How To Start Playing Golf (A complete step by step beginner guide)

Golf is a fun, and elegant sport played all over the world. Played by the rich and elite of any society in their leisure time, it is a fun game that requires a lot of technique and skills.

In addition, playing golf offers tremendous benefits, including increasing life expectancy, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

However, the sport isn’t just limited to the rich; anyone can enjoy this amazing sport. If you have always loved golf but never had the chance to play it, then there are helpful tips that you should know before you start playing.

See also: 13 Mistakes Bad Golfer Makes (And how to fix them!)

Here’s How To Start Playing Golf

Here are a few steps you need to take when starting to play golf. These steps will increase your chance of learning, enjoying the game of golf, and reaping all the benefits of golf.

1- Start When You Are Young

Depending on your region, you can find golf games and tournaments specially designed for little kids. This can act as a founding stone for a very amazing and fruitful career as a golf player.

Even if you didn’t think about joining a golf tournament when you were little (or your kids), you could still find something that is ideal for your age.

Starting young means that you will have more time to hone and polish your skills that would one day make you a champion.

Don’t forget to take part in any golf activity that your school or local city center may be arranging.

2- Learn the Rules Of Properly Playing Golf

One of the important things to do when learning how to play golf is to learn and understand the rules of the game. Without knowing the rules, you will not be able to properly enjoy or excel at the game.

In addition, understanding the etiquette of golf is just as important as knowing the rules. By following proper golf etiquette, you will show other players and course staff that you respect the game and are serious about playing.

Some of the key things to keep in mind when learning the rules and etiquette of golf include:

• Always be respectful to other players, course staff, and officials.
• Be sure to know which clubs you are allowed to use during a round of golf.
• Be sure to tee off within the designated teeing areas.
• After hitting your ball, always replace any divots that you take.
• Always rake sand bunkers after hitting your ball out of them.
• If your ball hits someone else on the course, be sure to apologize.
• Be aware of the pace of play and do your best to keep up with the group in front of you.
• If you lose a ball, be sure to declare it lost and take a penalty stroke.
• Be sure to sign your scorecard after completing your round of golf otherwise you may lose track of your scores.

Check the video below to learn the 7 most important rules of golf.

3- Join a Golf Club or Course

One of the best ways to start playing golf is to join a professional club or golf course. This will give you access to different golfing facilities, and it will also allow you to socialize with people who are also interested in golf. This is a great way to make friends and improve your game at the same time.

Take some golf lessons before you join a club, as this will help you to learn the basics of the game. If you are really in love with the game then it is very important for you to join a golf club.

Some of these clubs may be expensive but you have to keep in mind that in order to become the best you have to invest in yourself. You will be able to enjoy the return on your investment when you become a great golf player. 

4- Invest In Good Golfing Equipment

If you’re serious about playing golf, then you’re going to need to invest in some good quality equipment. You do not have to spend a fortune on the latest and greatest clubs and gadgets, but you will need to get yourself a decent set of golf clubs, a bag to carry them in, and some golf balls.

You should invest in a golf lesson or two to get yourself started on the right foot. It’s also a perfect idea to join a golf club or league so that you can meet other golfers and get some tips and advice from them.

See also: The Top 5 Golf Shoes Substitutes On The Market.

5- Get Some Practice In

Before hitting the golf course for the first time, it is important to get some practice in. You can get a feel for the game and avoid embarrassing yourself in front of others. There are a few effective and efficient ways to get some practice in.

• The first way is to find a driving range. Here, you can rent clubs and hit balls without having to worry about keeping score or playing through. This is a great way to get a feel for the game and work on your swing.
• Another way to get some practice is to find a friend or family member who already knows how to play golf. They can help teach you the basics of the game and also give you some pointers.

6- Find a Mentor

When you’re first starting out playing golf, it can be extremely helpful to find a mentor. This is someone who can help teach you the basics of the game and offer guidance as you progress.

A great mentor will be able to provide feedback on your swings and help you troubleshoot any problems you may be having. You can also think about asking friends or family members who play golf if they know anyone who could help you get started.

Check with your local golf course or pro shop to see if they offer any mentorship programs. There are online resources available that can connect you with potential mentors in your area.

7- Enter Beginner Level Tournaments to Get More Exposure to the Game

It is true that playing in tournaments will give you more exposure and experience in the game of golf. But, if you are a beginner, it is best to start with lower-level tournaments. Playing in big events right away may be too overwhelming for you and might cause you to lose interest in the game.

So start at a smaller level, then work your way up. It would be better if you joined beginner-level tournaments in your area first. This way, you will get to meet other people who are also starting out with the sport. 

8- Don’t Forget To Have Fun

During the time you are learning how to play golf, it is important to have fun. It is easy to be distracted and caught up in the mechanics of the game. So, while it’s important to take lessons and practice your swings, don’t forget to relax and enjoy yourself out on the course.

Another thing to focus on when starting to play golf is that it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone makes them, even the pros. The key thing to focus on here is to learn from your mistakes and use them to improve your game. So, if you slice the ball or miss a putt, don’t get too down on yourself.

Practice makes perfect, and try to do better next time.

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See also: 10 Benefits And Drawbacks of Strong Golf Grip.

Wrapping Up

Learning how to start playing golf might seem intimidating but with the proper approach, you can increase your chances of becoming a pro golf player and making interesting and lifelong connections.

More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when starting to play golf. There are plenty of resources available, whether it’s taking lessons from a pro or reading one of the many golf instructional books or articles.