Beginner Golfer Perspective: Alix & Kim
“For all week-one golfers, don't get yourself all knotted up, it is what it is. If you just keep at it, you'll keep progressing.”
If you’re a beginner in golf and want to learn the dos and don’ts, please join our guests today, Kim Looft and Alix Chesno as they talk about what the path looks like for a beginner in golf. In this episode, these two who are now experienced golfers will talk about their journeys in golf, and their challenges, but majorly talk about the whole experience as women in golf, which is a male-dominated sport. Today, we discuss in-depth ladies' leagues, clinics for beginners in golf and golf clubs, as well as golf programs in place to help beginners in their golf journey.
Kim and Alix’s journey to playing golf
Both Alix and Kim started golfing in January of 2022. Kim was introduced to golfing by Sarah, a long-time friend, while Alix began playing golf as a hobby after moving to Forest Hill.
Experience in golfing:
“Keep pushing yourself. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions because the only way you're going to get better is if you keep making that like goal out a little farther.”
Golfing as a beginner is hard and frustrating. As it is with learning any other skill, learning how to golf comes with a lot of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. It takes a lot to learn how to have the right postures, how to hit the balls right, and also, how to correctly carry around your golf gear. And golf being a male-dominated sport, the presence of too many males can be intimidating at times.
Clinics for beginners of golf
There are clinics set up to help beginners in their golf journey. These member-only types of clubs are strategically formed to incorporate everyone interested in being a golfer, guide them through the different levels of the journey, and mold them to become professional golf players. In addition to that, Operation 360 is a structured program whose progression through the yardages is focused around playing golf. Lastly, there are pro shops like Ally Sport shop, which specializes in women’s golf attire and tools that they need before going to the field.
What scares you the most about golf?
“When playing golf, you have to just do it almost like when you're training for a marathon. Run that many miles all the time.”
For both Kim and Alix, what they are scared about the most is going to the field and failing to perform. The fear of topping the ball and then making zero contact, and the ball does not go away. They ultimately decide to call it their mess. They are more afraid of messing in the field than anything else that pertains to golfing.
Big questions, anxieties, and stresses
“Keep pushing yourself. Put yourself in uncomfortable positions because the only way you're going to get better is if you keep making that like goal out a little farther.”
Learning golf could be frustrating and hard but giving up should never be a choice. It also comes with rage sometimes, but learning to take control of one’s feelings and emotions is really important. It may take time to learn and adjust, but one shouldn’t give in to the negativity and the stress that comes with it.
What has golf brought to your life?
“The people who sometimes don't pop out at you at first and make you think that they're scratchy and not interested in you, are the ones that will teach you the most about this sport.”
Golf has helped both Kim and Alix form great and meaningful relationships with other people. Kim can go golfing with her husband and kids as opposed to bike riding in the mountains. Alix has been able to spend quality time with kids via golfing, before they grow out of the nest, as she puts it. Also, the golf clubs and the clinics really factor in, in meeting new people, building long-lasting relationships, and expanding social circles. Through such, you meet with advanced and professional golfers who can be of great help through the journey of golfing.
One thing you wish you knew as a beginner golfer
“Just keep going.”
Just keep going, just show up. It doesn't hurt if people keep inviting you, it means they want you there. Just go and keep hitting the ball till you perfect it. You might be terrible at it but it will eventually get so much better with lots and lots of practice.
Resources
Tori:
Instagram: @tori_totlis
TikTok: @tori_totlis
Website: CompeteConfidenceGolf.com
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