Getting started in golf may be challenging and costly, but this shouldn’t put you off. Simply apply the tips below to come to love this game.
Visit the Range
Take three trips to the golf course before going any farther in your golf journey. Essentially, you need to be sure that you like the game before spending lots of time and money on golf equipment and accessories.
Acquire Golf Gear
You want to own basic golf items before making your first tee. Ideally, you need the following items before playing your first round:
- Golf shoes
- Golf balls
- Appropriate golf apparel
- Golf bag
- A full set of clubs; driver, putter, and others
- Ball markers, tees, divot tools, and other minor accessories
Shop for these items in your nearest golf store, or go online if you don’t have enough time.
Learn the Rules (and the Game)
They say, “golf is hard.” And certainly, the game is plain hard if you don’t learn and abide by the rules. But as a new player you won’t be able to grasp all the rules just by reading them online or on a book. Experience is the best way to learn golf rules even as you make your way around the golf course. Here are a few basic rules:
- Don’t touch the ball unless it’s on the putting green.
- Your club should never touch or rest on the sand unless you’re taking a shot.
- Play your ball. Simply put, don’t hit another player’s ball.
- The red wooden stake means “drop the ball,” while the white one means “try again.”
Find a Golf Instructor
Golf isn’t a game of instant perfection. It’s worth noting that you need to keep improving. Find some golf instructions online or get formal instruction from a golf-trained professional. The first time to take your lessons is after you’ve played three of four rounds.