How To Play Golf As A Beginner?

To play golf, you need to know the game’s basics. In this article, we will teach you the basics of the game and how to improve your game.

Golf is a sport that may look complicated, but once you figure out how to play it, you are ready to hit the shots straight into the greens. 

People of all ages and abilities can play this game.  However, you need to know the basics of the game, terminology, rules, how to play golf, and a lot more to excel in this sport.

According to R&A research, the game of golf has been enjoyed by 66.6 million people globally in 2021. This research even reports that 25.1 million of those players are from the USA, while 1.204 million are from Australia. 

Know the basics

To play golf, you need to know the game’s basic. This includes understanding how to choose and use the right equipment, the technique of hitting the ball correctly and knowing the scoring system. With a little practice, you can master all these important elements and enjoy this exciting sport! 

Learn the objective of the game

Before we get to know how to play, you need to be aware of the main objective behind this game. 

The objective of the golf game is to hit the ball into the hole with as few strokes as possible. So, at the end of the game, if a person scores the lowest on the scorecard, he/ she wins the game.

Scoring

Golf courses are typically made up of 18 holes. The goal is to get the ball into the specific hole in as few strokes (depending on the par).

The pars range from 3-5. Later, the pars for each hole are added to equal the total par for the course that counts up to 72.

Each hole has a specific name

• 2 under Par (you shoot 3 on a Par 5) – Eagle
• 1 under Par – Birdie
• Even with Par – Par
• 1 over Par – Bogey
• 2 over Par – Double Bogey
• 3 over Par – Triple Bogey
• 4 over Par – Quadruple Bogey

For example on a Par 4, if it takes you 4 shots to make your ball, you get a Par. But, if it takes you 4 shots to make your ball on Par 3, you get a Bogey.

Learn about the golf course

There are many places where you can play golf. Some people play golf at a public course, while others play golf at a private course. You can also play golf at a driving range or at a miniature golf course. Driving ranges, 9-hole pitch and putt courses, and 18-hole courses are all great places to play golf.

Driving Ranges

A driving range is a great place to practice your swing. You can hit balls into a net or onto a fairway. Most driving ranges have a variety of different clubs that you can use. They also have a pro shop where you can buy balls, gloves, and other golfing accessories.

9-hole pitch and putt courses

A 9-hole pitch and putt course is perfect for beginners or for those who want to work on their short game. These courses usually have shorter holes, and the greens are smaller. This makes getting the ball in the hole easier in fewer strokes.

18-hole courses

An 18-hole course is the standard length for a round of golf. These courses can be very challenging, but they are also very rewarding. There is nothing better than sinking a putt on the 18th hole to win the match.

How to read a golf course?

Before you can start swinging, you need to know how to read a golf course.

The first thing you need to do is familiarize yourself with the different types of terrain. For example, a fairway is an area between the tee box and the green. This is where you’ll want to hit the ball most of the time because it’s the easiest terrain to play from. But there are also roughs, bunkers, and water hazards that you’ll need to avoid.

Once you know the different types of terrain, you need to start reading the course. This means looking at the layout of the hole and figuring out the best way to get the ball into the hole. For example, you’ll need to take into account things like elevation changes, wind direction, and obstacles when deciding how to hit the ball.

Know the terminology and rules

The terminology of golf is also something to be familiar with. Knowing the different types of shots and other golf terms like hazard, par, mulligan, bunker, wood, and handicap can help you excel at the game. Once you get acquainted with these words and phrases, it will become much easier to understand the nuances of golf and make the most out of your time on the course.

Now that you have an idea about golf terms and golf equipment, it’s time to learn the basic rules of golf.

1. There are 18 holes in a standard game of golf.
2. The game is played with a set of 14 clubs and a golf ball.
3. Each player takes turns hitting the ball with their club until the ball is in the hole.
4. A player starts with a score of zero and adds one stroke for each shot taken.
5. If the ball goes out of bounds, the player must hit it again from the same spot.
6. The score for each hole is totaled at the end of the game.
7. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

Know about equipment and how to buy it for yourself

The first step that you need to start with is the golf equipment. To start playing the game of golf, you need a set of golf clubs, a golf ball, a golf bag, and other some more accessories and equipment.

Know how to choose the right golf clubs

One of the most important pieces of golf equipment you will need is a set of golf clubs. There are many different types and brands of golf clubs on the market today. It is important to do your research and find a set of golf clubs that suits your individual playing style.

Each club is designed for a different purpose. For example, the driver is used to hit the ball over long distances, while the putter is used to hit the ball into the hole from a much closer distance.

There are different kinds of golf clubs available on the market, but as a beginner, you won’t need all of them. In fact, most beginners only need around 10 clubs in total.

Choose the right golf ball

You can’t play golf without a ball, and with so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one is right for you. The key is finding golf balls that work with your playing style. 

If you’re a beginner, it’s important to find a ball that is easy to hit. For more experienced players, it’s important to find a ball that provides more control and accuracy.

Get a golf bag to hold all your gear

Once you have your clubs and golf ball, you’re going to need somewhere to put them. That’s where a golf bag comes in. 

Golf bags come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and carry it all over the course where you want to take it . 

If you’re only going to be playing a few rounds of golf, a smaller bag will suffice. But if you’re planning on playing more often, you’ll need a larger bag that can hold all your clubs.

Other equipment required

Other than these three basic pieces of equipment, you also need some additional equipment such as golf gloves to assist with holding the club, golf shoes to prevent slipping and have proper grip, golf towel, GPS units, and rangefinders for comfort and accuracy.

Now that you know what golf clubs, balls, and bags you need, let’s move on to where to play golf.

Learn how to play golf 

Playing golf is not just a game but a great way to spend a day outdoors. There are many different ways to play golf, but the most common way is to play with a group of four people. 

Each player has their own golf ball, and each group takes turns hitting their ball toward the hole. The person who hits the ball furthest from the hole is said to have “the honor” and gets to tee off first on the next hole. The order of play then goes clockwise around the group. The game is over when all players have reached the 18th hole. 

But the most important thing in golf is how you swing your golf club. Because the way you swing the club will determine how the ball flight will be. 

Hire a golf professional 

If you’re serious about improving your game, then taking a golf lesson or two from a professional golf coach can be very helpful. A golf pro will help you identify areas of improvement and suggest techniques to help improve your swing, putting stroke, and other skills.

Taking a few lessons from a qualified golf pro is the best way to learn and improve your games.

Learn online or watch tutorials

Golf lessons don’t always have to take place in person. There are many online video tutorials and articles available that can help you learn the fundamentals and even advanced techniques of golf. These instructional videos are often free, so you can start learning at your own pace.

Practice at home

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the fundamentals, it’s important to practice as much as possible at home. This will help you get comfortable with your swing and develop better muscle memory. 

Many golf courses also offer driving ranges and putting greens that are perfect for honing your skills.

Learn the basic golf shots

There are four basic shots in golf: the drive, the approach shot, the chip shot, and the putt.

1. The Drive: The drive is a long-distance shot that is hit from the teeing ground. The drive’s objective is to hit the ball as far as possible so it will land in the fairway.
2. The Approach Shot: The approach shot is hit from the fairway towards the green. The objective of the approach shot is to hit the ball with the help of a sand wedge onto the green so that it will be close to the hole.
3. The Chip Shot: The chip shot is hit from around the green towards the hole. The objective of the chip shot is to hit the ball onto the green so that it will roll into the hole.
4. The Putt: The putt is hit from on or around the green towards the hole. The objective of the putt is to hit the ball into the hole with as few strokes as possible. You can use a pitching wedge for this.

Learn the etiquette 

Certain etiquette rules should also be followed when playing golf. These etiquette rules include dress code, noise level, cell phone usage, and safety rules.

1. Dress Code: When playing golf, it is important to dress in proper attire. This means that you should wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement. You should also avoid wearing clothes that are too loose or too tight. Some courses have dress codes that need to be followed at all costs.
2. Noise Level: When playing golf, it is important to maintain a reasonable noise level. This means you should avoid yelling, screaming, or making loud noises while on the course.
3. Cell Phone Usage: When playing golf, it should be noted that cell phone usage is not allowed on most courses. If you must use your cell phone, it should be done appropriately and should not disrupt other players.
4. Safety Rules: When playing golf, it is important to follow all safety rules. This means keeping your head up at all times, using proper grip and stance, and avoiding any dangerous areas on the course.
5. Ettiquette Rules: Golf is a gentleman’s game, and certain etiquette rules should be followed at all times. 

Some of these rules include: 

• Always tee off from the teeing ground 
• Replace divots 
• Rake sand traps 
• Repair ball marks 
• Don’t stand in someone’s line of putt 
• Be quiet while others are hitting their shot 
• Congratulate other players on a good shot 
• Shake hands at the end of the round

Factors that may affect your golf learning pace

When it comes to learning golf, everyone’s pace of learning is different. Factors that may affect your speed of learning include the amount of practice you put in, the type of instruction you receive, and your physical ability.

1. Golf is a very precise game

Golf is a game of skill, strategy, and accuracy. For that, you need to know how to swing and get the ball into the hole without much stress.

2. Poor etiquette

Etiquette is an important part of the game of golf. Poor etiquette, such as not replacing divots, talking while someone is swinging, or playing too slowly, can cause frustration and ultimately hinder your learning.

3. Pace of play

The pace of play is an important factor when it comes to learning golf. If the pace of the game is too slow, it can be very difficult to focus and learn the game properly. It is important to keep up with the pace of play in order for you to get a good grasp on the game.

4. Non-consistent practice swings

There are many different ways to swing a golf club. Different swings work for different shots, depending on the situation. You will need to experiment with different techniques until you find the one that works best for you.

It is important to practice your golf swing on a regular basis. The more you practice, the better you will become at the game of golf. There are many different ways to practice your swing. You can either do it at the driving range or on the course itself.

Conclusion

Golf is a game that tests your patience and precision. By dedicating time to practice, you can gradually improve your skill level until you master the game. The great thing about golf is that it’s enjoyable for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, there’s always room to improve. And once you get good at golf, you can really start enjoying the experience! Just make sure to follow proper etiquette rules and, above all else, have fun!