subject: How You Can Become a "Real" Golfer ? [print this page] What's a "real" golfer? There are three essentials:
You understand the game.
You can play it a little.
You never dishonor its spirit.
Anyone can smack a ball aimlessly around a course. (I can already hear my fellow professionals saying, "Yeah like you, McCord!") But that doesn't make you a real golfer. There's much more to this game than hitting a ball with a stick.
How can you start becoming a "real" golfer? You need to start by buying golf clubs and balls. You don't have to shell out thousands of dollars to get started. You can start simple use cheap equipment at first, and spend more if you enjoy the game.
After you have golf clubs, you need to know how to grip the club: The V between the thumb and forefinger of your top hand should point to your right shoulder. That seems simple, but you wouldn't believe how many beginners get it wrong and complicate their voyage to the promised land of "real" golfers.
When you've got the grip down pat, you're ready to swing. Believe me, the swing is not as easy as it looks. That's why you need to develop your own swing. That's where you can determine what type of golfer you are. You can also find out about swing plane, various checkpoints during the swing, and what amateurs can glean from the swings of such great players as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, and Tiger Woods.
You've probably heard about golf etiquette, handicaps, and one- and twostroke penalties and maybe even such goofy-sounding things as nassaus, skins, and barkies. If not, don't worry. You'll soon be tossing such terms around like a pro. Knowing when to hit (and when not to), how to keep score, and how to bet are integral parts of the game.
