Subscribe to Tee Time

It’s no surprise that when asked, golfers give many different reasons for taking up the game. Most mention that golf is one of the few sports that can be enjoyed at any age and for a lifetime. Other responses to the question “Why do you play golf?” include:

If your reason(s) for playing include any of these six, there are things you can do to make your experience more enjoyable in each category. Here are a few to help you get this golf season off to a great start. For all six categories: Practice, Play, and Practice. Also, watch golf on TV. This will help you review things you’ve experienced and prepare you for some you haven’t.

If you’re a “new golfer” (never call yourself a “beginner”), you need the basics of play. These are best learned through an introductory series of lessons, either individual or for small groups of no more than 8 to 10. If none are offered at your nearest golf course, you can sometimes sign up as a family or with a few friends, or check with your local parks/recreation department.

If you’re a more experienced player, you probably already know the value of having one-on-one lessons with a good instructor. A good teacher helps you improve your skills, not try to make your skills mirror your teachers style of play.

Every player needs to know golf etiquette. This is especially true on greens and tees, as the game has been around a long, long time and its etiquette is very deeply entrenched. Hand-in-hand with etiquette is “speed of play.” Some tips to help you speed up your game:

Have the correct club and golf ball in your hand at each tee so you can step up and hit as soon as it’s your turn.

Play “ready golf” rather than strict “honors.” This means each golfer hits as long as it doesn’t interfere with another player’s swing, instead of waiting politely for the farthest from the hole to play.

Follow the unwritten rule on each green, “First In Tends the Pin.” Whoever finishes the hole first is in charge of the flagstick until your entire group has finished. This keeps the last player to finish the hole from having to run around and replace the flag.

You’ll find it very helpful to review and/ or have a copy of the Rules of Golf handy for reference. This is more important if you’re competing, but it will be needed once in a while whenever you play with others.

Every player needs to understand the language of golf. This can be intimidating, since it is a language of common words with meanings quite different than when used away from a golf course. Just one of more than 1,000 examples is the word par, which means average in English, but it certainly doesn’t mean that in golf. I wrote a book that’s helping golfers of all ages remove language as a barrier to enjoying the game.

Regardless of your level of ability, if you can keep your temper in check, use good etiquette, know how to play safely and can speed up your game when necessary, you can play with anyone and have a great time.

If you golf to share a sport with your loved ones, there are some great games you can play. Some are perfect for different ages and levels of ability. These include: Bingo- Bango-Bongo, Alternate Shot, Paradise Golf, Snake, and Stableford.

To socialize with other women golfers—whether for fun or for business— find out about Ladies’ Days, breakfast and/ or lunch clubs, along with business/ professional women’s golf programs that are growing throughout the country. All of these are great ways to meet other women who play in the same caliber (or for the same reasons) you do so you can form your own golf network.

If you golf for business, talking between shots is okay, but stay focused and concentrate on each shot you make. If promoting your business on the golf course means playing golf with men, you’ll find that many enjoy playing a scramble, and experienced male golfers know that women are a real asset to scramble teams since we often spend more time improving our short game—pitching, chipping, and putting— than men.

If you want “quiet” while you play, unless you get the first tee time in the morning, you might want to wait until mid to late afternoon so you can feel more alone. Otherwise, check with your golf course to see if they’ll let you play first thing in the morning off the back nine, as others are all playing the front nine and can’t possibly catch up with you.

If you play for competition, in addition to practice and play, get into any local tournaments you can. These include singles, partners, couples and foursome competitions. Advance from there according to your success.

If you play for exercise, walk, don’t ride. If you want to include weightlifting in your workout, carry your clubs. Otherwise, use a pull cart.

No matter how many reasons have brought you to the game of golf, have fun!

 

GOLF A TO Z
by Chris Burkhart, LPGA

Chris Burkhart is an LPGA Master Teaching Professional. As one of the LPGA’s six national education instructors, Chris travels extensively throughout the United States to participate in teaching clinics. She is a lifetime member of the National Golf Coaches Association. Chris is the author of Golf A to Z - Everything You Need to Know to “Talk” a Great Game. For more information about the book go to: www.books.mcgraw-hill.com

Subscribe to Tee Time Magazine

 

Back to Home Page