Golf for beginners: A step-by-step guide to getting started in the game

Golf is no doubt a hard game to master. Ask professional golfers around you, and they will tell you the same thing. There are lots of rules you should follow. There is a whole rule book you, as a beginner, should go through. Besides, there is equipment you need to buy. 

Read the guide below to understand better what you need as a golfing beginner, including essential items like golf clothing, to ensure you’re well-prepared to enjoy and improve in this challenging but rewarding sport. 

Steps to follow when getting started with golf

If you don´t have a clue about golf, don’t worry. Follow the steps we have highlighted below to get started. 

Making the decision to play golf

Everything in life starts with your decision to join or subscribe to. The same applies to golf. Develop interest and make it happen by deciding to join it. Commit yourself to the sport and observe good etiquette. 

As you join, you’ll realise that the sport doesn’t need perfection. You just enjoy golfing and learn something every time you play it. Learn from your mistakes, golf guidebooks, and those around you until you up your gaming skills. 

Purchase equipment

Golf is an expensive sport – no doubt about that. If you’re committed to golf, there are some things you need to have. 

The first thing is golf club sets. A complete set has 14 clubs. However, 10 to 12 clubs should be fine for a beginner. While they are expensive, you can cut on the cost by buying used ones. After all, a good golfer can play with any club. 

Besides the clubs, you must also have other equipment. Below is a list of what you should buy. 

Other things you need to purchase:

• Clubs (complete set), which includes  fairway woods, a driver, putter, iron set and wedges 
• Golf shoes
• iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder
• Golf balls
• Golf-appropriate apparel
• Golf bag
• Minor accessories (tees, groove cleaner, ball markers, and a divot tool tees, towel)

Learning the rules

After gathering all the equipment, the third step is learning the game’s rules. It can be overwhelming as you start, but with focus and determination, you’ll pick up sooner or later. 

There is a whole rules book that you can go through to learn about golf. Another simpler way of learning the rules is by playing with experienced professional golfers. Observe what they do and do precisely that. Also, always consult where you face challenges. 

Below are some of the rules you should familiarize yourself with:

• Scoring: The golf course has 18 holes, each with a unique par. Par is the number of strokes you should take to have the ball in the hole. Par 3 means three strokes, par 4 is four, and par 5 is five. The pars are summed up at the end, equalling the total course par (72).
• Proper golf grip: You should know how to handle the golf club properly before playing golf. You can consider a grip trainer and use the experience whenever you can. 
• Chip shot: This short game shot is crucial as you’ll use it more often on the golf course around the greens. 
• Full swing driver: Learning the full-swing driver is fun; many beginners always want to start with it. The training involves teeing the ball at the correct height and hitting the driver. Focus on achieving desirable posture, maintaining a smooth tempo, and making solid contact.

The first round

After going through the rules and the golf know-how, it is time for your first round. When you’re ready, pick a course and a date. 

The best place to start the first round is at a Par three (executive) course. This course has more informal rounds and is less costly, thus ideal for a beginner. 

It is advisable to start with an easier course as you proceed. Review the course rating to know the easiest ones to start with. A course with a 70 or below rating is ideal for a beginner. Also, consider starting with the 6400 – 6600 yard range. 

Another thing to consider is the day you pick. Consider a weekday because the golf courses are always busy on weekends. 

After factoring in these considerations, make a reservation. You can book online, which is more convenient. Alternatively, you can call and speak with the pro shop attendant to make your reservation. 

Improving your game

While perfection shouldn’t be your primary focus, you need to improve your gaming skills. Even the seasoned golfers make mistakes, and there is always room for improvement. Improving your skills will bring you closer to enthusiast golfers and allow you to enjoy even more. 

One way you can significantly improve your skills is through reading. There are more than enough resources to read and master the art of golfing. Also, there are golf instructions online. You can also purchase golf books from your local stores. Lastly, you may opt for formal golf lessons from a professional golfer. 

Making friends

Playing golf is more fun with friends. Every time you go out, ensure you make a new friend. 

Below are the tips you can use to find new golfing friends:

• Consult from the pro shop.
• Join a golf league or club.
• Talk about golf with people you meet and interact with in your social circle.

Conclusion

Remember, there’s only one thing you need to remember: golf is challenging, and beginners should learn to manage their expectations. Due to its complicated nature, enjoying the game as you learn from your mistakes is better than aiming for perfection. Continue practicing every day until you achieve your desired level.