John Jacobs Golf School

Attended John Jacobs Golf 2-day school at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club in Mesa, AZ last weekend. I highly recommend it! The 2-day covers the basics: full swing, chipping, pitching, putting, sand, but the emphasis is on full swing. My back swing is much improved, and I now know what's been causing my shank to the right and how to correct it. Definitely a good deal - nearly one-on-one instruction, video analysis, and 18 holes at the end of each day on a beautiful course.

Wood's Golf Center - Norristown, PA

Great 3 par, 18 hole "executive" golf course with covered driving range. Good for all abilities!

Good Golf Courses for Beginners in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, PA

I'm sure there are others out there, but these are the three I've played so far, and all are great for beginners:

Sweetwater Golf Course in Pennsburg - this is a 9 hole par 35 course with a driving range and putting/chipping areas. If you want to learn how to play at very reasonable rates, this is a good choice. Besides individual lessons, they offer group instruction. I signed on for the "Easy Way" group lessons, which was a great intro. They also have a women's mentoring league in the spring, which I'm in right now. This is a great 'no-pressure' way to learn and practice with other women. There are 4 mentors from the EWGA who go out with each group and offer advice and a little instruction while you're playing. The ladies league begins in May and runs through September. The staff is very friendly, helpful and supportive.

Mermaid Lake Golf Club in Blue Bell - a 9 hole course that is part of a complex that also hosts picnics, has a day camp, and swim club. Good place for a beginner who wants to go out and whack a few without any pressure. No tee times, you just show up, and you can rent everything you need, including clubs. Work in the area and need to blow off a little steam during the day, anyone? : )

Twin Woods Golf Course in Hatfield - 9 holes, lots of dog legs. I've played this once and plan to again. They offer leagues, have a putting green, and rent equipment.

Love Golf, Suck at It!

Played 6 holes yesterday in a ladies mentoring league sponsored by a local golf course with mentors from the local EWGA chapter. It's been very helpful - the mentors are great (read: should be canonized for sainthood) and I've learned some valuable tips. Some people are naturals. I am not. Right now my biggest problem is the longer irons. For some reason I look up and usually manage to hit a little too far behind the ball, which results in little or no air. Just can't hit consistently with anything lower than the 7. I've been playing (bold statement there) since last August. Didn't expect to be great by now, but with all the practice, thought I'd be able to do better than this. Despite the frustration, I'm addicted. Just love the sound of that club hitting the ball when it's done right!