Educationalists might beg to differ but the only three Rs that really matter are 'Right Advice, Right Equipment and Right Price'. Nail these and golf suddenly becomes a lot easier, less expensive and more fun too.
Right Advice
Starting off in golf can be daunting - it shouldn't be but it often is. Standing on the first tee under the burning glare of playing partners and strangers can strike terror into even the toughest of souls.
Thankfully it's easy to avoid this painful scenario with a little help from your PGA pro. Getting the fundamentals right is the most important part of golf - even top stars like Tiger Woods repeatedly check on grip, posture and stance which are all crucially important to achieving a good swing. No one is better placed to put you on the right track than a PGA professional.
But the advice doesn't stop with the swing - there's also help on where and when to play, helping you forge friendships, strategy and tactics, what clubs to buy that best suit your game, entering competitions and information on handicaps. Covering the basics with a PGA pro sets you up for life.
Right Equipment
Would you spend £500 on a new suit without being measured up? Course not, and nor should you invest in new golf clubs without choosing the right ones to fit your frame.
Golfers come in all shapes and sizes with different skill levels and abilities and it's imperative to buy the right clubs for you, not necessarily the most expensive or prestige brands. Consult your PGA pro for advice on clubs best suited to your build, strength and height. Even better try custom-fitting.
The equipment market is a jungle - it's important to seek out the best advice. For example, if you're just starting out in golf why not consider just a half set with easy to hit cavity backed clubs. Why fork out for a 3 iron in the early stages of grooving a swing when it's easier to hit a seven wood or nine iron! The price of new equipment has come down so much in the last five to ten years that it actually pays to buy brand new clubs.
Right Price
Golf retail can be a shark pool and guess what - newcomers are more likely to be bitten in the pocket than anyone else.
If for no other reason than to save a few bob - seek the advice of a PGA pro on buying the right equipment. In golf, and particularly for beginners, it pays to take your time when choosing new equipment. Your PGA pro has your interest at heart so while that £500 eight degree lofted driver might look good, he'll know it's completely wrong for a newcomer and will point you in the direction of something much more suitable.