 | Don Farquhar is Head Golf Professional at Rolling Hills CC, a position he has held since 1988. Don has earned several distinctive awards: 1991 South Central Section Golf Professional of the Year, 1994 South Central Section Merchandiser of the Year, 2003 & 2004 South Central Teacher of the Year and 7 Time Kansas Chapter PGA Teacher of the Year. Don has competed in 5 National Club Professional Championships and qualified for the USGA Public Links Championship. Don is also a member of the Titlist Custom Fitting Staff. Don may be contacted Rolling Hills Country Club Pro Shop, (316) 722-1181, 223 Westlink Drive, Wichita, KS 67209, or by e-mail at dafarquhar@pga.com. |
Golf
2002-04-01 11:59:00
I’ve never played golf
Question: I am in my 50's. I am what you might call a very odd person. I have never played a round of golf in my life. I recently sold my business and would like to consider taking up the game. What would you suggest as the best way to learn and start the game?
Answer: Some people think that at age 50 you might be too old to learn the game. However, I am not one of those people. Having sold your business, you should be able to devote a lot of time learning how to play. And believe me, it will take a lot of time and practice.The most effective way to learn to play is to find a good PGA golf professional and start taking lessons from him or her. You should be careful in selecting a pro however, in order to make sure that he or she is capable of instructing beginners. Check around with some of your friends and ask for a recommendation. Then call the professional and ask for a meeting to introduce yourself. Ask him what his teaching philosophy is and maybe how comfortable he would be teaching a beginner. Ask about lesson times, duration, and price. Try to get a feel for whether or not you think you can connect with him. Any PGA professional would gladly welcome such a meeting with a new pupil. Spell out your goals and tell him how much you would be willing to practice. He'll appreciate your honesty.As for golf equipment, I recommend that you wait until you are sure you like the game before investing $1000 or more in equipment. The professional that you have chosen to work with will surly have some equipment you can borrow. When you feel as if you are ready to buy, again, go and see your professional. He'll know your swing and what's best for your game. Don't trust someone in an off course store who just wants to make a sale. This is too important a decision for that.Once you get started please realize that there are no shortcuts. This will take a while to learn, but if you are patient and keep at it you'll enjoy the game for the rest of your life.
