Since I moved to Myrtle Beach in 1999 I've thought about learning how to golf but always set my goal aside for another time. I guess sitting there a few times in the past watching the golfers swing away at the driving range with poker faces and no joking much less speaking was a little intimidating. I began to think it may be too serious of a sport, I like to have fun. When I am learning something and do it right, I get excited and maybe even do a little "happy" dance. (You should see me at my Archery 3D shoots!) These people looked miserable and then of course there's all those golf jokes...
Well after living on a golf course for the past 4 months I have an entirely different view of the sport of golf. I have had one window broken, numerous hits to the house, area trees and even my son is looking into selling used golf balls. (He's 5 and finds an average of 4 balls a week in our backyard) Now all I do is smile, and watch in admiration. Maybe it's because I live in Myrtle Beach, one of the best spots to play golf, or maybe the perfect weather we have been having lately because all day smiling golfers having a great time zoom past the house in their carts. (A bit distracting because I mostly work from my home office)
So now it's my turn! By the way, even my 5 and 7 year old have golf clubs... So Saturday off we went to The Cane Patch driving range downtown Myrtle Beach. I borrowed my boyfriends clubs, bought a basket of balls and away we went. I thought I did real good, he showed a bit of frustration with instructing me, but I had fun. Man, were my arms sore a couple hours after. I guess from what a Rotarian friend said I was probably too tense in the shoulders?
Well Sunday after breakfast at Cracker Barrel, we headed over to Dicks Sporting Goods to check out club sets. I got lucky and found a great full set on sale, grabbed a new glove and headed home. A couple hours later I was still having fun and was hitting the ball about 80% of the time where I wanted it to go. I know different days will bring different outcomes but I'm looking forward to it!
If you have any great tips, favorite Myrtle Beach golf courses, or funny stories you'd like to share with "newbies" like me, I'd love to hear them! Now it's off to find golf shoes! Oh, yeah do they have to match your outfits?
Posted by: Amy Whiffen - Myrtle Beach Real Estate Agent. To begin your search for the perfect home or to sell your home in the Myrtle Beach, SC area, contact me today by calling (843) 251-8358.
Lol Andrew! I checked out your blog, very well written. Thank you.
Thanks Pam, I would like to get started with lessons asap. Golf pro's in Myrtle Beach are a lot like Realtors, there are thousands here, some good some bad! I've started asking around for referrals though. If only there was a ActiveRain for the Golf Profession!
There you go, thanks William.
Clint, get out there and make the time! Everyone needs a personal day once in a while. Then again maybe golfing wouldn't be the best thing?
Thanks Mary, it is funny how Realtors always seem to group together. I do need to get out more on my own.
Thanks for the support Jason, it is nice to have something we both enjoy to look forward too.
Here's to less errant shots Mark!
It's nice to hear you enjoy golf and all it's rewards Kelly. I'm looking forward to my first company golf outing the first week of June.
Amy,
I have one suggestion... go pick up a copy of Jack Nicklaus's instructional book "Golf My Way". It is a classic. Many of the tour pros will tell you they used Jack's books to learn the game when they started.
My family used to go to N. Myrtle Beach a couple of times a year years ago. We had a travel trailer at Apache Camp Grounds. Heard not long ago it was going the route of condo development though. I played a few times over there but, don't remember the names of the places I played.
Have fun!
Keith
Thanks for the book suggestion Keith. I need all the help I can get!
Amy, a book I bought for my wife is The Women's Guide to Golf. A handbook for Beginners. I have read it myself and picked up points as well. She has started to play and understand the game as well. As far as your kids go look into the first tee. Very inexpensive and great teaching for life and golf. Stick around for the lesson and you can learn as well. My son loves it. Enjoy the golf. You will live for it.
Thanks Frank for the book suggestions. My 5 year old son actualy went to golf camp this summer for three weeks and loved every minute of it! I'll let you know what I think of the books when I'm done. Take care.
I know different days will bring different outcomes but I'm looking forward to it!
Hi Amy,
Congrats! My golf game is scary, so I can't offer any great tips. But did anyone warn you??? Now you will have TWO addictions. Active Rain and golf. :)
P.S. This post already has over 1100 views! There must be a TON of quiet golfers lurking out there. :)
Yes, you are very true. Golf has become a family obsession!
Good luck with your game. Like anything it takes practice and lots of it. That can be a real problem.
Amy...... Great Job on acquiring a quintessential item(s) for life. Golf has many acronyms to describe the game (alot of 4 letter ones), but mostly HAVE FUN, expectations in the game of golf is like trying to figure out a 11 months old next move when learning how to walk, Have Fun. When you do get better still have fun. Obsession is just one great golf shot away.
With a 5 year old in tow it might be hard to find the time to get on the course, but use this time to practice, and you'll find golf is a love-hate relationship, but all it takes is that one great shot tobring you back.
Have A Great Day
Thanks for the words of encouragement, I have found it's been hard to get out there as often as I used too. However next week I'll be back in the swing!
Hi Amy, Congrats on your new clubs. How'd you hold out for so long living at Myrtle Beach? It's a great game. Harvey Penick wrote a book called The Little Red Book that I'd highly recommend for you to keep around the house. Really well written and easy to read and understand... NOT TECHNICAL at all. He also wrote one specifically for women, but get the Little Red one first... Fairways and Greens!
Hi Amy,
I just got my first lesson, over the Labor Day weekend...immediately followed by the purchase of my first set of clubs. I've been attending classes and clinics and practicing at the range ever since. I've even played a few rounds, and I am hooked.
The best advice I have received is to take lessons and get professional instruction from the very beginning.
Good luck and I hope you are enjoying the sport as much as I am!
Thanks Robin. I agree, learn it correctly from the start and you'll go farther faster. Kind of like real estate right?
I love to read Charlie thanks for the book suggestion!
I would like to start to play again but then there would be no time for real estate :). It can take over your life; real estate that is.
Congrats on picking up the Greatest Game on Earth. I have another book suggestion for you. Get Golf is not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella. He's got some wonderful ideas about the mental side of the game.
Always remember to have fun!!!!!
Hi Scott, yes the last few months have been so crazy with real estate I haven't been able to get out like I used to. It's about time I do!
Thanks for the book suggestion Bill. I am hoping to get a Amazon Kindle in the next few months, it'll be loaded up in no time!
Amy - Congratulations on your new clubs; lots of places to use them in Myrtle Beach.
As a friend of mine was fond of saying;
" Just remember, golf is like sex... I'm not that good at it, but I am not going to quit!"
Hit em well!
Amy-
Learning golf is one of the best decisions I have made! It's a great way to get outdoors and wonderful way to meet new people. We live on a golf course in McCormick and golf every chance we get! Good luck!
Mary
Amy, I see this post was started in April. I guess you are pretty good by now! I find it ironic, as I imagine you know that golf jargon for a swing and miss is a "Whiff"!!!
I will be coming down to Myrtle in 2009.... I'll keep an eye on the market!