[EmpokemyMok]

Practicing first is always a good idea but playing an actual course is a completely different ballgame. I think you need both practice and real playing time when beginning. You need to gain confidence on the golf course, learn course management and understand course etiquette.........golf is more than just swinging a stick at a ball. The best way to learn all of those is to play with experienced golfers.

When I first started playing, I was terrified to play with other golfers or have people watch me swing. You may have these fears as well but as many have said, most golfers only care about how fast/slow you play. The group ahead/behind you could care less if you are playing horribly as long as you a) don't hit into them and b) don't cause them to have a 6 hour round.

Now I just tell golfers I get paired up with......"I'm not the best golfer but I can play pretty fast".