5 Years In… What I Would Tell Myself When I First Started Golfing with Al, Christie & Suzanne
Our three guests - Alix, Christie, and Suzanne - started playing golf around 5-6 years ago.
Al thinks she began playing in 2015 or 2016, so about 8 years ago. She played tennis beforehand which helped her pick up golf more quickly.
Christie eased into playing full 18-hole rounds over the course of about 6 years. She started with just 9 holes while her kids were young, not having enough time to commit to full rounds. But about 5-6 years ago she transitioned to playing full 18-hole rounds regularly.
Suzanne is the newest to the game, having started golf just 5 years ago. She jumped right into full 18-hole rounds instead of starting with 9 holes.
What Was It Like Transitioning from 9 Holes to 18 Holes?
For Christie, switching from 9-hole rounds to full 18-hole rounds took some time. When her kids were younger, she didn't have enough time to commit to 4+ hour full rounds. She slowly built up from sometimes playing 13-14 holes, thinking she could handle a few more. Her son also started playing high school golf around this time, and she spent time supporting his tournaments and events.
Once her son went off to college, she had more free time and decided to finally join the 18-hole women's league at her club. The 9-hole groups had given the 18-hole groups a scary nickname “the big girls,” so there was some intimidation about making the switch. But Christie found everyone very welcoming. She does wish she had transitioned earlier so she could have improved more quickly with the additional practice time.
What Was It Like as a Beginner Joining the Women's Golf Association (WGA)?
Suzanne found everyone very welcoming when she joined the WGA as a beginner golfer. Since she made it clear she was new to the game and didn’t know all the rules well yet, the more experienced WGA members were very friendly and helpful. Just a year or two after joining, she was already helping out with coordinating events and rules questions to force herself to learn.
She aligned herself with some longer-time players for advice rather than trying to figure everything out on her own. Having that support network made joining as a new player much less intimidating. The WGA community was very open and helpful to new members.
What Was the Experience Like Playing in Tournaments as a Newer Golfer?
Christie remembers being very nervous playing in tournaments as a newer golfer. In particular, she was intimidated by finding herself paired with low handicap players in a President’s Cup tournament. She was scared to even look at her scores compared to the field on Golf Genius. But with the support and advice of her playing partner Tori, she ended up winning the tournament by playing strategically to her abilities.
That experience of playing with better players under pressure taught her so much about managing tournaments. She’s very proud of how she handled the nerves and now embraces playing in competitive events. Her hesitation to join tournaments early on is one of her biggest regrets now that she sees how much fun they can be.
What is the Best Way to Improve as a Beginner Golfer?
All three guests wish they had focused more on their short games from the beginning instead of being tempted to go straight to the driving range. They spent too much time trying to hit perfect drives without realizing the short game is where lower scores happen. Putting and chipping make the biggest differences in beginner golf improvement.
They also all advised taking lessons consistently, even if just quick 30-minute refreshers with a pro. Trying to self-correct swing issues from YouTube videos and tips often does more harm than good. An instructor can diagnose your unique swing to get you on the right and most efficient path for improvement. Don’t get discouraged going backward in lessons while you rebuild - it leads to big breakthroughs.
And while it can be intimidating as a beginner, playing with better players and taking some risks challenges your game much faster. You learn more from losing or uncomfortable situations than you do from easy wins. Embrace the challenge!
How Should Beginner Golfers Approach Pace of Play?
All three guests were very conscious about keeping the pace of play from the start, not wanting to slow anyone down. Suzanne noted that at any skill level, playing ready golf and keeping things moving is more important than your actual golf abilities. Take time to prepare for your shots while others are hitting rather than taking too long over the ball. Limit excess chatting when it's your turn to hit.
If you stay aware of your pace even as a beginner, most players won’t mind what your skill level is. And playing with faster groups will speed up your process without you even realizing it. Don't feel anxious, just be courteous.
How Does Golf Change Your Life?
A consistent theme was how much golf enriched their lives by expanding their circle of friends. When Christie’s kids grew up and left home, joining the women’s golf groups gave her a wonderful built-in social community she otherwise would have lost. The variety of ages and life experiences among the golf friends brought her so much joy.
The ability to travel and play golf also opens up so many memories and adventures with friends and family. Christie treasures the opportunities she now has to play alongside her son and husband regularly, creating special new connections through the game.
Al compared golf friendships to her former world of competitive tennis friends which could be cutthroat and built on rivalries. Golf relationships tend to be more lasting, positive and supportive - built on hours of conversation and support on and off the course.
Any Last Tips for Golf Beginners?
Suzanne advised not to be overly nervous about joining a women’s league as a beginner. Don’t hesitate about your skill level or anything like that. Just introduce yourself around, play in events and you’ll quickly find your crowd. Golf can be intimidating but the community is so welcoming if you put yourself out there.
Christie echoed the sentiment about jumping right in and committing to lessons and practice early. Especially as life opens up with kids grown or other activities slowing down, take advantage of that time as soon as possible. Golf enhances life in so many ways as you progress in the sport.
And Al ended by reminding that golf is full of ups and downs for everyone. Don’t get too fixated on scores or handicaps. Play golf because it brings joy, memories, connections and life enrichment - that never changes even if your game fluctuates!
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