It was watching Catherine Zeta Jones play in the celebrity version of the Ryder Cup that finally did it. She made it look glamorous, graceful and easy. I'd been toying with the idea of having a bash at 'real' golf after beating my younger brother at crazy golf. Since then I'd had a couple of goes on a driving range and driven a golf buggy. How hard could it be?
Getting started
First things first, I needed to find a golf course or driving range that offered lessons. Private golf clubs tend to be more stuffy and expensive, so I did an Internet search for my nearest public course, which turned out to be Glendale Golf in Richmond Park, London. It was even offering a free trial lesson to all golf newcomers, with a Professional Golfer's Association instructor. I drummed up some moral support in the shape of handbag's fashion editor (golf is in fashion after all) and signed us both up there and then.
We met our instructor, Brian Penman - an Aussie with the patience of a saint - and joined two other golf virgins on the driving range, where we practised the correct stance and grip. Just holding the club correctly felt very strange. Apparently there are three different kinds of grip, and we were taught the simplest, called the baseball grip, or the 10-finger grip.
Then came our chance to actually hit a ball. Brian ably demonstrated the half-back swing and the full swing and we tried to follow. I can only speak for myself, but it's a bit trickier than it looks. Apparently, if you're good at tennis you should pick up golf no problem. Unfortunately I don't excel at that game, either. However, I didn't let that put me off. I may swing my golf club like a handbag, but at least I managed to hit the ball - most of the time - and I really enjoyed it. Great for getting out pent-up aggression and also, I'm reliably informed, quite a workout.
Work it out
A round of golf, including carrying your clubs, burns approximately 325 calories an hour. It takes about 4 hours to play 18 holes, which racks up a whopping 1300 calories, and that's without even counting the amount we'd burn catching up on the weekly gossip (it's good to talk). Unfortunately, I don't think sticking to the driving range racks up quite the same calorie burn, although my arms and sides ached from all the twisting and my club was fairly heavy...
OK, so all that stuff about my club being heavy was a slight fabrication of the truth, but it's more of a workout than you think and it is enjoyable. I was hooked. I even went to the driving range with my boyfriend the following weekend to hone my newfound skills. He found the whole thing very amusing and was very lucky not to get a club round the head. I think a few more lessons are definitely in order. Brian assured us that after around six lessons we could join the other golfers on the course. Watch out, I could be let loose on a green near you in no time!
Tips for beginners
1. Find a public golf course or a driving range, either near work or home. Convenience means you'll go more frequently.
2. Take a course of about six lessons on the driving range, learning the full swing (with irons and wood) and short approach shots.
3. Follow this with two or three on-course lessons with a professional, learning where to use each shot, as well as basic rules and etiquette of golf.
4. Always try to have a practice in between your golf lessons.
5. Always practice and learn golf with a seven iron.
6. For your first few times on the golf course, choose an easy course to play and enquire when the quieter times are. Less pressure from other players will make you feel more comfortable.
7. The golf swing should feel free and easy. Arms free of tension, with a smooth weight transfer and rotation.
8. Equipment – you don't need to dive in and buy your golf clubs straight away. You can always hire clubs and shoes at the golf course. Having said that, starter golf sets are reasonably priced, and there is nothing like having your own.
9. Golf is a great game; fun, addictive and frustrating at the same time. It is a fantastic for your social life and is always set in beautiful surroundings.
Further information:
www.pga.info
Richmond Park Golf Academy
www.glendale-golf.com
