Sue Bailey, former lady captain of Caernarfon Golf Club and a tri-golf tutor, explains the basics:
"If you want to try golf for the first time, one option is to go to a driving range and have a go or get some tuition. The other is to go to your local club or municipal course (such as Llangefni) and hire some clubs or book a lesson.
If you want to carry on you can then book a course of lessons. Ask about schemes for beginners.
Equipment and clothing
Most places will allow trainers and general sports clothing for children and beginners. Golf clubs, bags and trolleys can be bought quite cheaply new or second-hand these days.
Joining a club
Clubs are generally happy to sign up new members. Ask about special rates for beginners and check that you'll be able to use the course at times convenient to you.
Most clubs have a men's competition at the weekend, but women's competition days vary from place to place.
You could also join a golf society, but you usually have to be a member of a club to get a handicap certificate which you need to play in competitions and at other courses.
Women
Golf Development Wales have a programme which is part-funding lessons for women and girls at participating clubs. Check the website (see link, right).
Juniors
Tri Golf is great for children of all ages. They play with plastic equipment, big Velcro balls and a target. Other schemes are Wee Wonders, a national competition where the winners get to play at St Andrews, and Mon Mini Masters, held every summer at Llangefni."
Disabilities
Variations on the game include blind golf, one armed golf and playing seated (handigolf). See related links (right) for more information.
your comments
boman
In response to Ted Bofferding, I've been a left-handed golfer since 1998. Primarily self-taught. I've golfed 1-handed since I started. Have always enjoyed the challenge of golf. Looking to become a 10-handicap this summer.
Thu May 29 09:42:40 2008
eryl jones-williams
I was a single figure golfer for over 20 years. But arthritis and angina has meant that my handicap has gone up to 25. I now get as much pleasure in watching my 8 year old grandson being able to hit a ball further than I can after attending the weekly coaching sessions at Royal St David's Harlech every Sunday.
Fri Feb 22 13:57:31 2008
Theodore Bofferding 1050 spring st. APT#20 Medford
I have a frozen left shoulder,i hav'nt played golf since my accident in 2001. I heard about one handed golf.and would like to know more about the equipment and clubs to try golfing again...thanks Ted.
Mon Dec 11 10:32:34 2006
Vernon Evans Captain of Caernarfon Golf Club 2006
Take lessons and use pay and play courses before joining a club.
Practice as much as possible.
Join a club in winter when subscriptions are likely to be cheap so if you change your mind it won't cost the earth.
Buy a secondhand set of clubs first for no more than £100. JJB Sports sell new sets for a little more.
Golf takes a lot of time to play so make sure you have several spare hours twice a week. Golf is also highly addictive!
Mon Oct 30 10:21:09 2006
Mike A Bowyer
No longer a golf player (I never was really) I have a word of advice to anyone considering taking up this wonderful sport.
First, treat it like the enjoyable game that it is. Do not take it seriously; enjoy yourself at all times.
It's a million to one that you will be the next Tiger Woods.
Thu Apr 20 09:08:26 2006
