Getting started

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Costs

Public courses in Seattle are $26 during the week, $31 on the weekend.

Play early (early-bird) or late (twilight) and save on those fees.

Play 9-hole courses for less. Wellington Hills in Woodinville is $10.50.

Equipment

A starter set of eight or nine clubs will get you going, and can cost less than $150.

Consider buying used balls.

Used clubs are fine, too, but make sure they aren't too old.

If you wear golf shoes, get the new soft spikes. Tennis shoes are fine to start.

Buy some tees, and have a coin in your pocket to mark the ball on the green. And don't forget the sunscreen.

Lessons

In the beginning, and if you have to make a choice, spend money on lessons rather than equipment. Learn the proper grip, stance and alignment. Period.

For example, you can get a group lesson — seven hours a month — for $65 at the UW driving range. Private lessons will cost more, of course. Talk to the pro at your local course to get more information.

Practice

You'll need all your clubs on the course, so practice all of them on the driving range. Start with the pitching wedge and move progressively to the driver. Develop a routine you'll use on the course.

Etiquette

Remember, "shut up and keep up."

Be ready to play.

Don't talk while others are hitting.

Don't walk on the likely path of others' putts.

Acknowledge good shots by others.

Leave cellphones and worries at home.

Short 9s

The Seattle par-3 courses at Jackson and Jefferson are priced $12.50, and $8.50 for juniors. Willows Run has a par-3 course for $10 during the week. Battle Creek and Riverbend also have par-3 courses.

Getting a tee time

Call ahead. Some courses have computerized tee times. Don't be afraid, however, to walk up as a single player and have your name "put on the list." Within a few minutes you will be paired with a group.

Where to play

Don't start on some championship layout.

Generally, the less expensive the course the easier the course.

Slope rating will tell you something. Look at courses less than 110.

Play from the "white" or "red" tees, which don't require you to hit the ball as far and to carry it over as many hazards.

Play nine holes before 18.

Play a par-3, nine-hole course before you do a full nine.

Competition

The handicap system is a wonderful invention. It puts you on level with all players. To get a handicap, you have to join a men's or women's group, which could be at your local course, or it could be a group that travels to different courses. Ask the local pro. The cost to keep your handicap is around $50 a year.

— Blaine Newnham