A solid reason why golf is one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the country is that it is a fun sport to participate in. There has never been a better opportunity than right now to give it a try for your own benefit!
In the weeks leading up to my first golf lesson, I was overwhelmed with trepidation about the game in general – and about my own ability to play it in particular — It is possible for me to make contact with the ball? Will other players be paying attention if I fail to catch the ball when it is in my possession? What is the most effective method of keeping track of my progress? Was it my responsibility to bring clubs with me to the event? What do you suggest I put on for the occasion?
By the time I arrived at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, all of my doubts and reservations about this enigmatic game had been fully dispelled. Also, the caddie, who gladly shuttled me from my car to the course on his motorcycle, provided me with immediate reassurance.
In the following meeting, I met Andy Mackimmie, the Resort’s very own Head Golf Professional, who provided me with a much-needed confidence boost and gifted me with a new golf jacket from the Pro Shop to wear while I was there. I could see straight away that he was warm and enthusiastic, and that my lack of golf knowledge would not be offensive to him. I was absolutely correct in being cautious.
While on my grand tour and taking my first lesson with Andy, I learned a lot about how to approach the game of golf, which turned out to be more sophisticated than I had thought prior to going on the trip.
The following are Andy’s top recommendations for newcomers to the area:
Bring nothing more than yourself and an open mind to the course, and the rest will fall into place on its own accord.
Among the many amenities available at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course are everything from clubs to carts to forecaddies and everything in-between. Aside from their joy at being a novice, those who are new to golf do not need to bring any special equipment. Because I had no notion that one could be fitted for a set of golf clubs until now, this is a good thing.
Restaurant on a Green Carpet that floats in the air (2)
2. To begin, go to the driving range and practice.
Arriving at the course and immediately starting a full round of 18 holes was not what I had in mind when I set out (without having the skills or stamina required to complete them). The fact that Andy suggested that I start by focusing on my form and swing on the driving range allowed me to exhale a sigh of relief. The driving range is a fantastic area to “practice, practice, practice,” whether you’re a rookie or a more experienced player on the course, and it has a beautiful lake view to boot.
Before you dine at the Floating Green Restaurant, brush up on your golf manners (3).
My realization that golfers don’t use the cliché “FOR!” as a joke after witnessing them dodge a couple of long shots came only after watching them avoid a couple of long shots. In golf, as in any other sport, there are a number of dos and don’ts that you should be aware of before beginning on a complete round of the game of golf. Ask your golf coach to define “tempo of play” and to recommend the best time of day for newbies to begin their golfing journey.
Restaurant on a Green Carpet that floats in the air (4)
4. Schedule time to visit “the 19th hole,” as they say in golf.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that “the 19th hole” refers to the course’s restaurant bar, which I was completely unaware of! Make sure to spend some time on the lakeside terrace, where you may enjoy a bite to eat, a cocktail, and time to think on the things you have learnt. I chatted with a woman who indicated that she had only come to play the 19th hole and that she had no other plans. The Floating Green Restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are always available.
Every tee time at America’s Most Beautiful Resort Golf Course, as named by Golf Digest, provides you with the opportunity to test your skills on one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. Because of the excellent service, stunning panoramas, and patient trainers available, this is the ideal location to begin your golfing career.