Playing a first round with friends should be fun, not stressful. After teaching many women who are new to the game, I have noticed that a little planning makes the day feel relaxed from the first tee to the last putt. Here is how I suggest getting ready.
- Choose a short, friendly course. A par three course or nine holes is plenty for a first outing, and it leaves you energy to enjoy it.
- Agree on a few easy rules. Pick up after a set number of strokes, tee the ball up anywhere on the fairway, and play from the forward tees. Everyone has a better time.
- Keep up, not rush. Walk briskly between shots, be ready when it is your turn, and hit once the group ahead is clear. That is most of good pace of play.
- Skip the scorecard pressure. Try a scramble, where everyone hits and the group plays the best ball. You will learn more and worry less.
- Cheer every good shot. A little encouragement makes the whole group braver.
Practice drill: before the round, hit ten easy shots with your seven iron to one target and finish each swing in balance. Arriving with one reliable club makes the first tee much calmer.
If you would like company while you build confidence, our clinics are a friendly place to start.
Deb Spair, PGA Associate
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