Getting Started In Golf -- Part 2

Good, you've taken up the great game of golf and have been whacking the ball around a few times and now you're wondering what to do next.

Before you spend hundreds of dollars on your own set of clubs, invest a few dollars on a lesson or 2 or 3. Prices will vary depending on where you live. However, that investment with a good instructor will get you started on the essentials - correct grip, stance, posture, swing mechanics, as well as proper equipment selection.

Start with putting practice, and then add a few weekends at the driving range. Move up to 9 holes, then 18 holes after a few weeks. Do some of the basic exercises during the week. And, remember, golf is a gentleman's (or ladies') game, so be sure and learn the rules and etiquette.

Here are a few of the basics:

Clubs

There are 3 types of clubs: woods, irons and putters. Woods are used to hit farthest, irons intermediate distances, and putters close range shots. The lower the number of the club, the farther the ball travels - well, one can hope that happens, at any rate! If used correctly, a 1 wood whacks a ball 170 yards or more, a 5 iron about 100 yards, and a 9 iron about 60 yards.

Putters are used on the smooth grass of the green to push the ball anywhere from a few feet to a few yards. Sand and pitching wedges are sharply angled clubs that are used for chipping up steep hills or getting out of those nasty sand traps.

When buying clubs, you don't want a grip that is so small the club twists in your hands on impact, or so large that you are unable to wrap your fingers easily around it.

Starting grip

Remember, the grip is vital. For right-handed individuals, the most common grip is the one in which the index finger of the left hand hooks onto the pinky of the right hand. For proper alignment, always remember to check the "V's" -- the angle between your thumb and forefinger on each hand. These should point between your chin and back shoulder. When looking down, make sure that you can see the first 2 knuckles of your left hand and a "V" formed between the thumb and forefinger that points toward your right shoulder. With the right hand, be sure and have the "V" pointing toward your chin or slightly to the right shoulder.

Swing

Address the ball. (A term for standing near, and ready to hit, the ball - who knows where these words come from!) Take a few practice swings with your heels about shoulder width apart. Hit the ball squarely in the middle of the club from left to right, but slightly up from the bottom. Take a firm grip and balance stance, remembering not to crush the club or dance on your toes.

Try to keep the swing in one plane (a plane is a flat surface). Follow through after making contact with the ball and be sure to keep the ball in the center of your field of vision.

Rules

Of course, there are rules in golf. As in all games, the official rules are many and complex. Here's the simple version: Tee up, hit the ball toward the flag. Try to get the ball in the hole the flag is in. (Remember to take the flag out when you get close.) The fewest strokes over the course of all holes wins. Hit your own ball and make sure to count every stroke.

There, isn't that an easy game?

Etiquette

Following are a few guidelines for good etiquette on the golf course:

· Don't endanger another player by standing too close to them when you or (s)he swings.
· Don't make excessive noise when someone is hitting his or her ball.
· Avoid holding up players behind or with you.
· If you lose your ball, let them "play through."
· Replace "divots" (chunks of earth and grass you accidentally dug up with your golf club.)
· Fix other damage made.

In short, be courteous to those around you. Golf is one of the few games where civilized behavior is actually enforced!

Wrapping it up

For the beginner, golf can be enjoyed from the very start. For those interested and motivated, there's an inexhaustible supply of information about the physics and physiology of swing mechanics, grip, stance, and other "secrets" to enable you to play a good game of golf. For the novice, there's a large amount of knowledge to absorb and physical movement to practice right at the outset.

But don't get so overwhelmed that you forget the primary purpose: to have fun! And remember, Tiger Woods has been practicing and playing from a young age and he still takes lessons!