Golf Forums - Starting Out At Golf. .

Hi All,

Having just finished an 'Introduction to Golf' course at my local driving range and have now been bitten by the bug and wish to take things forward. . .

I am going to visit a few local clubs with a view to joining one. Does anyone have any tips on what I should look for or any general advice on joining a club?

Thanks
Harry

Harry,

I think golf clubs are all pretty much of a muchness - particularly where the members are concerned! Members clubs afford more opportunity to play at short notice, which is a good thing if you are working, and you'll find it easier to build up a circle of regular playing partners. Distance from home is another factor: if you've got a couple of hours spare after work, it makes sense to only travel a few miles to the club. Personally, I think the most important thing is to LIKE the course itself, so I would advise you to try several in your vicinity, narrow it down to 2 or 3 then make a decision after you've played them more than once.

Good luck!

Whereas I think they are far from a much of a muchness. You will find some clubs that are very traditional and the some of the membership can come across as quite stuffy. Others are far more relaxed and have a more modern, younger feel to them. The main priority must naturally be whether you like the course and you can only do this by playing. If you are going to be playing regularly then I would certainly join a club, but then again, you may prefer to play different courses. The downside here is that you need to book in advance. I am currently looking to join a club in East Yorkshire and there are two so far that appeal. I went to see the Pro at one and he has already invited me to play a complimentary round, which helps when you are making choices. Another option is to find a club that has additional facilities such as a gym and swimming pool if this interests you. these places tend to have a good social buzz and much more interaction between male and female members. Good luck ... and why won't it let you put paragraphs in? !

Ok Harry and carol ... how did you get your paragraphs? I put paras in and it simply ran it all together :confused:

I think once you have found the course you like and you have decided if the additional options of gyms etc suit you. Then decide when you can play. If you are a weekend man only then see what / if they have a swindle that anyone can join. Some swindles only take <= 18 handicap. IS that you? If you are a weekday man see what is going on in the week.

I left a club as i changed my playing times from sat am to mid week and found it ws taken up by ladies and vets groups. Another club i played  was god midweek as a lot of the golfers were taxi drivers but the swindle was pretty much closed. They didn't like new people joining in as most had been members there for years and thought they owned the course.

Check it all out before you pay your money.

Hi Harry,

               See your a 28 handicapper. Get some advice from your County Golf Union regards the difficulty of courses. Best to learn to play to a reasonable standard on an easier course than lose heart by taking on a hard course that (hopefully) in 2/3 years time you will be able to cope with.

It's good for the ego too if you see your handicap tumble from the 28 starting point reasonably quickly. 

Good advice from Carol & Steve, suggest you take that on board also.

If you can, try to play with golfers on a lower handicap than yours. When I started (seriously) I used to play with a good friend who was off 8 handicap - you learn so much in just 2/3 rounds of golf on simply how to "get the ball around".

Great game for life.  

Hi Harry,

I am a member at the Club at Mapledurham, which I don't think is far from you.

Its a good club for beginners/average golfers. Its a well kept course and not too long, but still interesting.

Its also got a gym and swimming pool which is really good.

Let me know if you want to play some time and I can show you the facilities,

Nick