DT4K, yeah teeing the ball up to high was one of many mistakes I was making. I did get the clubs at Target, but the brand is called Cougar Lady X-Cat. They're just a cheap beginner's set I got for $99.99. I did see a nice set of Wilson Pro Staff clubs at Dick's Sporting Goods that I may get when I figure out what I'm doing or I destroy these, whichever comes first.
RagingBITCH, the friend I showed my driver to told me almost the exact same thing. The first time I went to the driving range I was actually hitting the ball pretty well. I was swinging smooth and easy just trying to make contact and the ball was going straight, just not very far. The next time I went I was trying for distance, and like you said trying to kill the ball, and that's where the problems started. My friend worked with me some and I'm back to hitting it consistently and straight, but still not a lot of distance. I'll try to work up to that a little more gradually now.
Uppsala9496, thanks, I figured that picture would get a laugh or a WTH out of some of the golfers on here. And thanks for the info and link.
chimmytime, lol, yeah that was my friend's reaction.
Fritzo, I see the same sort of success in my future.
pmoa, it'll be a while before I actually make it out onto the course, but I think I'll enjoy it because I'm having fun so far regardless of my beginner's mistakes.
Dacalo, yep, I'd say there aren't many golfers out there who could hit the ball that badly with such consistentcy.
hiromizu, I can dream, can't I?
GagHalfrunt, I'm scheduled for lessons, but not until next week. I just couldn't wait to give it a try though and this was the result. I'm just glad I decided to buy a cheap set of clubs instead of borrowing some from friends like I almost did.
everman, after the second trip to the driving range and the problems I was having, I read a tip about putting a tee about 2 inches ahead of the teed up ball and aiming for the forward one. I gave that a try, but I just couldn't fool myself into aiming for that tee instead of for the ball. I'd say it could help some people who could keep their concentration on the forward tee though.
axelfox, yeah people told me to do that when I posted another thread earlier asking for advice for a beginning golfer. They were right.
Homerboy, I don't know if I can describe it well enough, but among other things it was because when I was trying to get some more power on my swing as I was bring the club around off the backswing I was pulling my arms in and coming down short of the ball, but something made me realize that as I was swinging and I was compensating for it during the swing by raising my left shoulder which caused my left wrist to roll to the left and turning the club head to the left.
Fern, yeah it was a combination of several of the things you mentioned. I did have the ball teed up too high, the main problem with the swing is what I posted above in reply to Homerboy, and I was gripping the club too tightly when I was trying to crush the ball after that first trip to the driving range. I'm making contact correctly after getting some help from a friend, but I can only get the ball out to the first flag at the driving range. At least it's going straight most of the time, sometimes it will go off to the left a little, but I know that's because sometimes I turn on my forward foot. I'll just be patient and not try to go for any more distance until I can start my lessons next week. Thanks.
Whoozyerdaddy, well I was trying to kill the ball with it.
bctbct, I'm using the shorter tee now, but your way would have worked too I'm sure.
Thanks for the pity and the advice everyone.