If you have a desire to take up golf, this is a great time to get started. Take the advice of these local PGA golf professionals who want to help you learn the game they love.

Mark Knowles, General Manager at Trophy Lake Golf and Casting, shares that the golf course supplies the equipment with lessons, so all you have to do is show up. He says you need “a good attitude, an hour a week, and about the equivalent amount of money you’d spend on a movie and some popcorn.”

Trophy Lake is beginning some ladies’ groups, which might be ideal for an office group. Typically, Knowles says (not being sexist – just his observation), men seem to prefer private lessons. Either way, you are paying for the time of the golf pro, so the group pays less per person. He suggests friends or spouses taking up the game together can be a real bonus.

After spending a few weeks on putting and chipping, learning some of the etiquette and rules, how to make an appointment to play, called a tee time, you might want to try one of the shorter courses in the area.

Jeff Mehlert is owner and co-manager of McCormick Woods Golf Course. He agrees that lessons are the only way to start. Mehlert believes you ought to interview instructors and find the one you click with, who has a sense of humor, and who communicates well with you.

Mehlert compares learning golf and learning the piano: neither is accomplished in a lesson or two.

An instructor should certainly get across the fun of the game. There are rules, of course, but one needn’t get bogged down in the “don’ts” of the game right away. “I use a simplistic approach,” says Mehlert. “I answer a lot of questions, and allow the student to set the pace.”

He’s taught private lessons, group lessons, and even given added instruction via phone and email. He thinks taking up golf with a friend can be a motivating factor, like having a workout partner. With kids, he likes a “Simon Says” style of instruction that seems to translate well with that age.

Mehlert says, “Don’t miss the essence of golf!” It’s not all about your score, but the beauty, joy, peace and relaxation of the out-of-doors.

“It a game you can play for the remainder of your life, that will alway’s challenge you,” says Rocket Golf’s Devin Loudon. “ It doesn’t matter how good you get, there’s always something to improve. The sooner you start, the better your chances of improving your game… and get lessons!”

Bob Kelly works in the indoor training center at Kitsap Sports, and also teaches at Northwest Golf Range, Kitsap Golf and Country Club and Gold Mountain. He says it is important to learn initially from a qualified golf professional.

Kelly indicates that a person can develop good habits in their physical motions in 300 to 500 swings. However, if you are self-taught or have friends showing you how, and you do it wrong, it’ll take about 3,000 to 5,000 swings to correct improper style.

Kelly reminds the beginner that this is a lifelong pursuit.

When the time comes that you think this is your game, you’ll want to look at purchasing some equipment. Mehlert suggests you ask a trusted teacher or coach to assist you. Clubs should fit your height, posture, hand size and strength. He’d rather not see a person get a full set of cheap clubs, but three or four better quality ones at first. As you improve, you may want to add to your set.

“It’s fun to watch people get hooked and excited to play the game,” Knowles says.