Trevor Ng
Golf can seem complicated to beginners, with its many rules, types of clubs, and unique terminology. However, it is a fun and social sport that can be played at any age. To get started, it is recommended to begin at a practice range, where you can get comfortable with the fundamentals of grip, stance, posture, takeaway, and backswing. You can then progress to hitting short chip shots and eventually full swings. When you feel ready, you can book a tee time at a beginner-friendly golf course, usually around 4,000–5,500 yards with 9-hole par 3s or short executive courses. It is important to learn basic golf etiquette, such as being mindful of other players' experiences and taking care of the course.
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What You'll Learn
Learn the basics: rules, etiquette, and lingo
Golf can seem complicated to beginners, with many rules, club types, and a unique lingo. However, the basics are easy to learn and will set you up for your golfing journey.
Rules
Golf has many rules, but here are some of the most important and basic ones to get you started:
- You can carry a maximum of 14 clubs, but there is no minimum requirement beyond one.
- You must finish a hole with the same ball you started it with.
- You must play the ball as it lies—you are not allowed to kick it or move it to a better spot.
- If your putt stops just at the edge of the hole, you can wait 10 seconds to see if it goes in. If it takes longer than 10 seconds, you count that as a shot.
- If you hit a tee shot into the woods and suspect it might be lost or out-of-bounds, you can play a provisional ball. If you then find your original ball in-bounds, you must continue to play with that ball.
- If your group stops for refreshments, it is good etiquette to volunteer to pay and offer to buy drinks for the caddies.
- If there is a chance that your shot might hit another player, yell "Fore!" immediately.
Etiquette
Golf etiquette is important to ensure the game is enjoyable for all players and to keep the course in good condition:
- Be mindful of the pace of play—don't lag behind, but also don't rush your shots.
- If you are holding up your playing partners, there is nothing wrong with picking up your ball.
- Take care of the course—it takes a lot of work to maintain.
- At the end of the round, shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners, and thank them for their company.
Lingo
Golf has a lot of jargon, but don't be intimidated! Here are some common terms to get you started:
- Address: When you step up to the ball and set the club down behind it, ready to swing.
- Banana: A "slice" or shot that curves from left to right.
- Chili-Dip: A "fat" shot, typically a chip shot, where you hit more of the ground than the ball.
- Come-Backer: A second putt after the first goes past the hole.
- Duck-Hook/Snapper/Quacker: When the ball curves sharply left instead of where you were aiming.
- Fat/Chunky/Thick: A "fat" swing is when the club hits the ground too soon, causing a loss of momentum and reducing the distance the ball travels.
- Hacker: Someone who isn't very good at golf.
- Inside the leather: When the ball is positioned closer to the hole than the length of the putter grip; if it falls inside the leather, it's considered good and you can pick it up.
- Lip-out: When a ball hits the edge of the hole and then circles the rim without going in.
- Waggle: Moving or jiggling the club to stay loose and in motion.
- Worm-Burner: A shot that stays low to the ground, sometimes caused by a "fat" swing.
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Choose a course: consider length, hole number, and cost
When choosing a golf course, there are several factors to consider, including the length of the course, the number of holes, and the cost.
Firstly, in terms of length, the average golf course is approximately 6,600 yards (3.75 miles or 6 kilometres) long. Each hole on a course is a particular length, and these lengths vary, with Par-3 holes being the shortest, followed by Par-4 and Par-5 holes, which are the longest. The sum of the lengths of all the holes makes up the total distance of the course. It is worth noting that the length of a golf course can feel different depending on how well or poorly you are playing.
Secondly, the number of holes is an important consideration when choosing a golf course. The traditional number of holes on a course is 18, and this has been the standard since the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland was redesigned in 1764. However, many courses around the world have fewer holes, with 9-hole courses being the next most common. For beginners, a 9-hole course can be a great way to get started, as the shorter length and fewer holes can make the game less intimidating and more relaxing. 9-hole courses also tend to be more compact, allowing players to complete a round in less time and at a lower cost.
Lastly, when considering the cost of playing on a particular golf course, it is important to factor in not only the green fees but also any additional expenses such as transportation to and from the course, equipment rental, and food and beverage costs. Some courses may also have membership fees or require the purchase of a membership prior to booking a tee time. It is always a good idea to research the cost of playing at different courses in your area to find the best option for your budget.
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Get equipment: clubs, balls, and nets
Golf clubs can be expensive, especially for beginners who are just starting out. It is recommended to get a nice set of modern irons as your first club. Irons are easier to hit with than old equipment, which may have cracked grips or heavy clubheads. You can find good deals on second-hand golf clubs online or at your local golf store. If you are buying second-hand clubs, make sure the grips are not old and cracked, as this will make it harder to hit the ball. You can play with just a set of irons and a putter for at least a year.
If you are serious about golf, it is worth investing in a good set of golf clubs. You can either buy a completed beginner set made specifically for beginners, or you can assemble your own set. When assembling your own set, it is recommended to get cavity back irons or hybrid irons, as these are easier to hit with than blades or muscle-back irons.
You will also need a golf ball or several golf balls. It is recommended to get cheap balls when you are starting out, as you are more likely to lose them. You can buy used balls online or pick them up from the woods or lake on the course.
If you are setting up a practice space at home, you will need a net to hit the balls into. You can buy golf nets online or at a sports store. Make sure you have enough space to take a full swing. If you don't have a net, you can practice with plastic balls in a field or your backyard, so you don't lose any balls.
Other equipment you may need includes a golf bag, tees, a towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, and a small first aid kit.
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Practise: at ranges, courses, or home
Practising at a range
If you're practising at a driving range, it's a good idea to develop your own routine. Start with some basic stretches to warm up the muscles you'll be using. Then, you can move on to hitting balls. One suggestion is to hit 10 balls in a row without stopping, repeating this up to 50 or 100 times. Another approach is to hit every shot with a purpose, pretending you're on a golf course and going through your pre-shot routine with each shot. You can also try working your way up from short to long irons, or vice versa.
Practising on a course
When practising on a golf course, it's important to be mindful of your playing partners and those around you. Try not to lag behind, and if you're holding others up, it's considered good etiquette to pick up your ball and move on. Remember to shout "Fore!" if you hit a shot that might come close to another person.
Practising at home
If you have a yard, you can practise your wedge game. Focus on controlling your distance with one or two wedges, so you know what to expect when you're on the course. You can also experiment with different trajectories, choosing a target and trying to land the ball at the same distance with a low, medium, and high trajectory. If you don't have a yard, you can still practise your putting at home. One suggestion is to use a putting mat and do sequences of 6 balls from 7 feet away.
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Take lessons: with a pro or online
Taking lessons is a great way to improve your golf game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, there are many benefits to taking lessons with a pro or online.
Taking Lessons with a Pro
If you're looking for in-person guidance and feedback, taking lessons with a golf pro can be a great option. Many golf courses and driving ranges have teaching pros on staff who offer lessons to golfers of all levels. When choosing a pro to work with, consider their teaching style, experience, and whether they align with your criteria. For example, you may want to find an instructor who focuses on the fundamentals of grip, stance, posture, takeaway, and backswing. Alternatively, you may prefer a pro who embraces the dynamics of the game first and fine-tunes your technique later.
Before committing to a series of lessons, it's recommended to take a single lesson to see if you connect with the instructor and their teaching style. You can also ask other golfers for recommendations and find out if a particular instructor has helped golfers they know.
Taking Online Lessons
Online golf lessons are also available and can be a convenient way to improve your game from the comfort of your home. Some online platforms offer video lessons, while others use data analysis and virtual simulations to help you visualize your progress. Online lessons can be a great way to work on your swing and receive expert insights and personalized advice without having to meet a pro in person.
Whether you choose to take lessons with a pro or opt for online instruction, remember that practice is key. Consistent practice at a driving range or practice facility will help you reinforce what you've learned and develop your skills over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Start on a practice range, not on a golf course. The range is the perfect place to get acclimated to the game. It’s low-pressure, you can stay as long as you want and you won't hold up other players.
You can find a PGA pro near you or take lessons at a driving range. If you're determined to craft your own swing, try to get the feel for making the club move around you before diving into deep swing theory.
When starting out, you should look to play a course that’s around 4,000–5,500 yards from one of the forward tee boxes. Even better, look for 9-hole par 3s, or short executive courses. These courses will allow you to get in a good amount of practice in half the time it’d take to get around a full 18-hole course.
The most important rule is to not slow the game down. Take only a couple of practice swings before each shot, spend just a few minutes looking for your ball, and always be ready to take play when it’s your turn.
Shouting "Fore!" when you've hit a wayward shot is a way of saying "Watch out!". It's used to warn other golfers that a ball might come close to them.
