as you approach the ball so you know where they are if you need them. There's no need to get fancy on club selection or try to figure out the exact yardage right now. If the marker says 150 yards and you need a 4i to go that far, then pull the 4i and swing away. Make sure your preshot routine is short and simple. On the green, don't be shy about pulling, replacing, and attending the flagstick. Don't get overly concerned with the break on the green, just take quick read and putt. When you have a bunker shot, grab the rake before you enter the bunker and enter the bunker near your ball. And don't spend all day in the bunker. If you can't get out after two attempts, toss the ball out and after the round go practice bunker shots.

[Skaffa77]

I think most of these guys summed it up. Best thing for now is to find some courses that are not nearly as busy (or expensive). I had a few courses that were not the best in town that I learned to play on. You'll likely find your ball quickly and won't have a bunch of up-tight people making me feel pressured (they'll go to the expensive courses).

If it makes you feel better, all of us at one point were no good at the game and felt extremely nervous when others were waiting. It's just going to take time for you to get comfortable. Here's the thing, most of us don't get mad at someone who isn't good...we get upset with people who play slow or are inconsiderate to others. Recently, I saw this guy in a 4-some hit 4 to 5 balls from the same spot (150 yards out) while his group was at the green. I'm pretty certain 3 or 4 of the shots hit the green...but it's just the fact that he saw us at the tee box and he continued to proceed to hit numerous shots while his group was at the green...some thing is just wrong there.

I've never been upset with someone who doesn't play well...just people who play slow and waste time. You sound like you make a concerted effort to be courtous so I'm not too worried. Hit your shot and if it's bad, give yourself the opportunity to find the ball. After a couple minutes (maybe shorter time if it's busy), drop a ball in the general area and play from there. I'm assuming you're not at a point where you keep your scores for a handicap, so the breaking the rules on a lost ball isn't a major issue in my book.

Have fun and remember, you paid to play as well.

This post has been edited by Skaffa77: Jul 13 2009, 05:39 PM

[songwriter]

While learning, I agree with above poster... don't follow the rules of golf. Improve your lie if it's a bad lie. Don't try to be a hero, you're not there yet.

As for marking balls down, watch that ball until you see it STOP and mark it best you can with a change in the grass or weeds or bushes. Spend an extra five seconds marking that ball in your mind.

I would also recommend you play less and practice more until you improve a lot more.

Your improvement can be very dramatic in just a year or so.

[boo radley]

While learning, I agree with above poster... don't follow the rules of golf. Improve your lie if it's a bad lie. Don't try to be a hero, you're not there yet.

As for marking balls down, watch that ball until you see it STOP and mark it best you can with a change in the grass or weeds or bushes. Spend an extra five seconds marking that ball in your mind.

I would also recommend you play less and practice more until you improve a lot more.

Your improvement can be very dramatic in just a year or so.

Great advice on really *watching* where you ball lands. I usually end up spending a lot of time helping others find their balls, and it's a nuisance.

Not sure about the advice to improve lies. The sooner you play it down the better. If it's unplayable, take a stroke and drop.

[therkow]

I feel ya' man. I just started playing seriously a little more than a year ago...the pain of suffering through 9 holes (not to mention 18) with at least one ball lost or OB or shanked into the adjoining fairway every freaking hole is still really fresh in the ol' memory.

It gets better though. Just a little work, a LOT of patience, and it'll come. Luckily, EVERYONE who plays has been there, so they know what it's like.

I really do agree with watching every shot you hit until it lands. Not only does it cut down on time looking for your ball, but if you get into the habit of watching every ball from the club all the way to the ground, (to me anyways) it helps when you get a little better to slow down and enjoy the game more. I never understand when i play with people who, just after they stripe a gracefully curving ball right down the middle, immediately turn around, pick up their tee and head back to the bag with some kinda "it's in the fairway somewhere" mentality.

Watch the ball...it's a beautiful sight, a little white sphere arcing gently into a blue sky towards a distant green. Especailly when it came off your club...least you can do is stop and appreciate it

And when it inevitably tails off to the left and kicks into the shubbery, you know where to look

[BostonBob]

Easy peasy. Been there myself, sometimes find myself still there.

1: Cheap, cheap, cheap balls. Lots easier to walk away from a 25 cent ball than a brand new top of the line big buck ball you hit once. Shrug, drop, and off you go.

2. Concentrate more on being the guy that's fun to play golf with than being the frustrated guy trying to improve his game on the golf course. Work on your game on the range. On the course, work on your *understanding* of the game, its strategies, rules and how to act.

3. Be the guy who spots the others mishit balls first, is always there to tend the flag, etc. Hustle to help, especially after giving up a hole at double par. Don't sulk; its not good for anyone. They'll commiserate, but what they're really thinking is "man up, and soldier on". In the words of Captain Sig: "Shut up. And Fish."

4. The keep score to double par, then pick up is a good idea. Once past that, I've recently found a mental trick that seems to help. Give yourself a boost of confidence by keeping score to double bogey, and then bogey. I was shocked to find myself at "-3 (to bogey)" on the 17th the other day... it sounds so much better than x (or xx) over par. Shocked me so much I blew up the last two holes, of course.

5. Be thankful you don't have to do golf for a living. My theory is that everything else in life, I *have* to be good at, golf I can be as good as I would like.

6. Find whoever encouraged you to take up golf in the first place, and club them like a baby seal. They didn't do you any favors! <kidding, for you literal types>

Good luck - Bob

[Crazie.eddie]

Allot of good advice. I've been there as well.

- I know it's hard to play when your rushed. Don't hurry to hit your shot, because the group behind you is on your tail. It's difficult enough that you're learning, but even more difficult if your in a hurry.

- Get a setup routine (align with target, take a deep breath, waggle, etc.) prior to hitting your ball. This will help you relax. Don't just go up to the ball and hit it, because the group is right behind you. Rushing shots could end up in more bad shots. FYI, don't get too long of a setup routine.

- If possible, play at the least busiest hours or maybe at the first start of twilight.

- Golf with the smallest group possible, like either by yourself or with another person. Smaller groups go faster.

- Golf with good golfers. They will let you know when to pick up the pace and may help to see what your doing wrong.

- Buy a cheap ball retriever, then go to a golf course that has allot of water. Then just go ball hunting. You can find allot of free balls. Of course, watch out for shots. Let the ranger know what you are doing. Some people make a living out of fishing for balls and selling them.

- Do you hit your 3 wood way better than your driver off the tee? If so, use the 3 wood. There's no rule that you have to use a driver at all.

- If you have difficulty hitting long irons, like a 3 iron or 4 iron. Look into getting a hybrid utility aka rescue wood.

- Check out Craigslist.org for cheap golf balls as well.

Good luck

[Boomermike]

Anyway, long story short. I'm wondering if I'm better of by playing on short 9-hole courses first? Once I improve, I can try to come back to normal 18-hole courses later. I'm not sure if you guys understand since it appears most of you are single handicap players.

First of all...kudos to you for having the conscience and courteous nature to make the effort to avoid slowing down the group behind you. Many beginning golfers have no idea that pace of play is a part of the game's etiquette, and could care less whether or not they are jamming up the course behind them. Tip of the cap to you for being considerate.

Secondly...playing shorter courses until you improve is a great idea. The first six months that I played, I did nothing but go to the driving range and play a couple of par-3 courses in my area. Seven or eight months in, I took the next step to a couple of short, relatively easy 9-hole municipal courses so I could start using the driver & playing par-4 & par-5 holes. It was a full year after starting before I took the leap to a regulation, 18-hole course. I followed that plan for two reasons: 1) I didn't want to feel overwhelmed by the game from the start & wanted to build some confidence. 2) I didn't ever want to be the guy slowing up a group of good players on a big course. And all those early rounds on par-3s & pitch-&-putt courses have paid off to this day, because my short game from 100 yards & in is what allows me to stay competitive with guys who bomb their drives 80 yards past mine.

You know...reknowned teacher Harvey Pennick and the world's current #1 player Tiger Woods both advocate learning the game from the putting greet OUTWARD toward the tee box. Learn to putt first...then to chip...then to pitch...then to hit wedges & short irons with a full swing...then to hit longer irons...then woods & the driver. That line of thinking falls right in line with starting on shorter courses & working your way up gradually to longer ones.

[jenny1980]

Hi all,

I am new here and, like Medson, am looking for advice on things. I picked up the game last summer, my husbands encouraging. I have tried to read a lot about the game so that I have an upperhand as well, but as soon as I get out there, I always get stuck in front of "pros" who make me feel bad for taking my time.

Anyway, I really just wanted to thank everyone for all of the help you provide on this forum. I have gained a lot of insight by just reading, reading, and reading.

Thanks,
Jenny