Tips for a first timer on the driving range?

[MX2]

Looks like I am finally going to be able to make it to the driving range within the next couple of weeks. I have been wanting to try golfing for quite awhile so I am a tad excited about it

Any tips from the ATOT golf pros?

 

[KLin]

Get some lessons.

 

[MX2]

Originally posted by: KLin
Get some lessons.

Boo. Learning can happen without lessons.

 

[Gunslinger08]

Don't throw the club.

 

[iamme]

Originally posted by: MX2times

Originally posted by: KLin
Get some lessons.

Boo. Learning can happen without lessons.

normally true, but a proper golf swing is pretty tough to master. if it's your first time, just don't get discouraged

oh yeah, and keep your head down

 

[imported_LoKe]

Just let the club drop, eventually, start following through with a bit of power. Eventually you'll have a nice, clean shot.

 

[arcas]

My first time to the driving range, I managed to hit a couple balls that damn near went off at 90 degrees. Of course, I was trying to see how far I could hit.

My advice is unless you're just goofing off, don't even bring a driver. Just bring your 4, 6 and maybe 9 irons. Work on your short to mid range shots first. Once you're reasonably accurate with those, then worry about your driving.

 

[heelside23]

Don't take tips from people who are standing on the tee next to you. They probably don't know what they're talking about. There is a lot of advice that you will receive. If you keep thinking of all of the proper postures and miss the ball, what good do they do? I found that focusing too much on the mechanics hurts your swing. Just get the basics down and practice, practice, buy a punching bag, practice, switch to a different sport, practice, and finally... you'll start hitting fine.

 

[AU Tiger]

Have fun. I'd start with 6 iron or some other mid iron. Don't go for the driver right away.

 

[MX2]

I understand its difficult to master, but I am not trying for the PGA I just want this first time outting to be fun more than anything

 

[shimsham]

keep your head down was the best advice i ever got. i still suck, tho.

edit: oh, and a few beers to loosen you up. any more than that and itll just make it worse.

 

[Random Variable]

I've been golf-deprived since October.

 

[Random Variable]

generally speaking, the less components your swing has and the more it resembles the motion of a pendulum, the better

 

[Mo0o]

if you dig your club into the ground beforey ou make contact, it's going to hurt

 

[Cawchy87]

Don't use your driver. Start out with your Pitching wedge or nine iron. once you can consistantly hit your lower irons, move up from there.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: Random Variable
I've been golf-deprived since October.

September here... But the good news is in three more months I'll be able to play at midnight if I want.

 

[Cawchy87]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: Random Variable
I've been golf-deprived since October.

September here... But the good news is in three more months I'll be able to play at midnight if I want.

September for me too, and forcasters are saying that the next 2 months are going to be cold

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Cawchy87
Don't use your driver. Start out with your Pitching wedge or nine iron. once you can consistantly hit your lower irons, move up from there.

QFT

You will not hit your higher irons if you cannot hit your lower ones.

Also, don't be your left elbow, don't try to hit the ball(as in let the club drop, don't pull it down)

 

[ahartman]

Originally posted by: arcas
My first time to the driving range, I managed to hit a couple balls that damn near went off at 90 degrees. Of course, I was trying to see how far I could hit.

For the love of god, please go to a range with walls on the sides of the stalls. Nothing sucks worse than getting hit in the ankles by some first timer 3 stalls down.

 

[everman]

Stick with a 6 or 7 iron. Don't try to hit the ball hard at first, just work on making contact with a short swing. It takes a long time to develop a good swing.
<-- taking lessons at school

 

[MX2]

That was fantastic! I had a blast for the two hours I was at the driving range Ending up using some kind of wood with 10 degrees marked on it. I dont recall exactly which wood it was.

At first I was only hitting the ball about 50 feet, but after a little while I was able to figure out some things that did and didnt work and ended up being able to hit the ball to the 100 and 150 markers fairly regularly.

I knew I would like golfing!

Only bad thing.....I am feeling the soreness in those muscles that I apparently dont use for day to day activity