Getting started in golf

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Despite my general lack of interest in sports, golf has been one of the many things I've had a fascination with since childhood but never actually took part in, aside from obsessively playing golf video games ever since I was introduced to Hot Shots Golf in 1998. But video games are a far cry from the real thing, and my problem is an utter ignorance of how to go about playing for real.

I know only what you learn from playing golf video games for over a decade: I know the clubs, I know the rules, I know the terminology, I know what factors (wind, grass, grade, spin, etc) affect the ball. Nothing, and I mean nothing, else. If it's not in a golf video game, I don't know it.

Searching online for how to get started has proved mostly useless. I've learned what clothing is considered appropriate, and little else. I need to know how to get started from step one, not how to get started once I know that I have any business whatsoever on a course. I assume that you don't simply buy a set of clubs and find a course and proceed to embarrass yourself in front of the seasoned golfers.

I'm thinking that maybe step one would be to find a driving range that gives you a driver and a bucket of balls and learn how to hit the ball in a straight line, but my ignorance is such that I don't even know if they have dedicated driving ranges or if they're generally part of a full course. Are there practice courses? I've read about group lessons for beginners, but I have no interest in taking lessons from anyone, since I learn best by doing things myself.

You usually have driving ranges in near big cities--but in tiny towns, you may just have a golf course.

Half your score is putting--so you want to practice that as well, before getting on a golf course.

I learned golf from my father when I was in grade school--took a me a couple swings to get to the green.

I live in Oklahoma City, and there are even more golf courses in the phone book than I would have expected. Five of them alone are listed under “golf practice ranges.” Four of these are also listed under “golf courses,” so I guess the fifth is just a driving range and nothing else. Unfortunately, the book doesn’t specify which courses are private, public, and municipal.

It seems like most people who play started when they were kids, picking it up from their parents. Maybe that accounts for the utter lack of information I’m able to find on getting started, aside from borderline useless tips like “don’t immediately buy a bunch of expensive equipment.” I assume that some day I’ll just buy a cheap starter club set and drop by a practice range and start swinging with every club, and then move on to putting. It’s not like anyone’s willing to tell me how else to go about it.

http://www.purgatorygolf.com/book/complete.html
This web page looks pretty good.

Rather than buy a cheap set, I'd buy a putter and a 4 iron, to learn how to putt and swing a golf club for distance/accuracy.

Golf courses have professional golfers who teach golf--sort of like automobile driving lessons in which it is very helpful to have someone immediately judge what you are doing.

I’m still having trouble finding basic information on where to go when you want to start golfing. All of this beginner information is how to grip the club, proper swing, etc. It assumes that you know where to go in the first place. I’m guessing you just go to a practice range and start swinging. I’ll be sure to load up on the aforementioned information before doing that so I’ll have some basic knowledge when I get there. I’m still averse to the idea of teachers or instructors of any kind, since I’m one of those people who did horribly in school not because I was stupid but because the teaching methods of others never work for me and I have to teach myself. I’m not sure what equipment I’ll buy. I have a bad tendency to buy too much when indulging in a new interest, but I’ll likely just grab a driver, iron, and putter. Anyway, thanks for the help.

I thought I'd bump this thread instead of starting a new one.

I had my second golf lesson this evening, at a local driving range. The lessons are free - I'm in a group of 12 - and we were all given a 7 iron to practice with. You have to pay for the balls at about £9 for 100 which you just hit off onto the range.

Someone at my church recommended the place to me, and I found out about the lessons and booked them online. I've booked 6 group beginners lessons and I'll take it from there. They also do individual lessons which are quite expensive and drop in group lessons which are cheaper. In between lessons you can just go along to the range, pay for balls, and find a space for yourself to practice.

I'm really enjoying it!

Hi Marcia,

Glad you are taking up golf--I think it may be one of the better sports for Aspies--the social interaction is quite stylized--and it isn't acceptable to interrupt others in entire process of taking a swing--just what we need! Have fun!

If you want to start out in golf, you will definitely need lessons. Not maybe, definitely! There are so many factors that go into getting a good swing, that it will be nearly impossible to learn without hands-on instruction. Putting is pretty easy to pick up on the other hand though, you can just go out to the putting green at a course and practice there! The key is to keep your arms and wrists straight when you putt.

I can't understand why you don't ask me for advice..I am golf professional since the early 90's, and have Aspergers. I did offer it,but nobody takes up the opportunity....it's so sad.

I only had the three lessons, then missed the final three of the course, but I did enjoy it. It's very satisfying when you hit the ball properly - a good feeling!

Maybe I'll ask for advice when I get going again. Thanks for the offer.

Hi,shame you missed the last three lessons. Maybe golf wasn't for you? I am sure if you went to a public course you could teach yourself, but you need buckets of patience. Good luck.

Just book up a course of lessons, between each one leave2-4 weeks so you can practise what the Pro showed and taught you. Dropin lessons annoy the trainer, if you book in advance he will take you seriously, and your lessons will be more enjoyable and productive.
I get highly anxious and annoyed if someone also asks spontaneuosly for a lesson.