Beginner to Bandit
August 20, 2020
Are you put off of starting golf because it ‘takes too long’ or its ‘too expensive’? As I reflect on my beginnings in golf, I realise I may be able to provide a solution.
During my junior years, I spent my entire school holidays at the golf club. My dad would drop me off on his way to work around 7am, then after some haggling to stay longer he’d pick me up on his way home. I was extremely fortunate to be a member of a cub which had a driving range, 9-hole Course and an 18-hole Championship Course. Although, I didn’t join the 18-hole category straight away. Inchmarlo Golf Club was where I honed my ‘skills’. home.
Inchmarlo is a beginner’s paradise and it was there I quickly graduated from range visitor to 9-hole hacker. I remember being fascinated by the ways people of all levels navigated their way down the Par 3 that runs down the side of the driving range.
I simply just had to go and give my Donnay Junior Driver a rip down towards the green. As a wee 11-year-old, I probably hit the big dog, a seven iron and still had a little nine left. - I was on my way and never looked back.
My path to the big course was a long one. Countless circuits; 9 holes, putting green, driving range. I obsessed over practicing the summer camp teachings from my first golf coach and first golf idol. Not only was I implementing the teachings of my coach I was copying the way he practiced, behaved and spoke to his fellow golfers. Before I’d even got my first full set, I was adamant a professional golf career was my calling. That vision still hasn’t come to fruition…yet!
I finally made it up to the big course. Armed with a half set of Mizuno ladies’ clubs I was ready to take on the challenge. In the bag was a 3 wood, Hybrid, 5,7 and 9 iron with a Sand wedge and putter. Some would say that is ill equipped and I do remember really wanting a full set like everyone else. I had to make do and utilise the clubs I had to get me round. My first handicap was 34 which soon tumbled as I was entering every competition I could with the incentive of a full set of clubs when I got down to 20.
Looking back at my start to golf there is so much I would recommend. There’s no getting away from it! It is an expensive sport which takes the best part of half a day to play if you’re heading out for 18. So, instead of forking out for clubs and membership at a club which only has an 18-hole course and a practice net. Take a leaf out of my junior days and get a couple of clubs, learn how to play half shots and don’t turn up at the 18-hole course until you think you can play to a level that doesn’t leave you begging for the 18th before you’ve even reached the halfway point. - Although I still regularly find myself in that position.
By taking this approach not only will it hopefully lead to you becoming a more accomplished golfer capable of playing a variety of different shots. I’m talking pitch and runs, three quarter shots, punch shots….not the tops, thins and shanks we all have on lock. It will also leave a little bit of cash in your pocket. - You’ll need to down your sorrows in the bar after. I should also say at this point that as you develop from beginner to bandit you will naturally become skint anyway due to impulse golf purchases but at least its money spent after becoming hooked and not just another neglected set abandoned at the back of the garage.
In summary, if you’ve been thinking about venturing onto the golf course, get out there. I can guarantee you won’t regret it after striking one sweet for the first time. Just liberate that forgotten set at the back of the garage before splashing out on the “latest and greatest”.
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