Sly Bald Guys Forum
Various Non-Bald Discussions => Sports Talk => Topic started by: spaceape48 on February 02, 2007, 05:04:05 PM
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So I've always wanted to give golf a try- but I know mostly nothing about the sport. I'm wanting to get a driver to start out, but I don't even know where to begin choosing one. I'm not wanting to spend a load on one as this will be my first attempt. Also, if you know of any websites that give a good tutorial on golf and how to grip the club/swing it, please let me know. Thanks- O0
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Our resident golf veteran is Schro....and as soon as he sees the word "golf" after logging in he'll be all over it.
I would say that for just startin' out, just make sure you find the right length of clubs without skimping TOO much on quality.
My uncle gave me his set of clubs that just happened to be about the right size and have worked fine...never replaced any of them, or added any...including the driver.
Check with a golf pro shop or Sports Authority and talk to a salesperson/instructor that's passionate about the game (as opposed to passionate about selling you something).
Also...without a doubt....the best video/dvd I've EVER watched that helped my game the most is called
"The Little Green Video" by Harvey Pennick.
I talk about it in this thread:
http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=43.msg3055#msg3055
6th post down on page 1...
The whole thread is good...
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Here's a little bit of wisdom:
Drive for show, Putt for dough!
Don't worry about getting a big ol' fancy driver... Get yourself a decent set of clubs, typically a 1-3-5 Wood and 3 - PW irons. Once you practice at the driving range a LOT and play some rounds, then worry about getting a big ol' driver!
Schro can chime in because I think he's the SBG Golf Pro...
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So I've always wanted to give golf a try- but I know mostly nothing about the sport. I'm wanting to get a driver to start out, but I don't even know where to begin choosing one. I'm not wanting to spend a load on one as this will be my first attempt. Also, if you know of any websites that give a good tutorial on golf and how to grip the club/swing it, please let me know. Thanks- O0
Golf wisdome......... Ok I got it,, just ignore the big truck driving buy the course and blasting the air horn just as you take your swing ;D becausr that would be me. ;D
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Just watch the movie "Happy Gilmore". Best golf tutorial available. One of my favorite movies, watched it twice this week on AMC. O0
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Here's a little bit of wisdom:
Drive for show, Putt for dough!
Don't worry about getting a big ol' fancy driver... Get yourself a decent set of clubs, typically a 1-3-5 Wood and 3 - PW irons. Once you practice at the driving range a LOT and play some rounds, then worry about getting a big ol' driver!
Schro can chime in because I think he's the SBG Golf Pro...
Newb question: What does the PW stand for when you said PW irons? I was reading up about clubs some- so wood drivers are less precise than irons? They also mentioned composite drivers as being an in-between? I think I'm going to hold off on getting a whole set of clubs till I get my drive down.
Golf wisdome......... Ok I got it,, just ignore the big truck driving buy the course and blasting the air horn just as you take your swing ;D becausr that would be me. ;D
That's cool, just look out for the ball coming at your windshield. I can see it now, I'll be the only guy hitting balls backwards, away from the range. :D
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wanna make golf more fun? slam a beer for each stroke over par. makes the back nine more interesting. 8)
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Here's a little bit of wisdom:
Drive for show, Putt for dough!
Don't worry about getting a big ol' fancy driver... Get yourself a decent set of clubs, typically a 1-3-5 Wood and 3 - PW irons. Once you practice at the driving range a LOT and play some rounds, then worry about getting a big ol' driver!
Schro can chime in because I think he's the SBG Golf Pro...
Newb question: What does the PW stand for when you said PW irons? I was reading up about clubs some- so wood drivers are less precise than irons? They also mentioned composite drivers as being an in-between? I think I'm going to hold off on getting a whole set of clubs till I get my drive down.
Golf wisdome......... Ok I got it,, just ignore the big truck driving buy the course and blasting the air horn just as you take your swing ;D becausr that would be me. ;D
That's cool, just look out for the ball coming at your windshield. I can see it now, I'll be the only guy hitting balls backwards, away from the range. :D
The PW stands for Pitching Wedge.
I've dabbled in the golf business and I heard questions like this quite a bit. You can get a starter set of clubs with bag included for around $100-$199. I would suggest getting a set with some hybrid clubs. There is nothing wrong with a Sports Authority or other big box, but try to find a Golf USA, Pro Golf, or Golf Galaxy. They will probably have a better selection of starter sets.
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Here's a little bit of wisdom:
Drive for show, Putt for dough!
Don't worry about getting a big ol' fancy driver... Get yourself a decent set of clubs, typically a 1-3-5 Wood and 3 - PW irons. Once you practice at the driving range a LOT and play some rounds, then worry about getting a big ol' driver!
Schro can chime in because I think he's the SBG Golf Pro...
m
Newb question: What does the PW stand for when you said PW irons? I was reading up about clubs some- so wood drivers are less precise than irons? They also mentioned composite drivers as being an in-between? I think I'm going to hold off on getting a whole set of clubs till I get my drive down.
Johnny answered good... 3 iron through Pitching Wedge. The "woods" are not as accurate as the irons because they're longer with more flex in the shaft, but will give you the best distance once you're used to using them.
Don't wait to until you have your drive down to get a whole set of clubs...
http://www.nevadabobs.com/golferswh/default.asp?s_id=1 (http://www.nevadabobs.com/golferswh/default.asp?s_id=1)
http://www.golfgalaxy.com/galaxy/ (http://www.golfgalaxy.com/galaxy/)
http://www.golfusa.com/ (http://www.golfusa.com/)
http://www.golfsmith.com/ (http://www.golfsmith.com/)
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Thanks for all the replies fellas. Might go have a look around at some clubs this week. Will let you guys know how it turns out.
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Many golf shops will offer used clubs. I would recomend either a decent (good shape) used set or basic generic (knock offs) starter set.
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First Off, don't buy OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) gear. This would include name gear like Titleist, Taylor Made, and Ping. They will pin the cost of advertising on buyers b/c they pay endorsement fees to PGA pros to use their gear. Unless having name gear is important to you and your ego, it's really not worth the extra $$$.
For 7 years, I have played Snake Eyes irons made by Golfsmith.com. I had a set of irons custom fit for $220 (incl. shipping) by Jim McLain (www.mclaingolf.com). The custom fitting was performed over the phone with me on speaker phone and taking measurements while writing on the wall with a pencil. Since then, Jim has kept my specs and he builds the best stuff out there. I have tried most equipment out there and have not hit anything better. If you want good equipment at a great price (excuse the corny line), get in touch with Jim and tell him Steve Schroeder sent ya' !!! If you're just starting out, shy away from a driver and any iron longer than a 5 iron. I don't like hybrids (prefer fairway woods), but most teachers and equipment experts universally suggest hybrids. The Snake Eyes line are regarded as some of the best hybrids ever made.
As far as lessons go, that's more of an individual thing. I haven't taken a lesson since 2001, because I have a pretty good idea what works for me and it's just a matter of practice for me. Also, I've played my best golf this last year (handicap down to a 4) by having a few cocktails and relaxing while I play.
Obviously I love talking golf, so feel free to ask me anything.
Schro
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Check out some of the videos made by the golfing great (and fellow Georgian) Bobby Jones. They are compiled from some shorts he made in the 1930's. The man's techniques were flawless then ... and flawless now. Also, a great movie was made about him winning the Grand Slam. It is on video / dvd and stars Jim Caveziel.
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wanna make golf more fun? slam a beer for each stroke over par. makes the back nine more interesting. 8)
Don't think I overlooked this nugget of sound wisdom, Paulie O0
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thought maybe it was another failed attempt. been off the game lately.
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The best golf advise I ever got(several years ago) came from my Father-in-law who still at his age now (65) is a scratch handicap: "Son, you should stick to your crazy sports. Golf is just not the game for YOU!"......Of course he said that right after I took out a window of a house at the country club he belongs too. (true story)
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To use a Valentine Day's theme in this post:
:@` Golf & beer are meant to be together :@`
I need a moment :'(
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:@` Golf & beer are meant to be together :@`
It's the best scenario for me to have any fun at it....good buddies and brew = pressure's off
Have you ever done those stuffed shirt, corporate rounds...where you don't really know the dudes....and either no one's drinking...or their all very "temperate" (a beer or two for every 9 holes) YUCK!!!
The most fun I think I've ever had on a course was when just me and my best buddy from college were the only one's on a 18 hole pitch-n-putt course in beautiful South Carolina....and we had a back pack or two chock full of alcoholic goodies.
We didn't get all sloppy, stupid and obnoxious....just had a really great time at a pace _WE_ chose.
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I know the feeling. I'm fine in both atmospheres, but prefer having some suds and cutting up during the round. The key is being able to concentrate when it's your shot (not drinking shot).
Funny & true story...
Last year, I qualified for the NCGA (NoCal Golf Assoc) Zone Finals (NoCal is divided up into zones...me & a pal represented our home course). After the first day, we were probably two shots off the lead, so we had one of the later tee times in the final round. The finals were at Spyglass Hill. This is one of the nicest, most expensive, and most difficult courses in the state. My buddy & I drank hard the night before, but felt about a 7.0 on the ten scale that morning, so we were ready to rock. Had a good practice session at the driving range, and did a little putting. I said to my pal Scott, "I'm getting a couple of beers, you need one?" Normally he'd join me, but he gets a little more stuffed shirtish about these competitions than I do (despite the fact I convinced him to wear one of my martini print hawaiian shirts for the final round...we looked good). So, I stopped at the car, pulled out a couple of cold Pacificos, opened one and proceeded to the first tee. Now, the head of the NCGA Tournament Committee is the first tee starter and he said, "Mr. Schroeder, there's nothing in the rules about alcohol during competition, but please be respectful of your playing competitors". I was a little turned off by his tone, but I said "Sorry, my doctor suggested I drink more". He chuckled and said, "I like your style".
Anyway, Scott teed off first and pushed it out of bounds. OK, no pressure. I set my beer next to my tee (about 6 inches from my ball), and proceeded to hit about a 290 yard drive right down the middle with a draw and birdied the hole. We ended up in 4th place, and I had about 6 beers during the round shooting 79. Scott ended up having a few also shooting 81 (I think).
Don't know if there's a moral to the story, or even if I have any morals. But I think you know where I'm coming from.
Keep it in the short grass.
Schro
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I know the feeling. I'm fine in both atmospheres, but prefer having some suds and cutting up during the round. The key is being able to concentrate when it's your shot (not drinking shot).
Funny & true story...
Last year, I qualified for the NCGA (NoCal Golf Assoc) Zone Finals (NoCal is divided up into zones...me & a pal represented our home course). After the first day, we were probably two shots off the lead, so we had one of the later tee times in the final round. The finals were at Spyglass Hill. This is one of the nicest, most expensive, and most difficult courses in the state. My buddy & I drank hard the night before, but felt about a 7.0 on the ten scale that morning, so we were ready to rock. Had a good practice session at the driving range, and did a little putting. I said to my pal Scott, "I'm getting a couple of beers, you need one?" Normally he'd join me, but he gets a little more stuffed shirtish about these competitions than I do (despite the fact I convinced him to wear one of my martini print hawaiian shirts for the final round...we looked good). So, I stopped at the car, pulled out a couple of cold Pacificos, opened one and proceeded to the first tee. Now, the head of the NCGA Tournament Committee is the first tee starter and he said, "Mr. Schroeder, there's nothing in the rules about alcohol during competition, but please be respectful of your playing competitors". I was a little turned off by his tone, but I said "Sorry, my doctor suggested I drink more". He chuckled and said, "I like your style".
Anyway, Scott teed off first and pushed it out of bounds. OK, no pressure. I set my beer next to my tee (about 6 inches from my ball), and proceeded to hit about a 290 yard drive right down the middle with a draw and birdied the hole. We ended up in 4th place, and I had about 6 beers during the round shooting 79. Scott ended up having a few also shooting 81 (I think).
Don't know if there's a moral to the story, or even if I have any morals. But I think you know where I'm coming from.
Keep it in the short grass.
Schro
O0 ;) :) O0 ;) :)
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MMMMMMMMMMMM.......Beer
fR!d@y
When the weather warms up, myself, the boss, one of our salespeople and the other adviser will be goin out to hit a bucket every now and then and maybe catch a quick nine after work.
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Thanks fellas- will def put that info to good use.
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You got it, Ape. Enjoy.
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(a beer or two for every 9 holes) YUCK!!!
The last time I golfed it was a beer or two every other hole! Gotta love Navy functions! O0
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(a beer or two for every 9 holes) YUCK!!!
The last time I golfed it was a beer or two every other hole! Gotta love Navy functions! O0
YEAH!!!....now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout O0 O0
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last time I really got sheet faced on the course, I had 27 beers in 36 holes. Surprisingly, my partner & I cashed on the 2nd 18 holes (go figure). I puked my guts out that night and my partner & I won the morning match the next morning (+$300).
Needless to say, it was a good weekend for the Schro.