Advice for the new golfer

If you’re new to golf, or even thinking of taking up the sport, the experts have some tips for you: Most say take group lessons, practice at least two times between lessons, use a pro to help you select clubs, and tennis shoes are good enough footwear until you decide you’re serious about the game. GoGolfNW.com interviewed Matt Bunn, the pro at the private Hayden Lake Country Club, Idaho; Fred Rick, a club fitter and owner of Par-Time Golf in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Mollie Thola, Ladies Professional Golf Association pro at the Trailhead executive golf course in Liberty Lake, Washington; and Daryl Vaughn, the Twin Lakes Golf Club pro in Rathdrum, Idaho. Here’s what they have to share: Lessons: The majority advocate group lessons. Bunn says you’ll be much more comfortable with other neophytes, and if possible, you should recruit some friends or family to decrease the level of intimidation you might feel as a raw beginner. Rick says take private lessons if you can afford them, otherwise go for the group sessions. The worst thing you can do, he adds is to enlist a friend as a teacher. The friend might pass on bad habits and quite possibly has forgotten the game’s fundamentals. Thola is another advocate of group lessons. They’re cheaper than private, she notes, and a teaching pro will give you a good foundation in the basics of the game. Vaughn also suggests group lessons. At least four to five lessons will introduce you to virtually all aspects of the game, he says. Practice: The lessons won’t do much good, the experts say, unless you put in some time between them to develop the skills you’ll need on the course. Most suggest at least two practice sessions following each lesson. Bunn claims it takes at least 30 days to develop the muscle memory you’ll need, so practice is decidedly important, and he suggests two sessions following each lesson. Rick thinks the beginning golfer should swing his or her clubs at least two to three times each week. Thola is another advocate of two practice sessions for every lesson. Vaughn says the beginner should practice “a few times” each week on all aspects of the game. Equipment: All of the experts suggest the beginner should get some expert help when he or she decides to get serious about the sport. Until then, they say, take lessons with clubs provided by the golf course or borrow some from a friend. Bunn claims the instructor is the best person to help the beginner select the right set of clubs. The pro can suggest the right makeup of the bag, i.e., the number and kind of irons, hybrids, woods and a putter, for the individual golfer. He suggests the new golfer should avoid thrift shop or garage sale clubs because, “He won’t have any idea of what he’s getting.” Rick says that for the beginning golfer of average height, a reasonably priced set of clubs “off the shelf” might work. But, he says, if the golfer-to-be is serious and has the money, he or she should work with a professional club fitter. Thola advises that, if the new golfer plans to play only once a month or so, he or she should invest only up to $300 for a set. But if he or she is going to be more serious about the sport, a club fitter should be enlisted. Vaughn says neophytes shouldn’t buy clubs before starting lessons, but use the ones provided by the course. Golf professionals and experienced club fitters should be consulted when new golfers decide the sport is for them. Shoes: Most say don’t buy them until you decide you’re going to get serious. Bunn says tennis shoes work fine for beginners. Rick suggests getting shoes with soft spikes early on to ensure the feet are planted properly when swinging a club. They also help when hiking a course. Thola suggests tennis shoes until the newcomer decides that he or she really likes the game. Vaughn also says tennis shoes with proper support are good enough for the beginner. It’s obvious that our experts love the game and want others to enjoy it as much as they do. Daryl Vaughn says it’s a perfect sport for those who enjoy the outdoors and want a bit of challenge and exercise. “It’s a great way to meet other people, and through lessons, you’ll learn how a golf course operates. And the beginner should remember that no one is ever going to be a perfect golfer, but it’s a continuing challenge.” And here’s a final word from Mollie Thola: “A golfer should go out on the course to have fun. I think it’s the greatest game ever invented, and it’s one you can play for the rest of your life.”