GETTING STARTED in Golf

In this post, I will try to give you all the information to get you started for the golf season. You need to feel comfortable to continue playing golf. There are too many ladies quitting the game because they feel intimidated and uncomfortable. Hopefully this will help.

Buying Golf Equipment

When it is time to buy golf clubs they must be custom fitted to ensure they are suitable for the body type and swing motion of each individual.

Custom fitting includes the three parts of the golf club; head, shaft and grip.

• Head – look for head style and lie angle.
• Shaft – look for shaft type; steel or graphite, flex and length.
• Grip – look for style and thickness.

Custom Fitting determines these specifications.

Why Custom fit?

A properly fitted club will enable a golfer to most consistently hit shots in the center of the clubface aimed directly at a target.

Myth – “ I am not good enough to be club fit. I could use any equipment and it wouldn’t work”.

A golf club that is not fitted properly can affect a golfers swing motion negatively. A golfer will make adjustments in their swing motion, 
regardless of club used, to get a center hit aimed at the target. Most times this doesn’t work out.

Where can I get Custom Fitted and how much will it cost?

Most professional shops at golf courses offer this service. When looking for equipment an appointment can be arranged with a
 trained CPGA professional (me if you live in or near Victoria).

The cost of the fitting is usually included in the price of the equipment. However if this is not the case, a fitting will cost $35.00 to $50.00. A fitting will take 30 – 45 minutes in length.

What clubs do I need to get started?

A new golfer can start out with a modified set of clubs.

• One wood (5 or 7-wood)
• Four irons (5, 7, 9, PW, or SW)
• Putter
• Bag
• Balls and tees

A beginning golfer can get nicely equipped with woods, irons, putter, and a bag for as little as $350.00. For this price you can have your equipment perfectly suited to your needs.

Booking a Tee-Time

• Phone the Pro Shop at the course you would like to play.
• Ask if they make tee-times and if so, how far in advance can you make a booking.
• If possible, request a tee-time for your preferred day.
• Book your tee-time. Your time may sound odd like 11:23.
• It is very important for you to be there in plenty of time to tee off at that time.
• Tee times often run on 8 or 9-minute intervals so be ready to play at your time.
• Ask about present course conditions. For example, is the course really wet, are the greens in good condition, how long will it take to complete your round.
• Enquire about the dress code.
• Ask the price of the green fees for 18 or 9 holes

Choosing which tees to play

Tee selection should be made based on your skill level rather than gender.

Select the tee, which will allow you to reach the green on most holes in two shots less than the par if you hit good shots. For example, you should play the forward tees until you can comfortably reach most of the par-4 holes in two shots.

Remember, golf is supposed to be fun. Playing the golf course shorter will make it more enjoyable until your skill level warrants a bigger challenge.

This should be enough information to get you started in the right direction, but if you have any more questions please leave a comment as I know you won’t be the only one with that question.

Why Women Need a Driver in the Bag

This is a very important subject for me. Women using a DRIVER!!!!! I am tired of hearing that women should NOT be using a driver. This is CRAZY!!! If you get the proper driver, everyone should be using a driver, no matter what sex you are.

Don’t Use the Wrong Equipment

Most women should not be using men’s clubs. It is very common to use your husbands hand me downs, but unfortunately the clubs will 
be too heavy and the shaft will be too stiff. They will also most likely be too long. This will result in lots of bad habits and usually these
habits will make you not enjoy the game as mush as you should.

Buying Golf Equipment

• Try before you Buy – hit the clubs to see proper ball flight.
• When it is time to buy golf clubs they must be custom fitted to ensure they are suitable for the body type and swing motion of each individual.
• Custom fitting includes the three parts of the golf club; head, shaft and grip.
  • Head – look for head style and lie angle.
  • Shaft – look for shaft type; steel or graphite, flex and length.
  • Grip – look for style and thickness.

Why Custom fit?

A properly fitted club will enable a golfer to most consistently hit shots in the center of the clubface aimed directly at a target.

Myth – “I am not good enough to be club fit. I could use any equipment and it wouldn’t work”.

A golf club that is not fitted properly can affect a golfer’s swing motion negatively. A golfer will make adjustments in their swing motion, 
regardless of club used, to get a center hit aimed at the target. Most times this doesn’t work out.

Where can I get Custom Fitted and how much will it cost?

Of course, if you live in Victoria, I would be happy to custom fit you.  If you don’t live nearby, most professional shops at golf courses offer this service. When looking for equipment an appointment can be arranged with a
 trained CPGA professional.

The cost of the fitting is usually included in the price of the equipment.

However if this is not the case, a fitting will cost $35.00 to $50.00.

A fitting will take 30 – 45 minutes in length.

I hope this is helpful.  Please let let me know if you have questions about golf equipment for women.