Went to Makalei Golf Course in Kona, Hawaii (first time on a golf course), and here are some things I learned.
A golf course in general:
- Need to wear a collared shirt, and wear shorts that is Bermuda length (ie. basically almost to the knees)
- Buy “range balls” to practice in the on-site driving range. Then sneak some of the balls for use on the course (leave the bucket behind at the range part)
- You can drink on the course. I recommend a flask of good whisky, and also some seltzers. Also, bring some snacks (maybe chips and/or beef jerky)
- A raincoat was key for unexpected rain
- I wore regular bike running shoes. Not sure if that is allowed in all golf courses
About clubs/irons themselves:
- For my first time on the course, my general rule was to start off with a driver club (with tee) first to hit it as far as I could
- After the first swing, I would switch to an iron (I used a 9 since apparently it is the one that is a bit more flexible with “mistakes”)
- When the ball is close or on the green, I would switch to a putter
- I used a regular club as opposed to a “stiff” one
Posture and swinging the clubs
- First, I think it’s important for your clubs to be a length that matches your height. I had to hold them lower than usual to compensate for the clubs being long
- You always want the base of the club to be parallel to the floor, but your arms perpendicular to the floor. This means that you need to use / bend your wrist when holding the club
- For standing, have your feet probably 2 feet away from each other, and parallel to one another. Then as you stand straight, bend your upper body, but keeping your back straight. After bend your knees slightly like you are snowboarding. Then apply the club holding rules as mentioned in the previous bullet
- For the swing, you want to always keep your left arm straight until you hit the ball, then it bends
- For your hands have your left hand hold it keeping your thumb in front of you and parallel to the club. For your right hand, have your pinky go between your left pinky and left ring finger, and have your right thumb go over your left thumb, but not parallel with it (make sure there is a “v” formed with your right thumb and your right pointing finger)
Some other things:
- If you want to just practice your long game (and not your short game), you can basically golf until you land on the green, and then move on (since you can practice your short game in other places
- Wear a glove on your left hand! Started to see a blister getting formed
