[kaiayout]

Hey, I'm fairly new to the golf scene. I have a few friends that golf and I go several times a season with them. I love the sport for the fact of getting out with a few friends and having a good time. Realatively easy to understand, but understandably difficult to master. I want to get more involved with golfing since it's a few of my friends favorite pasttimes - one even works at a local golf course. I was considering becoming a caddy next spring and for the most part confident, only a few thoughts that scare me. I was just wondering if how most golfers feel about having an amature as a caddy or what you would do to shape a new guy into a good caddy.


Also, I'm left handed. I've golf majority of the time right handed since that was what was available for me to use at the time. I've tried left handed clubs a few times, but since I don't really get the chance the practice, I'm horrible left handed. Do you think I should practice more left handed if given the chance, or continue right handed?


Lastly, do any of you recommend a nice beginner set of clubs that doesn't cost too much?

[StevenS]

If you're more comfortable right handed, I would stay that way. Plenty of people are left handed but golf right handed. Do whatever is most comfortable to you. Taylormade makes a few different basic sets of irons that are great for beginners IMO, they usually retail from 3-400$. If you're looking for a full set of clubs (ie. driver, woods, irons, putter all included) I'm not really sure about that one.

[gambleingsites]

Golf is a great game and I have made some wonderful friends playing. I've been playing since the early 70's and I think the friendships are the best part.

As for your caddie idea, I'm not so sure. If I'm paying for a caddie, I want one that knows the game and knows the course. Like playing, it takes time to be a good caddie I think.

As for clubs, there are tons of options. I would recommend just going with used name brand stuff. Beginner sets are fine, but hold no resale value for the most part. If you have a course close to home, I would recommend meeting the pro and have him/her help you out with clubs. Lessons are also a must as is going through a fitting for clubs.

[lionsiy]

How much were you looking to spend? You can find nice used sets at places like Play it again Sports or on Ebay.

[kaiayout]

Yes, I undestand people play good money to play a round of golf and pay well enough for a caddy. Everyone wants to have a memorable experiance at a top notch course and you want to feel like you get your money's worth, I understand all of that to. I want to try to educate myself so that I am more valuable, obviously that will come with time and practice. I want to get involved and I'm eager to learn.

I was thinking about picking up a set of clubs just after the first of the year but then I remembered I still don't know which way I want to swing, I still want to get a chance to swing more left handed, I might actually develope a better swing. I guess I'm expecting myself to pay at least around $1,000.

Right now I just want to learn more about the sport and proper etiquette for both golf and what golfers expect from caddies.

[suingincentix]

Yes, I undestand people play good money to play a round of golf and pay well enough for a caddy. Everyone wants to have a memorable experiance at a top notch course and you want to feel like you get your money's worth, I understand all of that to. I want to try to educate myself so that I am more valuable, obviously that will come with time and practice. I want to get involved and I'm eager to learn.

I was thinking about picking up a set of clubs just after the first of the year but then I remembered I still don't know which way I want to swing, I still want to get a chance to swing more left handed, I might actually develope a better swing. I guess I'm expecting myself to pay at least around $1,000.

Right now I just want to learn more about the sport and proper etiquette for both golf and what golfers expect from caddies.

I would hold off on spending that 1k and see a golf instructor first. He could probably get you moving in the right direction. I know lessons aren't sexy. To spend 1k on your first set of clubs could be a mistake.

[Accecyncphory]

Golf is a great game and I have made some wonderful friends playing. I've been playing since the early 70's and I think the friendships are the best part.

As for your caddie idea, I'm not so sure. If I'm paying for a caddie, I want one that knows the game and knows the course. Like playing, it takes time to be a good caddie I think.

As for clubs, there are tons of options. I would recommend just going with used name brand stuff. Beginner sets are fine, but hold no resale value for the most part. If you have a course close to home, I would recommend meeting the pro and have him/her help you out with clubs. Lessons are also a must as is going through a fitting for clubs.

This is sound advise, also the pro might help you determine which side of the ball to play from. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[lionsiy]

For etiquette just check out the below link. Gives all the basics, the rest is somewhat common sense. If your looking for something a little more in depth the book Golf Etiquette the revised edition is really good.
http://www.usga.org/etiquette/tips/Golf-Etiquette-101/

[VINPELA]

I think too many people run out and purchase clubs and then end up disappointed that they do not play well. I played for three years before I bought my first new set, everything in my bag was used. How much are lessons in your area? I would try and get 3-5 lessons spread out and purchase clubs based off how much that cost. As for the question about caddying, I cannot help you there. I am not sure what it is like trying to find a job in golf right now.

[DrunkMans]

Welcome to the forum!

Most of my leftie friends actually golf rightie for the reasons you mentioned, availability.

Glad you found the forum, it is a great resource for new golfers.

[fil_nurser]

Welcome and good luck with the game and your endeavors. Some sound advise above, lessons are the ticket and the single most important part of taking the bragging rights at the course.

[Optipitle]

There are right handed golfers who are left handed doing everything else, having a strong or dominant left side can be an advantage in some ways in your golf swing. As far as clubs go you can play a lot of good golf with used clubs starting out, but at some point you will want to have them fitted to you. I can't speak to the caddy thing, that is something I know nothing about. Maybe someone has done that but I can't imagine trying to caddy for anyone without significant knowledge of the game.

[ButKnillinoi]

if you are comfortable right handed keep playing that way. As for becoming a good caddy, be attentive! Learn the course as much as possible, know the yardages. The more helpful you are for the golfer the more likely u are going to get picked. Word will get out that you know your stuff and are helpful.

[yespkorg]

I would hold off on spending that 1k and see a golf instructor first. He could probably get you moving in the right direction. I know lessons aren't sexy. To spend 1k on your first set of clubs could be a mistake.

no need to limit that statement .... could be on your current set too

J/K'ing of course !!

Griff is right, and I would follow his advise on this one.

[Hammaduersnes]

Definitely play left handed.
Take lessons from your local golf club pro or someone he/she recommends.
Buy a used set from someone locally so that you can see what you're getting and don't spend more than $300.
Practice your chipping and putting twice as much as your driver.

[lionsiy]

Definitely play left handed.
Take lessons from your local golf club pro or someone he/she recommends.
Buy a used set from someone locally so that you can see what you're getting and don't spend more than $300.
Practice your chipping and putting twice as much as your driver.

Why do you say to play left handed? I think he should see what he is most comfortable with. My brother is left handed, plays as a rightie though. He's also a 4.6 HC.

[denSmumbSes]

You should learn to play both left and right handed. That way when you are playing for some $$$ and you are down a few strokes on the front 9 you can just smile. When your opponent asks you why you are smiling, you can quote Inigo Montoya "Because I know something you don't know." And what is that? "I...am not left handed." Then grab your right handed clubs and take their skins! Princess Bride, one of the best movies ever

[costamarianavia]

Welcome to THP...you will find lots of help here and there are plenty of lefty handed folks here that struggle with the same lack of equipment you do....I am sure you find lots of answers.,...glad to have you aboard.

[Petwrenny]

Welcome! I'm a lefty who plays right handed, but that's just because my dad's right handed and he had an old club chopped down to size when I was 6 or 7. So that's what I started playing with. Lately, I've been considering switching to left-handed, mostly because I think my hips and legs maybe better suited to swinging from the left side. In any case, I'd agree that money spent up front on lessons would be a wise investment.