First time golf player - nervous...

[adamak]

OK, so we're going to Maui, and because of this, me and DH just took a 6 hour golf lesson. First time in my life I can actually hit a ball. Not to mention, the instruction says I've the potential! (I think it's a big scam to lure me in).

Have never been on a golf course before. Reading feverishly various dummy books. Has anyone played in Maui before? Is it really intimidating? I already booked the twilight hours so I don't interfere with real players. But still I'm nervous. I barely know any of the rules.

Any tips? Any 1st time gold player experience to share? I feel stupid not knowing a wood vs an iron!

 

[bananiem]

I just took it up last year so I've never played in Maui.
However my dh told me these things and I think it goes for any course:
Don't talk when somebody else is putting or swinging.
Don't feel like you have to finish out a hole. If it takes you more than 8 tries- stop! and go to the next hole.
Don't worry about score at first. Just take it one hole at a time, one hit at a time.
We've never been paired up with anybody, which is a relief to me. Perhaps if you go during an off-time it can just be you and your dh.
Have a GREAT time!

 

[Nebsky]

You already have taken the first step and done some lessons.
2nd thing is to HAVE FUN!!!
Relax is the first thing you can do on the course. Dont worry about getting the ball to go far. Just make solid contact and keep your head down. Your husband will watch the ball for you. My thing is I start rushing the swing. If I swing to hard, Ill hit the ball a ton but 3/4 of the way down the fairway the ball starts slicing right. Swing the club through the ball too. Dont stop. Remember what your instructor told you.

What I try to do is picture myself as a clock...
On my back swing, take the club to about 10 or 11 oclock position. Hold it there for just a 1/2 second and the lead with my left hand and drag the club down. Contact should be made at the 6 oclock position and follow through to end at 2 oclock.

If all else fails, start drinking Alcohol on the #2 fairway. Youll find you dont care as much when your tanked up on "swing oil".

Have a great time!!

 

[LanaJayne]

I love golf!

I heard a great tip on a women's golf show for beginner golfers.

Instead of teeing off at the tee box, tee off at approximately 150-200 yards from the green.

That way you will have a decent drive and hopefully will hit the ball close to the green. Then you will have a chance to practice chipping and putting.

What I liked about this is that usually a beginner takes so many hits that by the time you make it through 9 holes you are physically tired. By starting each hole closer you will be playing more like a seasoned golfer and can enjoy the scenery.

Go and Enjoy!

 

[stevenpensacola]

Just go out and have a good time. Most people are so caught up in their own game, they that won't really be paying attention to yours. Also, due to the place you're playing, I imagine the tee times are generously spaced. You should not have to worry too much about feeling rushed.

 

[Pop Daddy]

Golfers are mean

 

[Bob Slydell]

Originally posted by bananiem

Don't feel like you have to finish out a hole. If it takes you more than 8 tries- stop! and go to the next hole.
Don't worry about score at first. Just take it one hole at a time, one hit at a time.

That's probably the best tips -- don't be afraid to pick up your ball if you're getting frustrated on a hole. You can always toss your ball onto the green and putt once you're up there.

What course are you planning on playing in Maui? There's some pretty tough courses there, but some very playable (e.g. not too tough) courses as well.

 

[antnee]

Good Luck I tok up gold a few years ago but havent had the time to practice. Just try to have fun. Dont worry about how you are doing just have fun and enjoy it or it will make you crazy

 

[TennVolTony]

I've been playing for 34 years...and I STILL get nervous before the first shot......always have.....always will........


Just Grip it and Rip it !!!!!!!!

 

[vernon]

I think a good idea is to pick a course that isn't too difficult or long to start with. Ideally I would suggest trying to find a nine hole course, a par 3 course or maybe even a "pitch and putt" course. A nine hole course has holes of "normal" length and will be a mix of par 3,4 and maybe 5s , obviously being half the distance of an 18 hole course it's much quicker to get the game finished. Par 3 courses are usually just 9 holes as well but all the holes are par 3 (usually less than 200 yards each hole) . Pitch and putt courses rarely have holes more than 120 yards long so it means each shot you're in with a chance of getting on or near the green.

There are a number of reasons for trying one of these smaller courses
1) 18 holes can be a long day and quite tiring if you're not used to swinging a club. You don't want the experience to drag for the last 4 or 5 holes.
2) It's much easier to maintain your concentration on a shorter course
3) You have much less chance of running into a **** of a golfer who either moans or sends a couple of balls down after you if they think you're playing too slow. To be fair if you're playing a "tourist" course you shouldn't run into this, you have slightly more chance if you're on a private or "members" club.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to play in Maui so I can't help you there, but if you get the bug and want to play in Orlando there is a very good par 3 course at Orange Lake Country Club (15 minutes from Disney) and Disney itself has an excellent 9 hole " family" course (Oak Trail) You get a lot of non regular players trying out this course, but it's still an excellent little course.

As everyone says just have a good time and don't worry too much about what other people think or do.

Oh a good tip to remember is that if you have a group or player that's right behind you and there is no one in front of you it's polite/good golf manners to invite them to play past you. Usually this is easiest to do at the next tee, but if you're searching for a lost ball this is also a good time.

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Wait until the arm of the windmill is just passing the opening to hit your ball.