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Joined: 11/14/2007
Posts: 5
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 5:56 PM PST
How much time should a beginner spend at the driving range before playing his first round. Also Id like to play my first round alone to get a feel for it. Are week days the best, mornings or evenings for what I know will be a slow noob 
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Joined: 4/22/2009
Posts: 12
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 6:09 PM PST
Great question.
There isn't a set amount of time you should spend at the range. It's a matter of how long it takes you to get to a certain skill level.
That skill level is where you are at a point where you can make contact with the ball with every club in your bag on a consistent basis. You might miss now and then, but if you miss more than 1 in 10 swings you shouldn't be on a course yet.
You should also be sure that your ball is going up in the air and you can predict more often that not where it will end up. That way you are not holding up play hitting skidders on every hole.
You should also get to a point where you are able to chip fairly well, because you will be doing A LOT of chipping. Three to four putts per hole is normal for a beginner, so that is ok, but shoot for two if you can.
Start out on Par 3 courses that are less populated so you don't hold up play and then work your way up to bigger things.
Golf is a hard game to learn, but stick to it and you will get there. I promise. I've seen players go from 120 to 85 in one summer with just a few lessons.
One last point, don't neglect your short game (100 yards and in) once you start getting to the point where you can get the ball up in the air and are getting some distance on it. If you really want to shoot well, learn to chip, pitch, and putt well from the beginning. Bad habits are HARD to break.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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Joined: 4/22/2009
Posts: 12
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 6:11 PM PST
Just saw your second question. Try to go out to a local course on a weeknight a couple of hours before dusk. Tell them you are picking up the game and you want to play by yourself so they won't pair you with anyone. They should be able to accommodate you. This is usually the least trafficked time on a golf course.
If you can get out around noon on a weekday you might be ok too, since most will be working. Just depends on the course.
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Cartersville, GA
Joined: 8/16/2007
Posts: 185
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 6:12 PM PST
Spend as much time as you need at the range. If you live in an area that is pretty hot and humid in the summer like I do, don't over do it. Take some bottles of water and work on your game. Don't forget though. Pounding away at balls is pointless. Practice with a purpose. Set goals and work gradually. After your range balls, spend some time on your short game and chipping as well. If they have a chipping area, make sure to practice chip shots. Do the same with bunker shots as well. And definitely don't forget to putt.
Focus on the things you want to work on one at a time.
As far as hitting the course goes, go when you feel comfortable playing on a course. I personally didn't play on the course itself for months after I started learning to play. I spent all my time on the range and the practice greens (but you don't have to do what I did.) Early mornings (at least around here) tend to not be as crowded and evenings might not be that bad either (you can usually get a twilight rate for playing after a certain time). Just remember that if you feel like you're holding anyone up, invite them to play through. We were all beginners once so most people will understand.
Lastly, enjoy yourself. Enjoy the game. You'll be hooked like everyone else before you know it.
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Joined: 11/14/2007
Posts: 5
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 6:41 PM PST
Thanks guys, great advice. As a beginner I know Ive got a long way to go before playing on the course. I'll keep your advice in mind while digging holes at the range 
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Joined: 4/22/2009
Posts: 12
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Posted: Jun/16/2009 6:57 PM PST
Always glad to help a newcomer. Here is one thing that I recommend doing so you don't lose your way. Schedule a day and time each week that is time for golf and nothing else. Make sure everyone else knows that so they won't bug you to make other plans. Sticking to your practice is essential to this game, especially when you are starting out.
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Cartersville, GA
Joined: 8/16/2007
Posts: 185
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Posted: Jun/17/2009 11:18 AM PST
Always glad to help! Whatever you do, enjoy yourself!
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Joined: 7/12/2009
Posts: 3
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Posted: Jul/12/2009 11:49 PM PST
Enough time to start gaining control over your drives is a good start.
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Joined: 7/13/2009
Posts: 1
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Posted: Jul/13/2009 10:08 AM PST
I agree, spending as much time at the range is the quickest and surest way to get better in your earlier stages
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Los Angeles
Joined: 8/16/2007
Posts: 38
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Posted: Jul/14/2009 11:27 AM PST
i would agree with everyone's comments. great feedback.
chipping and short game are certainly areas that will help you score. but i would spend less time on the full swing and just get out and play - dusk is a perfect time. focus on your target and getting the ball in the hole and worry less about having a perfect swing. i've played with lots of 'perfect' swings who can't score and i've played with plenty of 'unique' swings who can shoot lights out!
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