Hello and Help

Charlie_Foxtrot · August 14, 2006

Newbie seeks lots of advice

I am returning to golf after a decade layoff where I quit because I was a complete hacker and I wasn’t getting any better. I’m still a hacker, but now I am taking private lessons with a top-notch pro, trying to play on a regular basis, and I genuinely want to get better.

In short, I’m hooked again and I have many questions. I’ve used the search button, but there is a ton of info here and sometimes it’s difficult to locate exactly what I’m looking for (but if you’ve got a link to a relevant thread, I’m on it.) So, here are my current pleas for information. Thanks in advance, and all opinions are appreciated:

I would like to work towards getting a handicap index.

What is the process? I’ve reviewed the USGA site, but I still can’t seem to locate the exact procedure, other than “through your local club”.
How do you go about finding a local club?
How did you pick a local club after you find several in your area – that is, what are important criteria to look for in a club other than membership fee.
What are the benefits to local club membership other than obtaining a handicap?
What about online handicap indexing? What are the good, the bad, and the ugly?

I picked up an inexpensive “complete set” to use until I develop a consistent swing. (Although, I must say, for a “clone” set of clubs, there was only one name-brand set of irons that I thought felt better. But, then again, I was only demo’ing low end iron sets.) However, I am a total gear head and it is only a matter of time before I start looking at new clubs. So:

How should I go about getting a good club fitting? Frankly, I feel it’s going to be “hit or miss” if I just walk into a golf store and ask for/pay for a fitting.
What should I expect to pay for a good fitting?
What should be done in a good and thorough fitting?
What is the best way to go about finding out which clubs are best for me? That is, how can I demo good clubs for more than a couple of swings on a practice range?
I live in Seattle, but I visit my family in the Dallas area a couple of times a year. What are the best stores and/or club fitters in each of these areas? (I realize that is a subjective question, but I’m looking for opinions.)
What about online stores? I like to support my local shops, but only within reason and only if they have exactly what I am looking for. There are a lot of e-Stores out there, which are your favorites?

Anything else you want to add is fine with me (including times/locations you will be playing so I can stay out of your way!)

Disclaimers:

Yes, I know this post screams newbie, but I am and I’m willing to take any flaming and/or hazing. I’ve got a healthy sense of humor, so bring it on!

I know it’s a lot of information, but I don’t want to be a post-ho. Truthfully, I have more questions, but Lumberg was just in my office asking for TPS reports with the new cover sheets.

I’m new to the site, so if this is in the wrong forum, just let me know.

Gxgolfer · August 14, 2006

Welcome to GolfWRX!

You've asked about 5-10 different subjects there.

USGA Handicapping.

You can sign up at your local club or check out MyGolfBuddy.com

I would post most of those related questions in the Golf Talk Forum.

Golf Fitting.

Post those questions in the General Equipment forum. You will get much more/better responses if you break up your questions in those two forums!

Charlie_Foxtrot · August 14, 2006

Welcome to GolfWRX!

Post those questions in the General Equipment forum. You will get much more/better responses if you break up your questions in those two forums!

Thanks! That's exactly what I will do.

EDIT:

Handicapping and Local Clubs now here:

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...c=46776&hl=

Club Fitting now here:

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/index.php?sh...c=46780&hl=