The Golf Course - A Beginner's Guide

That first trip to the golf course can be very intimidating, as every golfer knows. There's so much to remember, so much to learn...or so it seems. You can ease that self-inflicted pressure a bit by "doing your homework". So, where do you begin? As a beginner golfer, one of the first things you will need to familiarize yourself with is the golf course and the terminology associated with it.

Typically golf courses consist of either 9 or 18 holes, each of which will vary in both distance and length. These variations are what makes each hole unique and challenging.

Upon your arrival at the golf course, you'll need to check in at the clubhouse or pro shop. This is where you will pay for your round. Be sure to check on the "pin placement" for that day. This will tell you where the hole or cup placement is on the green. After taking care of business at the pro shop, you'll load your cart and follow the "cart path" to the first tee. Be sure to follow the course rules when driving the golf cart. Some courses ask that you stay on the cart path, some in the fairways and others have no restrictions.

Be sure to have your "scorecard" before beginning your round. The scorecard contains some very useful information such as the distance or "yardage" from each tee to the green, "par", the optimal score for the hole, the handicap rating (1 being most difficult) and some show the layout of the hole. Some courses will have the yardage and layout of each hole at the tee so be sure to check.

Players will begin at the tee box or "tee". Each hole will have 3 - 5 sets of markers. As a beginner, I would suggest starting at the forward most markers (the ones closest to the green). Your ball should be placed anywhere between the 2 markers and can be placed up to 2 club lengths behind the markers.

Hopefully, after teeing off, your ball will end up in the "fairway". This is the area between the tee and the green that's nicely manicured and the easiest place from which to hit your next shot. There will be some form of "yardage markers" in the fairway which will indicate the distance from that marker to the center of the green. This is very useful information when determining which club to use. The taller grass that surrounds the fairway is known as the "rough". On some courses, as is the case at my local golf course, there will also be lots of trees in this area. As a rule of thumb, it's better to hit a shorter shot in the fairway than a long shot in the woods!

On your journey through the course, you're sure to run into some "hazards". These can be man-made or natural. Some courses have ponds strategically placed throughout the course while others may have a creek or even a lake that was there before the course was built. These are known as "water hazards". Sand traps or "bunkers" can be located next to the fairway or up close to the green. Keep in mind, when you land in a bunker, or any hazard, you cannot ground your club prior to hitting the ball.

"Out of bounds" areas are usually marked with white stakes. Unfortunately, if your ball lands in one of these areas, you must add a penalty stroke, move your ball back to its original location and hit again.

Typically at the end of the fairway, there are markers indicating where you must exit the fairway with the golf cart. Beyond these markers is the "approach". This is the area leading up to the green. The grass is typically the same length as that in the fringe.

The "green" is where you'll finish the hole. The grass is typically cut very close. The area around the green is known as the "fringe". Again, the "cup" or hole is marked by a pin or "flagstick". Once you've putted your ball into the cup, you've finished the hole.

In a nutshell, these are the basics of every golf course. There's no need to "memorize" everything as it will stick with you over time. If you're like me, you'll find yourself silently quizzing yourself while you're on the course. Now, take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the game.

PJ Greene is a golf entusiast and co-owner of a successful driving range and pro-shop

Essential Steps for a More Enjoyable Golf Learning Experience

When I decided to take up golf, I was told, "you'll either love it or you'll hate it". I was somewhat familiar with the game but I had never actually played. My husband, who is an avid golfer, had tried for years to get me to play. He knew if I just tried it, I would love it. I finally gave in and, needless to say, he was right. I love this game!

One very important thought to keep in mind when you're first learning the game is that everyone started where you're starting - even the pros. Some start earlier than others, some may have more natural ability, some have no fear...we're all different but we all started where you're starting.

To get you on your way, I've outlined below some essential steps toward making your journey into the game a little more enjoyable.

#1 - Schedule a lesson
Contact a golf course or driving range and sign up for a lesson or clinic. The golf pro will teach you how to address the ball along with proper stance, grip and swing techniques. These skills are essential for the beginner. We've all heard the phrase, "practice makes perfect" but in this case, as my husband would say, if you practice with the wrong techniques, your practices will make your swing perfectly wrong.

#2 - Familiarize yourself with the game.
I had the luxury of being married to my "coach" so I had instant answers to most of my questions however, I also read books and magazine articles, watched a video or two and even started watching golf on television, something I never thought I'd do. Learn the various parts of the golf course, score-keeping, proper attire, etc. One very important aspect of the game that could use some extra attention is golf etiquette. These are the "do's and don'ts" which can help make or break your day on the course, not to mention everyone else's day.

#3 - Practice, practice, practice!
One can never get enough practice. In the beginning, your swing will be uncomfortable and awkward feeling. You'll work muscles you didn't realize you had! Practice your swing as taught in your lessons. If you're having trouble, it may be helpful to video your lesson - It may be more clear to you if you see yourself in action. Your instructor may even suggest one or more training aids available to help you master the swing. Eventually, your swing will begin to feel more natural and comfortable to you, so much so that you'll be able to tell immediately when you've made a bad swing.

#4 - Equipment
If you really want to get the most from your game, you'll want to arm yourself with the best equipment for you. Now, this doesn't necessarily mean you need to run out and buy the most expensive set of clubs you can find. I started out with just a few clubs. My husband had a driver, a 5 iron and a putter for me to use. They weren't exactly the perfect fit but close enough for the moment. I'll admit, I didn't want to invest any more than necessary because I really didn't know if I would want to play or not. On our first trip to the course, we played the front nine. We didn't keep score because the main focus was making contact with the ball. I discovered during this trip that I could hit the ball. My husband was so excited that he bought me a new driver and 5 wood that day. Later, a new putter. Then new irons. Borrowed or 'hand-me-down' clubs are fine when you're starting out. Replace them as your game warrants or when you feel like you're ready. Either way, I would suggest seeking the advice of a golf professional prior to making a purchase as there is a wide variety of clubs from which to choose.

#5 - Setting Goals/Keeping Score
Eventually you'll become more comfortable and you'll hit the ball more consistantly. Now you'll want to set some goals and keep your score. I'm one of those people who wants to see the results on paper or, in this case, the score card. My score started out well in the 100's for 18 holes. Each time I played I set a goal to score better than my previous round, even if only by 1 stroke. I only average about 12 rounds during the summer so I thought it would take forever to break into the 90's but at the end of my second summer, I made that goal. If you're scoring in the low 120's, set your goal for 115 - 120. Once consistantly there, set it for 110 - 115. This type of goal is motivating to me. You'll need to set reasonable goals that will motivate you. Play when you can and, before you know it, your improvements will be evident on your score card.

I used to ask "how can anyone enjoy chasing a golf ball around all day?" Now I know...the challenge, the scenery, the friendships. It's more than just a game!

PJ Greene is a golf entusiast and co-owner of a successful driving range and pro-shop.