I have committed for my 60th year on this earth to learn and play this damn game. Been in lessons for 3 or so months now. Have learned the basics of grip, posture, swing set up and mechanics. Ready to give it a shot under live action now. For background, I am still inconsistent at making good square contact every time. Just need more reps and time to get there. Question is how should I approach my first round out on the course. I am thinking to just focus on making good swings and contact, hit the ball straight and just keep creeping towards the hole. I am also still learning yardages with various clubs so there is that element in play as well.

Just go to the F Golf thread, lots of help there.

My two cents would be to focus on getting off the tee and then 30-50 yards and in including putting. Most new golfers I see are dead from the start after an 80-100 yard sideways drive and then horrific around and on the greens. Get off the tee. From 50 and in just get it on the greens. 2 putt from 30-40 feet and in.

ddub96 said:

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My two cents would be to focus on getting off the tee and then 30-50 yards and in including putting. Most new golfers I see are dead from the start after an 80-100 yard sideways drive and then horrific around and on the greens. Get off the tee. From 50 and in just get it on the greens. 2 putt from 30-40 feet and in.

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This right here. Figure out what your most consistent club is to get 150 and 100 yards off the tee and fairway, and then ride with those to start. There is no rule that says you have to use a driver or every club in the bag.

Enjoy it. Try to play somewhere/sometime that's not super busy, that will make it more relaxing. Fine to just play 9. If you play with others, don't be afraid to move the ball up with them if you struggle some. Pay attention to what you need to work on the most and what clubs you're most comfortable with. If you have etiquette or rules questions, don't hesitate to ask your playing partners.

There was a pretty similar thread a few weeks ago. Lots of good advice on there. Look back a page or two.

For a while, tee it up everywhere - on the tee box, in the fairway, in the rough. And if you hit it in the sand, move it to the grass ;and tee it up). Just get used to making good contact and good flight on the course. Don't keep score, but keep track of what went well and what didn't. Whatever you do, don't take it too serious. Have fun! Good luck!

And play in the afternoon when it's less crowded and you won't get pressed by the morning regulars.

A majority of new players I play with don't understand how to chip…they just try to abbreviate a full swing. It's actually closer to a putting motion. Fix that and you can cut 10 strokes off your score. You can use this motion out to 60+ yards. Game changer in my opinion.

1 swing at a time
Don't focus on score
Just attempt your best swing each time