I started golf lessons yesterday. I don’t think that this is the most exciting topic for my site, but I wanted to keep some kind of a record of what I learn and see if I progress at all so here it is…

Started at the golf course in Sant Feliu de Llobregat. My instructor is Paul Aitken, who came heavily recommended as “the best”. He is a nice fellow and didn’t seem to mind when I got lost and showed up 15 minutes late. Of course it was pouring rain and Sant Feilu is in the middle of nowhere on top of a hill. Sant Feliu is a 9 hole course and pitch-n-putt. Really should be quite beautiful in the sunshine since it is sitting on a quiet hill outside of Barcelona.

The lesson was a short one since I was tardy. I have been told that it is good that I am going to an instructor before I ever attempt to golf. This is because I will learn the proper technique rather than training myself into bad habits which, as they say, are hard to break.

This lesson we talked about the basic dynamics of the grip. We walked through proper technique of the left-handed grip such as positioning, grip strength, etc… Then the overlapping right-handed grip. After we did some basic stance instruction. Then put it all together and attempt a basic swing. There is quite a bit to remember all at once. Plus then I had to hit the ball. OK, I almost killed the man in front of me when my ball went out of control. Missed a few. Hit one nicely and had a few not so horrible shots.

My practice for the week - according to my Ben Hogan’s Fundamentals of Golf - are to practice my grip for 5-10 minutes a day until it becomes second nature.