Just Ramblin’ ►
Tips for Beginners
Fun and Speed of Play!
by Ron Underwood, Ramblin’ writer
Remember the time when you were just learning this game and how you felt? Well, let’ s talk about the golfer who is just getting started and how to introduce him or her properly to the game.
First and Foremost: The game must be fun from the outset, or they may quickly give it up. If you are teaching beginners and they see all the structure that goes with this game, they might be a little hesitant about continuing. However, if you can instill the fun aspect from the very beginning, hey, that’ s going to make their experience unforgettable and probably keep them as your friends or at least coming back to play again.
A Few Pointers on This Subject: First, before you play, be sure to visit the driving range— several times would be even better. Please don’ t take them to the first tee without the thrill of hitting a golf ball on the range with no consequences. While on the range, start with the basics of grip, swing, and posture. A nice“ Peach Donkey” made with vodka-ginger liqueur, peach purée, 7-Up, crushed ice, and thinly sliced peaches for garnish, or an Icee for the juniors, also makes the range a very enjoyable experience. Remember, fun first, quality second!
Golf Ball Tip
Don’ t go out and buy all the pricy, fancy stuff that this game offers. I’ ve told you this before: you can’ t buy a game— you must earn it. However, a trip to the sporting goods store for window-shopping is a good start to enhance interest. They’ ll see all the golf clothes, clubs, and a thousand different balls to help with the confusion, so don’ t impulse buy. It’ s best just to leave empty-handed!
Some new golfers get hooked on golf just from TV, but if this new golfer is a spouse who just wants to play in the same universe with you, it’ s going to take a little longer. Take it slowly and get them some lessons. Perhaps take beginners to an executive 9-hole or par-3 course. These are good places to learn and practice without holding up other golfers on the big course.
Back to the Game
It is very important for the sake of your sanity and a beginner’ s enjoyment— let them tee up the ball on every shot— who cares! Remember how tough golf was and how many times you whiffed the ball when you first started? Tee the ball on every shot to build their confidence that they’ ll actually hit the ball— or at least foul-tip that little white thingy. They can play it as it lies once they’ ve learned the game.
Pace of Play
My next point is very important. When you look over your shoulder and see three groups waiting on you to clear the landing zone or green, just have the newbie pick up and try again on the next hole. On the greens, set a limit of two or three putts and a maximum of 8 strokes per hole. Don’ t let them hit or putt until the damn( ball) thing changes colors from old age. Pick it up and move on! If your newbie only gets a feel for the fun and the speed( pace of play) of the game at this stage, hey, how good is that?
One thing about the rules of golf at this stage of development— there are none. Pace of play, etiquette, and a whole lotta fun are what you work on at this point— and for heaven’ s sake, it’ s just a golf ball and not a million-dollar family heirloom! If it goes where all golf balls eventually end up— the weeds or water— then, please, drop another ball and don’ t slow the pace of play for all the golfers behind you. This advice applies to more experienced golfers, too!
No Temper Tantrums Zone
We’ ve probably all seen it or will eventually— the person who throws or breaks a club in a fit of rage after a bad shot. There is no place for bad manners or tantrums on the golf course. It’ s an absolute no-no in my group. Still, it has happened before more often than I’ d like. A guy once
14 October 2025 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE