Beginner's Golf
If you're just getting started
Or thinking about it

If you live in Tucson, Arizona and don't play golf, that's dandy. But Tucson is a golfer's Mecca, so don't be surprised if peer pressure mounts, and you ultimately end up making the decision to start playing. If you do make that decision, this brief article might offer an idea a two to help you launch your new game.

Check out one of the other articles on buying golf clubs. You'll need some 'sticks' to get started. Once you're outfitted with your level of clubs, you'll be ready to 'hit the links.'

As with any sport, the key to improvement is practice. So when you first take up golf, you have to ask yourself where you should practice. You have several options available, and you can practice some things, like putting and grip, anywhere. But the best place for a beginner to refine their golfing proficiency is at one of Tucson's driving ranges. The driving range is an easy place to examine your swing and begin your golfing career. At the driving range, you can hit a bucket load of golf balls without being concerned about score, or where the balls go. At driving ranges, unlike out on the golf course, nobody will mind if your shots are uncontrolled and undirected.

Tucson also offers driving ranges with practice putting greens, chipping areas, and even the golfer's bane, sand-filled bunkers. These are all superb practice areas for any golfer, including golfing beginner. This is also a great way to brush up on nearly every aspect of your game.

Golf calls on you to train your body to do several things simultaneously, and in specific sequence. As humans, we are only able to think about and do one thing at a time. And we require lots of repetition to really teach our bodies to reproduce an action with fidelity. Driving ranges allow us to focus on a single element of our swing, our stance, or our grip – without thinking about anything else. Also, in a full round of 18-holes, you will basically hit only 18 drives, or less. And there will be lots of time between each drive. This does not allow you to refine your swing. Standing at the driving range and hitting ball after ball allows you to quickly make adjustments for improving your swing, and ultimately your game. A beginner should plan on practicing for five hours, for every hour of course play. Driving range practice is also much cheaper than course play practice. So you get to save money while you learn.

If you're having trouble with your swing, there is the option of practicing your swing in your own backyard. When you're practicing with your driver in your yard, it may be best to leave the golf balls in your golf bag – unless you have an exceptionally large yard! There are, however, some things you can purchase that will allow you to practice with your driver right in your own back yard. There are balls designed to travel only a few yards, no matter how hard you hit them. There are also nets that you erect, and then hit into. These nets safely catch and stop the balls.

When you are genuinely comfortable with your practice, and ready to play a real game, don't try to jumping into the deep end. Tucson has some incredibly challenging, professional level golf courses. Ask a golfing buddy which course is better for a beginner. If your buddy doesn't know, call the course you're interested in and ask the pro about its difficulty level. Believe me, some courses can be much tougher than others! The point is, before you make plane reservations to head to St. Andrews, try some easier, confidence-building courses. It's another level of practice.

Good practice courses are ones that are "par-3 courses." These courses are usually 9-hole courses that are pretty easy – yet still challenging. These small courses are really perfect for practice games because you can more rapidly practice your skills, including some intense, varied putting practice. Par-3 courses are kind of like training wheels for golfers, but make no mistake, they will be more than challenging enough. In other words, don't expect to shoot par, and don't be disappointed when you don't. With golf, more than with many games, you must hone all of your skills to master the game, and the only way to do that is with practice – lots and lots of practice.

When you're ready for the full blown 18-hole golfing experience, again, ask around for some recommendations from people who are in the know. I'd suggest a longer course for your first full outing. If possible, get on one with limited hazards such as water and sand traps. These traps have a way of lessening a golfer's positive experience, and your first time should be as positive as possible. Look for the longest, most wide open golf courses. These courses will challenge you, and reward you with an enjoyable, confidence-building experience that will also improve your game.

Good luck!

For a complete listing of Tucson Arizona golf courses, including course information, championship rating and slope click here

For a complete listing of golf courses in the area surrounding Tucson Arizona, including course information, championship rating and slope click here

Golf Sites and Forums that offer more information:

http://forums.golfreview.com/
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/golf/
http://boards.rivals.net/default.asp?sid=1398&p=16
http://www.iznadgolf.com/golfforum.html
http://www.lowprogolf.com/cfbb/
http://www.oilcontrol.it/dg/dgindexe.shtml
http://www.network54.com/Forum/403301
http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/
http://golf.about.com/mpboards.htm
http://forum.ottawagolf.com