Beginner Golf Guide

I’m not sure for how long you’ve been looking for a comprehensive guide about how to play golf, but you’ve finally found it. I’ve combined lots of tips and tricks for you to keep in mind while playing golf; I hope you enjoy the read.

Golf play started in the 1940s in Scotland, and that is a modern version of this game, the older version can be traced back to the era of Chinese emperors, so it is certainly not a new game. 

Back in 1475, the Parliament banned golf because they thought it was a distraction for the militiamen. It might appear to be a somewhat sexist game as we see men play it, but neither is it forbidden for women to golf, nor is it true that women cannot play golf; myth debunked successfully.  Golf was initially known as the club as well.

perfect shot

So first of all, you ought to know the basic golf terms. If you don’t know then you would be pretty much clueless on the course while communicating with other players.

The wooden peg that we place our golf ball on is known as the Golf Tee. The area in which the ball is played for the first time is known as the Tee Box. The part of the golf course which leads up to the greener part of the course is known as a fairway.

You must have noticed a very soft, plush area around the hole, which is known as "the green."  You may also spot some sand filled ditches on the course; these are the bunkers.

Anything that comes between you getting the ball successfully to the hole is termed as a Hazard. It could be a pond, a tree trunk, anything. A hole in one is termed as an Ace. There are a standard number of strokes that it should take a ball to the hole from the tee box; that number is called par.

So it is well understood that good golf gear will substantially improve your gameplay, but relying on good gear to get you through a game is like holding on to crutches.

If you ultimately plan on becoming a good golf player, you ought to focus more on polishing your skills and see if the game is right for you. Plus, right in the beginning you really wouldn't know how to take good care of your golf clubs, and they're likely to get all broken up during the gameplay; why spend a fortune on it.

So if you’re a relatively new golfer, try finding golf clubs that are well-manufactured but are found in mid-price range.


Another key factor is that golf clubs are different from different stages. You can find beginners set, intermediate golf clubs and the ones that pros buy. If you seek advice from a professional golfer, they would ask you to borrow a friend's clubs, to begin with.  

Another way is to rent the golf clubs from a golf course clubhouse. If you're still persistent and want to own your golf clubs, find some on eBay which is used. The key is to spend the least amount of money on the gear right in the beginning.

Plus, you're not going to need an entire set in the beginning. Buy wood, a couple of clubs, a putter and a sand wedge. This should be enough, to begin with.

Golf is not an intuitive or instinctual game, you could be natural at it, but without some good training, you cannot hope to make a career out of it, or even become a pro. Get enrolled in golf lessons.  

Another prime reason of getting golf lessons is to prevent mistakes from becoming a habit; if there is no one to guide you through the mistakes you're making they will become a habit which is hard to reform. Even while selecting golf lessons, instead of opting for beginner lessons prefer getting professional lessons.


Like every other sport, golf can also be learned by watching. If you find yourself getting interested in the game, you might end up watching tournaments on TV, or you might visit local golf courses to watch the pros play. The Barclays and The Travelers are some of the tournaments you would love to watch.

Another important thing you ought to keep in mind is the rules of the game. You see, the game has both formal and informal rules and getting a grasp on them will prevent you from making mistakes.

Similarly, you ought to consider learning the etiquettes of the game. Memorize the things you shouldn’t do while on a golf course. The etiquettes depend pretty much on where you’re playing and who is it that you’re playing with.

However, some standards are undeniable and ought to be adhered to. Like, you shouldn’t talk to someone during their backswing. You never should walk through someone else’s line. If there’s a group playing ahead of you, you mustn’t hit the ball in them.

If your shot isn’t perfect then don’t get upset, it’s just a game. Be very punctual, and never forget to enjoy the game as you play.

perfect shot

The key to playing good golf is persistence. No one has managed to learn golf in a month, much less become a pro at the game in a short time. It requires effort, consistency and constant practice so I would say it's a game of absolute commitment.

If you remain committed to it, your efforts would surely pay off. Tracking your progress as the time will serve as a motivation. Even a little improvement means that there's hope. Another psychological tip is never to compare yourself to another player.

While playing golf, always keep in mind that the real enemy is golf course; plan how you're going to penetrate the course. If you're playing a match, maintain your temperament.

Do not get ecstatic over a hit and neither should you get disappointed over a less than perfect shot. It's all part of the game so embrace your failures and work towards betterment.

And always have fun. I hope these tips help you get through your golf newbie phase smoothly.

Leave a Comment