Beginner Golfer? Getting Fit for Your Clubs is a Great Start.

Beginner Golfer?  If you are just taking up the great game of golf, there are a couple of key things you should consider.  First, every beginner golfer needs to learn how the game of golf is played on the course.  In Germany, you are actually required to take a test and obtain a certificate of golf “competency” before you can actually go out and play a round of golf.    While there a lot of books that show beginners the basics of the golf swing, I have not run across a good one that explains the simple things like where do I go to practice, how do I book a tee time, etc.  So find a friend that golfs and have him/her explain the ropes.

Second, get yourself a set of clubs or a starter set that matches your strength and tempo. Do NOT take an old hand-me-down set from your mother, father, brother or friend.  Or if you do, have a competent clubfitter check the equipment out and see if it closely resembles what you may need.  The most important equipment factors for a beginner golfer are length, weight, and shaft flex.  All of the other things like loft, lie and set makeup can wait until you have developed a more consistent swing.  And you do not need a full set of 14 clubs.  We do a lot of starter sets with a 3 wood, hybrid, two irons, a wedge and a putter.  This will be good enough until you have developed some consistency in your swing.

Third, find some beginner golf classes at a local golf course or Top Golf.  What is interesting about Top Golf is that 50 percent of those that go to Top Golf are not golfers, yet 25 percent of them would love to take up the game!  Several recreation districts that own golf courses also offer beginner group lessons.  Some of the instructors listed on our web site offer instruction for beginner golfers.  And if you are looking for a great book for the golf swing, you cannot go wrong with Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf.

Finally, take some time to practice.  Just like anything practice makes perfect.  However, if you are practicing with the wrong equipment, practice makes permanent your swing compensations.  So take the time to get fit with at least a few clubs that totally match your strength and physique.  You will improve much faster!