Beginner's Golf: 3 Tips To Look Like You Know What You're Doing

Posted on: 2 November 2015

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Many beginning golfers are intimidated by the game, especially when they're playing busy courses. No one wants to look like an absolute newbie. If you follow these 3 tips, you'll look and feel more at home on the course:

Don't be afraid to play the forward tees.

When you're learning the game of golf, you won't have as much control over the ball's trajectory as you might wish. If you don't have the stuff to send your balls flying accurately for long distances, you need to bite the bullet and play off the more forward tees.

There's no shame in avoiding the pro tees when you play. Choose to cut yourself some slack and practice off the easier spots, and you'll learn that you're more likely to stay at or under par. You can work on your game without the pressure of knowing you'll have to take a lot of extra swings.

Playing the pro tees may seem like the brave thing to do, but you'll appear far more in control handling shots from the easier tees. Grumbling and griping from discouragement makes you look like a sore loser, so start your game from the tee that you can best handle.

Practice good course etiquette.

Here are some good things to remember:

  • Golf courses are relaxing their dress codes to attract younger players, but that doesn't mean anything goes. Wear appropriate attire and shoes within the guidelines of the club.
  • Allow other groups to play through if your group is playing slowly, and never stand too close to a player about to swing.
  • Don't be overly loud or annoying on the course, but respect that golfers expect to be able to concentrate as they play. Be aware of what's happening around you on the course so you don't inadvertently distract other golfers.
  • Have a divot repair tool in your golf kit. Nothing says "newbie" like a player who doesn't take the time to repair the damage his club does to the green. The divot or pitch repair tool resembles a small fork with two tines. Used right away, you'll help reduce damage to the grass and you'll look like a player who knows and cares about the game.

Get some golf apps going.

Your phone will help you with your golf lessons and game if you download one of the many apps designed specifically for golf. These apps will teach you rules, terminology and strategy to give you an advantage over other beginners.

You don't want to be consulting your phone every time you take a swing at the ball, of course, because your game will take far too long to complete. But you should use a golf app to track your own trends and analyze your game when your round is finished. This immediate feedback will help you become more proficient on the course over time if you take it seriously.

Also remember that golf app GPS numbers may be slightly off on any given course. The distances your GPS suggests may be short or long, so it's best to consult others who know the course rather than relying solely on your golf app.

Taking lessons from a golf pro will do the most to advance your game, but you can feel more at home on the course as a beginner by following the above tips. If you're looking for more golf instruction, visit Monticello Country Club.