Golf - starting off

[southdown]

Just taken up golf a few weeks ago.  Really enjoying but I am completely useless.  Bought a few clubs etc to get me going and playing on a fairly average 9 hole course to get me started.

Driving is where I struggle, always seems to slice off to the right.

Is anybody is the same boat?  Any tips?

[sammymaguire]

You need about 12 lessons to get you going

[southdown]

How much roughly would they cost?  Iv came accross a few videos on youtube which are quite useful but I think I will need lessons.

[laoislad]

Keep your head down!!!!!

Also maybe don't use a driver off the tee to start.
If you're only starting you'll probably hit a 5 iron as far and it will be easier to hit straight.
There are rounds now even that I never use a driver at all and just use a 3 hybrid off the tee.

[southdown]

Iv found that a good whack on the 5 iron is more reliable in terms of going straight and almost as far.  Going again tonight with a few of the lads, great old craic and nobody takes it too seriosuly.

[ziggy90]

Iv found that a good whack on the 5 iron is more reliable in terms of going straight and almost as far.  Going again tonight with a few of the lads, great old craic and nobody takes it too seriosuly.

That's what I like about it, oh and the 19th hole. A few lessons will do you the world of good and will add a helluva a lot to your enjoyment of the game.

[laoislad]

Iv found that a good whack on the 5 iron is more reliable in terms of going straight and almost as far.  Going again tonight with a few of the lads, great old craic and nobody takes it too seriosuly.

That's the main thing.
Hate playing with fellas who take it too serious.

If you hit it as far with 5i then use that, you have plenty of time to learn how to use a driver.

[anglocelt39]

Chat with a few lads locally that play the game.

Find out the details of somebody in your locality who is considered a good teacher for somebody at your stage.

Organize 3 or 4 lessons. If teacher is any good will be a guy who gives you no more than 2 or 3 things to focus on.

If you have a driving range close  by, use it to work on the few things you've been told to focus on. Work, work, work. Ideal during winter so you are set up for the new season.

The lessons should cost you no more than €120 or so and will be a huge investment in many years of enjoyment. Final bit, a teacher that can send you on a few video lessons is very useful.

Great thing about golf is the handicap system which means there is room for everybody.

Best of luck.

Once you've got to a certain level of confidence, join either a club or society and compete.

[ballela-angel]

Southdown - Taking a handful of lessons will shorten the learning curve considerably - Self taught folks generally find that they have to unlearn many of their early golfing habits and that can be a long, painfull process - There's some good instructors around the 'Point - Good luck with it!

[Bud Wiser]

If you download V1 Golf App you will find it is a big help.