How to Play Golf — A Getting Started Guide

Starting golf can feel intimidating — the equipment, the etiquette, the cost, the rules. The reality is more accessible: most golfers learn through a combination of one or two lessons, range practice and informal play with patient friends. This guide walks through the practical path from total beginner to playing your first rounds.

The First Decision: Do You Want to Play?

Before investing in gear or lessons, try golf in low-commitment ways:

  • Driving range visit: rent a few clubs, hit a bucket of balls (£5-15 in the UK, €5-10 in Portugal). No commitment.
  • Pitch & Putt course: short course with par-3 holes, very low pressure. £10-15 per round.
  • Adventure golf / mini golf: not really golf, but tests whether you enjoy the putting aspect.

If you enjoyed the first two, you’re ready to start.

Lessons: Highly Recommended

One or two lessons at the start saves years of bad habits. A PGA professional teaches you:

  • The correct grip, stance and basic swing
  • Differences between clubs (driver, iron, wedge, putter)
  • How to think about a golf hole — strategy, not just hitting

UK group lessons typically cost £10-20 per session; individual lessons £30-50. Most UK driving ranges offer beginner packages.

Essential Equipment

You don’t need a full set to start. The minimum:

  • A driver (longest club, for tee shots on longer holes)
  • 3 or 4 irons (for fairway shots — typically 7-iron, 9-iron, sand wedge)
  • A putter
  • Some golf balls (a dozen — you’ll lose some)
  • Tees (those little pegs)
  • A golf glove (for grip)
  • Soft-spiked golf shoes

Buying a complete beginner set (driver, irons, putter, bag) is often best value — £150-300 new, less second-hand. See our golf clubs guide for what to look for.

The Driving Range: Where to Practise

Most golfers split practice between range and course:

  • Range: hit 50-100 balls in a bay. Practise specific clubs and shots. Lower cost, lower commitment.
  • Pitching/putting greens: at most courses, often free or low cost for short game practice — where 60% of strokes happen.
  • Course: actually playing 9 or 18 holes. The real game.

Suggested early progression:

  1. 2-3 range sessions to get a feel for the swing
  2. 1 lesson with a pro
  3. Play your first 9-hole round at a beginner-friendly course or P&P
  4. Mix range + 9-hole rounds for 2-3 months
  5. Try your first 18-hole round once you can keep your score under 65 for 9 holes

Your First Round

Practical tips:

  • Choose a beginner-friendly course (par-3 or executive 9-hole)
  • Go with a more experienced friend if possible
  • Bring a sleeve of balls extra — you’ll lose some
  • Don’t worry about score — focus on getting around in a reasonable time
  • If you can’t find a ball quickly, drop a new one and move on — pace matters more than rules at this stage
  • Stop after each hole to absorb what just happened

A typical first-round score is 100-120 for 18 holes — perfectly normal. The goal is to enjoy the experience, not to score.

Rules and Etiquette to Know

See our companion guides:

The key things to know:

  • Play ready golf, keep pace
  • Replace divots, rake bunkers, fix pitch marks
  • Be quiet when others are playing
  • Don’t walk in another player’s putting line on the green

Common Beginner Frustrations and How to Manage Them

  • Hitting tops/duffs: normal at the start. Focus on a smooth, slow swing rather than power.
  • Slicing the ball right (or left if left-handed): very common. A lesson is the fastest fix.
  • Lost balls: stock white practice balls until your accuracy improves.
  • Putting frustration: 30+ minutes a week on a practice green pays off more than range time.

Should You Join a Club?

After a season or two of regular play, joining a club offers:

  • Unlimited golf (annual fee instead of pay-per-round)
  • Handicap registration (WHS)
  • Social golf: club competitions, mixers
  • Discounts at other clubs

Annual UK membership fees range from £400 (modest local club) to £3,000+ (premium club). Many golfers play “pay and play” indefinitely without joining.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I’m “good”?

With weekly practice + occasional lessons, expect to reach a competent 18-25 handicap in 1-2 years. Faster improvement requires more time investment.

What’s a realistic cost to start?

£150-300 for clubs + £30-50 for shoes + £30-50 for accessories = around £250-400 to be playing comfortably. Range sessions and casual rounds are then £5-25 each.

Do I need to be fit to play golf?

No. Many over-70s play 18 holes weekly. Walking 18 holes is moderate exercise (8-10km).

Should I buy clubs new or second-hand?

For beginners, second-hand is excellent value — clubs don’t wear out quickly, and a £100-150 second-hand set is often better than a £200 new beginner set.

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