Harper Lin
Golf is a fun, relaxing hobby for many, and a competitive sport for some. If you're looking to learn how to play golf, there are plenty of top-level sources of instruction out there, from books by Tiger Woods to YouTube tutorials by Tom Saguto. You'll want to start by learning some basic rules and techniques for swinging a club to hit the ball. You can practice your short game in your backyard or living room, and when in doubt, go back to basics. When you're ready to play a course, start small with a par-3 or executive course before trying an 18-hole championship course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Learning the basics | Learn the basic rules and techniques for swinging a club to hit the ball |
| Lessons | Take lessons from a professional golfer to learn the correct grip, stance and posture |
| Practice | Practice your short game in your backyard or TV room |
| Start small | Start on a par 3 or "executive" course before you try an 18-hole championship course |
| Clubs | Get the minimum number of clubs you need, such as a driver, putter, sand wedge, 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a hybrid |
| Balls | Buy cheap balls that cost around $20 per dozen if you've never played before |
| Course map | Carry a course map with you or go with a group that has someone familiar with the course |
| Taking turns | Know when your turn is to avoid confusion |
| Scoring | Keep score for each hole, each of which has an ideal number of strokes known as the "Par" |
| Reading material | Read instructional books by Tiger Woods, which are suitable for beginners and non-golfers |
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What You'll Learn
Learn the basics: rules, grip, stance, posture, and swing
Golf is a fun sport to get into, and the basics are easy to learn. The rules of golf are standardised across the world, so once you know the basics, you can play anywhere. The game is played by striking a ball with a club, and players take turns to hit the ball into a hole in as few shots, or 'strokes', as possible. The player with the lowest number of strokes wins.
Grip
The way you grip the club is important. Your hands should be placed on the grip of the club, with your fingers wrapped around it. The "Vs" in your grip should point between your right shoulder and ear. This is known as a neutral grip.
Stance
Your stance is key to setting up a good 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 should stand further away from the ball. It is important not to hunch over and reach out for the ball with your arms, which should hang down naturally. A good posture for a full shot is achieved by bending over from the waist while keeping your spine straight.
Posture
A balanced athletic position is important for a good shot. You can achieve this by keeping your weight balanced evenly over both feet, with your feet roughly shoulder-width apart.
Swing
Starting your swing is one of the hardest things to do in golf. When you first move the club, be sure to turn your lead shoulder down, in and around your spine bend, while staying in your posture. Many golfers stand up and straighten their spine, which can lead to faults later in the swing.
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Choose the right equipment: clubs, balls, and tees
Choosing the right equipment is essential for playing a good game of golf. Here are some tips for selecting the right clubs, balls, and tees:
When choosing golf clubs, consider the type of club, shaft flex, and grip size. Select a set of clubs that includes a variety of club types, such as drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, as each club is designed for different types of shots. Shaft flex refers to the amount of bend in the club shaft during the swing, and it can influence the distance and accuracy of your shots. A stiffer shaft typically produces a lower trajectory and a roll upon landing, while a more flexible shaft produces a higher ball flight. Make sure the grip size of the clubs fits your hand comfortably.
Selecting the appropriate golf ball can depend on various factors such as compression, cover type, and brand. Compression refers to the ball's ability to change shape upon impact, with lower compression balls tending to be softer and offering greater distance, while higher compression balls provide more control and accuracy. The cover type can be either a softer cover, which allows for more spin and control, or a harder cover, which tends to be more durable. Different brands may also offer variations in performance, feel, and durability, so it's worth trying out different ones to find your preference.
As for tees, the selection depends on your skill level and the distance of your average shot. The USGA and the PGA of America recommend choosing tees that align with your playing ability to ensure a more enjoyable game. For instance, the 'Tee It Forward' initiative suggests golfers use tees that match their skill level and play from a more manageable yardage. To determine the suitable tee height, consider multiplying your average 5-iron shot distance by 36 and then choosing tees that match that yardage. Additionally, golf tees may adhere to a colour system, which can include gender suggestions or themes related to the golf course, adding a bit of character to your game.
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Practise: at a range, in your backyard, or on a course
At a Range
If you're at a driving range, start with some basic stretches and easy practice swings. Hit the first 10 balls as warm-ups with a short iron, focusing on good contact and mechanics. Then, hit a few long chips, half swings, and 3/4 swings. Next, grab a driver or fairway wood and hit 4-5 drives, going through your pre-shot routine. For the rest of the balls, hit a different shot with each ball, mixing up clubs and simulating course conditions. Avoid hitting the same club too much to prevent giving yourself false confidence.
In Your Backyard
If you have a yard, there are plenty of ways to improve your wedge game. Set up buckets at various distances and try to pitch balls into them, giving yourself good and bad lies, just like on the course. You can also practice putting by aiming and rolling balls through doorways and into furniture legs.
On a Course
When starting out, it's best to know your limitations and build yourself up. Start small by playing on a par-3 or "executive" course before trying an 18-hole championship course. These shorter courses will help you get acclimated to the game before taking on a bigger challenge.
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Start small: play on beginner-friendly courses and work your way up
When you're just starting out with golf, it's best to begin with a few basics and work your way up. Start small and simple. Find a beginner-friendly golf course to get acclimated before taking on a bigger challenge. A par-3 course is a good place to start, where all the holes are par 3s, usually less than 200 yards. Executive courses are also suitable for beginners, with multiple par-3 holes and shorter par 4s and 5s than a championship course.
You can also practice your short game in your backyard or even your TV room. Set up some buckets at various distances and try to pitch balls into them, giving yourself good and bad lies, just like on an actual course. For putting practice, use your carpet to work on aiming and rolling balls through doorways and around furniture legs.
When you're ready to step out onto a course, it's a good idea to carry a course map with you, especially if you're playing with a group where no one is familiar with the order of the course. You can usually find a course map at the course's main office, where you check in and can also rent gear.
As a beginner, you only need a few essential clubs to get started. You're allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in your bag, but you can get by with a driver, putter, sand wedge, 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a hybrid. You can rent clubs at the golf course or find used clubs at sporting goods stores.
Lastly, consider taking some lessons with a golf professional to learn the correct grip, stance, and posture. This will help you develop good habits from the beginning and avoid ingraining bad habits that are harder to correct later on. You can also seek instruction from books, such as "How I Play Golf" by Tiger Woods, which offers tips and advice aimed at golfers of all levels.
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Learn from the pros: take lessons, join communities, and read guides
Learning from the pros is an excellent way to improve your golf game. Here are some tips to help you do just that:
Take Lessons
Consider seeking guidance from a golf professional, such as a coach or instructor. They can provide personalised advice and analyse your performance to optimise your practice sessions. For instance, a coach can help you identify areas of improvement and tailor your practice routine.
Join Communities
Engage with fellow golfers, whether it's through local golf clubs, online forums, or by connecting with PGA professionals. Many PGA members work in various roles within the golf industry, such as coaching, instruction, and even golf writing. Connecting with these individuals can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.
Read Guides and Study the Pros
Study guides, books, and online resources to learn from the experiences and strategies of professional golfers. For example, "How to Play Golf Like a Pro: A Beginner's Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Game of Golf" by Vivian Rocco offers a comprehensive introduction to the game, covering mental aspects, golf-specific workouts, pitching, chipping, and bunker shots.
Additionally, observe and analyse the techniques of top golfers. Study their pre-shot routines, grip styles, alignment techniques, and swing mechanics. For instance, understanding the different types of grips, such as the interlocking grip used by golfers with smaller hands or the overlapping grip for those with larger hands, can help you find the most comfortable and effective grip for your game.
By taking lessons, joining golf communities, and studying guides and professional techniques, you can accelerate your learning curve and improve your golf skills.
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Frequently asked questions
You'll need a set of golf clubs, tees and balls. You're allowed to carry up to 14 clubs in your bag, but you only really need a driver, putter, sand wedge, 6-iron, 8-iron, pitching wedge, and a hybrid when starting out. You can rent clubs or buy them second-hand. If you're a beginner, buy cheaper balls—around $20 per dozen.
Each hole on a golf course has an ideal number of strokes, known as the "Par". Each time you hit the ball counts as a "1" towards your score. Pars range from 3-5, and each hole on a course will be called a "Par 3", "Par 4", or "Par 5". Your score on each hole has a nickname relating to the par for that hole. For instance, shooting 2 under par on a 5-par hole is called an "Eagle".
Take lessons from a golf professional to learn the correct grip, stance and posture. You can also practice your short game in your backyard or living room. Put out some buckets at various distances and try to pitch balls into them. You can also practice putting by aiming and rolling balls through doorways.
Many beginners try to teach themselves, which can lead to bad habits and a flawed swing technique. It's important to get instruction from the beginning and know what you're doing right, as well as what you're doing wrong.
Yes, there are plenty of books and online resources available. Tiger Woods has written an instructional book, *How I Play Golf*, which is suitable for beginners. There are also many online communities and YouTube channels dedicated to providing golf tips and advice, such as r/golftips on Reddit and Tom Saguto on YouTube.
