How to Start Golfing

May 4, 2025 Charles C. Elliott

That first clean hit off the tee is special. The satisfying sound of the club meeting the ball, the sun creeping over a perfect green, the breeze rustling through the trees—golf is as much an experience as it is a game. If you’re wondering how to start golfing, it can be as simple as picking up a new hobby, hanging out with friends, or just enjoying the fresh air. It’s one of the most satisfying things you can do.

And fear not—you do not have to be Tiger Woods to have fun. Golf is a sport that people of all ages and skill levels can participate in. Using the proper method, even newcomers should be capable of stride onto the training course. This guide will serve as your starting point.

What We Cover In this Post

Step 1 – Learn the Golf Basics

Here’s what you need to know before purchasing clubs or booking your first tee time.

What’s the Aim of Golf?

Golf is one of those sports that is very simple at its core [get the ball in the hole in the least amount of strokes. For every hole on a course, there is a certain goal, usually a 3, 4, or 5 — the par number which you want to meet or better.

The Classic Set of Golf Clubs

A basic set of golf clubs to start with is normally a basic beginners set up which would consist of:

Driver: Used for long-distance shots off the tee
Irons (3-9): These clubs are designed for hitting shots of an average distance
Wedges (pitching and sand) — Best for high, short shots
Putter: Club used on the green that rolls the ball into the hole

Also Read: How to Become a Pro in Golf

Step 2 – Get Lessons (No Need to Struggle With DIY)

Getting Professional Guidance

That could be the best money you ever spend. The best way to start playing golf is to work with a certified PGA coach or local pro to establish the right mechanics and not have any bad habits early. In only four sessions, one of my students, Alex—a complete newbie with the sliced drives to prove it—was hitting nothing but straight balls.

Where To Get Golf Lessons

Golf courses and country clubs in the local area
In-house driving ranges with instructors
Online services such as Golf Digest Schools and Skillset — especially good for video feedback

Also Read: How to Choose a Golf Ball

Step 3 – Invest in the Equipment (but not too much)

Should You Buy or Rent?

If you have just started, renting clubs or purchasing a used beginner set is definitely the way to go. With starter sets from the likes of Wilson, Top Flite, and Tour Edge, these packages typically have a bag, woods, irons, and a putter which is ideal for new golfers.

Beginner set, $200–$400

The Essentials – Keeping Up with Everything

Golf balls (really inexpensive ones initially—you will lose a few)
Tees
Golf glove (prevents blisters and enhances grip)
Comfortable golf shoes
Ball marker and divot tool

Step 4 – Learn Golf Etiquette and Rules

Let’s face it, golf is as much about respect as it is about skill. Knowing the unspoken rules will make you an invited guest anywhere.

Basic Golf Etiquette

Do not talk during someone else’s swing.
Never cross the putting line of another person.
Clean up bunkers and fix your divots/ball marks on the green.
Allow faster groups to play through other groups.

Fundamental Guidelines for Beginners

Play your ball as it lies.
Never search for a lost ball for longer than 5 minutes
If you do hit into a water hazard, that’s a one-stroke penalty.

Step 5 – Practice With Intent

Driving Range vs. Practice Green

Hit full shots with everything but you should be utilizing the driving range to work on full swings, especially with your irons and drivers. You need to spend equal time on the putting green though because you gotta remember, putting is 40% of your strokes.

Easy practice plan for beginners

5 minutes – Warm-up stretches
Fifteen minutes — Short game (putting, chipping)
15 minutes – Iron shots
15 minutes – Driver practice
10 minutes – Putting drills

Consistency beats intensity. 2–3 times a week is the way to go, better than a long session once every 2 weeks.

Step 6 – First Play

After you are able to hit the ball at will, you are ready to go out on an actual course.

Start with 9 Holes or a Par-3 Course

An entire 18-hole course can be a bit daunting. A mini-course allows you to gain confidence and play without pressure.

Tee It Forward

Use the forward tees (aka the “ladies” tees or “beginner” tees). It shortens holes and makes the game easier for beginners.

Step 7: Track Your Progress and Set Goals

As with any sport, golf becomes more rewarding as you witness the growth in yourself. Keep track of:

Fairways hit
Greens in regulation
Total putts per round
Personal best score

Also Read: how to rebuild golf swing

There’s multiple apps like Golfshot, Arccos Caddie, or Hole19 to track stats − and thus see how you improve.

Taking up golf for the first time is not about perfection. It is about enjoying the challenge, being in nature, and discovering more about yourself in the process. Bad shots are part of the process, don’t be frustrated. Every golfer, tour pro, or weekend warrior, has experienced this point in his/her game.