Hi, i am a beginner and i'm wanting some friendly advice please. im really enjoying my group lessons and i go on the driving range at every opportunity as I'm loving it so much and im itching to get a a proper course (nine hole course) but was wondering when is the right time to take the plunge? I don't want to embarrass myself as i dont hit very far yet usually 50-80 yrds with my 5 iron (don't laugh) x

Just pick the right time and go out on the course when it's not busy.

I'd say give a weekend morning a miss, but you can get out late afternoon on a weekend and not see anybody else on the course.

Russ

Welcome to our wonderful sport.

My own tips for having fun on the golf course: (i) I set off on the 10th hole at first light. (ii) Take a lightweight waterproof top. This keeps you warm before the sun rises, and is not heavy to carry later on. It can also be useful for keeping dry and for sitting on without being bitten by crawlies. (iii) Take a bottle of drinks, and a switched off cell 'phone for emergencies. (iv) Take at least a dozen golf balls, and (v) Don't wear high heels. (vi) Play with a friend for safety. (vii) Carry plasters or plastic skin, or both.

Arrive back at the club house, take a break, and then see if you wish to tackle a further nine holes.

In the U.K. the golf course is one of the few places where you are assumed to be intelligent and allowed to harm yourself: Boiled eggs can be eated before playing without having to wear safety goggles; high visibility jackets are not yet mandatory; there are no 'blind bend' signs every few yards; and golf balls do not have to be fixed to string. There is no sense of freedom quite like being at the golf course. At least for the moment.

Two final thoughts are - please read about golf etiquette before stepping out onto the course. Sadly many beginners appear clueless as to what is expected out there. With freedom comes responsibility.

Also, take out golf insurance. Almost certainly they won't meet any claim (as most insurers are rogues) but you will nevertheless have done everything reasonably expected of you. And, in the unlikely event that someone claims against you it massively takes the pressure off.

P.S. Don't forget - no high heels.

I can steer you in the direction of a 9-hole course in Notts whose Ladies section would be very welcoming and you would find quite a number who would be delighted to hit a 5-iron 50 yards. I can PM you with more info if you are interested.

Hi Samantha, I agree with Russell here. I believe it would be a good idea to ring the course you are planning to play and ask them when it is the most quiet. A Wednesday after 1.30pm and after 3 on a Saturday is normally really quiet on my local course. Good luck and enjoy. Colin.

As per other responses - find a quiet time and also read up on etiquette in case you do come across anyone.

Get on the course though. the fastest way to improve is to increase your confidence and this will come by playing on a course.

Don't expect to hit it like you see on telly, don't expect to hit it as well as you do on the range but persevere as it will come good.

I went through what you are doing 2 years ago (except I couldn't hit higher than a 7 iron for ages) and I promise you it will improve faster the more you practice!

Thanks for your advice peeps @ James Taylor if you could send me the details of the course and ladies section that would be much appreciated.

Ive borrowed a golf book from the library about golf which includes ettiquette and also i have been given a rules handbook after visiting a lincolshire golf clubhouse for a drink last week so ive had my nose stuck in that every spare moment.

I'm thinking of trying the westwood course at norwood park, southwell also lincoln golf centre seem to have a nice course as i take my lessons there.... had a putting lesson today x

Samantha. It's really hard to bite the bullet and actually get out on a course. However hours and hours on the driving range are pretty pointless until you have to start thinking about distances and lies and all the other stuff that get thrown at you during a round. And just remember, no one ever, ever died of embarrassment. We've all been there, done that and scuffed the tee shot!

I would be very surprised if anyone laughed at you Samantha, because we have all been at the beginner stage once. I know Lincoln Golf Centre and think you have a nice venue at which to get started. Just talk to the staff, who will advise you of a good ( quiet) time to play. One tip is to let anyone play through if they are being held up by you. They will appreciate your ettiqutte knowledge and you will lose nothing by the gesture. Good luck.

Sam, best advice for first round, go with a friend that you can have a laugh with (you will need them for moral support as we all have good days & bad days), dont take the first round too seriously and enjoy the fact you are actually taking your virginal steps on the course, laugh off the bad strokes and pat yourself on the back for the good ones, depending on how seriously you are taking the game, make a note of your good points and bad points, come in handy on the practice sessions & lesson times (gives you something to work on), and always remember the golden rule...its meant to be fun !!
tim