Ava Romero
Golf is a challenging sport with a lot of nuances to learn, but it's a great time to start! The game is naturally socially distanced, and it's a fantastic source of exercise and a diversion for the mind. If you're a beginner, you'll need to learn the basics of posture, grip, and stance, as well as the different types of golf strokes, from distance shots to altitude shots. You'll also need to know the golf scoring lingo and how to strategize each hole. When it comes to equipment, you'll need to know how far your clubs go and which ones you're comfortable with. You can practice at a driving range and take lessons to improve your swing. If you're not ready to invest in a full set of clubs, you can start with a new driver and get a club fitting with an expert. When you're ready to play a course, call your local course and ask about tee times for beginners, or look for a tee-time aggregator online.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of clubs | You can carry up to 14 clubs, but beginners only need a few: a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, a 6-iron, an 8-iron, a pitching wedge, and a fairway wood or hybrid. |
| Ball purchase | Buy balls based on how many you lose. If you lose many balls, buy cheaper ones, and upgrade as your skills improve. |
| Lessons | Consider taking lessons from a golf professional to learn the correct grip, stance, and posture. Watching YouTube videos and recording your swing for self-analysis can also help. |
| Course selection | Start with a Par 3 course, which has shorter distances between the tee and the hole, making it ideal for beginners. |
| Rules | Familiarize yourself with the rules, such as not moving your ball on the course and taking a 1-stroke penalty if you hit your ball out of bounds. |
| Scoring | Keep score for each hole, comparing your score to the "par," which is the ideal number of strokes for each hole. The person with the lowest overall score wins. |
| Stance | Stand with your knees and hips slightly bent, feet hip-width apart, and weight evenly distributed. Lean forward at the hips so the club reaches the ground where you'll hit the ball. |
| Club position | When the club is parallel to the ground, the toe (rounded edge) should face up. Bring the club up at a 90-degree angle, moving your weight to your dominant side. |
| Golf etiquette | Understand and follow proper golf etiquette, such as selecting tees based on your skill level to ensure a smooth and enjoyable game. |
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What You'll Learn
Learning the basics: grip, stance, posture, swing
Golf can be a difficult sport to master, but with some practice and attention to detail, you can develop a good technique. The grip, stance, posture, and swing are all key elements to focus on when learning the basics of golf.
Grip
The hands are the only part of the body that comes into direct contact with the golf club, so it is important to get the grip right. A good tip to help with grip positioning is to pre-kink the wrist. Place your gloved hand to the side of the grip, with the badge slightly to the right of the target (for right-handers). Push your knuckles towards the target to create a noticeable kink in the wrist, which will help the club run through the correct part of the swing.
Stance
The stance is key to setting up a good golf shot. The distance you stand from the ball is dictated by the length of the club you are using and your posture. For longer clubs, you will stand further away from the ball. It is important to maintain a balanced athletic position, with your spine straight and arms hanging down naturally. Avoid hunching over to reach the ball.
Posture
Good posture is important as it helps to create the movement that follows in the swing. A good basic posture is achieved by bending over from the waist, keeping the spine straight.
Swing
Balance and stability are essential for a successful golf swing. The width of your stance will impact the swing; a wider stance can be beneficial for players who need more lateral movement, but too wide a stance can also cause problems. A narrower stance can discourage excess weight shift and increase rotation, but too narrow a stance will cause instability.
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Golf equipment: clubs, tees, balls, gloves
Golf equipment is essential to getting started with the sport. Here is a breakdown of the key items you will need:
Clubs
Golf clubs are a fundamental piece of equipment in golf. They are used to hit the golf ball and come in various types, each designed for a specific purpose. For example, drivers are used for teeing off, while irons are used for a more controlled shot. When starting, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the different types of clubs and their uses. You can purchase a set of clubs, such as the Callaway Edge set, which typically includes a driver and a range of irons.
Tees
Tees are small pegs that hold the ball up off the ground during tee shots. They are usually made of wood or plastic and come in various heights to accommodate different club types and personal preferences. Tees are essential for tee shots as they allow for a better strike on the ball. You can purchase tees from most golf equipment retailers or online.
Balls
Golf balls are specifically designed for the game and are subject to strict specifications. They are dimpled and smaller than other balls, such as baseballs or tennis balls. You can purchase golf balls from sports retailers or golf speciality stores.
Gloves
Golf gloves are worn on the hand that holds the golf club (usually the non-dominant hand). They help improve grip and reduce slippage during swings. Gloves are typically made of leather or synthetic materials and can be purchased from golf equipment retailers or online. It is important to choose a glove that fits well and is comfortable, as it can impact your performance.
These are the basic pieces of equipment you will need to get started with golf. It is important to familiarise yourself with the equipment and practice using them to improve your skills and enjoyment of the game.
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Golf course rules and etiquette
Golf is a sport steeped in tradition and etiquette, and there are many unwritten rules that golfers are expected to follow. Here are some key points of golf course etiquette to be aware of:
Before You Play
Arrive early, at least half an hour before your tee time, to give yourself time to warm up and practice. Check the local rules and course guidelines, which are often available on the scorecard.
During Your Round
Be considerate of other players by keeping up with the group in front, especially on busy days. If you are slow, let faster groups play through, but don't use this as an excuse to continue playing slowly. If you suspect your shot might be heading towards other golfers, shout "Fore!" as a warning.
Course Care
Take care of the course by raking bunkers and repairing any divots or pitch marks you create. Be mindful of where you drive your golf cart, staying on the designated paths and following any directional signage.
Respect Your Playing Partners
Be respectful of your playing partners by avoiding walking on their putting lines, both on the way to the hole and the other side. This can mark up the ball's pathway. Also, be mindful of your phone usage, as constant use can be considered rude and disruptive to the social aspect of the game.
Social Etiquette
At the end of your round, it is customary to shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners, console the losers, and thank them for their company. It is also considered good etiquette to volunteer to pay for refreshments and offer to buy drinks for caddies.
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Practising: short game, long game, driving range
Practising at the Driving Range
The driving range is a great place to practice your golf skills. Here are some tips to make the most of your time there:
- Have a clear focus for each session.
- Warm up before getting into technical practice.
- Play skills games to make practice more realistic and representative of what you need to do on the golf course.
- Test your skills under pressure by picking small targets and going through your full routine.
- Hit different clubs and shot types to simulate game conditions.
- Use alignment sticks to understand your aim.
- Develop a routine to practice with purpose.
- Keep a notebook to review your goals and progress at the start and end of each session.
Long Game
The long game refers to shots made from the tee box or more than 100 yards from the green. Here are some tips to improve your long game:
- Develop a sound technique to improve accuracy and distance.
- Understand how to aim and hit draws and fades.
- Learn to hit different shots such as low punches, approach shots, lay-ups, three-quarter shots, and blind shots.
- Improve your golf impact position to achieve greater ball-striking consistency.
Short Game
The short game refers to shots made within 100 yards of the green. Here are some tips to improve your short game:
- Understand the rules and techniques for each shot type around the greens.
- Calibrate your short game by charting your distances with each club.
- Control your distance by adjusting your backstroke length.
- Keep your body and weight still and balanced during the stroke.
- Use the correct setup for chipping and pitching to avoid the club digging into the ground or bottoming out too early.
- Practice with different clubs at various distances to develop distance control.
- Use tools like HackMotion to improve your wrist position and consistency.
- Challenge yourself by playing games with a partner to simulate golf hole scenarios.
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Golf lessons: pros, groups, online tutorials
Golf can seem complicated to beginners, with its many rules, clubs, and lingo. However, there are plenty of ways to learn, including lessons with pros, group classes, and online tutorials.
Lessons with Pros
One-on-one lessons with a golf professional are a great way to start. Learning the correct grip, stance, and posture from the beginning will make a huge difference. You can find a golf pro in your area by searching online, looking at reviews, and asking for recommendations from friends or family who golf. When you call around for pricing, ask about package deals for multiple lessons. A minimum of three lessons is recommended, with five or more being ideal.
Group Classes
Group classes are another option for beginners. These are often advertised at your local golf range with flyers, and you can also ask around at golf stores. Group classes can be a more affordable option, and you'll get to meet other beginners.
Online Tutorials
There are many free online tutorials for beginners on YouTube, and some providers also offer free mini-courses. You can also purchase online lessons from providers like GOLFTEC, which offers personalized instruction with expert coaches and advanced technology. Their lessons include a Swing Evaluation to analyze your swing and create a personalized improvement plan. You can also use their app to access lessons, drills, and performance data.
Practice
Once you've had some lessons, it's important to get out and practice. You can buy second-hand clubs and balls quite cheaply, and you can head to the golf range to practice your swing. You can also start playing on beginner-friendly courses, with 9-hole courses being a good place to start.
Equipment
When you're first learning, you only need a few clubs. You're allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in your bag, but to start, you can get by with a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, a 6-iron, an 8-iron, a pitching wedge, and a fairway wood or hybrid.
Tips
- Watch your own swing on video and compare it to the swings of golf pros.
- Focus on doing a few things right rather than trying to learn everything at once.
- Be patient and manage your expectations—you won't become Tiger Woods overnight!
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Frequently asked questions
Find a golf professional in your area and take some lessons. Learning the correct grip, stance and posture early on will help you develop good habits. You can also watch videos of pro golfers online and copy their swings.
You'll need tees and balls to get started. You can buy cheap balls if you're a beginner as you're likely to lose a few! You'll also need clubs, gloves and a bag. You can rent clubs or buy second-hand ones to start with.
You can practice your short game in your back yard or even your living room. You can also go to a driving range to practice your swing. When you're ready, play 9 or 18 holes at a local course.
Each hole has an ideal number of strokes, known as the "Par". Each time you hit the ball counts as one stroke. If your ball lands in a bad spot, don't move it—play it where it lies. If you hit it out of bounds, you'll have to take a 1-stroke penalty.
The most important thing is to keep up with the pace of play. Take one or two practice swings and be ready to hit when it's your turn. Don't spend too long looking for your ball if you can't find it.
