I had my first golf lesson a couple days ago… and might I say, it’s fun! I’m an extreme beginner, but it’s so gratifying to hit that ball and watch it sail (or in my case, skid) across the greens. The trouble is that the clubs at the range are too long and heavy for me, so I bought a used ladies’ 9-iron to practice (it only cost $10)… it’s STILL a bit too heavy. I thought about getting a starter set of graphite clubs (I heard it costs around $300), but decided against it for now. Hopefully as I improve (golf-wise and finance-wise), I’ll be able to get something nice.
Due to an arrangement between the school and the driving range, I was able to get range time and instruction for a minimal fee (under $50 for a four-month class). This is the last time in my life that I’ll be able to play golf for such a low price, so I might as well take advantage of it!
Any personal finance bloggers who are also golfers? How did you pick up such an expensive hobby anyway?
Are you learning golf so as to be able to schmooze the good old boys? If so, I think that’s awesome, and funny. Both at the same time.
Among the country-club sports, I prefer tennis to golf. I used to be pretty good, but I’m sure that’s not the case anymore. I haven’t played in years.
English Major - Hehe. To be honest, I figured I should at least get good at ONE sport in my life (I’ve never been active in sports)… and golf seems to be something that someone can always work on. Besides, the accessories? Adorable!
I played golf once or twice a week a few year ago. You really can’t beat the exercise (18 holes is about 5.5 km), and the farmer’s tan (not cool). I’ve played with both steel and graphite shafts, I prefer steel for the control, graphite goes a little further. I’ve only been to the driving range a few time since I started cycling and hiking.
Lesson wise, I’ve taken lessons from a half a dozen or so “pros”. Everyone has their own method, it ends up with them trying to hook you in for another lesson. They can all hit long, straight drives and accurate pitches, they just can’t seem to help me achieve the same
So here is a bro tip. Bring a camcorder to the driving range, and set it up across from where you hit. Film your swing (write down your results after the swings helps), and then watch the tape later. Sorta of like instant replay in pro-sports. You will see little subliminal adjustments your body makes as you draw or swing. The last time I filmed my swing, I noticed I was dropping my elbows too soon, and I was doing something weird with my knees. Correcting the two, took away my shank (at least from 7 to P), and straightened up my shorter irons. Those little movements takes a lot of time to over come, good luck.
Oh it’s always a bonus to find a range that let’s you hit off the grass. It usually costs a little more, but hey cheaper than green fee
EM:
I’ve tried my hand at tennis, it’s a good time (when ever we can find an open court).
Which reminds me, best part about golf, when you are moving to the 17th hole and have a score in the low 120’s. There’s the beer cart, nothing cheers me up faster than a few beers in game
Worst part about golf, that low 120’s score 
Hi Wanda!
I just picked up golf this past summer…after an athletic friend decided I should get more exercise than walking to & from the car! =P
Golf takes so much practice, but it’s great when the ball stops skidding & starts flying…good luck & have fun!
I started golf 2 summers ago & am hooked. Parents got me a set of Nancy Lopez ‘Ashley’ petite women’s clubs (I am 4′10″) and I -love- them! Haven’t been golfing much in the past year due to senior year of college, but now that I am graduated & about to start a full-time job, I will be making this hobby/sport a larger priority in my life