Golf For Beginners: How to Get Started in Golf [Guide for Beginners]
Are you thinking of starting to play golf?
Golf can be a very fun and challenging sport that provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and stay in shape and active. However, it can also be a little bit intimidating at first, when you don’t know where to start or what you need.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth guide on how to get started in golf. We will cover the basics of the game, what you need to get started, and some tips to improve your skills faster!
Excited already? We hope so.
Let’s begin.
Beginner Golf: What do you need to start playing golf?
Starting in golf can be a great way to enjoy nature and the outdoors while getting some exercise. However, before you hit the links, there are a few things you need to get started.
First, you will need a set of golf clubs. A typical set includes a driver, a putter, and a variety of irons that can be used for different shots. You will also need a bag to carry your clubs, as well as balls and tees. While you can certainly buy all of this gear new, there are also many options for renting or borrowing equipment. Some golf instructors recommend renting first and once you know you want to play golf consistently you can buy some second-hand gear if you wish.
If you’re interested in knowing more about golf clubs and what our suggested golf club manufacturers are, check this article.
Once you have the necessary equipment, you will need to find a course to play on. Many courses offer discounts for players who are just starting out. Similarly, some driving ranges will allow you to practice your skills without having to commit to a full round of golf. This is a great way to start progressively just investing the time you desire.
And finally, don’t forget to brush up on the rules of the game. With a little preparation, starting in golf can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Now that we have gone over what you need to get started, let’s talk about some of the basics of the game itself.
Basics of the game & Golf Equipment
The objective of golf is to hit the ball into each hole with as few strokes as possible. The game is played with a set of clubs, and each club is designed for a different purpose.
Knowing the clubs
You have the Driver which is typically used for the longest golf shots from the tee. Fairway Woods, which are also used for long shots but not as far as the driver, as you play you’ll get the feeling when to use one or the other.
Irons have a flatter clubface and are used for shorter shots, usually from the fairway when you need more precision and control compared to drivers or woods. Irons are the clubs needed to approach the green before using a putter to roll the ball into the cup. This last step is also known as the short game.
In some situations, you will also need to make use of the Wedges. Clubs that have a steeper clubface and are used for shots that require more height, such as getting out of the rough or sand traps (bunkers).
Golf etiquette: what to wear when playing golf?
Dressing to play golf is not just about the aesthetics, but also about comfort and practicality. Something you’ll gain with experience is depending on the weather conditions, you will want to dress in layers that you can take off or put back on as needed. You never know how the weather will go for the rounds you play!
Something to remember when dressing up is to try to wear clothes that are comfortable and allow you to move freely. It is also important to wear clothing that is not too baggy or loose, as this can interfere with your swing.
In terms of specific items of clothing, collared shirts are a popular option. We’d also suggest wearing golf shoes that are both comfy and have a decent grip on the turf.
As a general rule, it is best to err on the side of more formal clothing when starting out. Once you get a feel for the game and the dress code at your club, you can experiment a bit more with your style or ask your golfing buddies.
Playing in groups or solo
Each course is different but typically consists of 18 holes. The game can be played with either a group of people or as a solo player. If you are playing with others, the group will take turns hitting the ball and whoever finishes the hole in the fewest strokes, wins that particular hole.
If you are playing by yourself, the objective is simply to beat your previous score or try and get the best score possible.
Now that we have covered the basics of the game, let’s talk about some tips to help you improve your skills quickly.
Tips for beginners – Getting Ahead!
The best way to get better at golf is by practicing and playing as often as possible. Just like any other sport or skill, it will take time so do not get frustrated if you see little progress at first. Repetition is key.
Below we’ve laid out some very basic tips so you can get ahead more quickly. These will serve as an introduction to your game.
Basic Tips
Before you even start thinking about your golf swing, it is important to make sure you have a good grip. A good grip is the key to a successful swing.
Grip
There are three main types of grips: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the 10-finger grip.
The overlapping grip is the most common grip for amateur golfers. To execute this grip, simply place your little finger on top of your index finger of your opposite hand.
The interlocking grip is a more advanced grip. Many professional golfers use it because it provides more control. To do this grip, you will need to place your index finger of one hand in between the middle and ring fingers of your other hand.
The 10-finger grip is also known as the baseball grip and is not as commonly used by golfers because it can reduce power. However, some beginner golfers find it easier to learn with this type of grip. No matter which type of grip you choose, make sure that you hold the club in your fingers and not in your palm. Your thumbs should also be positioned on opposite sides of the club so that they point down.
Posture
As you naturally feel more comfortable with your grip, focus your attention on your posture and aim. A proper stance will help you hit the ball more accurately.
To find the right posture for you, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and flex your knees slightly. Then, tilt forward from your hips until your back is at a 45-degree angle from the ground.
Once you found this position, make sure that the club is pointing directly at the ball. Remember to keep your shoulders, hips, and feet in a straight line throughout your swing.
Swing
Now that you have a good grip and posture, it is time to focus on your swing. As with anything, practice makes perfect. The more you swing, the better you will get at it. Just remember this is not a natural motion so be patient until you feel comfortable and see good results on your swings.
Following through from the stance position, take a deep breath and swing the club back until it is parallel with the ground. Your arms should be extended but not locked. As you swing the club back down, your weight should shift from your back foot to your front foot (leading foot).
Remember to keep your eyes on the ball and swing through to complete the whole body motion.
Now, we don’t expect to teach everything that has to do with your swing, posture, and follow-through just in a few lines. This is intended to give you the very basic notions before stepping onto the golf course.
Make sure to practice regularly and learn from your mistakes
Finding someone you know like a friend or family member who can teach you the ropes and show you some of the very basics will create a solid foundation. From there you can begin to build your skills by practicing regularly and learning from your mistakes.
This also has a side benefit. If you start playing golf with people you know, that will likely create momentum and get you more excited and animated when things get a bit harsh.
Stay positive, don’t get discouraged, and have fun!
Golf is a challenging sport but also a very rewarding one. It’s important to stay positive, don’t get discouraged, and most importantly, have fun!
With a bit of practice and perseverance, you’ll be hitting the golf course much better and that will make the game even more enjoyable.
Use the right equipment for your size and strength
One last thing we wanted to leave you with is that it’s important to use the right equipment for your size and strength. If you are a beginner, don’t feel like you need to buy the most expensive clubs just yet.
There are many affordable options out there that will help you get started without breaking the bank. There is always time to upgrade as you improve your skills.
The same goes for clothing and shoes. Make sure you are comfortable and have the right gear for the weather conditions but don’t let this stop you if you don’t have the best apparel from day one.
Seek out professional instruction if you want to improve faster
Lastly, you may consider taking lessons from a seasoned golf instructor if you are looking to improve faster.
While it’s possible to learn and get better on your own, having someone experienced who can help correct your mistakes and bad habits will help you progress much faster.
This is by no means a requirement but something to keep in mind if taking your game to the next level is a priority at his time.
Your local golf course will likely offer various golf instructors with whom you can work.
Choosing the right clubs for you
One of the important steps when you start playing golf is choosing the appropriate golf clubs. At the end of the day, these will be the tools that will allow you to play golf.
Now, they don’t have to be the fanciest or most expensive. You can find affordable options that will help you get started without breaking the bank such as borrowing from friends or family or buying second-hand equipment at a good price.
Golf clubs for beginners can be a great investment moving forward. They are usually more forgiving, meaning that they will help you to hit the ball straighter on misshits. This can help you build confidence with your swing and start finding a good ‘feel’ with your clubs.
Here are a few tips to help you select the right golf clubs when starting:
Golf Club Tips
We’d suggest looking for golf clubs that are specifically designed for beginners. These clubs will often have larger sweet spots and more forgiving heads and shafts.
Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from a professional or other seasoned players. They can help you select the right clubs for your skill level and playing style.
Third, you could consider getting fitted for your golf clubs. This would ensure that you’re using the appropriate golf clubs that are the right length and weight for you, which will help you to hit the ball more consistently.
How to swing golf clubs
After you have your set of clubs, you’ll need to get accustomed to the swing motion to hit the ball every single time.
This can be one of the most challenging aspects for beginners. We strongly suggest starting by taking a few lessons from a professional or seasoned player. It really is a good investment. They will help you get started on the right foot and avoid developing bad habits that will be difficult to break later on.
You can read our full guide to golf on how to develop a strong swing foundation here, but for now here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start by gripping the club in your non-dominant hand. Place your dominant hand over the top of the grip and cup your fingers around the club.
- With your feet shoulder-width apart facing the ball start taking your backswing, turn your hips and shoulders away from the target. Keep your elbow close to your body and maintain a light grip on the club.
- On your downswing, transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you turn your hips and shoulders towards the target. As you make contact with the ball, keep pushing and follow through with your swing and finish with the natural motion until the club points in the opposite direction from where you started.
You can start practicing your swings without a ball to get a feel for the motion and to develop muscle memory. When you’re ready, add a golf ball into the mix and start hitting some shots on the practice range.
As you become more comfortable with the swing, you’ll be able to make adjustments to hit the ball further, straighter or higher, but that will come with time. Remember this is a new skill and takes time so be patient with yourself and the person teaching you.
Learn how to play golf – Basic Rules
For those looking to start playing golf, it is important to have a basic understanding of the golfing rules. Though there are many rules in golf, there are a few that are essential to know before hitting the links.
The main objective in the game is to hit the ball into a series of holes, using as few strokes as possible. A stroke is counted each time the ball is hit, whether it is hit by the club or by the player.
Each hole has a certain par, which is the number of strokes that a skilled golfer should be able to complete the hole in. For example, if a hole has a par of four, a skilled golfer should be able to hit the ball into the hole in four strokes.
Players keep track of their score by counting the number of strokes they take on each hole. The player with the lowest score at the end of the round is declared the winner.
Play the ball as it lies on the turf. This rule simply means that the ball must be played from where it comes to rest after the previous stroke. You cannot move the ball or improve your lie in any way. Players are not allowed to improve their lie, nor can they move obstructions out of the way.
The ball must be played within a club length of where it lies, unless the lie is in a hazard or on the putting green, in which case the ball may be lifted and cleaned.
If a ball is lost, the player may take a penalty stroke and drop the ball within two club lengths of where the ball is believed to have gone out-of-bounds.
These are just a few of the basic golf rules that every beginner should know before hitting the links. For a complete list of rules, be sure to consult with a professional or read USGA’s golfing rules.
Is golf difficult to learn?
Golf is often perceived as a difficult game to learn, and it’s true that it can be challenging to master. However, with the right instruction and some practice, golf can be enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
The key is to start with the basics and build up from there. For instance, one of the most important aspects of golf is learning how to create a smooth swing. This takes time and patience, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to hit the ball with more power and accuracy.
In addition, it’s important to learn the correct way to grip the club and stance. These small details can make a big difference in your game. With a little bit of effort and consistency, golf can be a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Golf is a lifetime sport that you can enjoy for years to come. So, take your time, have fun, and enjoy the journey!
Can you start learning golf at any age?
Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While it is true that some golfers start learning the game at a young age, it is never too late to start. There are many benefits to starting golf later in life.
For instance, older golfers often have more patience and can better focus on their swing. They also tend to have more disposable income, which means they can invest in quality equipment and lessons.
In addition, older golfers often have more free time to devote to the sport. So, whether you are young or more mature, starting to learn golf can be a great way to improve your fitness, socialize with friends, and enjoy the outdoors.
How much does it cost to start playing golf?
For many people, golf is the perfect way to get some exercise while spending time outdoors and enjoying a relaxed game with friends. However, some newcomers to the sport may be intimidated by the cost of getting started.
Many beginner golfers assume that they need to buy all the latest gear in order to enjoy the game, but this is definitely not the case. In fact, it is possible to get started in golf without breaking the bank. For example, many local courses offer discounts for players who walk instead of taking a cart, and renting clubs is often cheaper than buying a full set.
Most courses have pro shops that sell used clubs at a substantial discount. Alternatively, we also suggest checking relevant second-hand websites where you can find great deals on both new and used golf equipment.
Of course, the cost of playing golf will also depend on the frequency with which you play. If you are only planning on playing a few times per year, then you will not need to spend as much money as someone who plays weekly.
Regardless of how fancy some golfers make it look, we encourage you to just get started and not worry too much about the cost. You can control your budget anytime and decide what lies within your limits.
Conclusion
We hope this article has been helpful. Golf can be a very rewarding experience, both physically and mentally.
It’s a great way to stay active and meet new people, while also enjoying the outdoors and the gorgeous country clubs.
Just remember to take things slowly at first, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t play well your first few times out on the course. Golf is a game and with practice, you’ll get better!
And remember that you mainly compete against your previous scores. Keep practicing and enjoying.
Good luck and best of luck!
