A very important mindset for the golf beginner to establish is that learning the game of golf or probably more precisely, learning how to execute the golf swing is at best an ongoing process.

As a beginning golfer you must come to peace with the idea that creating and building (or even rebuilding) your golf swing is a step by step – phase by phase process.

And getting your golf swing  to repeat itself on a reasonably consistent basis that produces reasonably consistent results cannot be accomplished with a couple token lessons and a few buckets of golf balls… then off to the course. 

One of the biggest (and probably the most frustrating) mistakes that someone who is beginning golf makes it their desire to get to the course and play. Now, don’t get me wrong. Playing golf and enjoying all the various golf courses isn’t reserved for only those who play well. Keep this in the context of someone whose goal it is to learn golf and/or play better golf and is willing to make a commitment to do so.

Once you begin down the road of learning how to play golf (learn the basics of the golf swing) you should have the expectation that your learning curve and subsequent results will progress in levels or plateaus, and that getting from one level to the next is directly related to the amount of practice time you spend reinforcing each new skill and movement within the golf swing itself.  

As your golf swing and your ball striking continue to improve through repetition and practice of the skills being taught to you, you will undoubtedly run across the phenomena of being able to execute your golf swing and produce reasonable results (relative to your expectations) on the driving range, but when you head off the course there seems to be a different person standing over the golf ball.

Not to worry, or get overly frustrated and think you’re never going to learn the game. This is simply one of those levels or plateaus that I have previously mentioned. Getting your game to follow you from the driving range to the golf course can be a bit challenging and sometimes hard on the ol’ confidence. Be persistent. Continue to practice quality repetitions and you will get there. 

As a beginning golfer  you should think of your endeavor of leaning the wonderful game of golf as a lifelong project no matter when you get started.

Play Good Golf!

Jeff O'Brien

Be sure to check my other related articles on...

• Your Own Golf Coach
• Distance-Accuracy
• Choosing The Right Golf Clubs
• Golf Swing Consistency Improvement
• Golf Swing Fundamentals