Novice golfer looking to develop game...?

Question

I've been bouncing between driving ranges, Par 3s, and only a couple of regulation courses for the past 5-6 years. As I want to start playing regularly and improve my game, I'm looking for some general advice on how to hit consistently well and anything else more seasoned players might feel is of use. Also, any resources (ie, books, web sites, exercises, etc.) that you found useful would be great to hear about.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Ask some golfer friends for  the name of a good instructor in your area. Take a lesson and if you enjoy it set up a plan for your improvement. The pro will give you advice on any related books or exercises that will benefit you. Good luck.

Answer 2

go schedule a lesson and hit ball with a pro to watch and make sure you have some good habits. get a lesson and then practice that drill everyday. its always good to have someone watch you so you can make sure you dont develope any bad habits. other than that just practice. golf is a game that needs to be practiced every day if you want to be good.

good luck!

Answer 3

First off, congrats on wanting to play more. Consistency is definitely the cornerstone to golf. Now I know the typical is advice is to get lessons from a pro. That is sound advice as well. But if you cannot get lessons for various reasons, here's something to think about:

1) Work on your game from the greens out. Meaning: work on putting, chipping, pitching, irons, woods then the driver.

2) Once you've pieced everything together, go to a course that you know very well. Since you'll already have familiarity with the course, you will be able to apply the correct club to the correct situation.

3) Be prepared for days of frustration and know that Rome was not built in a day.

I've only been playing for about 9 months and have a 28 handicap. My problem is consistency. My game deviates from what I hit good one game to the next. I just need to put it all together. So I guess I'm not that seasoned, but I picked this advice up from a course pro.

Answer 4

Many people(touring professionals) have read one of Jack Nicklaus' books or Ben Hogan's book.  I own Tiger Woods' book, "How I Play Golf." The only thing I have not done that he recommended was consult a teaching pro.  I've pretty much done it by trial and error and a subscription to Golf Magazine.  I shoot mainly low to mid 80's and will tell you the most important part of the game is the short game(chipping, putting, and shots from 100 yards and closer).  It helps to hit the ball far, but not everybody can.  You will always have to chip, putt, and have a shot from within 100 yards.  Learn to develop your game and play to what your strengths are.

Answer 5

Like the first guy said, Hogan's "Five Lessons" is a great book that stands the test of time.

I would suggest lessons from a good pro in your area.

Answer 6

Good luck with your game. I have been playing for years and still learn new things everyday.

I found several articles from this website that you may enjoy reading.

http://www.egolfing-tips.com

Answer 7

Best book on golf was Hogan's "Five Lessons" which has all the fundamentals from one of the games most consistent ball strikers.  But there is no substitute for a couple of lessons from a golf professional to iron out any bad habits you may have formed on your own.