How Do I Get Started Playing Golf?
Picking up the game of golf is more popular now that it has been for a long time. Getting started is very easy once you know where to go and what equipment you need. With practice and a plan, you’ll also catch the “golf bug” and enjoy this game for a very long time.
In this post you’ll learn a few ways to get started playing golf, what you need to do so, and more.
What Golf Equipment Do I Need?
In theory, you only need a golf club and a golf ball to play the game. You don’t even need to be on a golf course to practice. As long as you have enough space to swing the club and hit the ball, you’re technically “playing golf” in terms of the physical actions you need to make.
In terms of the rules of golf, you are allowed to carry up to 14 different golf clubs in your bag. Read our article on this topic here to learn more about how many clubs you actually need to get started. For most golfers just starting out, this number will be less than the maximum amount allowed.
If you are going to play an actual golf course, having a driver or wood, a few irons, a putter and golf balls is a smart way to go. Be sure to carry multiple golf balls in your golf bag as there is a good chance you’ll lose one or two during your round. Golf balls are sold in individual sleeves of three, or in a case of a dozen.
Where Can I Practice?
A driving range is the most popular place golfers of all skill levels go to practice their swing. Most golf courses have a driving range or practice area, which can include a chipping green to practice short shots and a putting green. Independent driving range businesses are also popular, which feature multiple hitting bays but no actual golf course.
You can also practice in the comfort of your own home or back yard, if you have the space. An open field or large yard is best to practice privately outdoors so you have enough room to hit short golf shots. Golf balls are quite hard and can do real damage if something — or someone — is hit by them, so proceed with caution! (Note: it is highly unlikely you have enough room to hit longer golf shots.)
Practicing indoors at your home is also common, but ceiling height is the main thing to consider. In order to take a full golf swing, it is recommended to have ceilings that are nine-feet high or more. This will allow enough clearance at the top of your backswing, which will prevent you from damaging your club or your home.
When Am I Ready to Play on a Golf Course?
There’s no objective time when any golfer is “ready” to step onto the golf course for the first time. This is a highly personal and subjective decision for many reasons.
A round of golf is more expensive than visiting only a driving range or practice area. According to the National Golf Foundation, the average price of a round of golf in 2020 was $61, with the median price closer to $30. Prices can vary widely from one course to the next, and can increase if you want to ride in a golf cart during your round. When coupled with the price of buying equipment, things can get pricey.
In addition to price, your individual skill level is also important to consider. If you feel comfortable hitting a golf ball forward with a “decent” amount of distance — which is completely subjective to the individual golfer — then you might be ready to try your skills on the course.
Golf courses feature many hazards like ponds, lakes, and heavily wooded areas in which you could lose a golf ball. If you are uncomfortable navigating these hazards, it might be helpful to continue practicing your skills until you have more confidence.
