Girls Got Game

Summer’s here, and it’s a great time to take it outside and pick up a golf club. If you are not exactly like golfing great Nancy Lopez on the links, June is the perfect time to “get game.” To make getting out on the golf course a bit less intimidating, clubs across North Carolina are sharing “Women’s Golf Week” from June 4–11.

Women’s Golf Week is designed to encourage women golfers to get out and play. It is a precedent-setting collaboration of the top U.S. golf organizations, including the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA), GOLF 20/20, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), PGA of America, PGA Tour, The First Tee, and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Contact a course near you to see what fun and women-friendly activities they are offering, or visit www.womensgolfweek.com to find activities in your area.

If you are just getting started, here are a few pointers to help get you on the right path to enjoying the great game of golf.

Don’t Rush In
It’s tempting when you are getting started to rush out and buy the most expensive clubs you can find. However, keep in mind that today’s golf equipment comes in a great variety to cater to different golfing types and abilities. Since you're just starting out, you won’t know which set fits you best. A better alternative: most driving ranges will have clubs for rent, so you can try out a few different ones. You can also borrow one or two clubs from a friend. The shortest iron (a nine iron) or a wedge is the best club to start with; practicing with either of them will give you the feeling of hitting the ball in the air.

Where to Get Golf Clubs?
Most pro shops and driving ranges sell secondhand clubs. They will also offer you advice and let you try some clubs. Alternatively, nearly all driving ranges will have clubs for rent if you want to have a go without committing to a set until you get the hang of it. Check out www.LearnAboutGolf.com for how to choose golf clubs. Again, do not buy expensive clubs if you are just starting out.

Home on the Range
As a golfing beginner, start off at a driving range. From there, take at least four or five lessons, to learn the fundamentals. Then progress to a 9-hole course and eventually venture out into the great unknown of an 18-hole golf course. Believe me, it will be a lot more fun for you and those around you if you follow this path—with a lot less frustration.

Take Advice from the Pros
Go to a professional for lessons. As you have seen on TV, even the world’s top players have a coach. Tiger Woods, probably the best golfer the world, still takes lessons. Certified golf professionals are the only people qualified to teach you how to play the game. Lessons from a pro will cost money, but will be the best investment you'll ever make. Taking the advice from the “know-it-all” people at the range will likely throw off your game at the very early stage, and it will take a long time to correct the faults later.

Practice & Become a Student of the Game
The most essential part of golf is taking time to practice, and then taking time for more practice. You will need to practice building a sound golf swing with the three fundamentals: grip, stance and posture. For the key basics, there are many good resources —books and videos on the market that will help guide you. Check out Golf for Women Magazine for advice that is customized to the female golfer. And watch the pros on the TV—you'll learn a lot this way. Become a smart student of the game by knowing the basics of etiquette and rules.

Article co-writer, Stephanie Niblack with Golf Legend and Longview Course Designer Jack Nicklaus.

Lastly, the most important part of golf is to have fun—after all, it’s only a game.

Stephanie Niblack is the community education director for The Club at Longview Golf Course in Weddington, NC. Charlotte’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, Longview was chosen by NC Golf Magazine as the #24 course in the state, the first course ever to make it in the top 25 list in its first year of eligibility for ratings. In addition to the golf course, Longview offers a private, gated community with an Old World- style clubhouse, tennis, swimming and fitness center, and numerous other amenities. For more information, visit www.Longview.cc. or call 704-443-2525.

Longview’s #6 golf hole – par 5