I promised a friend I’d write a blog for people looking to take up golf. That was a couple of weeks ago now and I’ll be honest, I’ve been thinking about all the things I’d need to cover and how difficult it would be to include everything.  So I sat down today and began with a story of my first foray onto the course. Suddenly it all became clear and simple; I had walked onto the first tee with a second hand half set of clubs, wearing trainers with an average golfer as a teacher (sorry Dad). So let’s dispel a couple of myths.

You’re going to need to get all the latest equipment.

As I said, I started with a half set of second hand clubs that were older than me and I’ve had my current set for about 10 years. In fact if you do go out and buy all the latest gear when you’re a beginner, I’m going to call you a plonker. Next!

You’ll need to spend a fortune on lessons.

I’ve had one lesson from a pro in my entire life and I can’t remember anything from it. Ask a friend to take you to the driving range and give you a few basic pointers. Free.

All golf clubs are stuffy and expensive.

You don’t have to join one; I booked Pine Ridge, a local pay and play course, through Teeofftimes.co.uk the other day and it was brilliant (better than a lot of private members clubs in fact). It was even cheaper than my last visit to the cinema if you include the £5 popcorn, which I’m still livid about if you’re asking... but this probably isn’t the time and place...

There are so many rules.

There are actually three main rules;

• If you hit the ball towards someone shout “FORE” and do it as loud as you can, its good fun watching everyone dive for cover.
• If you’re holding people up let them play past you.
• If you damage the course repair it.

Just enjoy it, that’s why I play golf, drop it and hit it.

So let’s look at what you need to play golf and enjoy it. A second hand set of clubs and a friend who’s played the game before. The rest you can pick up as you go along. What is all the fuss about?

Just to clarify, at no point did I say you’ll be able to hit it like a pro. That’s the beauty of golf; you’re just there to challenge yourself to get better. You will get frustrated and angry that it doesn’t go perfectly every time, then you’ll hit a good shot and trust me; it’ll be worth it again.