New from TN

[bluecar]

Hi,

 

I just picked up golf as a hobby about 2 months ago. At this point I am just using used clubs I picked up from craigslist. I play on the VA golf course in my town.

 

I have read some of the threads and I'm curious if you have any tips/things that new players do (perhaps on accident) that others find annoying.

 

I'm also curious how skilled do you need to be before you start playing on your own as a single? I play 9 holes from time to time with some buddies and at this point I still essentially double par (ie I shoot a 65 on a par 34).

[Knoxvillan]

Welcome.
You can be the worst golfer on the planet and still play as a single in my opinion, just follow proper etiquette, play at a good pace and keep from spending excessive time searching for golf balls and I'm sure most groups will be just fine. It doesn't bother me anyways if I get paired with someone shooting 130's as long as they are nice, having a good time, and play at a respectable pace.

[The90s]

Welcome! As far as going out as a single..it's all about being respectful and keeping a reasonable pace of play...Don't get to frustrated with your game in the beginning, half the fun is the journey to getting better.

[bluecar]

What are some common etiquette mistakes that new players often make?

[epixep]

Standing in the line behind and thru a player's stroke is something I see very often. Best way to avoid this is to simply stay out of someone's field of view during a putt/shot.

Stepping directly on or around the hole is a no-no as well, definitely want to preserve the green as much as possible.

Be ready to play your shot as often as you can, while keep others in mind. Don't walk ahead of your group by 70 yards, but do prepare your shot if it's not going to bother a playing partner.

Take care of the greens and bunkers, fixing marks or footprints that may not even be yours.

[bluecar]

Thanks. I'll keep those in mind, especially the one about walking in/around the line. I didn't think anything of it until now.

[Knoxvillan]

I think my biggest pet peeves are
1. If using a range finder, go ahead and shoot your distances while others are in turn (if you can), but outside of their field of view. If you have to walk ahead of them, walk over to the rough and up ahead. That will usually keep you out of their playing view. I play with a guy that takes a dreaded long time to shoot distance, pick a club, put on his glove etc....and he waits until its his turn to start the lengthy process. (I'd guess this one is debatable pending on the people you are paired with)
2. Velcro rips in my back swing (removing a glove, putter cover, etc..) and clubs clanking and rattling around behind me.
3. Not fixing ball marks, divots, and those fine few people that dont pick their feet up when they are walking on a green.

Oh and when tending the flag on long putts, be cautious of your shadows in lines and covering the cup

[bluecar]

Thanks for the tips. I just started using a glove. I just leave it on the whole time, taking it on and off is annoying to me. And I guess I'm not at quite the skill level many folks are. I use the 5 iron over and over until I'm close enough to use a PW.

[Knoxvillan]

You will get there, just keep swinging at it and having a good time, and the score will lower. Glad to hear you took up the sport.

[geoangus]

Welcome to WRX.
Good tips from Knoxvillan.