So, you've finally taken the leap and decided to learn to play golf. Congratulations and welcome to the most challenging game you'll ever play.

We're glad to have you and if there is anything we at the Carlsbad Golf Center can do to help, please ask. Our staff is a bunch of golf nuts of all skill levels that just want every new golfer to enjoy the game as much as we do. We're happy to show you around the practice facility, talk about lessons, help you select equipment, accessories and performance golf clothing, answer questions (there are no dumb questions!) or direct you to the nearest course.

WARNING: Every golfer you know will attempt to help you. They'll give you tips, they'll teach you to swing and to putt, talk about etiquette and their understanding of the rules. Although they mean well, we still say "trust a professional" to help you learn to practice and play correctly.

Lessons, lessons, lessons. We cannot recommend strongly enough how important it is to learn the proper fundamentals from the beginning. It is much faster, easier and less frustrating to learn the right way than spend months or even years "un-learning" the wrong way. Even if you played another "swing" sport, you'll benefit from golf lessons to help you in all aspects of the game.

Beginner classes. All our LPGA and PGA teaching professionals offer adult private lessons or more economical beginner group lessons. The group session is one two-hour class for $50 total, balls included. It may be repeated as many times as you want until you feel comfortable moving on to another type of lesson. These classes are designed to take you from never holding a golf club to being ready for the course. Topics to give you a basic understanding of the game include:

• Full swing
• Putting
• Chipping
• Equipment
• Rules and etiquette

No clubs? We've got them for you. Woods, irons and putters, both right- and left-hand, are available with the purchase of range balls. No charge during lessons, and just $1 for irons and putters and $3 for woods for your practice sessions.

When you're ready to purchase clubs, let us take you through a club-fitting session. Yes, even beginners should have fitted equipment. No, they're not more expensive than off-the-rack clubs. Properly fit clubs can help prevent the development of improper swing movements that compensate for ill-fitting equipment. Learning the game will be much easier if you aren't fighting against clubs that aren't right for you.

Practice, practice, practice. Our facility provides everything you need to get into the swing of things. Our putting green is available free of charge for putting and short chipping. We have a sand bunker so you can learn how to get out of trouble. You can use every club in your bag at our driving range.

Most importantly, have fun. Golf is a game you can enjoy for the rest of your life.

Warm up Mug Ogg Don't rush to the first tee or just start pounding balls at the range. Give yourself time to warm up and your body will thank you because the muscles you use in golf need to be stretched. Stretching can improve your game, especially if you stretch properly. If your muscles are tense, it can lead to an injury. A few stretches to try before you hit balls or go out and play: Put a club behind your back and just turn slowly to each side. Then, put the club overhead and tilt to each side. Stretching your shoulders, take right arm across chest, take left a hand and pull right arm towards chest. Switch and do left arm. Tilt neck to each side of shoulder. Never bounce when you stretch.