I would like to start playing golf. How should I begin?

Question

I live in Bristol, England. I am 23 and have never held a golf club in my life.

I would like to learn, but I have heard that golf is A) expensive and B) select; you have to be a friend of a friend to get into a club in the first place. Is any of this true? How should I get started, and what should I budget? Is the Bristol area a good golfing spot?

Any help welcome!

PS, I am a leftie, if this is important.

Answer 1

Firstly being left handed has no effect. Secondaly search for driving rangers near you they tend to supply groups of lessons (Usually 6 including a 9 hole game for aroudn £100) i did this and my golf has improved dramtically over the last year or so.  

Answer 2

It's pobably a much more elitist sport in the U.K. than here.

I was in the same position as you a week ago.

Then a friend took me and another friend out to play golf with him. We used his spare clubs and had loads of fun. I might invest in some clubs of my own, but that's far in the future. So far I like it enough to pay for club rental once in a while. It all depends on how seriously you take it. For me the main thing is having fun and a new challenge.

Answer 3

First things first: Don't buy an expensive set!

I've been playing with crappy dunlops for four years and I'm still getting my handicap cut. This christmas, I am going to buy a new set, as I need them to get better.

Next, go to a golf course a to the pro shop. Ask if they do lessons, and how much. Then take them.

Next, find a local driving range and practise!

Left handed golf clubs aren't usually more expensive by the way.

Unfortunately golf is quite expensive, as a kid, I can't really afford alot. It won't be cheap, but trust me it is funner than you think.

Lastly, watch a bit of professional golf, to take note of swings and  course etiquette.  

Answer 4

Here's a list of courses in the Bristol area.

A. Knowle Golf Club - www.knowlegolfclub.co.uk - [phone]  

B. Woodspring Golf & Country Club - www.woodspring-golf.com - [phone]  

C. Thornbury Golf Centre - www.thornburygc.co.uk - [phone] -

D. Bristol & Clifton Golf Club - www.bristolgolf.co.uk - [phone]

E. Filton Golf Club Ltd - www.filtongolfclub.co.uk - [phone]

F. Long Ashton Golf Club - www.longashtongolfclub.co.uk - [phone]

G. Shirehampton Park Golf Club - www.shirehamptonparkgolfclub.co.uk - [phone]

H. Kendleshire Golf Club - www.kendleshire.com - [phone]  

I. Saltford Golf Club - www.saltfordgolfclub.co.uk - [phone]  

J. Shortwood Lodge Golf Club - www.shortwoodlodge.com - [phone]

As for the budgeting aspect, look for the cheapest places to play until you get better. Then if you can afford it try to get a membership, as this will open venues to lessons and more golfing.

For starters, look at finding a good set of clubs that fit into you budget.

Try not to buy clubs that are old, as the grooves will be worn, and of no use for spin. I only found this place in Bristol that sells Golfing equipment....www.nickylumb.com

Remember one thing, Golf clubs are designed to hit a golf ball, so let them. Don't try to kill it, just try to put the ball into the path of you club's path.

Act like your arms are noodles, you have no muscle in you arms(your just thinking this to stay loose) now you have to turn your boby around your waist causing a whip like effect.

Good luck and God speed.

Answer 5

i go visit a driving range

Answer 6

Start by going to driving ranges and hitting with all the different clubs, and go mini/putt putt golfing, it helps with your putting.

Answer 7

get some good clubs and practice your swing

Answer 8

i have just started out at golf myself, the best way is to find a golf store in your local area and pop along for a visit, some one in store can spend time with you explaining what size and weight of clubs are best for you, and these stores often sell second hand ones or you can look in your local paper etc, i actually got my first club for three pound at a local boot sale, so once i had my club i popped down to a local field and started hitting the ball, once i got my confidence up with that i popped along to the local golf course and did my first round ( took most of the day lol) anyway golf clubs can be very select but that doesnt stop you being allowed to play on the course, there may be one or two days a week your not allowed to play as these will be reserved for members, i cant comment on bristol area being any good as im from scotland, but yes being a leftie is important but you easily get leftie clubs.

enjoy your golf

Answer 9

The first thing in golf you need is Hand,ball,eye co-ordination all of which comes free, Basically that means do you have the ability to hit the ball, a lot don't

Go to a driving range and have a practise on the range, Driving ranges are just a covered enclosure about 5yds wide and 400yds long allowing you to belt the ball until your hearts content

I never bother booking a session on the ranges I just turn up and have never failed to get a session.It might mean I have to have a cup of coffee and wait 10 mins but so what?

When I started I used to get a bucket of balls(100) for £3 now £5 and hire the clubs (a driver, a putter, a 5 iron and a wedge from the club house) at 50 pence each(maybe borrow some at first). You can buy individual clubs at car boots for 50pence maybe a £1.The choice is yours . YOU FIND CLUBS THAT SUITS YOU STUFF WHAT ANYONE THINKS

Its only after a sessioin or two (see if your any good) you want to think about buying clubs. You can buy full sets of clubs either new or a better set of second hand for about £100 the choice is yours really,guys in the club will be selling theirs and uprating as they become more adept.Some decide they are going to buy the best clubs straight away and buy maybe Calloway clubs at £700 a set then play half a dozen games and after the clubs are in the garage gathering dust.

Golf Clubs are like all other clubs to be accepted as a member you need someone to propose you and second you on a form available from the Club house. most members after having a chat with you (over a pint maybe in the club house) will sign the form.

Some clubs are over subscribed and membership is difficult to achieve generally in these clubs you'll find cos there is demand for few places joining is expensive upwards of a £1000 and attracts the wannabe hoity toits nevertheless you can still apply and get a membership when one becomes available

Local Councils in some areas actually own Golf Courses and and here there is generally  either membership available or a short waiting list. If you were to apply now your membership wouldnt be considered until next season anyway (April people drop out then as well) membership here can be as low as £400.

While your waiting for membership you can buy day tickets (green fees)for anything from £18 to £40 depending on the club and play all day

Oh by the way a lot of driving ranges have a set aside par 27,9 hole practise course that you can practise (for about £5) your early days games on,dont be too disapointed if at first your turning in a scorecard of plus 100 on a par 27/ Some of the duffers have been playing for years and are still slow and useless. Least you get to shout fore whilst trying to hit them on the head, cranky old gits    

Bristol is as good as you get anywhere in the country to be its better situated than me in Northumberland When I love Devon .

Lefties obviously want left handed clubs but when a left handed golfer wants to sell his second hand ones for obvious reasons the demand for them isnt that great Someone at your chosen club will already be a lefty instead of the £100 (ish for,ok for starters clubs) you may pay £110