Your Balls or Mine? Playing Golf

Golf is a fine way to get some exercise and walk in a beautiful parklike setting. It's also a way to frustrate yourself into a near cardiac arrest or—a stroke.

If both of you play golf and are evenly matched, a game of golf can be a great date. The same is true if you have never played golf before. But if one of you plays golf and takes it seriously and the other doesn't, golf can be a really bad idea for a date. After playing nine holes of golf with someone who doesn't play well, the experienced golfer could be ready to commit an unspeakable crime.

If both of you have played before, start with nine holes and nine holes only. If the date is not working out, eighteen holes is a really long time to be stuck together. Plus, you're holding in your hands objects that can easily become lethal weapons.

If neither of you play golf, arrange to take a golf lesson together. After the lesson, practice on the putting green or driving range. You'll have clubs, a bucket of balls and a wide open space.

COST

The driving range will cost $5 or more for a bucket of balls. Golf lessons are usually $25 or more each. Ask what it will cost if both of you share the same instructor instead of having separate instructors. Green fees for a round of golf are usually a minimum of $15 each and go up from there. Cart rental will be extra. Yes, golf can be an expensive sport.

HOW TO FIND A COURSE AND DRIVING RANGE

All courses are listed in the phone book unless they are private (not open to the public). You can also check with your local visitor's bureau, tourist office or chamber of commerce. On the internet, try www.golfcourse.com or www.worldgolf.com. Also ask a friend who plays golf.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

To play golf you will need golf clubs, a golf bag, tees and golf balls. Good clubs are very expensive. Do not buy clubs until you are sure you want to take up golf. If you don't own clubs, you can usually rent them from the shop at the clubhouse. If you take a lesson, ask if they have clubs available for you to use. If you go to the driving range, see if they have clubs for rent.

ATTIRE

Dress casually. Make sure you wear clothes that are comfortable and don't restrict movement.

RESOURCES

Five Lessons by Ben Hogan; $12.00.

On Learning Golf by Perry Boomer; $20.00.

Harvey Penick's Little Red Book; $21.00.

Golf Magazine (www.golfonline.com) has lots of golf information or call (800)876-7726.

There are countless videos on how to play golf, but you are probably better off investing your money in golf lessons.

ALTERNATIVE

You might have more fun with miniature golf, and you'll get to watch your date bend over a lot more, or at least it seems that way.