Learn to play golf - both sides of the game

I think it is very important that people starting to play the game of golf understand that there are almost two completely separate areas of golf to learn before you can really start to notice huge improvements in scoring on the golf course. I'm not talking about full swing & putting, chipping & pitching etc but the technical aspects of the game and also simply learning to play the game. It is the reason that as a beginner it can take a while to take what you learn on the range onto the golf course.

Learn the technical aspects

This is the full swing, pitching, chipping, bunkers and putting. The only way to do this is with your PGA Professional so that you can learn the correct technique from a professional, this will stop you from developing bad habits and also give you the tools to be able to go away and practice with drills and games so you can continue to progress and measure your progress. It is important that if you make the decision to carry out lessons then make sure you practice what you are taught. Turning up once a week for a lesson with nothing done in between will severely slow down your progress, trust me there is nothing better than hearing your pupils have been practicing hard between lessons.

Learn to play golf

This is basically what happens when you have a scorecard in your hand on the golf course. Getting out on the golf course and away from the controlled and sometimes flattering area of the driving range can at first be daunting. However you have got to get used to it and learn to look forward to it. The range is a safe haven where bad shots don't matter you just have another go, bays align you easily and mats disguise bad strikes. It is natural to tense up a little but by getting out there you will begin to get used to the situation and control yourself better.

The other side of this is learning that it doesn't have to be perfect. At the end of a day it is a number that goes on the scorecard not a competition of how pretty it was. You need to learn to get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible.

When to do what........

Traditionally once the technique is learnt then the player will venture onto the golf course, and if you are at a private club that may have to be the case unless you can get out with your pro. However if you are at a course that gives you access to a course, ideally a little par 3, then get out there. The worst thing is when people have worked their backsides off to get out on the course and then come in after their first round give you the common comment 'wow, that was so different to the range'. Get out there, avoid that shock element and go and play some golf. You need to learn what you are working towards and what you actually need to achieve.

These are my feelings on beginner golf. I always want my players playing rather than just being range junkies. I would recommend you adopt that as well. Yes you need to practice, everyone does including the top players in the world, but get out there and play loads too. That is the reason you take up the game at the end of the day.

Good luck

Dan Gale
PGA Professional

Dan is a fully qualified member of the PGA & a certified TPI Instructor

Check out his website at www.dangalegolf.com