Top 10 mistakes all newbie golfers make
Alright newbie golfers, it's time to learn a couple of things that some of your more experienced golfing friends might be afraid to discuss with you. We were all new to the game at some point, so this is going to be for your benefit. Keep in mind, I'm not laughing with you, I'm laughing at you...wait, flip that the other way around. Some of these are just lessons you'll learn as you play more, but not knowing correct golf terminology makes you look like a real goofball. Let's dive right in.
1. I scored a 128 today - It's not "I Scored". You weren't out trying to buy drugs. The correct way to say it is "I SHOT a 128 today, but I hit a bunch of 300 yard drives"....get this one right and you'll up your Golf IQ a ton.
2. Bunkers vs. Sand Traps - Even experienced golfers use the term "sand traps" to refer to the sandy pits of hell that take most of use 3-4 shots to extricate ourselves from, but the correct phrase is "bunkers". The term sand trap is not listed in the official rules of golf. Listen to the pros, they'll always call it a bunker.
3. Get some shoes - If you're going to play on the big boy courses, please break down and get yourself a pair of golf shoes. Not only will you notice a difference in your traction and balance, but you won't look like someone who has no business being on a golf course. If you need cheap shoes, I have an offer code you can use at Austad's Golf to save 10% at checkout. Use Code 25253 at Austad's Golf.
4. It's time to pick up - You're still learning the game so you're score doesn't really matter all that much. If you're struggling on a hole, and you've racked up 10 strokes before getting on the green, consider just picking up and marking a 12 for that hole. Your partners will thank you for not dragging them down with you.
5. the "Driver Range" - I wish I had a dollar for every time I see golfers at the range hitting ball after ball with their driver, neglecting the fact that they have another 12 clubs. This is no way to improve your golf game. You might use your driver 14 times a round at the absolute most, so why would you devote 80% of your practice time to it? Keep that thing in your bag and work on your irons and watch your swing & game get better improve dramatically.
6. The fine line - We're all guilty of occasionally stepping near someone's putting line, but to let newbies do it is the fault of the more seasoned golfers playing with them. If they don't know this important piece of golf etiquette...please instruct them on how to avoid this error. We'll all benefit from it in the end.
7. Don't stand so close to me - Newbies don't necessarily know where to stand when someone else is hitting. It's important to make sure you're standing in a location that doesn't visually bother your fellow golfer. I personally dislike it when people stand directly behind me. I don't like to feel as if my club is going to hit them on the backswing. As a general rule, either get completely out of their peripheral vision and stand by the cart, or stand behind on a diagonal where they can see you and know you're not right on top of their swing.
8. Stay off the black tees - Yeah, it's a macho thing to play the championship tees, but being new to the game, you don't really need to add an extra 800+ yards to what will already probably be a LONG day. Play the white tees which make the course a little shorter, and you'll have a more enjoyable day. If it's your first time on a regulation course, consider playing the red tees. (I know, but you'll thank me for it later).
9. Shut you pie hole - Just another etiquette lesson that most newbies don't know until their told. When another golfer is getting ready to hit or putt, keep it quiet so you don't distract them. This one is pretty basic, but you'd be surprised how many people are yapping away when you're trying to tee off. Don't make me break out my "Quiet Please" tournament sign to prove a point. And the TOP NEWBIE MISTAKE is:
10. Forget lessons, I'm buying a $400 driver - This is without a doubt the biggest newbie mistake in history. You've only been playing a few months, but you think that expensive driver is going to have you shooting in the low 80's? C'mon. Take that money and sign up for a lesson package at your local course or driving range. You'll get more benefit out of just a few lessons than that driver you probably won't hit worth a darn anyway. This applies to that $1000 set of forged blades that no 25+ handicapper has any business hitting. There's probably a hundred more of these, but that's a pretty good start.
Like I said before, everyone was new to golf at some point, so this isn't any attempt to make fun of beginning golfers. Hopefully this will help some of you out who might just be learning the game. And for you seasoned veterans, always take a moment to help the newbie learn the game. Being able to hit the ball is only half of knowing the game of golf. Here's another article that has some great tips for beginning golfers. What tips do you have for the newbie golfers?
I SHOT a 68 last sunday… but I made only 9 holes
I’ve seen too many people go buy the best clubs thinking they will be much better. You have to actually work on your swing and golf skills, the equipment is not the problem people.
Zack Johnson is rated 4th in the world but he is rated 155th in driving distance. Does that mean that your driver really is not that important in having a good round of golf?
You made some good points. There are too many people that just don’t take the time to understand the basics of the game.
It is the way of the world.
David Wakeman
Owner, World Golf Emporium
Great posting Christian, looks like you put some time into this blog!
Very true about your last point – too often I see golfers trying to “buy” a game instead of investing in lessons. So many people don’t understand that you must invest in yourself before you invest in equipment.
Come on down to Sea Island and check us out sometime!
Mike Cook Golf
Great posting Christian.
The last point you made about not investing in lessons is crucial! People always want to just buy a new game instead of actually putting the work into it.
Come on down to Sea Island sometime and check us out!
I like the tip about standing out of the way while someone else is hitting. I try to do the same thing when playing pool. Lot’s of good tips here!
Funny mention about the golf clubs. I did the same with my tennis racket, lol.
Would you recommend a newbie who’s only played a few time buy a pair of clubs from a garage sale or just a good cheap set from the sporting goods store? I’ve never purchased from a yard sale, but I’ve always noticed them and wondered about the quality.
I’d say the garage sale purchase isn’t a bad way to go as long as the deal is good enough and you can be sure the clubs are in decent shape. Even new golfers shouldn’t be playing with damaged or defective merchandise.
Next I’d say to pick up a new, cheap starter set. You can find deals on these for under $200 bucks and they’ll usually come with at least one hybrid club and a bag. It’s a cheap way to get started with some decent technology, and then move up to a better name as you get more serious about the game. This is what I tell anyone who’s wanting to get their first set.
One big mistake people do when starting out is to only use clubs they feel comfortable with, like a seven iron. even if u r a slicer, u got to hit with the clubs u are supposed to use, otherwise u ll never improve.
Nice post, things like these are important and should not be overlooked by the newbies
My favorite is when golf is used in the verb form. Although grammatically correct, people who have played the game for awhile always put “play” as the verb. Example: I golfed today. VS. I played golf today.
Oh that’s a good one HTBATG..I hear that one all the time.
Nice post, things like these are important and should not be overlooked by the newbies
I enjoyed this article very much. From reading this it seems that your observation is very good. Thanks for sharing
[...] 2009 I came across a very entertaining and completely right on target post at Tour Golf Blog called “Top 10 mistakes all newbie golfers make”, and oh how true it is! Newbies, don’t feel slighted – we’re all victims of these [...]
Thanks for all these useful tips… they will come in handy if I start playing golf myself some day soon!!
It’s so true. I’ve been learning how to play Golf for the past few weeks and I’m still making mistakes. Oh well, got hit a few times so I learned my lesson.
You might want to add the “90 degree rule” for the newbies. Nothing more annoying than watching golfers drive down the middle of the fairway, instead of using the cart path as much as possible.
Oh yeah, that’s a great one too. Nice addition for sure. Now you’ve got me thinking of all sorts of newbie mistakes that I didn’t add. Looks like I better do a Part 2 soon.
I like the “Driver Range” comment…People would score SO much better if they worked on their irons and short shots more. It’s amazing how many strokes are added on around the green!
It’s funny because it gets taken out on the course too…my brother for instance will just pull out driver, no matter what the hole is designed as! He’ll hit a driver straight into a ditch just because he wants to hit driver!!
I think it is the responsibility of the courses to better educate the players coming into the game. Payne Stewart used to have a short video on manners. If you join a gym they go over things with you before you can just start working out.
Putting the responsibility with fellow golfers passes the buck.
Great Advice!! Especially about buying expensive equipment vs getting lessons. Newbies can hurt their game by reinforcing bad habits and might mess up their new gear since they arent using it correctly.
I definitely enjoyed this article. I’m in the process of getting a few of my friends interested in playing golf with me on Saturdays, so this will be a must read for them for sure.
You make some good points in this article and most of it is good information. However, I do disagree with you on one thing.
Your number 5 on the list, ranting about people spending too much time with the driver in their hands when on the range. When people are new to the game, evrything is hard. Driving the ball is especially hard before you get your form down. You can’t even play a round if you can’t drive the ball in play.
So spending a lot of time on one area of your game at a time is actually a good idea. As a beginner you don’t need to be out there just hacking at it with every club in the bag. you need to take it easy and get good at one thing at a time.
Obviously what you said is true for more experienced golfers who are just going to the range for a regular practice or warm up, but for a true newbie, spending a lot of time and effort on one thing at a time can be beneficial.
Like I said, its good writing and you obviously know your stuff, but we have a difference of opinion on that front.
Hey Christian,
LOVE this post!! I taught golf for ten years and loved helping beginners feel more comfortable out there. My favorite story is about a male student who could play pretty decently with his irons but sprayed his woods all over the place.
I told him if he brought me a signed and attested score card that he played with all irons, I would give him a free lesson. It was the only way I could get the driver out of his hands. He broke 40 for the first time. Point taken.
Then, I told him to keep the driver out of the bag and use his three wood off the tee. You would have thought I asked him to cut off his arm! He squawed that the guys would give him to much s–t. But, he loved the lower score.
“Put your driver head cover on your three wood, they will never know the difference.” I suggested. He bought that and his lower score reflected his new game plan.
Beginners need a lot of good solid coaching and I love your suggestions! Funny and true!
Cheers!
Catherine
I taught golf for nearly 10 years at golf school, coached at college, and was a “newbie” once. Some other funnies are: “shooting some balls at the course or range”, “sand pit/hole”, picking the ball out of the hole by bending at the knees, and teeing it up by pushing the tee with your finger and not the ball.
Keep up the great information.
I love “shooting some balls at the range”, with what, a shot gun or pistol? And the teeing technique is also a classic. Thanks.
Most newbies don’t seen to realize that they will be out in the sun for several hours. You should apply sun screen before play. You should wear a hat and bring a snack and a drink. Get a good stainless steel bottle as plastic leaches toxic chemicals. I found the best deal ever on Stainless steel bottles and I even found a promo code to get an extra 10% off. Enter promo code 10off. Go to http://www.greenvirginproducts.com.
It is great guide for me. Thank you so much!
Nice post and fun game..
Nice post. Absolulty agree with pick-up to save time..Nothing worse than slow players who can’t realize a lost cause. And lessons over equipment is also a must. Even one lesson to help with a proper grip, stance, posture, and tempo will help more than any top-end club. And finally, learn to play golf, not just learn the golf swing. Get a lesson on the short game, and especially putting…You may not believe it, but a lesson from a PGA pro on putting may be your best $$$ for scoring you can spend..
The best tip is don’t read blogs that give tips, online tips, the golf channel or the PGA Tour. All these things encourage bad habits to the beginner. Get an instructor and learn to play golf. Don’t worry about calling it a trap (and yes pros do call it a trap) or worry about shoes, you can swing in tennis shoes (there is a pro that plays on tour with tennis shoes, the guy with smooth swing), watch the PGA Tour only encourage people to try to hit long, but there are other perfectly good ways to play golf. This in turn encourages golfers to keep buying more equipment when they rarely help the amateur golfer.
I have a set of Dunlops from walmart and shot a 81 today. The time on the range and a couple of lessons helped me score better than any of the new gimmics out there. I did buy a used taylor made driver for 100 dollars and it did give me some more distance. Now I can hit my drive 30 yards farther into the woods.
Golf simulators have done wonders for newbies as well!
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