[NKUDirectory]

I tell my friends to get out on the course as early as possible to get over the fear. Go with an understanding friend during twilight or super twilight hours, when the course is empty. When i was a kid i waited two years. It slowed down the development of my game. When i got back into golf after 10 years off, i waited 3-4 months before going on the course. Another mistake. I got addicted to the course and the season was almost over (in terms of amount of sunlight, so i could play after work). I took a year off, and came back this season. Swing kinks and all, i was on the course in two weeks.

I can now effectively go see what i need to work on. What is not working on the course, and work on that at the range. Being at the range too long will really distort the evaluation of your golf swing and ability to hit shots. It matters on the course. On the range i was a superstar. The course brought me back to reality. Yesterday i played a 9 holes real quick. I play alone in the evening when the course is empty. For 7 bucks, it is my real world driving range. I played a brand new set of clubs i never hit before. And now i can go back to the range tomorrow and see what i need to work on and find out with these clubs, which is my irons, and my putting.

Get out there! its fun and way more beautiful and peaceful than the range.

[duribass]

I Played first as well before hitting the range. Just go enjoy it my friend!!

[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".

[papadopul]

I learned when I was a kid and I think I learned on the golf course. Find some people you can play with who won't get bent if you take your time or hit a few shots OB or hit some worm burners and just go and have fun. If you go bad in a hurry off the tee then just start dropping one at the 150 stake on every hole and play from there. Pick up after 3 or 4 putts no matter what and pickup after you get to 8 no matter what. Have fun and don't think about the score until you can hit the ball the direction you want it to go maybe half the time.