ShareThisBy RICK MARTINO
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Golf can be a very intimidating game for anyone, let alone beginners. Not only are the elements of the swing and the short game difficult to master, but also the subtleties of the game can be mystifying for people who are just taking it up.
With that in mind, I thought it might be helpful to devote some time to what people can expect during a round of golf, from beginning to end.
_ USE A CADDIE
When you arrive at the course, inquire whether caddies are available. If they are, I suggest supporting the program by taking a caddie. This is the most traditional way to play and the caddie is very helpful with local information and history.
It's not that I have anything against golf carts, particularly for people with injuries or ailments who might not otherwise be able to play. But typically, caddie programs have been an excellent way for young people to earn some money and be exposed to a sport.
A good caddie can make the round more enjoyable by being good company and by giving you information that might lower your score. A caddie can provide information on yardage, club selection, reading the greens and the layout of the course.
However, if you do take a cart, pay careful attention, follow direction signs and avoid areas around the greens and roped off areas.
_ GET COURSE INFORMATION
Upon your arrival, it's a good idea to ask if restrooms and beverage carts are located on the course, and if there are course rules such as the requirement that golf cars be driven to and from the ball on a 90-degree angle from the cart path.
You should also ask how the course is marked, where yardages to the green are marked and if any part of the course is under repair.
_ TAKE TIME TO WARM UP
Try to arrive early enough to give yourself time to warm up properly. It's important to do some stretching exercises before you begin hitting balls, since this will help guard against any injuries and help you get a feel for your swing.
The practice range is the place for warm up. If time allows, work your way through the bag, beginning with the short irons, moving onto the middle and long irons and then the woods.
It's often a good idea to finish warming up by hitting a few soft wedge shots before heading for the practice green and hitting a few putts.
Keep in mind that very often, the practice green will not match the speed and slope of the greens on the course _ and remember, the point of all this is to hit just enough shots to warm up. Don't hit hundreds of balls and leave your game on the practice tee.
_ LEARN THE LOCAL RULES
On the first tee, check the scorecard to learn any local rules. Local rules apply only to the specific course you are playing and are designed to enhance your golf experience at that course.
Our next column will focus on your expected behavior and responsibilities while on the course.
(Rick Martino is the director of instruction for the PGA of America and teaches at the PGA Learning Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He can be reached at (800) 800-GOLF or pgalearningcenter@pgahq.com.)
