Golf Swing Instruction, Beginner Golf Lessons

How do I find a golf course?

There are more than 15,000 golf courses in the United States and thousands more around the world.

Find a local golf course using ProFinder.

A new golf facility directory supported by the PGA of America's national database is coming soon. With this new directory, you'll be able to quickly find a golf course, search for specific services and amenities and various equipment services offered by the golf facility. This information is updated daily by the PGA of America from its national call center.

Before this goes live, golfers can access PGA.com :: Play. Click here for more info and to find places to play and services offered!

How do I meet other players?

There a number of ways that you can find partners to play golf with:

Playing in a league or a charity or corporate outing is a great way to meet new friends and new golf partners. The Play Golf America Casual & Avid Golfer provides great tips on playing in leagues.

Contact your local golf courses and see if they have any type of activity you can get involved with. Many have active men’s and women’s associations that are always looking for new players.

The EWGA is a great organization for women golfers of all abilities. The Play Golf America Golf for Women page provides an overview.

Group lessons are the perfect place for new and newer golfers to meet people of similar ability. Use the Play Golf America Zip Search above to find a program near you.

Just go to a golf course and meet someone. Even if you go alone, the staff is likely to pair you with other golfers who are looking for an enjoyable day, just like you.

What does it cost to play golf?

You can spend very little or as much as you want on golf. The cost of play varies depending on the caliber of course, the time of year, day of week and even the time of day. Municipal golf courses typically cost less than private, semi-private or resort courses. More good news! Many Play Golf America programs are designs to provide playing opportunities at attractive prices.

What tee markers should I play from?

Play the tees you are most comfortable with for your skill level and don’t let your ego or playing partners influence your decision.

Most courses have at least four sets of tees and some have as many as six, so selecting the proper tees isn’t difficult. The forward tees are designated for beginners and players with higher handicaps. The longest tees are designated for low handicap and professional players.

Remember, golf is supposed to be a relaxing recreation. Choose the tees that you will have the most fun at!

How should I clean up after myself on the course?

Do everything you can to leave the course they way you found it.

Bunkers – Be sure to rake your footprints while leaving a bunker. Feel free to rake those that others left behind as well!

Divots – Taking a divot is not bad, but leaving it un-repaired is bad.

Ball Marks – Make the effort to repair any marks made on the putting surface.

How do I establish a handicap?

A handicap is not mandatory to play the game but it is necessary if you plan on playing any kind of structured or casual competitive golf.

Thanks to handicaps, golfers of various abilities can compete on an equal level. For example, at an average golf course Samuel is a 5 handicap and Adam is a 16. Samuel is the better of the golfers, however, by giving Adam 11 shots in 18-holes (16 minus 5), they can compete.

Check out EWGA for detailed information on their golf handicap system.

What are the basic types of play?

There are two basic formats of play: Stroke Play and Match Play.

Stroke Play, also known as Medal Play, is a form of competition based on the cumulative number of strokes taken, over one round or several rounds. Most professional tournaments are stroke-play events.

In Match Play, golfers compete hole by hole. The player with the most holes won, wins the match. The Ryder Cup is a match play event.

For more details on each format, use the PGA Summary of the Rules of Golf or the USGA Web Page on the Rules of Golf.

What other kinds of games can I play?

There are an endless number of games that you and your partners can play. One example is a game called Bingle-Bangle-Bungle. In this game, a point is awarded to the player who hits the green first; another point is awarded to the player whose ball is closest to the hole; and a third point is given to the player first in the hole.

Scramble, or Captain & Mate, is a very popular format for outings. The basic concept is everyone in a group tees off each hole. The team picks the best shot and everyone in group plays from that spot. Repeat this until the ball is holed.

Ben Hogan liked to play a game called Fairways & Greens, in which each player gets a point for hitting a fairway and a point for hitting a green in regulation. The winner is determined on a per-point basis.

The PGA Manual of Golf has complete section on numerous fun and different games you can play!

How do I find out about traveling to play golf at other places around the country or world?

Throughout the 1990s, golf became synonymous with tourism. More and more people are focusing on playing golf as their primary activity while on vacation.

Check out Premier Golf (www.premiergolf.com) the Official Travel Company of The PGA of America. Premier Golf specializes in putting together domestic and international golf trip, including trips to the Ryder Cup, which will be held in Ireland in 2006.