Golf Essentials 101: Course Prep

This is part one in a multi-series piece centering around the essentials of golf. This series will range from getting ready to hit the course for the first time, to picking the correct clubs and the right instructor. None of this is meant to be formulaic. Golf is a recreation and can therefore be tackled in many ways. Rather, this is a helpful guide to approach the sport in a manner best suited for getting the most out of it.

When preparing to hit the links for the first time, a golfer will want to make sure he/she has gone to the driving range at least a few times. Golf is a difficult sport and showing up to the course having never even hit a ball is of poor judgment. It won't be fun, at all. Furthermore, golfers who do this tend to hold up the pace of play at local courses. This is to everyone's detriment. After adequate practice, a golfer will want some of their own clubs before they play on an official golf course. Naturally, most courses offer rental sets. These will generally cost anywhere from $25-$50 for a set per person per round. As far as clubs go, a starter really only needs the basics. A driver for their tee shot would be ideal. What is necessary, however, is some irons to hit the ball and move it down the course, as well as a putter for dealing with the greens. Throw in a wedge for short shots and sand traps, and a starter has really everything he needs for some initial trial rounds (golf isn't for everyone-hence trial rounds). Everything after this: fairway woods, hybrids, a complete iron or wedge set, are just the icing on the cake and intended to make the game easier. These will become important when an individual decides they enjoy the game and are ready to invest in it.

The other items of interest when first hitting the course would be a golf glove, some tees, and golf balls. These are the essentials. Gloves usually cost anywhere from $8-$16. Tees a few dollars. And as far as the cost for a dozen balls (this is how they are sold and should be adequate for a starter) that depends on the kind of balls one plays. This figure could be anywhere from $15 for low level balls, to $50 for the highest level. For a starter it really doesn't matter which ball they play, so the cheapest option will certainly do here. A beginner golfer is trying to see if they enjoy the game and the mechanics behind learning the swing. They are not looking for a golf ball that suits their style of play at this point. A golfer will want to think ahead and include a few other items in their bag for the round such as sunscreen, water, and of course some snacks. I personally recommend golfers also bring a windbreaker in the event of rain or cold weather, a towel, and bug spray. Some courses get overrun with mosquitoes in the summer and coming unprepared can be rather unpleasant. After making sure that one has had adequate practice, and has the correct tools in his bag, it's now time to pick a suitable course to play.

When it comes to selecting a course I would say look at your local options and do a little due diligence. Try and steer clear of places where difficulty is apparent. Avoid overly pricey courses when first dabbling in the sport. This way when the round doesn't go the way you foresaw, which it hardly ever does, you won't be upset about spending $100 on a “wasted” round. On this note, golf course green fees vary depending on where in the country you play, as well as what time of year, and the day of the week. The hour of the day at which you choose a tee time will also have an impact on the price. Traditionally, courses have in season and out of season rates; the former being full priced and the latter being discounted. Weekends will always cost more than weekdays. Usually prime hours for the golf course such as from sunrise through around 3 PM will be priced as peak hours. Anything after that time is usually referred to as “twilight” and will be offered at a discounted rate. Furthermore, some golf courses offer “super twilight’ after around 5 pm and this can be an ideal chance to play for as little as $15 in some areas. In general, walking the course will be cheaper than taking a golf cart. The use of a golf cart can cost anywhere from $15-$25 per person depending on the course. There is no given etiquette about riding vs walking. It's simply a matter of personal preference. Some enjoy the comfort of using a golf cart and in fact find it exceedingly fun. Others like the “true” or “real” feel of walking a course.

Make sure to check out reviews of your local courses. Some courses are notorious for being in horrible condition and might in fact not only guarantee a terrible time, but also leave a foul taste in your mouth for the sport. Other courses which are well reviewed for having personable staff and outstanding conditions are the types of courses you want to try to play. Additionally, if you do your research properly and check out a handful of these course websites you might be delighted to find that some have coupons available, or special deals that may not be advertised on generic booking websites. For instance, a course near me used to run a deal that included green fees, a golf cart, 2 beverages and a hot dog during twilight hours for $30. Here in the northeast during summer time that is a tremendous deal. Other things to be aware of when booking a round are inclement weather and course outings. When your buddy suggests a round, it's always a good idea to make sure the weather is going to cooperate. There is nothing worse than playing golf for the first time in crummy conditions. It's more difficult to hit the ball and flat out unenjoyable. Additionally if a course took down a lot of rain on a previous day, then the following day the course might be closed or “walking only” in which case you will not have the option of using golf carts. In the summer, public courses frequently sponsor outings, so it's always a good idea to call a course ahead of time to see what their availability is rather than just showing up.

Lastly, it's important to be cognizant of attire when one shows up at a golf course. Nothing over the top is needed here. At the same time, some courses enforce dress code more than others so you will want to come prepared. A simple golf polo and pair of khaki shorts does the trick. If it's chilly out, a fleece with khaki pants works just fine too. The idea is to dress appropriately and comfortably. Now that you're aware of what's needed before you hit the course, as well as what’s needed on the course, and how to find a suitable location, go hit the links! And enjoy! A key to getting the most out of your round, even for those of us who are competitive, is to remember that golf is only a game, and should be treated as such. Those who take the game too seriously are often the same ones who lose joy in it quickly. Remember it's recreational, take it in strides, both the good and bad, and go have fun!