PLAY THREE ROUNDS
Introduction
It's time to play three rounds of golf to gain the confidence you'll need to enjoy the game. The goal of these practice rounds is to experience the game in a relatively safe and supportive environment, which is especially important if you're gearing up to play in a corporate outing. It will take several rounds of practice to start feeling comfortable on a golf course.
We consider one practice round to consist of nine holes or more. If you prefer to complete this hole in smaller increments, you can divide this step into six rounds of four or more holes.
Find a Playing Partner
While the game of golf may appear to move at a leisurely pace when you watch the pros on television, you'll quickly find that's not the case your first few times out. If getting the ball airborne and heading toward your target isn't hard enough, don't underestimate the time and thought process that are required in between your shots.
And there will be distractions. Beautiful views, conversations between players, and perhaps a round of beer to start things off.
Avoid becoming a high maintenance player. It's not the responsibility of other players in your group to answer questions and offer you advice. We strongly suggest you pair up with an experienced golfer who has agreed in advance to help you navigate the course. The role of your mentor is not to teach you how to swing the club but to help you follow proper etiquette, get ready for your shots and help with pace of play. Let your playing partner drive the cart so you have one less thing to think about.
Where do you find this patient person to play with? In some cases your instructor will offer a PLAYING LESSON, which is nothing more then guidance while playing on the course. Invite a family member, business associate or friend that has been encouraging you to take up the game. Many golfers are more then happy to share their love of the game by mentoring a learning player.
Women on Course has several resources to choose from. Search our MEMBER DIRECTORY to locate and contact other golfers in your area who are course ready. Check our EVENT CALENDAR for organized events such as Signature Golf Experiences and 4-hole formats designed for this purpose.
Book a Tee Time
There are times and days when courses are extremely busy and other times when the pace is slower. We recommend you book a tee time in advance to ensure you have a time slot to play. Cost varies with demand, so lower rates are an indication when the course may be less busy. Generally morning tee times see heavier volume, especially on weekends when people are playing 18 holes. Ask for a tee time later in the day when TWILIGHT RATES are offered. This time period is often less busy due to the risk that daylight will run out before players can finish 18 holes.
Golf courses charge a GREENS FEE, which gives you access to the golf course. You will also pay a CART FEE if you choose to rent an electric cart to make your way around the course. It's always acceptable to carry your bag and walk, although depending on the length of the course, terrain and your stamina, that may add to your playing time (and exhaust you in the process). Another option is a PULL CART, which is more common on shorter Par 3 and executive courses. You can rent one or bring your own. (Tip: The shorter courses are ideal for playing your practice rounds.)
Day of Play
We recommend you arrive 30 minutes to one hour before your scheduled tee time, which gives you ample time to get situated and warm up on the practice range.
As you drive up to the golf course, follow signs to the designated BAG DROP area, where an attendant may be on hand to help unload your clubs. It's also acceptable to park and walk your clubs to this area. However, it's considered bad form to walk into the clubhouse with your equipment, so find a spot to leave them outside.
Next, stop by the pro shop to pay for the round and rent clubs if you need a set. Many shops are light on rental clubs, so be sure to reserve a ladies set before you arrive to play. You can also purchase any essential items you forgot, such as golf balls or tees.
If time allows, it's never a bad idea to hit a few practice shots on the driving range or hit some putts on the practice green. At a public course, you can purchase a bucket of RANGE BALLS or purchase a token for the ball dispenser at the pro shop. Most private clubs have golf balls on the range at no additional charge.
Don't lose track of time! You're expected to arrive at the first tee 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled tee time. This gives the starter time to explain the course rules and send you on your way.
If you find yourself paired with strangers, introduce yourself and relax. Generally speaking, when people see a woman step up to the first tee they don't expect her to be good. Conversely, when a man steps up to the tee box they expect him to be a skilled golfer. You have nothing to lose - when you make a great shot you will impress your group!
Let everyone know you're learning and you plan to Play Your Own Way. If you move your ball or make up your own rules, it's in the spirit of keeping the pace moving and not distracting others from their game.
To get the most out of your practice rounds, we suggest you focus on the following areas.
Round One Focus - Etiquette & Pace of Play
Brush up on the etiquette tips you learned on Hole #4 before you head for the golf course. Ask your mentor to show you where to stand and point out (in a constructive way) if you inadvertently break an unspoken rule.
Focus on being ready for your turn, which actually starts before your turn. Have your tee, ball and club ready for your drive, and travel quickly between shots. Be prepared to pick up your ball and move it forward if you feel you are falling behind.
Don't be embarrassed to skip a fairway shot or two and join the group to putt. Practice a one-and-done approach on every turn, when one swing equals your turn wherever the ball may or may not go - without apology!
Shake hands at the end of the round and thank your playing partners for a nice time.
Round Two Focus - Course Strategy
By this stage you'll have experience executing different shots and using different clubs. As you play this round, think about how you plan to navigate the hole.
On the tee box, take a club you're comfortable using to drive the ball a good distance. Choose a spot in the middle of the fairway and take aim.
When you're faced with an obstacle and you don't feel confident flying the ball over it, find a landing spot you can reach and navigate around the danger. If all else fails, there's nothing wrong with moving your ball to the other side of the hazard and continuing play. There is no point in losing a perfectly good ball!
As you get closer to the hole, the yardage to the center of the green will influence your club choice. Look for yardage markers on the course, or ask your mentor to help estimate the distance to the hole. Confirm your club choice with your mentor, who can help adjust for changes in elevation and weather. Choose a club that carries a similar distance and take your best shot.
Put some thought into where you intend to land your ball on the green. Oftentimes the pin is placed with a sand trap between you and the hole. Don't get lured by a SUCKER PIN. Take aim for the widest open part of the green and steer clear of hazards. Once you're safely on the green, aim for the hole.
Round Three Focus - Practice Format
Use this round to prepare for a real life setting and practice the format you intend to play going forward. If you have your sights set on entering a scramble tournament, play this format with your mentor. If you're learning the game to join your friends, play the round using our Play Your Own Way suggestions.
Ask your mentor to offer suggestions and tips as you play the round. Keep in mind that a course ready player is self-sufficient, expected to navigate the course, understands and uses proper golf etiquette and keeps a good pace of play. You may not keep score or have consistent shots, but when you're respectful of your playing partners and have a positive attitude, you're sure to be invited back!
