New to golf and feeling overwhelmed?
You’re not alone! Golf can seem intimidating at first, but with the right guidance, it’s an incredibly rewarding sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime.
Whether you’re hitting the fairways at Brookledge Golf Club or practicing at a local range in Cuyahoga Falls, starting strong sets the tone for your golfing journey.
At Ron Shea’s Cuyahoga Falls Golf Lessons, Ron has helped countless beginners find their swing with over 40 years of teaching experience and personalized coaching.
Here are 5 essential tips to get you started on the right foot—plus, how Ron can help you build confidence from day one.
1. Master the Basics: Grip, Stance, and Posture
Golf is all about fundamentals, and a solid setup is the foundation of a good swing. Here’s how to get started:
- Grip: Hold the club with a relaxed grip—think of it like shaking hands with the club. Your left hand (for right-handed golfers) should sit snugly, with the thumb pointing down the shaft, and your right hand should overlap slightly.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and the ball positioned in the middle of your stance for most shots.
- Posture: Bend at the hips, not the waist, keeping your back straight and your chin up. This helps you swing freely without tension.
Ron’s Tip: During lessons, I use video swing analysis to show beginners exactly how their setup looks, making it easy to correct small mistakes early on.
Start with Short Swings at a Local Range
Don’t try to hit a 300-yard drive on day one—start small to build confidence. Head to a driving range in Cuyahoga Falls, like the one at Brookledge Golf Club, and focus on short, controlled swings with a pitching wedge or 9-iron.
Aim for consistency, not distance. Practice hitting 50–75 yard shots, focusing on making clean contact with the ball.
Ron’s Tip: I tailor drills for beginners to help you feel the rhythm of a proper swing. In a single lesson, you’ll learn simple swing thoughts to keep your motion smooth and stress-free.
Learn Basic Golf Etiquette
Golf is a game of respect—for the course and your fellow players. Knowing the basics of etiquette will make your first rounds more enjoyable:
- Be Quiet and Still: When someone is hitting, stay quiet and out of their line of sight.
- Keep Pace: Play at a steady pace to avoid holding up groups behind you. If you’re slow, let faster groups play through.
- Fix the Course: Repair divots (replace grass you’ve dug up) and rake bunkers after your shot.
Ron’s Tip: I teach beginners to swing and feel comfortable on the course. I’ll share tips on navigating local courses like J.E. Good Park with ease.
Invest in the Right Equipment (But Don’t Overdo It)
You don’t need a full set of expensive clubs to start. For beginners, a basic set is enough:
- A driver (for tee shots)
- A pitching wedge and 7-iron (for shorter shots)
- A putter (for the green)
- A golf bag and a few balls
Visit a local shop in the Akron area to get fitted for clubs that match your height and swing speed. Avoid borrowing ill-fitting clubs, as they can make learning harder.
Ron’s Tip: With 30 years of experience running Shea’s Golf Shop in Cuyahoga Falls, I can advise on the best beginner gear during your lesson—no pressure, just practical advice.
Take a Lesson Early to Build Good Habits
One of the biggest mistakes new golfers make is trying to learn on their own, which often leads to bad habits that are hard to break.
A lesson with a veteran golf instructor like Ron Shea can set you up for success. Ron’s beginner lessons in Cuyahoga Falls are designed to be welcoming and stress-free:
- He’ll assess your swing with video analysis to catch issues early.
- You’ll get custom drills to practice at home or at the range.
- Ron’s patient approach ensures you leave your first lesson feeling excited, not overwhelmed.
A Beginner’s Success Story: Meet Emily, a Cuyahoga Falls resident who started golf last summer. She took her first lesson with Ron after struggling to hit the ball consistently.
Ron noticed her grip was too tight, causing tension in her swing. With a quick adjustment and a few drills, Emily was hitting straight shots within an hour.
After three lessons, she played her first round at Mud Run Golf Course, scoring a 110 and loving every minute. “Ron made golf feel approachable,” Emily says. “I couldn’t have done it without him!”
Why Start Your Golf Journey with Ron Shea?
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Ron Shea is the trusted choice for beginners in Cuyahoga Falls and Akron.
His personalized lessons, complete with video swing analysis (available only at 1111 West Portage Trail, Akron, OH 44313), help new golfers build a strong foundation while avoiding common pitfalls.
Whether you’re swinging at Brookledge or exploring courses across Northeast Ohio, Ron’s coaching will have you playing with confidence in no time.
Tee Off with Confidence: Book a lesson with Ron Shea TODAY!
Ron Shea's Cuyahoga Falls Golf Lessons 