Jackson Reid
Golf is a nuanced sport with a lot of rules, but it's also a fun, addictive outdoor activity. Before you step out onto a driving range or golf course, it's helpful to have a picture in your mind of what you want to achieve. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when learning. There are plenty of courses to choose from, with around 75% of all US golf courses being publicly available. When starting out, look to play a course that’s around 4,000–5,500 yards from one of the forward tee boxes, or a 9-hole par 3. You'll also need to know some basics, such as how to grip the club, how to aim, and how to maintain good posture. You'll also need to know the etiquette, such as when it's your turn to play, and how to warn other players of stray balls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to start | A practice range, not a golf course |
| Who to learn with | Friends, a PGA professional, or a good coach |
| What to buy | A glove, golf attire, and a beginner golf set |
| How to buy | Buy balls on a sliding scale based on how many you lose in a round |
| How to swing | Start with a basic swing, then incorporate a couple of tips at a time |
| How to grip | Learn how to grip the club properly |
| How to hit the ball | Step into the golf ball with one leg, adjust your weight and stance, and bow from your hips |
| How to putt | Bow from your hips, have your eyes over the ball, and your arms hanging below your shoulders |
| How to chip | Hold the club lower on the grip, lean your weight and torso toward the target, and make a basic putting motion |
| How to play sand shots | Dig your feet into the sand and play the ball more forward in your stance |
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Golf grip, aim, and posture
Golf can seem like a complicated game to beginners, with its many rules, types of clubs, and lingo. However, it's a fun game that can be played at any age and is a great source of exercise. The first step is to not be afraid to try and make mistakes. It's also good to start on a practice range, not on a golf course.
Grip
The way you grip your golf club is important. A good grip accentuates your natural motion, while a poor one limits it. A good grip starts with placing your lead hand on the handle in its most natural setting. To find this, stand erect with your arms dangling freely at your sides. Now, grip the club. This is your most natural lead-hand position. With your new lead-hand hold, point the club out in front of you, then begin rotating the handle back and forth, as if turning a doorknob. With both hands on the handle, motion the club over your trail shoulder, then throw it forward as if casting a fishing line. When you grip the club in your trail hand, do so lightly and in the fingers, with the right thumb pad placed on top of the left side of the grip.
Aim
When aiming, focus on an intermediate target and use your eyes to line up the leading edge to that point. Being thoughtful in this process is key. The club should not be wiggling around.
Posture
Posture is crucial in a golf swing. When playing for a long period, players tend to grip the club tighter, stand up, and lose their posture. As a result of poor posture, players may also stiffen their arms. This inhibits consistency and the ability to set up well and brush the grass. Good posture will activate the core regions and enhance the body's ability to coil, allowing the transfer of weight from the trail to the lead side. Keeping the stance's pressure points more forward, from mid-shoe to the toes, makes it easier to maintain posture.
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Golf equipment
Golf is one of the most expensive sports in the world when it comes to equipment. However, you don't need to buy a full set of 14 clubs right away. To start, you only need a few basic clubs: a driver, a putter, a sand wedge, a 6-iron, an 8-iron, a pitching wedge, and a fairway wood or hybrid with 18-21 degrees of loft. You can find used and new titanium drivers for as little as $75, and putters for much less. Golf and general sporting goods stores often offer racks of discounted and/or used clubs.
When selecting a driver, it's important to consider the loft of the club, which is the angle of the club face that controls trajectory and affects distance. Higher lofted drivers are generally easier to hit and can help increase distance. Woods have the least angle on the club face and are used for shots from the tee or for long fairway shots. Irons are used for shorter shots, with the lower-numbered irons built for distance and the higher-numbered irons for height. Hybrids fit between woods and irons and are often described as 'rescue' clubs.
In addition to clubs, you will need other equipment such as golf balls, a golf bag, tees, and a glove. You can buy balls on a sliding scale based on how many you lose per round. For example, if you're losing more than five balls per round, you should buy cheaper balls that cost around $20 per dozen. As you improve and lose fewer balls, you can consider buying more expensive balls.
It's also important to invest in proper golf attire, including a good pair of golf shoes. You can browse options online or at your local golf store. Remember, when it comes to equipment, it's best to start slowly and strategically. You don't need to break the bank to get started in golf.
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Golf etiquette
Golf is a social game, and as such, it is important to follow certain rules of etiquette to ensure that everyone enjoys their time on the course. Here are some key points of golf etiquette to keep in mind:
Ready Golf
This is a key concept for beginners to understand. It means being ready to take your shot as soon as it is your turn, without delaying the players behind you. When you are walking up to your ball, you should already be mentally lining up your shot so that you can take it quickly. If you are sharing a cart, walk to your ball while your partner is taking their shot so that you can hit as soon as they are finished. If you are holding up the group behind you, it is polite to wave them through.
Out of Bounds and Lost Balls
If you hit a shot out of bounds, you must not take another shot from where the ball crossed the boundary. You must go back to where you hit the original shot and take a penalty stroke. If you think your ball might be lost, you can play a provisional ball, but you must then try to find your original ball for three minutes from the time you reach the spot where you think it landed. If you cannot find it, you must continue with your provisional ball and take a one-stroke penalty.
Refreshments and Handshakes
It is customary to volunteer to pay for refreshments for your group at the end of nine holes or following the round. You should also offer to buy drinks for the caddies. At the end of the round, it is polite to shake hands with your fellow players, congratulate the winners, and thank them for the game.
Other Tips
- Always be aware of the group behind you, and never hit when there is a chance of reaching them.
- If you think there is any chance of your shot hitting another player, yell "Fore" immediately and apologise.
- Tip the staff who serve drinks.
- Take your hat off before going into the clubhouse.
- Learn how to grip the club properly, but don't worry about keeping your head down and still through impact.
- Don't worry about buying equipment until you are consistently making solid contact.
- Start on a practice range, not a golf course.
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Golf swing
Golf can be a challenging sport to get into, but it's important not to be intimidated. Everyone starts as a beginner, and there's a lot of equipment and customs to get to grips with. However, it's a great outdoor game that can be played at any age and provides good exercise and a chance to socialise.
Before you start swinging, make sure your grip and stance are correct. These are fundamental to getting a good swing. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart, and you should be parallel to your starting line. Bend your knees slightly and feel your weight in the middle of your feet. You should be in a sturdy, athletic position.
The takeaway is a quick but vital part of the golf swing. You need to move your chest and arms together away from the ball, keeping the triangle intact until the club is waist-high. Don't bend your wrist, and let your body turn. The club should be parallel to your target line when it reaches your waist.
Next, you need to complete the backswing. Keep the club on plane and ensure it isn't too far inside so that you can attack the ball on the downswing.
Some beginner golfers don't realise the importance of grip. Once you have mastered this, you will always know where the club face is.
Tips
- Don't worry about anyone else at the range. Everyone was once a beginner, and no one is judging you.
- Don't try to keep your head down and still through impact. Let it follow through with the rest of your body.
- Buy a glove, as the majority of golfers use them, and it will protect your palm.
- Don't worry about buying equipment until you can make consistent, solid contact with the ball.
- Work with a professional to get a proper swing foundation.
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Golf courses
Golf can be an intimidating sport to get into, but it doesn't have to be. The golf course is a great place to learn, get exercise, and have fun. There are plenty of courses to choose from, with around 75% of US golf courses being publicly available.
When starting out, it's recommended to begin on a practice range, not a golf course. This is because the range is a low-pressure environment where you can get acclimated to the game and stay as long as you want. When you're ready to take your skills to the golf course, make sure you can get the ball airborne before attempting to play on the course.
Each golf club determines its dress code, so it's important to call ahead or check the club's website before turning up to play. However, if you're ever in doubt, a safe choice is to wear clothing that is comfortable and breathable, such as a polo shirt and pants that wick away moisture.
Finally, when you're on the course, remember to take care of it by raking bunkers, replacing divots, and fixing your ball marks on the green. Golf is a social sport, so accept invitations to join other groups and make sure to play quickly and be ready to hit your shot when it's your turn.
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Frequently asked questions
The basics of golf for beginners include the following:
- Grip: Your grip connects you to your club, and a weak grip can result in poor control of your shots.
- Aim: Many new golfers need help hitting the ball in the right direction.
- Posture: Maintaining good posture is essential to mastering the elements above.
Here are some tips for beginner golfers:
- Practise short chip shots, as a chip is like a full swing, just smaller.
- Keep up with the other players: Be ready to take one or two practice swings and then take your shot.
- Warn other players of stray balls: Shout “fore” if you hit a wayward shot so other players know to watch out.
You will need golf clubs, golf balls, tees, a golf glove (if you wear one), a golf bag, and a ball marker.
