Golf is a great game: sometimes rewarding, often frustrating but highly addictive.

Getting started in golf

The biggest mistake made by people wanting to start playing golf is to rush out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs. Like any sport, once you have played for a while you know which clubs are your favorites and which fit is best.

While it is nice to start out with a new set of clubs, you should keep in mind that todays golf equipment comes in a great variety of sizes shapes and prices ranges. The nine iron or a wedge are the best clubs to start practicing with and will give you the feeling of hitting the ball in the air and should be fairly straight forward.

How to test drive golf clubs....

• If you must have your own clubs get a half set. This usually comprises of five irons and perhaps two woods and a putter. Usually the irons are the odd numbers 3,5,7,9 and wedge. These clubs are more than enough to get you started.
• A better alternatively is to rent clubs at a diving range and this option allows you to try a few different ones.
• You can also borrow one or two clubs from a friend.
• Most Pro shops and driving ranges sell second hand clubs. They will also be able to offer you advice and let you try some clubs out.

Make sure you try before you buy and be sure they fit - I again stress that you need to have a basic understanding on which club suits you reasonably well before you buy. DO NOT buy expensive brands at this stage.

Don't get caught in "I want to play, I want to play!"

As hard as it will be to contain yourself, don't even contemplate going anywhere near a golf course. Golf is technically quite demanding, and without at least some basic training you'll end up with a lot of frustration.

As a beginner at the great game of golf, take at least four or five lessons, then venture off to the driving range, once you have learned the fundamentals of golf, progress to a 9 hole course and eventually venture out into the great unknown of a full size 18 hole golf course. Believe me, it will be a lot more fun for you and those around you if you follow this path.

Where to get golf lessons?

Go to a Professional! 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. No matter what your friends will tell you - they are not qualified to teach you anything - and trust me on this one - it will be very frustrating for you and your pro if you listen to them. Lessons from a Pro will cost you money but will be the best investment you'll ever make. Taking the advise from the 'know-it-all' people at the range will likely screw-up your game at the very early stage, and it will take a long time to correct the faults later.

The two places to get golf lessons are at driving ranges and golf clubs. You don't have to be a member of a club to get a lesson from the Pro. Night schools and community centers are also a great place to find golf lessons. They are usually offered in the fall - which will give you a jump start on the season.

The usual cost is about $25-40 per 45 min, but you will get reductions for a block booking. If you are a bit on the budget see if they do group bookings, those are also cheaper than individual lessons.

Books and videos area a great way for the beginner to observe first hand the right way to swing a club. Watch the pros for inspiration

The best advice I can give you...

What else to do?

Books and videos can be invaluable in learning the basics.
The three fundamentals of a sound golf swing are: Grip, Stance and Posture. Stick to "Grip, Stance and Posture" and you'll be well on your way to loving the game of golf.

1. Don't waste your money on expensive clubs until you have reached a basic level of competency.

2. Don't go near a golf course until you have a basic knowledge of how the game is played.

3. Get a few beginners lessons from a qualified professional.

4. Learn the three fundamentals

5. Watch the Pro's.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice!

7. Learn the rules of golf and the basic golf etiquette.