How To Get Started Playing Golf

A Beginners Guide to Golf

I first started playing golf when I was 9 years old. I attended a camp near my home in south Florida. It was pretty simple, they took us to a range, gave us clubs and the pro gave us pointers from time to time. 

​I was lucky to be introduced to the game before I had any preconceived notions about golf. Not everyone is so lucky so I wanted to share some thoughts on how to get started in golf. 

When you first start playing golf, don’t expect it to be as easy as the pro’s make it look. I’ve learned to expect to encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles to the game. Golf requires a combination of physical skill, mental focus, and strategic thinking. As a beginner, you should expect to spend a lot of time learning and practicing the basic skills of the game, such as gripping the club correctly, aligning your body properly, and developing a basic swing.

In addition to learning the basics of the golf swing, I would advise that you also expect to spend a lot of time on the course. You’ll want to learn how to navigate the layout and play the different shots that you’ll encounter in a typical round. It will be a trial and error process where you make mistakes and adjust as you learn from those mistakes. It is important to keep an open mind and be willing to learn and improve, as this will be key to your success on the course.

Along the way, try to keep it fun. At the end of the day, you are playing for enjoyment and shouldn’t let the challenges get you down. Golf can be a rewarding and enjoyable sport, and the more you play and learn, the more you will begin to appreciate the beauty and challenge of the game. Even if you struggle at times, try to remember that golf is a game and is meant to be enjoyed.

If you are interested in learning how to play golf, there are a few key steps that you can follow to get started.

1. Learn the basic rules and etiquette of the game. Golf is a game with strict rules and a set of unwritten etiquette guidelines that players are expected to follow. Familiarizing yourself with these rules and guidelines will help you avoid any embarrassing mistakes and ensure that you are welcomed by other players on the course.
2. Get the right equipment. Golf is a sport that requires specialized equipment, and having the right clubs, balls, shoes, and other gear is essential for success. While it is possible to borrow or rent equipment when you are just starting out, eventually you will want to invest in your own set of clubs. As a beginner, you should focus on purchasing a set of game improvement irons, which are designed to be more forgiving and easier to hit. You should also consider getting a putter, a driver, and a few wedges. See our reviews to help identify the best equipment for you. As a beginner, you may also benefit from a low-compression golf ball.
3. Find a good place to learn and practice. Golf is a game that requires a lot of practice and repetition, and finding a good place to learn and practice is essential. Many local golf courses offer lessons and practice facilities, and some even have dedicated areas for beginners. Alternatively, you can consider joining a golf club or seeking out a private instructor to help you get started. Another good option is to find an indoor golf facility that offers instruction packages. Learn which club to hit by learning your distances.
4. Start with the basics. When you are first learning how to play golf, it is important to focus on the basics and build a solid foundation. This means learning how to grip the club correctly, aligning your body properly, and developing a basic swing. There are many different swing techniques and methods, and finding the one that works best for you will take time and practice.
5. Focus on your short game. While driving distance is often what gets the most attention in golf, the short game (putting, chipping, and pitching) is where most players score. As a beginner, you should focus on developing your short-game skills, as they will be the key to shooting low scores and improving your overall game.
6. Play regularly and have fun. Finally, the most important thing to remember when learning how to play golf is to have fun. Golf can be a challenging and frustrating game at times, but it can also be extremely rewarding and enjoyable. The more you play and practice, the better you will become, and the more fun you will have.
7. Appreciate Golf History. There are many great books on golf. Reading about the game and how others have played is a great way to round out your understanding of golf.

I know that getting started in golf can seem intimidating to many folks, but with the right approach and a little bit of patience, you can quickly develop the skills and confidence you need to enjoy the game. By following these basic steps, you can learn how to play golf and start experiencing all that this great sport has to offer.

Keep in mind that learning how to play golf is a process that takes time and practice. How long depends on a number of factors, such as your natural athletic ability, your dedication to practicing and learning, and your overall goals as a golfer.
For many beginner golfers, it can take several months to a year to develop a basic level of proficiency and begin to see improvement in their scores. I’ve found that for most beginners taking lessons, practicing regularly, and playing frequently can help you improve more quickly.

As you continue to play and practice, you will likely see your skills and knowledge of the game improve over time. Some golfers may be able to reach a more advanced level of proficiency within a few years, while others may take longer.

Overall, the key to learning how to play golf is to be patient and persistent, and to be willing to put in the time and effort required to improve. By consistently practicing and playing, and by seeking out guidance and instruction when needed, you can learn how to play golf and become much better than when you just started playing.

Go even deeper with our 25 tips for beginners.