Is Golf even for you?
(if you haven’t read the previous Starting from Scratch posts, I strongly suggest that you do)
As much as how so many of us love it. Golf just isn’t for everyone. It requires time, money, patience, and practice. Plenty and plenty of practice. How much practice actually depends on which type of golfer you intend to be.
There are three types of Golfers. The first is the Casual golfer. Someone who occasionally goes out to the range with friends, and attempts to hit their Driver a little bit further than last time. They play a round of golf with friends, or attend the company golf tournament just a few times a year. They could really care less about their score, and as a result have no clue what their handicap is. Every round begins in eager anticipation of the 19th hole. If that adequately describes you then lucky you. I wish that was me to be honest. It would make things so much easier. To maintain that level of readiness doesn’t require a lot of practice. Of course a few trips to the range, and maybe a lesson or two until you’ve developed a basic swing is necessary in the beginning. After that though just one or two range sessions per month is all that’s required.
The second type of golfer is the serious golfer. The amount of dedication required to maintain this level of readiness is significantly increased. Now your score actually matters, and obviously that iincludes your handicap. You value consistency over distance. While the casual golfer probably loves their Driver most. The serious golfer is most likely enamoured with their Putter or Wedges. It isn’t enough to be good. You strive to become better. To actually accomplish your goals you will need to practice 3 or 4 times a month, and play at least once each month. You will probably need a group of like minded friends. Together you’re able to judge each other’s progress. When I started playing golf I thought that this was the type of player I would be.
I was totally mistaken!
The third type of golfer is the competitive golfer. Maybe obsessive golfer would be a more appropriate name. Took me about nine months before I realized that I was one. To be fair I’m obsessive about most things, but life has taught me to set realistic goals. I got into golf with the goal of hitting the ball relatively straight so that eventually I would be able to play bogey golf. In my estimation an 18 handicap would qualify me as a serious golfer. Well, my current golf routine includes 1 range session per week, 1 round of golf per week, at least 100 putts per week on my practice mat, 1 hour of chipping and putting practice at a course facility, and I’ve added a stretching routine designed to increase my body rotation. I’d probably do more except my time management, and physical limitations prevent me from doing so. I’ve been maintaining this practice routine for 4 months now. Before that the Canadian weather prevented me from getting out on a course. I did get in as much practice as I could on simulators though.
Last season was my first full season playing golf. I began the season practicing 2 or 3 times a month with the odd round thrown in. I ended the season practicing every week. Golf has a way of doing that. It tends to increase your interest over time. So be sure to consider that when you decide if golf is for you.
That’s some serious ball abuse!
Beginner’s guide to Golf
