A beginner's tale

One novice golfer visits LPGA International in Florida and scores a new passion.

Watch out, Se Ri Pak and Annika Sorenstam.

After golf lessons with LPGA International Golf Academy director Teresa Zamboni, I'm hooked. Surely it's only a matter of time before I'm on tour with the big dogs. Here's how my adventure started.

Get in the Swing of Things

Last spring, I was challenged to write a story on golf. Knowing I'd never even set a stiletto heel on a green, my office mates all laughed at the thought of me on a golf course. Not the kind to dodge a dare, I called the pros in this field-the folks at Ladies Professional Golf Association International in Daytona Beach, Florida. They immediately scheduled some lessons for me.

When I showed up for my instruction, Teresa helped me shed all nervousness."The first and most important rule in golf is that you must have fun," she said. "I always say, 'Enjoy the process of playing.' When it's not fun anymore, don't play." So with that as my main goal, I was set.

My first task was to learn how to grip a club. I wanted to discuss my glove options-faux fur, leather, cashmere-but Teresa was a broken record of the phrase, "Watch your grip." If you learn the fundamentals from the start, she assured me, the game will be easier in the future. "I always suggest that beginners get instructions. Even if you've played for a long time, you can use a refresher. I still get lessons. I had my swing looked at about a month ago and made changes based on what I learned."

My instruction encompassed all the golfing essentials: the full swing, putting, and chipping. My body wasn't sore the next day, as I was warned it would be, but my brain sure was tuckered out. Golf, I discovered, involves many details. In fact, Teresa gave me a handbook and rules booklet to study at home.

My favorite part of learning the game was hearing the noises caused from a good hit. Thwack. Pluck. Clink. Golf is a melody of sounds.

LPGA Offerings

The good news is that you, like me, can learn this great, harmonious game from LPGA pros. Certified instructors offer individual or group lessons.

A one-day school ($175) includes swing fundamentals with a complementary round of golf. Or you can sign up for a clinic on basic fundamentals, shot saving, or full swing improvement ($30 per class).While I got a grip on my game, a class of 5- and 6year-olds practiced nearby, as did a woman in her 70s.

Looking the Part

Part of golf's charm is its enviable sense of fashion. While other sports require uniforms, golf allows the player to dress to match his or her personality. A sport that supports shoppingnow that's my kind of game.

Teresa informed me of the attire rules on day one.You'll want to check them out before you play-that way you won't stand out as the obvious beginner. At the LPGA, golfers must wear collared shirts, rubber-soled or soft spike shoes, and no denim, which, I learned, is rather universal. Otherwise, you're free to celebrate your inner fashionista.

The LPGA clubhouse includes a 3,000square-foot pro shop that sells hats, shirts, shoes, and gloves for men, women, and even kids. My favorite items include a pink cotton shirt with proceeds benefiting breast cancer research, a pair of golf shoes with sea-foam green details, and miniature putters for new parents. Shop here, and, even if you can't sink a hole-in-one, you'll still look like a winner.

Fueling the Game

Although you have the option of grabbing a bag of chips and a soda at the turn, don't deprive yourself of a meal at Knickers Bar and Grill.The food here is yet another reason to fall head over spike for LPGA International. This eatery offers delicious entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For your midday meal, choose from hearty salads, such as the California Chicken with grilled chicken, nuts, and peaches ($7.50). Most folks come dressed in golf attire, so don't fret amid the white-tablecloth atmosphere. But in the evening, diners shed their visors and sweat socks. The menu features fancier fare, such as jerk pork tenderloin medallions ($18.95).

A Special Club

Golfers love the game partly because of its social nature; you can use golf as an excuse to hang out with friends. "Usually when you say you play golf, it's an instant conversation. It's like a secret club," said Teresa. Thankfully, I'm now a card-carrying member. And, Se Ri and Annika, if you want a few tips on your game or help deciding between the pink or orange Manola Blahnik heels, I'll be out at the far end of the range brushing up on my swing. JENNIFER L. MCKENZIE

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2003
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved