From Brent Kelley,
Your Guide to Golf.
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I'm too embarrassed to go to a golf course until I get better, but how can I get better without going to a golf course?

By going to a driving range or practice area. You may think you're the worst player they've ever seen, but believe me, you're not.

Every level of player, from the person picking up a club for the very first time to the scratch golfer, can be found at a driving range. And even the scratch golfer was once in your shoes. So get that bucket of balls and start swinging.

And take advantage of the putting and chipping areas at the driving range, too. The short game is vital, and just because it looks easier doesn't mean that it is easier. You can work on putting and chipping with far less chance of doing anything "embarrasing," all the while developing feel and rhythm and will wind up helping you in other areas, too.

But the best thing to do is this: Take lessons. Sign up for cheap, group lessons through a local continuing education program, or call around to golf pros and get prices.

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