Program designed for beginners

     By Jon Spatz
     View columnist
      We are starting a new program at Desert Willow Golf Course called GET INTO GOLF.
      It is a program designed specifically for the beginner golfer or less experienced player who wants to become involved with the game.
      The program will consist of instructional sessions on all aspects of the game including the grip, stance and basic swing fundamentals of chipping, putting, iron and wood play.
      A discussion on proper golf etiquette and what to expect when on the course will also be covered in the program, as well as a basic overview of the rules of the game and proper procedure to follow if the ball ends up in a hazard, out of bounds, etc.
      Each participant will also receive a video tape of their swing to take home with them to track their progress through the program.
      Students often find when they are able to see their swing movements, corrections or adjustments are much easier to make.
      Also included in the program is a nine-hole round of golf with one of the golf professionals of Desert Willow Golf Course. For many of the participants, this will be their first time on a course and Desert Willow's executive length layout and the close supervision of the professional will ensure that this experience is a positive one.
      Many times, beginners are forced to play a championship length course with little or no knowledge of how the game is played, which slows play down not only for them, but for others as well.
      They often feel intimidated by this first experience and many times are discouraged from playing again.
      What we hope to accomplish with this program is an introduction to golf for those who are interested in learning the game but unsure of how to get started.
      For anyone interested in more information about the GET INTO GOLF program, please call the Desert Willow Golf Course at 263-GOLF (4653) for dates of the sessions and more information.
      n TIP -- Equipment has changed quite a bit over the years. With that change, the lofts of some manufacturer's irons have become progressively stronger to produce more distance. One problem that occurs with these stronger lofts is that there is often a large gap between the pitching wedge (46 to 48 degrees) and the sand wedge (56 to 58 degrees).
      Try adding another wedge to your set -- possibly a 52 or 53 degree middle wedge or gap wedge. This will enable you to hit shots that are too short for a pitching wedge or just a little too long for a sand wedge.
      Some players are even carrying four wedges these days. Since most of the scoring shots are hit with the wedges, it makes sense to have a club for each specific shot.
     
     Jon Spatz is the head golf professional at Desert Willow Golf Course at Sun City MacDonald Ranch. He can be reached at Jon Spatz, c/o Desert Willow Golf Course, Sun City MacDonald Ranch, 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Henderson, NV, 89012, at spatzjo@delwebb.com or by calling 263-GOLF.