Want to learn how to start golfing? You’re not alone. Thanks to the pandemic, golf has seen its largest increase in popularity in nearly two decades – with a year-over-year increase of 2% in 2020! After all, this was one of the few activities you could do when lockdowns struck the world. And, the pandemic is what got us into golf – and frankly, changed our lives.

Starting golf can be intimidating. It can be expensive. It has a stigma around it for being snobby and pretentious – and you may feel anxious being a complete beginner in a sport that has historically been known for being uninclusive. 

But take it from relatively new golfers – our experience in golf has been that other players are incredibly accepting of newcomers and eager to have you along for the ride. In fact, you’ll find that seasoned players are quick to provide tips and insights. The golf community has been one of the most pleasant surprises of this journey.

Three years ago, we had never picked up a club. Today? Golf runs our lives. We’re members of a local country club and are constantly anticipating that next round. In fact, we’ve come to love golf so much that we’re here to teach others how to start golfing in this beginner’s guide. Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Golf terminology you need to know
• The actual rules of the game
• The unspoken rules of the game (golf etiquette)
• What you need to start golfing (clubs, gear, and clothing)
• Learning the golf swing, short game, and putting basics
• Making your first tee time
• Actually playing your first round
• And a whole lot more.

As you can see, there’s a lot to talk about – and we’ve got a tee time to get to. So we’re going to try and be concise as possible as we teach you how to start golfing so you can enjoy the great game as much as we do. First – why start golfing in the first place?

Why Learn How to Start Golfing?

For us, it was pretty simple: hockey rinks were closed and we had nothing better to do. 

Our friends started golfing and we didn’t want to be left out. So, we followed along for a trip to Top Golf – and were hooked. A few weeks later we went and played our first round at a 6-hole par 3 course with rental clubs. A month after swinging a golf club for the first time I was playing my first 18-hole round with a $250 beginner set of clubs. 

But the pandemic is over – and people are still flocking to golf in record numbers. Chances are, you want to learn how to start golfing for one of the following reasons:

Simply Getting Outdoors Has Profound Effects on Your Mental and Physical Health

There is nothing like walking the course on a warm, sunny day with a nice gentle breeze. The Vitamin D, the exercise – for many, simply getting outdoors and moving is reason enough to learn how to start golfing.

Moreover, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Golf courses offer a unique combination of beautiful landscapes and physical activity, making it a great way to get a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. In fact, some of the most breathtaking views we’ve taken in have been on a golf course.

Plus, golf is a low-impact sport that can be played for hours, providing an excellent opportunity for exercise. The gentle walking and swinging movements can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It’s a sport you can start playing at any point in your life, and continue into your later years. 

The Social Nature of the Game Will Strengthen Existing Relationships and Form New Ones

Thinking back to why we started golfing, it was this reason right here. Maybe you already have a few buddies who play – and they’ve been bugging you to take the leap yourself. Or, maybe you’re looking for a way to connect with new people. 

Either way, golf is great for socializing. It’s an excuse to hang out with your group of friends on a weekend or get together after work on a weekday. And if you don’t have a group that golfs, the sport will introduce you to fellow golfers as you get paired up in tee times or partake in events at your local course. This sport creates friendships that last for life. 

The Progression of Shooting Lower Scores Gives You a Purpose – Something to be Excited About and Work Towards

We wholeheartedly believe that the meaning of life is to pursue a purpose. Many of us pursue multiple purposes – from starting a business to learning new skills. The pursuit of improvement and the constant movement towards a goal gives you meaning in life. And the nature of golf is perfect for this.

It’s mainly an individual sport – you’re playing against yourself (often, against your own mind). You can see specific improvements in your game – and as you progress, you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. This does wonders for your mental health. 

Let’s Face it – the Game Itself is a Ton of Fun

The joy of hitting a pure shot on a par 3, throwing a dart right towards the cup – or seeing a long putt drop in the hole – these are the moments that make golf so special. The way it makes you feel cannot be replicated by other sports. 

It is a ton of fun alone, and it’s even more fun with friends. A lot of the time, you’ll end up golfing and not even thinking about the score you shoot. Instead. it’s the laughter, the drinks, and the little things you take home with you and cherish.

How to Start Golfing: The Definitive Guide to Playing Your First Round

Now – you likely have your own reasons for coming to learn how to start golfing. Regardless of what those reasons are, you’re eager to get started. But where do you start? 

From golf to tennis, running, or any other sport – the hardest part is getting the journey in motion. Once you do, it’s all smooth sailing. And when it comes to golf, the best way to start is to familiarize yourself with the game. 

Familiarize Yourself With the Game if You Haven’t Already

If you are familiar with golf terminology, already know the rules of the game, and have a good grasp on course etiquette, go ahead and proceed to the next section. Otherwise, we’ll start with the very basics: golf terminology you need to know.

Golf Terminology

• Tee Box: The starting point for each hole, where the ball is initially placed on a small peg called a tee.
• Fairway: The well-manicured area of the course that lies between the tee and the green. This is where you’ll want to hit most of your tee shots to give yourself a good chance at making par.
• Rough: The area outside of the fairway, which is usually comprised of longer grass and is more difficult to play from.
• Green: The small, closely-mowed area where the hole is located. This is where you’ll putt the ball.
• Flagstick: A tall, thin pole with a flag attached to it, used to mark the location of the hole on the green. When putting on the green, you can choose to leave the flagstick in or remove it from the hole.
• Bunker: A sand trap, usually located near the green, designed to challenge players and add an element of difficulty to the game.
• Stroke: The act of hitting the ball with a club, counting as one shot towards the total score for the hole or round.
• Par: The predetermined number of strokes that a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or round.
• Bogey: One stroke over par for a hole.
• Birdie: One stroke under par for a hole.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par for a hole.
• Albatross: Three stroked under par for a hole. 
• Ace: Another term for hole-in-one
• Clubhouse: the building at a course that typically contains a pro shop, restaurant/bar, locker rooms, and other facilities.  
• Handicap: A numerical representation of a golfer’s skill level, used to adjust the strokes they receive in match play. The goal is to see your handicap drop with time.
• Fore: A term you yell out when hitting an errant shot that could put surrounding people at risk. If you hear fore on the course, take cover – a ball may be headed your way.
• Caddie: A professional who can help you navigate the course, telling you what clubs to hit, where to aim, and more. They’re an invaluable asset, especially when playing new courses. 
• Slope: This describes the difficulty of a course. Higher slope courses are seen as more difficult, as they are longer and have more changes in elevation.
• Mulligan: The ability to “re-hit” a shot after hitting it poorly. These are technically not allowed under the rules of golf, but when playing with your buddies or by yourself you can use mulligans at your discretion – especially when first starting to golf.

There are countless other golf terminology – but our goal today is to give you just enough information to get started with confidence. And the list above is what you’ll need to know for just that. With that said, let’s move onto the rules of the game.

Rules of the Game

The rules of golf are simple – get the ball from the tee box into the hole. Notice we said simple – not easy! The USGA golf rulebook is thick – and we’ll save you all the intricacies, as you’ll learn those as you go. For now, we’ll summarize the rules of the game that you need to know for that first tee time:

1. Each hole is played once per round and there are 18 holes on a standard golf course.
2. Aim to hit the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. A stroke is counted each time the club is swung at the ball – regardless of the contact made (yes, even if you whiff)
3. The player who completes the round in the fewest strokes wins (less is better in golf).
4. Each hole has a par, or the expected number of strokes to complete the hole. There are par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s – each varying in length.
5. Out-of-bounds areas and lost balls result in penalty strokes. These include water hazards, people’s yards, or any area market OB by markers. If your ball goes out of bounds, you take an extra stroke and drop a replacement ball (if you’re unable to find yours).
6. The player must tee off from the designated tee box and the ball must be played as it lies. You are to tee off between & behind the tee markers.
7. Players take turns hitting their ball and the person farthest from the hole usually goes first.
8. You may have no more than 14 clubs in your bag at any given time.
9. There are situations in which you can take relief and move your ball to a better location with no penalty. This includes when your ball is on the cart path, when your ball is in an area that is under repair, or on an immovable object (sprinkler head).

Playing Etiquette

The actual written rules of golf are pretty straightforward and easy to follow. What most new golfers struggle with when first starting to golf is the unwritten rules – or the etiquette of the game. Some of these rules have their place, while others are trivial and ridiculous. 

However, it’s a gentleman’s game – and you don’t want to look out of place or offend other golfers. We’ll provide a detailed overview of some of the most common etiquette on or around the golf course.  

• Arrival at the Course: Arrive at the course in enough time to check in, warm up, and be ready to tee off at your designated time. Don’t be the person who pulls into the parking lot at their tee time. A good rule of thumb is to show up 30 minutes early.
• Slow Play: Keep up with the pace of play by being ready to hit when it is your turn, walking quickly between shots, and getting off the green quickly when you finish a hole.
• Noise and Distractions: Be respectful of other players by keeping noise to a minimum and not making distracting movements when someone is about to hit. Don’t say anything that can be perceived as rude when someone hits a bad shot (unless you’re with your buddies and are willing to face the consequences of chirping them!) 
• Dress Code: Most golf courses have a dress code, usually requiring golfers to wear collared shirts, pants or shorts of an appropriate length, and proper golf shoes. We’ll touch on this in a later section
• Course Maintenance: Repair ball marks on the green, rake sand traps, and replace divots. Do not drive carts on the green or take shortcuts across the course. When in doubt, let a more experienced golfer control the cart.
• Mobile Devices: Turn off your phone or put it on silent while on the course and do not use it while someone is hitting.
• Order of Play: Players who are furthest from the hole typically hit first, but players should be ready to hit when it is their turn, regardless of their position on the course.
• Sportsmanship: Play the game with integrity, respect the rules, and show good sportsmanship, win or lose. Always shake hands with your group at the end of the round and remove your cap if applicable. 

Get Your Golfing Gear

The most fun part of getting started golfing is picking out all your gear. But, this can also be one of the most stressful for new golfers. This is an expensive sport, after all.

Clubs & Other Playing Essentials

This is going to be the biggest investment you make in your game. I just paid nearly $2k for a brand-new set of Callaway Rogues. However, my first set of clubs cost just $250. That’s the approach we recommend because you can get the whole experience with a cheap set early on and figure out if you love the game enough to really invest in it (trust us – you will).

Better yet, see if you can pick up a used set nearby for even cheaper. You should set a maximum budget of $500 for your first set of clubs. Whatever you do, make sure you have the following clubs:

• Driver
• 3 wood or hybrid
• 5 iron through pitching wedge
• Some type of lofted wedge (56 or 60 degree)
• Putter

You can fill in the gaps in your bag over time, but this is really all you need for your first round.

Here are the other essentials you’ll need to add to your bag (which should come with your beginner club set):

• Golf balls: go CHEAP, you’re going to lose them. Save the ProV1s for when your handicap starts dropping. There’s nothing wrong with Top Flites – but Kirkland or Srixon balls also offer a great value for beginners. 
• Tees: it doesn’t really matter where you go with plastic or wood – it ultimately comes out in the wash. Wood tees are cheaper and have a nicer aesthetic, plastic tees are more expensive but last longer before breaking. 
• Golf glove: a quality glove makes all the difference in your grip. We recommend buying one in person so you can try on different sizes and find the perfect fit.
• Towel: you can use this to wipe your clubs down between shots and keep the grooves clean. This ensures you have the best chance of solid contact on your next shot.
• Ball marker & ball mark repair tool: chances are you can find a 2-in-1 tool. You’ll use this to mark your ball on the green while others putt and repair any ball marks you leave behind on the green.

There are other things you’ll add to your bag over time – like a rangefinder to get accurate distances, a golf speaker to set the vibe, and other devices. But these basics will get you started on the right foot without breaking the bank. 

Clothing

The other side of the coin is clothing. And as mentioned earlier, there is a dress code at most golf courses. Failure to follow these rules can result in you getting booted from the course. Some courses are stricter than others, but both men and women should wear a collared shirt (or collared blouse). No – not a button-down dress shirt. A polo is ideal. You can wear anything from simple solid polos to more colorful and vibrant polos – don’t be afraid to let your personality shine on the course. 

In terms of bottoms, men can sport trousers or golf-specific shorts. When in doubt, ask yourself whether the bottoms have a belt loop. If so, they’re probably acceptable. Shorts should reach the knee and be made of lightweight material. The two things you shouldn’t wear to the course are denim and sweatpants. Virtually everything else flys/

Women can wear skirts, slacks, or golf-specific shorts. Again – they should be of an appropriate length (at or near knee length) and made of lightweight material.

You’ll also want golf shoes – which provide traction and comfort while walking. Some of these have spikes that help with stability during the swing. But really, if you have a pair of tennis shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty, you can wear those for the time being. We have a guide to the cost of golfing if you’d like to learn more.

Learn the Golf Swing

Now comes the fun part of our conversation on how to start golfing: learning the golf swing. There are two approaches you can take here: getting professional lessons right away or taking the time to teach yourself and get through the early stages of golfing on your own. There’s no right or wrong answer. 

Because I played hockey my whole life, the swing came naturally to me – although it certainly wasn’t anything pretty at first. But, I could make solid contact with the golf ball – and so I spent the first 6 months of my career teaching myself the golf swing. You can learn on YouTube, TikTok, or through more experienced players in your life. 

I was able to get down to an 18 handicap before I bought my first professional golf lesson. But the value in lessons is undeniable. So if you can justify the cost of golf lessons and you want to speed up the learning curve, it doesn’t hurt to get lessons at a driving range before hitting the course. You’ll save yourself a ton of frustration and potential injury by having a professional help you from the start.

So, should I take golf lessons? And if so, how many golf lessons do I need? Only you can answer these question for yourself, but we can help you figure it out in our blog.

The Basics of the Golf Swing

We’ll provide a more detailed guide on how to swing a golf club in a future article. For now, we want to talk about the basics of the swing. It’s up to you to go deeper into each of these elements and fully grasp them yourself:

• Grip: Place your left hand (for right-handed players) on the club in a relaxed grip, with your fingers wrapped around the handle. Place your right hand on the club so that it interlocks with the left. Most of the control should come from your dominant hand, the other is simply there for support.
• Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and distribute your weight evenly between both feet. Keep your knees slightly bent, and your arms extended in front of your body. Depending on which club you’re using, the ball should be either back, center, or front of your stance.
• Backswing: Begin by turning your hips and shoulders back, keeping your arms extended. The club should remain close to your body and your eyes should remain focused on the ball. Hinge your wrists simultaneously.
• Downswing: Start the downswing by turning your hips towards the target, followed by your shoulders. As you near impact, release the clubhead and let your hands and arms follow through towards the target.
• Finish: Finish the swing with your weight on your front foot, and your club pointing up in the air. Hold this follow-through position for a moment, then take a step or two forward and retrieve your ball.

We know what you’re thinking – huh? The golf swing is definitely illustrated better visually than textually. So – take a look at this video here:

Practicing Your Golf Swing

Something I struggled with was a lack of confidence that deterred me from practicing at the driving range. So, I came up with some ways to practice at home. If you have space, you can just go through your swing in front of a full-body mirror. This helps you see exactly where you are in each phase of the swing and adjust accordingly. 

If you have the space in your backyard, you can practice making contact with a ping pong ball. These won’t go very far or do any damage, and you’ll be able to practice hitting the center of the club face. But ultimately, the best way to practice your swing is at the driving range. Bite the bullet and go buy a bucket of balls – nobody is judging you more than yourself, so don’t be afraid.

Focus on Short Game, Too

One thing that would have dropped my handicap a lot faster was spending more time working on shots 100 yards in and less on my drives. As a beginner, you’re not going to hit many greens. So, chipping becomes very important. And so too does putting. Being able to consistently chip your ball onto the green and get in the hole in 2 putts or less will do wonders for your confidence and scores. 

There’s a reason they say “drive for show, putt for dough”. Beginner golfers make up the most strokes on the greens. The best part? This is something you can work on in your bedroom. Buy a cheap putting matt and practice 10 minutes a day to engrain that muscle memory. 

We have a complete guide on the best way to learn how to play golf if you’d like to learn more about beginning this journey. Otherwise, let’s talk about making that first tee time.

Making Your First Tee Time

Once you feel confident in your ability to swing a golf club, it’s time to make your first tee time. This can be scary – but trust us, you’re embarking on an amazing journey that is going to change your life. Any anxiety you feel around your first round now will quickly turn to angst as

My first round of golf was at a 6-hole par three course. If you can, I actually recommend you find a shorter executive course like this near you. There are a few reasons for this. 

For one, the atmosphere is more laid back – there are more beginners and casual players at this type of course than at your local country club. Secondly, you learn to get good at the short game. I got really good with my irons and wedges, which you use more often than any other clubs. 

But, if you want the full experience – or can’t seem to find a par-3 course near you – then simply find any public course nearby. If you have friends in mind for the group, see what recommendations they have. You can type in “golf course (your city)” and find some good options. Look for reviews and look for something simple – you don’t need to be learning on a high-slope golf course.

Tee times are usually available a week in advance, and rounds can take up to five hours – keep that in mind when booking. Twilight rounds (afternoon) are both cheaper and less is busy – so that might be a good choice for you. Similarly, weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Actually Playing Your First Round

On the day of your round, get to the course early so you can get the full experience and take your time. You’re stressed enough as is – don’t add extra anxiety to the equation by rushing.

Step one is checking in at the golf course – you’ll go to the clubhouse for this or the pro shop. Chances are, the course pro or an assistant pro will check you in and you’ll pay for your round if you haven’t already. You can also pay for range balls here and grab anything else you need for the round. 

If you’re riding, you’ll want to go get your cart next and then go back to the parking lot to grab your bag and load up. From there, you can head to the range and warm up if applicable – or head to the short game area and get some chips and putts in. Ideally, you’ll do a little bit of everything to warm up for your rounds as a beginner. 

Head to the first tee 10 minutes before you’re scheduled to tee off – as you’ll want to play directly behind the group in front of you. If you don’t know the other members in your group (you booked alone), introduce yourself and warn them in advance – this is your first time, after all! Chances are, they’ll be excited to help guide you through the process. Like I said before – I’ve had nothing but great experiences with the more experienced golfers at courses I’ve played at.

As you play the round, you’ll want to keep your score of course – this will be the bar to which you’ll compare your next round to. But, don’t worry too much about the numbers. It’s your first time playing and attributing your experience simply to the score itself is a surefire way to get discouraged – and prevent a second round from ever happening.

Instead, your mindset should be to hit the best shot possible throughout all 18 holes. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy being outdoors with other like-minded people or friends. Remember – the actual act of playing golf is a small reason this sport is so special. You’re only going to have one first round ever – so enjoy it!

I’ve Played My First Round – and I’m Hooked! Now What?

Now that you know how to start golfing, it’s time to get out there and do it. Chances are, you’re going to fall in love with the game like so many before you have – even if you shoot a 150+! The process of seeing scores drop is what keeps us all coming back for more. 

At this point, it’s just a matter of taking note of what you struggled with in that first round and working on it before your next outing. Did you struggle hitting the fairway off the teebox? Or, were you having trouble getting up onto the green after missing it? Maybe you were taking 3-5 putting strokes on every hole.

Whatever it was that kept you from performing better, make it your goal to address that before your next round – either at home or at the range. Then, make that next tee time and enjoy the journey you’re about to embark on!

Starting Golf Can Be Intimidating – But it Doesn’t Have to be!

All things considered, there are countless reasons to start golfing. And now that we’ve described how to start golfing, you can begin this wonderful journey yourself. But maybe you’re feeling a bit sheepish still – you’re not sure it’s right for you. Trust us – we’ve been there. In fact, that was us just a few years ago. 

We were hesitant to get started in a sport in our late twenties that people have been playing for 50 years. We didn’t want to look out of place or embarrass ourselves – or affect other people’s experience on the course as newbies. If we could give you one piece of advice on how to start golfing, let it be this: get rid of that mindset. 

Everyone starts somewhere. And the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have worked through the rough patches early on and be on your way to lowering your handicap and becoming a formidable player. As long as you follow proper etiquette on the course, you needn’t stress out about what anyone thinks of you. 

And, the reality is, people are way too concerned with themselves to focus on you anyways. One thing we struggled with a lot was stepping onto the first tee in front of the clubhouse – anxious as all hell with people watching us tee off. Or, trying to find the most hidden bay on the driving range so nobody had to witness our horrendous swing.

In the end, we came to realize this mindset was holding us back from enjoying the game. And we don’t want you to make the same mistake. Embrace your suckiness early on and look back and laugh a few years down the road at how silly you were.

Final Thoughts on How to Start Golfing

There you have it – our complete guide on how to start golfing. We hope this beginners’ guide provides you with the clarity and confidence you need to dive into the sport and enjoy all it has to offer. This is just one of the many resources we have in store for you here on our site. Let us assist you in enjoying all the game has to offer – take a look around, and hit ‘em straight!