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Golf for Beginners: A Complete Guide With Tips and Equipment Suggestions

Published: Jun 30, 2023 5 min read
an asian chinese senior man golfer walking and talking to his son who carrying golf bag at the end of the game happily in melaka golf course
Courtesy of iStock

Golf may seem like a daunting sport to take up, but it can be incredibly rewarding and enjoyable once you understand the basics. If you’re a beginner looking to start playing golf, this post is for you. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of golf, from the equipment you’ll need to the rules and regulations of the game to setting a practice schedule. Plus, we’ll provide some top tips for beginners so you can start improving your form and honing your skills right away. So let’s get started and get you on your way to becoming a golf master.

Basics of the game

In the sport of golf, players hit a ball with clubs from a teeing area into a hole on a course. The rules of the game are relatively simple. Each hole on a golf course has its own length, hazards and obstacles. In order to complete the hole in as few strokes as possible, players must understand the fundamentals of selecting a club and striking the ball.

What equipment you’ll need

To get started playing golf, you’ll need some basic equipment. This includes one to two drivers, one to two woods, three to four irons, one to two wedges, a putter, tees, balls and golf gloves. Additionally, women’s or men’s golf shoes are an essential piece of equipment as they have special cleats that help grip the ground while you’re swinging.

Tips for improving your form

Good form is essential for consistent play on the golf course. To improve your form, practice your setup — your feet should be shoulder width apart with 50% weight on your front foot. It’s also important to practice different body movements, swing steady and slow and avoid overswinging or crouching during your backswing. Additionally, use alignment sticks at the range to ensure that your stance is set properly. This will help you get comfortable before heading out to the course.

Choosing the right golf course

Playing on suitable courses is essential for beginners as they learn the game of golf. Choose courses with appropriate levels of difficulty that will give you an opportunity to improve your skills without becoming frustrated or overwhelmed by challenging holes. Look for golf courses with wide fairways, flat greens and plenty of target opportunities to get comfortable with your clubs before attempting more difficult shots.

Setting a practice schedule

It’s important to set a regular practice schedule when learning how to play golf. Dedicate one day each week to practice hitting at the range, devote another day to playing short courses and use the rest of your time for honing your skills through drills or watching instructional videos online. Be sure to measure progress as often as possible and break down difficult skills into smaller goals that are easier to accomplish in individual steps.

Resources for learning more

There are many great resources available online for beginners who want to learn more about golf. Books, podcasts, instructional videos and online forums can all provide valuable information to help novice players understand more about the sport. Additionally, there are many golf academies available with experienced coaches who can provide individual instruction on different aspects of the game such as short game technique or putting stroke mechanics.

Mental strategies for the course

Mental strategies such as visualization and breathing exercises can help you become more comfortable on the course. To keep your mind focused on what you need to do, visualize perfect shots before attempting them. You should also take slow breaths in between shots if things aren’t going well. Focus on one shot at a time instead of worrying about missing one to keep things in perspective. And if you’re ever feeling frustrated, remind yourself why you chose to play golf in the first place.

Conclusion

With this guide, the necessary equipment and some scheduled practice time dedicated to improving your techniques and mental approach to golf, you should have no problem getting ready for your first outing on the course. Remember to choose the right course and have fun out there.