PGA Features

You've seen Tiger and co plotting their way around beautiful courses on television and you've listened to friends and colleagues dissecting their games at work and in the pub. Suitably inspired you've now decided you want to give golf a go . . . but where do you start? Throughout March, PGA.info brings a comprehensive guide on how you start playing the great game easily, effectively and without breaking the bank. In the first instalment we speak to PGA Advanced Professional Karl Hayler and discover five golden rules you should know before starting golf.

It's hard not to be inspired by the majesty of Tiger Woods in action. Single-handedly he has raised the profile of the game and the numbers coming to golf are part of this phenomenon.

But following in his footsteps and knowing your three wood from your wedge can prove a bit more daunting. Throw into the mix being able to negotiate a golf course and knowledge of the rules and etiquette, then starting to play golf can seem a bit of a minefield. However, that notion is far from the truth with an army of PGA professionals across the land providing the perfect introduction to the game.

PGA Advanced professional Karl Hayler of Lilley Brook Golf Club in Cheltenham, a venue for free starter sessions, has helped hundreds of beginners discover the joys of golf and gives a few key pointers on how to get the best out of golf right from the very beginning.

"Learning golf is a two phase exercise," said Hayler.

"There's learning how to play the game and actually playing the game. I always liken it to learning to drive.

"You get behind the wheel of a car and there's all this information to take in all at once to get you through to your test. That's like learning the basics of the golf swing and what all of the clubs do and how you use them.

"To drive you need to get the basics and that's the same in golf before you go and venture onto the fairways."

So as you prepare to take your first steps, consider Hayler's top five guide to getting into golf:

1. Lessons

"There are plenty of options with individual lessons, group lessons and taster sessions to give golf a try. My advice is to go to your local pro and have a half hour lesson with them and see how it goes. They're always there and you'll get their full attention. Group lessons are a fun way to start but the amount of time with the pro may be a factor.

"But it's always good to try it with a friend and learn together. That's great option as you'll have someone at the same stage as you."

2. Equipment

"Don't worry about equipment until you know if you want to take up the game seriously. I've had some beginners turn up with a bag load of kit when they don't need it. I provide clubs to get started and I would think that's the same everywhere. To start off with beginners need just turn up in a pair of flat comfortable shoes or trainers.

"Don't get carried away with buying things, especially clubs. I think it's important to stress to beginners the benefits of custom fitting clubs to their swing and taking time find the right clubs for them. Again, I can't stress enough how important it is to get the basics right first."

3. Rules and Etiquette

"I give every beginner a copy of the rules book but whether they read it all is another matter. Again, it's all about the basics, which are pretty straight forward to pick up. But you can always ask your pro or another player. As long as players are aware of what they should do around the tee and green when it comes to etiquette, that's perfect. You've got to expect beginner to make mistakes - we all have. But once more, get the basics and you can guarantee to enjoy the game a lot more."

4. Where to play

"A golf course can be an intimidating place to a beginner and it's no place to venture until you're confident in your ability to get the ball around the course. Holding up players or just hitting the ball a matter of yards isn't fun for anyone. But when you can, there's no shortage of places.

"There was a time when we know golf was viewed as being for the elite but that's not the case anymore and players don't have to join clubs with a range of pay and play and good municipal courses to play on."

5. Scoring and Handicaps

"This is really the second phase of learning and a sign you're ready to go out and play. It might seem complicated but it isn't and a quick half hour round a coffee table can easily explain how a handicap is attained, how it works and how to use it when scoring."

To contact Karl Hayler at Lilley Brook Golf Club call 01242 525 201or visit the website.