Golf is a game that can be extremely intimidating to the new player. The enormous rule book, the need for proper etiquette, the challenge of the game, the touch required for short shots, the strange new golf lingo, all combine to cause a new golfer a great degree of stress (which we know is detrimental to playing good golf). Therefore, it is best to prepare oneself as much as possible during the early learning stages to eliminate stress as much as possible. Here are some tips to ease the process:
> Take a series of lessons from a qualified instructor.
This is the best way to rapidly increase the learning process. No amount of research or watching golf on TV will substitute for one on one instruction with a teaching professional. He or she will guide you through the necessary components of the set-up (grip, alignment, stance, posture, and ball position), and show you the most effective way to practice. They can answer any questions you might have (remember, there are no dumb questions, so don't be afraid to question anything that might be confusing) and recommend proper equipment for your level of play/ age/ etc.
> Read golf books:
Start with basic instruction books then move on to more in-depth ones. There are a plethora of golf instruction books that will assist in the learning process, and also confirm/ reiterate things that your instructor is teaching you. The more that a new golfer can become a 'student of the game', the more knowledge and confidence they will assimilate.
> Practice the short game obsessively:
Get out there and practice your short game (putting, chipping, and pitching) whenever possible. Practicing the short game is really the secret to getting better because when you practice short shots, you are really practicing everything (as short shorts are just short versions of the full swing - and by practicing them you are practicing the most important component of the full swing... the contact point). This will also teach a beginner the 'touch' that is required for short shots and thereby build a great foundation for the full swing. Additionally, practicing the short game is free at most golf courses (on their practice greens by the clubhouse). Even putting or chipping whiffle balls in your living room counts.
Play a lot:
The more you play the more you will experience all the variables that this game of golf has to offer. The more rounds that are played, the more the new golfer will build confidence and get more comfortable with any different scenario. They will learn course management, proper club selection, and what works and what doesn't during a round. I highly recommend a 'playing lesson' with a teaching professional at least once early in the learning process, so that the pro can go over etiquette, rules, course management, etc. They will also get a feel for your tendencies on the course so that you both have a better idea of what you need to focus on during your next lesson.
Use online resources:
There is a vast amount of information available online for new golfers to sift through. Google 'golf for beginners', look at golf instruction videos on YouTube, read golf articles on thousands of different topics, or find some blogs to follow. While this is no substitute for good instruction, it can help reinforce things you are working on and act as a great visual aid.
Most importantly, don't give up! Remember that everyone struggles with this game at first, and the bad shots creep in at every level (just more often for beginners). Just like anything, you will get out of it what you put into it, so get out there and take a lesson this weekend!
