I’m Thinking About Playing Golf -How Do I Start?
If your thinking about giving golf a try but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place. We will help you decide whether golf suits you, understand the likely costs, choose between the driving range and golf course, and work out what equipment you actually need.
By the end, you’ll know your next step.
Is golf right for you?
People play golf for many different reasons. Golf may suit you if you enjoy
- A social activity with friends or family
- Being outdoors with some Gentle exercise
- A skill you can improve over many years
- Solo practice when you want time to yourself
You do not need to be especially young, athletic or competitive. Golf can be played socially or seriously, and there are many different ways to enjoy it. I have always grouped golf with similar sports like tennis, cricket, baseball as these are ball sports that use similar hand eye co-ordination ball hitting skills. However golf has one key difference, you can practice and play by yourself or with several others. In this aspect its similar to hobbies such as fishing or hunting.
Golf might not suit everyone
Golf can require patience. Improvement is rarely immediate, and even experienced golfers hit poor shots.
It may be less suitable if you strongly dislike slower-paced activities or become frustrated when a skill takes time to develop.
However, you do not need to commit to becoming a golfer immediately. Your first goal is simply to try it and find out for yourself.
You do not have to be good at golf to enjoy golf. Its arguably one of the most addictive sports due to many reasons not everyone can understand. Some say its just a competition with yourself, testing your patience, skill and persistence.
How much does it cost to start golf?
Golf can be expensive, but starting does not need to be.
The biggest mistake is buying everything before you know whether you enjoy the game. Here are some
options to help you start?
A low-cost first experience
A beginner can usually start with:
- Hired or borrowed clubs from a friend or family member
- One bucket of range balls
- You do not need a membership, a full club set or premium golf balls for your first attempt.
Typical beginner expenses
Best beginner approach
Clubs - Borrow, hire or buy second-hand. To purchase can range from $50 USD for 2nd hand clubs up to several hundreds for a nice set.
Golf balls - Use inexpensive or second-hand balls
Course fee - Start with nine holes on a public course.
Driving range - Pay for one bucket of balls. A formal Golf lesson is not optimal at this stage
Clothing - Comfortable clothing and runners/sneakers are acceptable at most public/municipal golf courses.
What should you avoid buying immediately?
Do not rush into buying:
- A premium driver
- A full set of fourteen clubs
- A rangefinder
- Expensive golf balls
- A large cart bag
- Specialist clothing for every weather condition
Try golf first. Buy equipment gradually as your needs become clearer.
Where should a complete beginner start?
For most people, we suggest the best first step is the driving range.
A driving range lets you practice hitting balls without worrying about scoring, losing balls, holding up other golfers or knowing every course rule.
Start at the driving range if:
- You have never swung a club
- You want a relaxed first experience
- You are nervous about playing in front of others
- You want to practice without keeping score
- You only have an hour available
Start on a golf course if:
- You are playing with an experienced and patient golfer
- You understand basic safety and etiquette - We can help you here
- You can choose a beginner-friendly short course
- You are comfortable picking up your ball when necessary
- You are happy to focus on enjoyment rather than score
What about golf simulators?
A golf simulator can also be a good introduction, especially when the weather is poor. It can feel less intimidating than a course and often allows you to hire clubs.
What equipment do I need?
Much less than most people think.
For your first driving-range visit, you may only need:
- One or two hired clubs (check in advance if they offer club hire)
- Comfortable clothes like shorts and a polo top
- Runners/Sneakers (dont wear flip flops or heels)
- A bottle of water
- A golf glove, if you want one but it's not compulsory
Most golf ranges usually supply the balls.
Clubs for your first practice
A beginner does not need every type of club immediately either.
We recommend a simple starting selection that could include:
- One mid-iron, such as a 7-iron
- One wedge
- One putter
- A driver later, once you are comfortable
The 7-iron is often a practical first club because it is easier to control than a driver and can help you learn basic contact.
Equipment for your first round
For a first short round of 9 holes, consider taking:
- A small set of clubs
- Inexpensive golf balls
- Tees
- A ball marker
- A pitch-mark repair tool
- Water
- Sun protection
- Weather-appropriate clothing
You do not need fourteen clubs.
Our Beginner buying rule
Borrow first. Buy second-hand next. Upgrade later.
That approach saves money and gives you time to discover what type of clubs suit you.
