Are You A FOODIE?

Private Practice

by Darrell Klassen

So you want to start playing golf? You have several hurdles to overcome in order to get started, so I am going to cover some of them in this issue.

First of all, you need a set of golf clubs, and they can be very expensive. I suggest you analyze your budget, and do not be concerned how small it might turn out to be. There is always an answer. A full set of brand new clubs can easily cost all the way up to $2000, or more. A full set of good used clubs, though, can be as inexpensive as a couple hundred dollars.

When you are first starting the game, there is no major reason to worry too much about them being properly fitted to you. Basically, women should try to find a used set of woman’s clubs, and men should look for a man’s clubs. That will suffice to get you off and running. The first thing you need to do is to jump into the water and discover whether or not you are going to enjoy the game.

One other possibility for finding a set of clubs would be to borrow a set from a friend who is not playing at the time. This would cut your initial costs down to zero for clubs, but be certain to take good care of them. I don’t like to loan things, even to friends, because they rarely come back home in the same condition they were loaned. Don’t be guilty of taking advantage of the situation and doing harm, not only to the clubs, but to the friendship.

Whether you purchase a set of clubs or borrow some, make certain you have a putter in the set. You cannot play golf without a putter. In fact, one of the first things you should is to go to a golf course with your putter and spend some time on the practice putting green.

The next thing you will need are some golf balls. When you are first starting anything will do here, also. You simply need something you may use to go out and have some fun. Don’t be too intimidated when you go to the golf course. We all had to go through these steps.

Any golfer who has at least a small bit of class will not look down their nose at you. They were beginners at one time, also. The other side of that coin is that any golfer who does look down on your is not worth having as a companion or a friend, so don’t let it effect you.

With a few golf balls and a putter you can go to a golf course and practice putting. It would be good for you to take some lessons. Steve Maaske at the Exeter Golf Course is a good teacher, and he will be glad to introduce you to the game.

Don’t be to concerned with the necessity for a pair of actual golf shoes at the first. Several years ago the golfing industry decided we shouldn’t wear steal spikes, because it “was damaging” to the greens. That was the day I started wearing tennis shoes. They are just as good as the rubber spikes they now sell.

I do like to see golfers wear a collared shirt. Women should not wear tank tops, and neither should men. Tank tops and tee shirts are a sure give-away you are a total low class beginner. That was not to offend anyone. It is always in good taste to wear a collared shirt when you go to the golf course. Once you start going out there you will see what I mean. You’ll feel way more comfortable and at home.

Oy, yeah. Just in case you haven’t already gotten one, you do need a golf bag for carrying your clubs, golf balls, tees, and the like. It doesn’t have to be expensive, either. With a little research you should be able to find an inexpensive used one.

Now we come to playing the game. If you decide to go right out to the course and start playing with some friends, there are a few things you should know. Golfers are expected to play at a smooth pace, and to not hinder others and other groups from playing at a good pace.

That isn’t all that tough. All you need to do is to play as comfortably as you can and and as quickly as you comfortably can. If you start to feel the pressure from the following groups, just pick up your golf ball and carry it forward to a comfortable place to continue your play. I know that is not in keeping with the rules, but when you first start out you are not playing by the rules, anyhow. Enjoy yourself.

This is all pretty basic information, if you have played the game for a year or more, but this one was for the “baby” golfers who want to take a look into a great and fun way to spend part of your day.

Probably the other concern is the price of green fees. While they look expensive, they don’t have to be at all. For example, at the Woodlake Ranch Golf Course you can play for as little as $10, if you are walking the course. When you consider that could cover as much as four to five hours of your day, the cost per hour is pretty cheap.

I like to suggest the Woodlake course, because it is a good pace to get your feet wet in the game. There are normally not a lot of players who would be pushing you, and it is a great place to introduce yourself to the game. Its not fancy, either, so it won’t be intimidating for you.

Whatever you do, if you have any desire whatsoever to start playing the game, then don’t hesitate. Jump in and see what it’s all about. It shouldn’t take you long to discover why ther are so many of us who love the game and the quiet outdoors.

Good luck!