Not everyone grew up on a golf course, but in your 50s and 60s, you can still take up this social, outdoor sport.
Here's some advice for late starters:
* Buy clubs that are the right size and weight for you. Get advice from a sporting goods store or a club pro. A fitting can cost $100 or more but will usually be deducted from the price of the clubs.
* Good news: Changes in equipment make it easier for a beginner to get started. Head designs and changes in club weight and flexibility can help. Try clubs with graphite shafts.
* Take lessons. Most club pros offer them. Get recommendations from other golfers. Instructors at private clubs are usually happy to take on students from the outside.
* Get advice on when to play the course. The course professional will say which hours are not crowded with good golfers so you won't hold anyone up.
* Know that there are advantages to starting at a later age. You are more likely to play a steady game rather than trying to hit 300 yards off the tee, for example.
* Use the senior tees or ladies' tees when you start. More people should use them all the time, and no one should be embarrassed about doing it.
* Forget the stroke rules at first. If you are taking too many shots, pick up your ball and go to the next 100-yard mark, to the green or the next hole. No one wants to take a lot of shots on one hole.
* Have fun and enjoy the health benefits. Golf is great cardiovascular exercise!
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
