It's "Tee Time" - Your first time teeing up and preparing to play golf can be a bit unnerving if you let it. It is human nature to be a little nervous when you are trying something new for the first time and people are around watching you. I have to admit when I first started playing I felt the same way. After a while you realize that many players are also beginners and not much more experienced than you and they are also nervous when it is their turn to hit in front of their fellow golfers. After a short time you will overcome your fear of the first tee. If you are having trouble at the first tee you have some options. When my significant other started playing golf she was petrified to hit in front of anyone. I explained my dilemma to the starter on the course and he was able to schedule us on the back nine or 10th tee where there were fewer players, if any around. This was very helpful in easing her into the game and it allowed her, and I for that matter, to enjoy a more leisurely round and first golf experience. Soon she was an old pro and the first tee jitters were gone. Another tip is to schedule your tee time when the course is less crowded, normally late morning or early afternoon, depending on the golf course. If you choose this option then it is a good idea to speak with your local golf professional or starter so they may suggest the optimal time for you to play.

If no other options are available and you're out there on the first tee ready to go try to remember a few things. Everyo
ne has to start somewhere and I can guarantee that most beginners were no better than you when they started. If you miss the ball try once more and then pick up and drop your ball in the approximate area of the other players in your group, an unwritten rule of golf etiquette. Another tip when on the tee is to "Relax". I don't mean to fall asleep over the ball, just take a deep breath and exhale slowly before you swing the club. Try to clear your mind of everything but the task at hand, hitting the golf ball and your swing. Also, if you have taken lessons and practiced sufficiently you will feel more confident on the tee and have a better chance for a successful swing result. No matter how you do the first few times out you should not be discouraged. If you really want to play golf then you have to give yourself some time to get the knack. If you are sports oriented the game of golf usually, and let me emphasize usually, comes much easier than for those who have not played any sport before.

After teeing up your ball, pick an object a short distance in front of you that will align your ball with the intended target line of your landing area. Then set up your shoulders and chest parallel to that object and target line. This should increase your odds for a successful swing more so than just swinging the club at the ball without a target or goal in mind. Remember you are just beginning and as much as I love the game of golf it is not an easy game to master for most. It is a game however, that can be played and enjoyed by players of any skill level. So give golf a chance - "It is the game of a lifetime". Happy Golfing !