Starting a new hobby can be exciting but also a little scary. Golf might seem like a complicated sport with many rules and expensive gear. You might wonder what you need to buy, what you need to learn, and where you should begin.
This guide is here to relieve that stress. We will walk you through everything you need to start golfing, one simple step at a time. You will learn that you do not need to spend a lot of money or know everything to enjoy your first time on the course. Let’s get you ready to play.
Your First Golf Clubs: Building a Simple Set
You might think you need a full bag of 14 clubs to play golf. This is not true, especially when you are just starting. Having too many clubs can be confusing. It is better to start with a few basic clubs that are easy to use.
Start with Just a Few Key Clubs
As a beginner, you can play a very good game with only three or four clubs. This makes learning easier and is much kinder to your wallet. Focus on getting these:
- A Putter: This is the club you use on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It is the most used club in your bag.
- A 7-Iron: This is often called the “easiest” club to hit. It is not too long and not too short. You can use it for many shots from the fairway and rough grass.
- A Pitching Wedge: This club helps you hit the ball high for short shots towards the green. It is very useful for getting over obstacles.
- A Driver or a Fairway Wood (like a 5-wood): This is for your first shot on each hole, where you want to hit the ball a long way. A 5-wood can be easier to hit than a driver for a beginner.
What Do I Need to Start Golfing
The most important thing you need to start golfing is a basic set of clubs. You do not need a full, expensive set. The best and most affordable options for beginners are buying a used set, a beginner’s box set, or building a mixed set of individual clubs, as detailed below.
Buying Option: What It Is, Why It’s Good for Beginners, Things to Consider
A Used Set of Clubs that someone else has owned before. This is the best value. You can find a full set of good clubs for a low price. Check for major damage like deep scratches or cracks on the clubhead.
A Beginner’s Box Set is a new, full set of clubs (often 9-12) sold together in one box. It is simple: You get everything you need in one purchase. The quality is not top-level, but it is perfect for learning.
Building a Mixed Set: Buy individual used clubs to make your small set. You can pick specific, easy-to-hit clubs. This is a very cheap way to start. It takes more time to find the clubs you want.
Renting Clubs Borrowing clubs from the golf course for your round. Great for your very first time to see if you like the game. No commitment. It becomes expensive if you do it every time. The clubs may not fit you well.
The most important thing about your first clubs is that they are the right length for you. Standard clubs will likely be fine if you are around average height (between 5’7″ and 6’1″). You ask for help at a golf store if you are much shorter or taller.
The Essential Golf Accessories You Need to Buy
Besides clubs, you must have a few small items. These are not expensive, but they are very important for playing.
Golf Balls and Tees
You will need quality golf balls, but you should not buy the most expensive ones. Professional balls are designed for expert players. As a beginner, you will lose golf balls. It is a normal part of learning.
- Golf Balls: Look for balls labeled as “value” or “distance.” These are cheaper and are made to be more forgiving, which means they might not slice or hook as much if you don’t hit them perfectly. A bag of 12 used or recycled balls is a perfect way to start.
- Tees: These are small pegs you stick in the ground to hold your ball for your first shot on each hole. They are very cheap. Buy a bag of standard wooden tees that are about 2.75 inches long.
A Golf Bag and Glove
You need something to carry your clubs and a glove to help you hold the club.
- Golf Bag: A lightweight “carry” or “stand” bag is ideal. It has a strap so you can carry it on your shoulders, and legs that pop out so it can stand up next to you on the course. You do not need a huge, heavy tour bag.
- Golf Glove: The glove helps you grip the club without it slipping. Most right-handed players wear a glove on their left hand (and left-handed players on their right hand). It prevents blisters and gives you more control. You can find a good glove for a reasonable price.
What to Wear: Golf Course Clothing Basics
Most golf courses have a dress code. But do not worry, it is usually simple, and you might already have the right clothes in your closet.
Shirts and Bottoms
The rule is almost always: a collared shirt and neat pants or shorts.
- Shirts: A polo shirt or any shirt with a collar is perfect. T-shirts, tank tops, or shirts with big logos are usually prohibited.
- Bottoms: Khaki pants or tailored shorts are the standard. The length of shorts is often important; they should be close to your knee, not very short like beach shorts. Most courses typically do not permit jeans, gym shorts, or sweatpants.
The Right Shoes for Golf
You do not need golf shoes right away, but they help. For your first few trips, a pair of comfortable athletic shoes with a good grip will work fine.
Investing in golf shoes is a good idea if you like golf. They have special soles (spikes or nubs) that stop your feet from slipping when you swing. Modern “spikeless” golf shoes look like sneakers and are very comfortable for walking on and off the course.
The Knowledge You Need: Learning to Play
Having the gear is only one part of the puzzle. The other part is knowing what to do with it. You do not need to be an expert, but a little knowledge will make your first game much more fun.
Start at the Driving Range
Do not go straight to the golf course for your first time. It can be too stressful. Instead, go to a driving range. This is where you can buy a bucket of balls and hit them into a big open field. It is for practice.
Here is a simple plan for your first range session:
- Start with Your Pitching Wedge: This club is short and easier to control. Focus on just making contact with the ball. Don’t worry about where it goes.
- Then Try Your 7-Iron: Once you feel comfortable, try to hit the ball a little farther with this club.
- Finish with Your Putter: Find the practice green (called the “putting green”) and roll the ball. Try to get a feel for how hard to hit it to make it go different distances.
Why One Lesson is a Great Idea
It can be very helpful to take one beginner group lesson. These lessons are not very expensive because you are in a small group. A teacher can show you the correct way to grip the club and how to stand. Learning these basics right from the start can stop you from developing bad habits that are hard to fix later.
Golf Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of the Course
This might be the most important section for a new golfer. “Etiquette” is a fancy word for good manners on the golf course. Knowing these simple rules will make you feel confident and make the game more enjoyable.
Keep a Good Pace of Play
No one likes to be rushed, but no one likes to wait for a slow group. The goal is to keep up with the group in front of you.
- Be Ready: When you turn to hit, you should be ready to go. Think about your shot while others are hitting theirs.
- Don’t Search Too Long: If you hit a ball into the woods or long grass, don’t spend five minutes looking for it. If you can’t find it quickly, play another ball. The official rule allows you three minutes to look, but one or two minutes is enough for a friendly game.
- Move to the Next Hole: After you finish putting, leave the green quickly so the next group can play.
Be Safe on the Course
Safety is the number one rule in golf.
- Before You Swing: Always ensure no one is standing close to you, and you will not hit anyone with your club or the ball.
- If Your Ball is Heading Towards People: If you hit a shot and it looks like it might hit someone, you must yell “FORE!” as loud as possible. This is the universal warning in golf that a ball is coming their way.
How to Take Care of the Course?
Golf courses are beautiful because people take care of them. You should help too.
- Repair Your Divots: When you swing and cut out a piece of grass (called a “divot”), you should put it back or use the sand/seed mix on the Cart to fill the hole.
- Fix Your Ball Marks: When your ball lands on the green, it can make a small dent called a “ball mark.” Use a divot repair tool (or even a tee) to gently fix the mark. This helps the grass heal quickly.
- Keep the Cart on the Path: If you ride in a golf cart, always drive it on the designated paths, especially around the tees and greens.
Your First Game: A Step-by-Step Plan
You have your gear, have been to the range, and know the etiquette. You are ready for the course!
- Choose the Right Course: Look for a “public” or “muni” (municipal) course. These are very welcoming to beginners. You might also look for a “par 3” or “executive” course. These have shorter holes and are less intimidating.
- What to Expect When You Arrive: Go into the clubhouse and “check in” at the counter. You will pay for your round (a “green fee”). You can tell them, “It’s my first time, and I’d like to play a round.” They will be happy to help you.
- On the First Tee: Take a deep breath. It’s normal to feel nervous. Wait for your turn. Place your ball on a tee and try to make a smooth, easy swing. Remember, everyone started as a beginner.
- During the Round: Don’t worry about your score. Just focus on hitting one shot at a time. If you are having a hard time on a hole, picking up your ball and moving to the next one is okay to keep the game moving.
- Have Fun: The main goal is to enjoy being outside, exercising, and having fun. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every golfer, even the pros, hits bad shots.
Answering Your Golf Questions
Here are clear answers to some common questions new golfers have.
How much money does it cost to start golfing?
You can start for a lot less than people think. A good used set of clubs can cost between $100 and $250. A bag might be $50. Balls, tees, and a glove might be another $30. You could spend around $200 to $350 on your gear. A round of golf at a public course can cost between $20 and $50. A bucket of balls at the range is often $5 to $15.
Can I really rent clubs, and is that a good idea?
Yes, you can rent clubs at almost every golf course, and it is an excellent idea for your first time. It lets you try the game with no commitment. If you enjoy it and plan to play three or more times, it is smarter to buy your own used set.
What is the best piece of advice for a new golfer?
Be patient and focus on fun, not perfection. Golf is hard, and you will not be good at it immediately. Everyone misses shots. The joy is in the challenge, the time spent with friends, and the beauty of the course. Welcome to a great game!