[Xewksghy]

Okay...here's the problem. I have some friends (a husband and wife) who have decided to give golf a try. Which is great because I'm desperate for someone to play with; and they're good friends. The problem is, while they have some income, they are...hummm, let's say... financially...over-responsible.
Now, I'm not a great golfer, I've been playing since I was 7 (about 28 yrs) but never consistently enough to be good. I can show them basic grip, stance, and a few other things, but I'm certainly not good enough to tutor anyone. Before anyone says it, yes I know they should get lessons. BUT if they say they want to try golf and the first thing I suggest is a $50 an hour lesson, times 2 people...that might change their mind and send them running for the hills.
So the question I guess is...how do I get them hooked (enough to pay for lessons) before taking a lesson? What can I do to keep the frustration down so that they want to come back?

[durootrium]

Okay...here's the problem. I have some friends (a husband and wife) who have decided to give golf a try. Which is great because I'm desperate for someone to play with; and they're good friends. The problem is, while they have some income, they are...hummm, let's say... financially...over-responsible.
Now, I'm not a great golfer, I've been playing since I was 7 (about 28 yrs) but never consistently enough to be good. I can show them basic grip, stance, and a few other things, but I'm certainly not good enough to tutor anyone. Before anyone says it, yes I know they should get lessons. BUT if they say they want to try golf and the first thing I suggest is a $50 an hour lesson, times 2 people...that might change their mind and send them running for the hills.
So the question I guess is...how do I get them hooked (enough to pay for lessons) before taking a lesson? What can I do to keep the frustration down so that they want to come back?

As you pointed out, just show them the basics and include what is expected of them on the course as well. When I was a kid, my parents wouldn't allow me on the course until I reached a certain point with my game and understood the basics of proper etiquette. The range is the best place to start.

At my home course, when we have people coming in to play their very first rounds ever, we normally offer to have someone from the course go out with them if they are alone. I've done this a few times, not so much to offer swing advice, but to keep them moving and to give them the basics of proper etiquette. Makes the others using the course very happy.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Tell them they can watch the Golf Fix on The Golf Channel for basic lessons on common issues and it's free! Also School of Golf as well...

[Xewksghy]

Yes, but that means paying for more than basic cable to get the GC (which they don't)... see where I'm going?

[ecosportpol_ru]

Don't have competitive rounds. Scramble or something. That usually helps to lighten the load. Maybe one day play a worst ball scramble. Maybe only play 9 starting off, instead of a full 18. If they are new, and you are a somewhat established golfer, when you play with them, give them positive reinforcement, even when they don't hit a great shot (Well, you hit it flush, we just need to improve your aim).

[dAy2EWlg]

I think the best way to get someone hooked on the game is to treat them to a nice (and also easy) course with beautiful views etc. Then go have fun. Its not something that you can force but you can help them find the joy of the game. You should explain that this game is very little about instant gratification and to get better, work will need to be done. If they want to watch advice, youtube is too full of everyone giving good to mediocre advice (IMO Shawn Clement has lots of good advice - http://www.youtube.com/user/clemshaw).

[Qauunet]

Get them out to a Par 3 course to keep the driver out of their hands. If you are not hitting huge slices or hooks all over the place, and losing balls off the tee, it may be more enjoyable.

[pkopwqzsdcvbn]

Get them out to a Par 3 course to keep the driver out of their hands. If you are not hitting huge slices or hooks all over the place, and losing balls off the tee, it may be more enjoyable.

Agreed! Good advice there.

[pBiRXp8u]

Alcohol helps keep frustration levels down. I know from personal experience with my fiancé.

[usatramadolusa]

I say just let them hit balls. Don't keep score, don't try to teach them anything. Just see if they enjoy being out on the course and range.

Trust me, the first time they hit a good shot, they will be hooked.

As for lessons, it isn't absolutely necessary and might actually turn them off to golf. Lessons can be very frustrating and disheartening early on.

Also, make sure you take them to EASY courses. They may lose interest quickly if they lose a lot of balls or are always in the woods.

Another thing, let them tee it up all the way down the fairway. I do that with rookie females and they always have a lot more fun when they can get the ball airborne a few times.

[Zmniubqr]

I would suggest starting them with a little competition. I'd also start where there is more instant gratification: The putting green. ( Bonus: It's FREE!) Have a little teaching game on the green and put some competitiveness to work. As they get more proficient introduce chipping and pitching. Have them learn the game from the hole back to the tee. The putting, chipping and pitching will allow a natural progression and ingrain better habits. Results are more immediate and so there is less frustration.

If they take to the short game, they can decide on how committed they want to be financially.

[bestworkothlo]

I went two and a half years before playing my first full 18 holes. Now I can blast through 54 holes in a summer day! It's best to start slowly and put emphasis on what they are doing right to keep them happy. Tell them what they are doing wrong and build on it. Be a good coach. After they get the basics down, suggest a lesson and let them look into it for themselves...