Written by Mike Treadgold

If you’re at all like me, the minute that the ground shows signs of green in the spring is a good day. Time to dig out the old sticks and find a range – the season is back.
Maybe you haven’t had this feeling before, but you do have interest in getting into a sport that is loved by many. I’m going to tell how to get into golf.
Before telling you how to get into golf, I’ll start by dispelling a few myths and misconceptions surrounding one’s initial interest in golf.
First of all, if you’re not a patient person, perhaps you should try another hobby. Like many other skill sports, golf requires patience and the ability to accept that for the first little while, you won’t likely be any good.
Secondly, going to the driving range and mindlessly beating the crap out of a range balls with an overpriced and oversized driver will provide virtually no real benefits, other than being a way to exhaust some pent up anger.
Now, what to do.
When you’re first starting to learn to golf, don’t put too much stock in ridiculously expensive equipment that you may never use enough to justify the price tag. You can find a capable and low-cost set of clubs at a used sporting goods store, your smelly neighbour’s yard sale or grandpa’s garage. Clubs doth not make the golfer.
While I am critical of mindless hacking, driving ranges still serve an effective purpose. If you’re new to golf, don’t start on a course – start on the range. Learn how each club works and what it feels like to swing a club before plying your craft at the local country club. The lower the number on the iron, the further the ball should travel. Better yet, go to the range with a friend; someone who is patient and a reasonably good golfer makes a good teacher and will accelerate your development. If you’re feeling ambitious, investing in a lesson with a local pro is a far better use of your funds than on expensive clubs. Pros will give you lessons at a range, where you can see their tutelage transfer into actual ball-striking results.
Replication in golf is critical. Remember the feel of that great drive, when you finally made contact? Try to replicate that same swing, over and over again.
Golfers stress etiquette. Oftentimes, the unwritten rules of engagement are learned with experience, but here are a few to keep in mind:
Don’t drive a cart on the green (the place where you putt). Park nearby and walk over.
Talking or making noise while someone else is taking a shot is frowned upon. Save the trash talk and chatter for after – have you SEEN Tiger freak out on cameramen?
If you happen to knock out a chunk of the ground while taking a shot, replace your divot.
Playing a little slow? Let the group behind you play through – there’s no shame in doing so and we’ve all been there. And, if you’re getting frustrated, just pick up the ball. Learning to play is more important than your early scores.
Most of all, enjoy yourself. Getting pissed off only worsens your swing, not to mention your experience. Have a beer – but not 20 – it’ll loosen you up and make it a social activity, instead of a job. The rest will come with practice and experience and golf is a fantastic way to spend a nice day.

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