Golfing for Dummies (and Girls)

On a scale of 1-10, I've always rated golf at about a -5.

Hitting the smallest ball into the smallest hole, wearing dorky visors with ugly shoes and having to stay quiet never really seemed like my cup of tea. Until last week.

I was in Indiana on vacation (yes, people go to Indiana on vacation) and was bored of being bored around the house, so I decided to tag along with the guys to go golfing. I figured worst-case scenario I'd drive the golf cart, work on my tan and chat it up with the local babes at the course.

My dad forced me to swing away at the first hole, and by some mercy of God I made contact. And by contact I mean I seriously hit the ball far. And straight. 

After channeling my inner Tiger Woods (pre-scandal), I instantly became uber competitive with the boys and wanted nothing more than to win. 

Since golf is one of those sports that I'm guessing most—if not all—of the guys in your life love, it's time to get into the game. So here are a few tips I have for getting your feet wet...

1. Play "best ball". 

Split the group you're playing with into two. Have everyone on each team take a shot at the teeing ground*. Instead of following your shots each time, play off the best shot of the group at each hole (aka the ball closest to the hole). This makes it go by much quicker and you won't get as frustrated. Make sure to have a decent player on each team so that at least one person can hit the ball.

2. Drink.

Like most sports, golf is better with a beer or two. Sneak in a few of your own or flag down the cart girl for a cold one.

3. Wear closed toed shoes. 

This might be a no-brainer for most, but for me it was not. I showed up in sandals and ended up playing barefoot, which was awesome until I somehow pegged my own foot with my own ball.

4. Borrow a glove from a guy. 

I have no clue if it actually helps, but it made me feel so golferish.

5. Start with nine. 

Most golf courses are 18-hole courses, but do yourself (and everyone else who hates a whiner) a favor and play a 9-hole course first.

6. Boobs in, butt out. 

Since females are "graciously" gifted with our lady lumps, we have to work around them in golf unlike the boys. Push them together while holding the club. Slightly bend your legs and stick that tush out. Keep your eye on the ball and hold your feet in place while you swing.

Just try it. Coming from an anti-golfer to a newly obsessed golfing wannabe, I guarantee you'll have a good time. If not, scope out the potential of guys playing and make sure you're at a gorgeous course (preferably like the one below). Have fun!

photo via Golf Got Better

(One extra tip: Do NOT drive over the green**. Apparently this is a no-no and I learned the hard way.)

Cosmo Clue:

Golfing may or may not be the best sport ever.

*The teeing ground is the area at the beginning of a hole from which the player's first stroke is taken.

**The green, or putting green, is the culmination of a golf hole, where the flagstick and hole are located. Getting the golf ball into the hole on the putting green is the object of the game of golf.