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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 162 (from laksa054)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa162.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners","crawl_time":1775715172,"first_indexed_time":1691722505,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,thediygolfer!www,\/blog\/golf-for-beginners s443","src_root_hash":"4125417856647719162","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Golf for Beginners: A 7-Step Quickstart Guide","meta_descriptions":["New to golf? In this 7-Step guide, I'll teach you everything you need to know and what you need to buy to get started in golf."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Welcome to the game of golf. I'm\nSO PUMPED\nyou found this page.\nMy name is\nZach\n, the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site!\nAs you're probably experiencing,\ngolf can be very intimidating for beginners.\nWhat's the best equipment to buy?\nWhat are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's \"etiquette\" too?!\nHow do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air?\nNone of this is easy, but don't worry,\nyou're in the right place.\nIn this guide, I'll give you\nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW\nto get started\nand succeed\nas a new golfer.\nLet's dive in.\nI think the hardest part of golf is setting\nrealistic expectations\nfor yourself.\nThe golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, \"buy our driver and you'll\ninstantly\ngain 30 yards\".\nWhile there are\nproven ways\nto accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some\ntime and practice.\nA realistic timeline for your game improvement\nBelow, I've written down what I think is a\nrealistic\ntimeline for your game\n. This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf.\nMonths 1-3\nYou'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently\nYou will miss the ball a lot and it will feel\nimpossible\nto hit the ball where you are aiming\nYou will think, \"I have NO IDEA what I am doing\"\nWhen playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace\nYou'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, \"That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!\"\nYou'll probably want to quit at some point.\nDON'T GIVE IN.\nMonths 3-12\nYou will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range\nYou will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up\nYou will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of\nconfusion.\nYear 2\nGolf\nstarts getting really fun.\nYou can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players\nYou will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90\nYears 3+\nYou'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends\nYou will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment\nYou'll know all of the golf lingo\nYou will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets\nYou're finally a true GOLFER.\nGreat, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my\nGolf for beginners: A 7-step guide\n.\nNOTE:\nI have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here:\nBeginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN\nBeginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN\nYou've probably noticed—it's\nreally easy\nto spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment.\nBut\nyou don't need to\nin order to get started.\nThe primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course!\nKeep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now.\nWhat is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?\nBuying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store.\nWhat to look for in your first golf club set\nThere are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online...\nSo I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set:\nEasy way\n- buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below)\nHard, time-consuming, in-depth way\n- read my\nguide to buying golf equipment\nBuying on Amazon is my recommendation as it\nsimplifies\neverything for you. As I said,\nyou will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years\nas you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect!\nHow many clubs do you need?\nAs a complete beginner, I think\n10-12 clubs\nis a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a\nfull set of 14 clubs\n(the maximum that is allowed in golf).\nBelow are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter.\n9\/10\/12-piece sets\n- this is\nmy recommendation\n. I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit.\n14-piece set\n- this is a\nfull set\n. I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead.\nOther things you need to purchase\nWhile purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf.\nBelow is my short list of\nessentials\n. There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the\nbare minimum\nto get out on the course:\nGolf balls\nGolf shoes\niOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder\nAccessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.)\nBest golf balls for beginner golfers\nAs I mentioned in the \"what to expect\" section of this guide,\nyou will lose lots of golf balls.\nUnless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is\nprice.\nSure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100.\nFor that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for\nless than $1 per ball\n. That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality.\nBest golf shoes for beginner golfers\nWith golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a \"beginner golf shoe\".\nWhile you could certainly play golf\nwithout\ngolf shoes, I\nhighly recommend\npurchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would\nnever\nplay golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing.\nIf you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe.\nWhile there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex\/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle \"spikes\" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown \"spiked\" golf shoe.\nBest GPS for beginner golfers\nWhen you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit.\nThere are\n3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course\n:\nUse a free iOS or Android GPS app\n- this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps.\nUse a GPS Watch\n- sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the\nGarmin S10\n.\nUse a laser rangefinder\n- this is the\nmost accurate\nand is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners\nneed\nthis level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the\nBushnell Tour V5\nis my top choice. There are some budget options like the\nGogogo Sport Vpro\n, but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders.\nBest accessories for beginner golfers\nWrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing:\n3 1\/4\" Golf tees\n- you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1\/4\" is long enough for hitting a driver.\nGroove Brush and Towel\n- after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel.\nDivot tool + Ball Marker\n- if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a \"ball mark\". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to \"mark\" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it.\nYou've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?!\nLet's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf).\nWhat should you focus on learning first?\nAs long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels.\nTo get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the\nexact order\nI would learn them.\nProper Golf Grip\n- To hit\nany\ngolf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the\nonly\nconnection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on\nhow to grip a golf club.\nChip Shot\n- The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens!\nPitch Shot\n- The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a \"mini full swing\". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals.\nIron Shots\n- For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons.\nFull Swing Driver\n- Most beginners want to learn this shot\nfirst\nbecause it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact.\nBunker Shot\n- while a bit more advanced, you\nwill\nfind yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the\nproper setup\nto escape!\nWhat are the best ways to learn golf?\nWhile the entire premise of the \"DIY\" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions.\nWhen you are first starting out in this game, it is\nvery challenging\nto teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting.\nInstead of doing this,\nI recommend group lessons.\nOption #1: Group Lessons\nI love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of \"hands-on\" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners.\nOption #2: Private golf lessons\nIf you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay $400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons.\nMost instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course.\nOption #3: Join a country club\nIf you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the\nfastest\nways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits:\nThe course usually won't be busy\n- this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often\nThe head pro gives private lessons\n- you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is\ngenerally\ngoing to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area\nOther amenities\n- if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game!\nOption #4: Online lessons\nA\nvery cheap\nway to learn golf is online. For example, I have a\nbeginner's guide to golf video course\nyou can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game.\nNow more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing.\nTo improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week.\nHere are my \"golf for beginners best practice tips\":\nPurchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment\n- nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the\nsooner\nyou will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these\nGoSports alignment sticks\nand get started!\nHit on real grass whenever possible\n- any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better\nfeedback\nyou will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not.\nFocus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons\n- while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons.\nFor more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides:\n5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course\nIs hitting off mats bad for your game?\nWhile there is technically no such thing as a \"beginner-friendly\" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others.\nAs I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace.\nIf you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be\nvery busy.\nAs a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them.\nFurthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is\nleast crowded\n. Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging.\nHere are the\nleast crowded\ntimes to play golf:\nWeekdays\nWeekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called \"twilight rates\")\nHow to book a tee time\nIn order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a \"tee time\".\nMost golf courses allow you to \"book a tee time\" online, but you can always just call the golf shop.\nKnow the dress code\nNowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs.\nAll that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf.\nMen's golf dress code\nCollared shirt\nGolf shorts or pants\nNo denim\nTuck in shirt\nWomen's golf dress code\nCollared shirt\nGolf shorts or pants or skirt\nNo denim\nTuck in shirt\nKnow basic golf etiquette\nWhile it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works.\nLuckily, it's not hard to get the hang of.\nRemember these rules, and you should be good!\nKeep up with the group in front of you\n- as a beginner golfer, this is probably the\nmost important\nrule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should\npick up your ball and go to the next hole.\nIf you don't, faster groups behind you\nwill get mad\n(unless they are very patient people).\nIf the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy!\nWhen someone is hitting, don't move around too much\n- it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise\nDon't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting\n- sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space\nDon't walk in someone's \"line\"\n- when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call \"their line\". Step\nover\nthis when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt.\nSome golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a\nshort putt\n.\nDon't drive the golf cart close to the green\n- a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times\nRake the bunkers\n- if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint!\nMaintain a safe space between you and the person hitting\n- this is for\nyour own safety.\nStand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit.\nKnow where to stand on the tee box when someone hits\n- see the image below\nKnow the basic terms and rules of golf\nWhile knowing the rules and \"slang\" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics.\nBasic Scoring in Golf\nYou\nmay\nknow this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf:\nLowest score wins\nEach hole has a \"par\", which is determined by the\nlength\nof the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a \"par 3\", anything between 250-450 yards is a \"par 4\", and anything greater than 450 yards is a \"par 5\". This will vary based on the \"tee\" you play from (championship, mens, womens)\nIf you take 4 strokes on a \"par 4\", you've \"made par\"\nMost important rules of golf\nTeeing Off\nStart each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area.\nThe ball must be played from between the tee markers.\nOrder of Play\nThe player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box).\nPlayers take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next.\nPenalty Strokes\nAdding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf.\nCommon penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls.\nPutting Green\nOn the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments.\nYou can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole\nFlagstick\nWhen putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended.\nListen up.\nGolf is going to frustrate the heck out of you.\nWhat started as a \"fun hobby\" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it.\nRemember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment\nor someone else's\n(because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it!\nAs you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen.\nAs soon as you can, I recommend reading\nGolf is Not a Game of Perfect\n. This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores\nand\nenjoy golf.\nWhile I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say—\ngolf is about people.\nGolf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners.\nIn most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve.\nIf you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join\nGolfweek's Amateur Tour\n, which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments.\nThe last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf!\nWhen should you upgrade your golf clubs?\nAt some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to\nhold you back.\nI recommend\ngradually\nreplacing your clubs and equipment.\nA great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences.\nI'd recommend starting by\nfinding a great driver\n. After that, get some\nquality wedges\n. Then\nfind some good irons\n, find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you!\nYou might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game.\nHow much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?\nWhen you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of\nrepetition practice\n, which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play.\nSo in my opinion, you should try to\nequally\nbalance your driving range practice and on-course play.\nI hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a \"quickstart to golf\".\nIf you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site!","attrs_markdown":"[![The DIY Golfer Logo](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/assets\/nav-logo-6221f18e.png)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/)\n\n## Menu\n- [About](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/about)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n- [Terms](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms)\n\nPlease sign in to view your courses and purchases.\n\n[Login](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/sign_in)\n\n- [About](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/about)\n- Blog\n  \n  elevate your game\n  \n  ### The DIY Golfer Blog\n  \n  Learn the \"why\" behind the game of golf.\n  \n  #### Golf Swing Positions\n  [Address (P1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/address-p1) [Takeaway (P2)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/takeaway-p2) [Mid Backswing (P3)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/mid-backswing-p3) [Top of Swing (P4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/top-of-swing-p4) [Transition (P5)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/transition-p5) [Pre-Impact (P6)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/pre-impact-p6) [Impact (P7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/impact-p7) [Release (P8)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/release-p8) [Follow Through (P9)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/follow-through-p9) [Finish (P10)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/swing-positions\/finish-p10)\n  \n  #### Categories\n  [Golf Terms (126)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-terms) [Golf Instruction (111)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-instruction) [Golf Equipment (95)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-equipment) [Accessories and Gear (48)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-accessories) [Golf Drills (26)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-drills) [Golf Swing Positions (10)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/swing-positions) [Golf Statistics (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-statistics) [Golf Fitness (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-fitness)\n  \n  #### Topics\n  [Beginners (29)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/beginners) [Data-Driven Golf (16)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/data-driven-golf) [DIY Projects (12)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/diy-projects) [Golf Tips (8)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-tips) [Competitive Golf (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/competitive-golf) [Tiger Woods (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/tiger-woods) [Impact (5)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/impact) [Swing Philosophies (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-swing-philosophies) [Breaking 80 (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-80) [The Golfing Machine (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/the-golfing-machine) [Slice Fix (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/slice-fix) [Takeaway (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/takeaway) [Breaking 90 (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-90) [Golf Nerds (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-nerds) [Winter Golf (3)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/winter-golf) [Breaking 100 (2)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-100) [Release (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/release) [Top of Swing (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/top-of-swing) [Golf Video Analysis (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-video-analysis)\n  \n  [All Posts](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n- Terms\n  \n  learn the game of golf\n  \n  ### Golf Terms\n  \n  From golf slang to scoring terminology, you’ll find everything you need to know about golf with my comprehensive terms glossary.\n  \n  - ##### A\n    - [All Square](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/all-square)\n    - [Alternate Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/alternate-shot)\n    - [Aggregate Score](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/aggregate-score)\n    - [Aeration](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/aeration)\n    - [Ace](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/ace)\n    - [Amateur Golfer](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/amateur-golfer)\n    - [Away](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/away)\n    - [Approach Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/approach-shot)\n    - [Apron](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/apron)\n    - [Anchoring](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/anchoring)\n    - [Albatross](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/albatross)\n    - [Alignment](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/alignment)\n    - [Army Golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/army-golf)\n    - [Attend the flag](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/attend-the-flag)\n    - [Aimpoint](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/aimpoint)\n    - [Address](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/address)\n    - [Acey Ducey](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/acey-ducey)\n    - [Arnold Palmer](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/arnold-palmer)\n  - ##### B\n    - [Bogey](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bogey)\n    - [Blow Up Hole](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/blow-up-hole)\n    - [Birdie](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/birdie)\n    - [Bermuda Grass](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bermuda-grass)\n    - [Bent Grass](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bent-grass)\n    - [Bunker](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bunker)\n    - [Ball Striking](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/ball-striking-golf)\n    - [Big Ball First](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/big-ball-first)\n    - [Backswing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/backswing)\n    - [Bingo Bango Bongo](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bingo-bango-bongo)\n    - [Bladed Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bladed-shot)\n    - [Bump and Run](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/bump-and-run)\n  - ##### C\n    - [Caddie](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/caddie)\n    - [Chip Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/chip-shot)\n    - [Chunked Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/chunked-shot)\n    - [Chicago](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/chicago)\n    - [Cart Path](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/cart-path)\n    - [Chilly Dip](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/chilly-dip)\n    - [Cut Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/cut-shot)\n    - [Chapman System](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/chapman-system)\n    - [Course Rating](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/course-rating)\n    - [Course Record](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/course-record)\n  - ##### D\n    - [Dead Hands](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/dead-hands)\n    - [Divot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/divot)\n    - [Double Bogey](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/double-bogey)\n    - [Draw](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/draw)\n    - [Driver](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/driver)\n    - [Draw Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/draw-shot)\n  - ##### E\n    - [Eagle](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/eagle)\n  - ##### F\n    - [Fade](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fade)\n    - [Flop Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/flop-shot)\n    - [Flat Stick](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/flat-stick)\n    - [Fescue](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fescue)\n    - [Free Drop](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/free-drop)\n    - [Foot Wedge](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/foot-wedge)\n    - [Fairway Wood](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fairway-wood)\n    - [Fringe](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fringe)\n    - [Fade Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fade-shot)\n    - [Fore](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fore)\n    - [Fairway](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fairway)\n    - [Fourball](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/fourball)\n  - ##### G\n    - [Go-to Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/go-to-shot)\n    - [Grounding the club](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/grounding-the-club)\n    - [GIR](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/green-in-regulation)\n    - [Glove](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/glove)\n    - [Ground Under Repair](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/ground-under-repair)\n    - [Gimme](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/gimme)\n    - [Gruesomes](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/gruesomes)\n  - ##### H\n    - [Handicap](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/handicap)\n    - [Headcover](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/headcover)\n    - [Hook](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/hook)\n    - [Hole in One](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/hole-in-one)\n    - [High-Low](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/high-low)\n    - [Hitting Bombs](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/hitting-bombs)\n    - [Hybrid](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/hybrid)\n  - ##### I\n    - [It's your honor](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/your-honor)\n    - [Iron](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/iron)\n  - ##### L\n    - [Links Courses](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/links-courses)\n    - [Lip Out](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/lip-out)\n    - [Lost Ball](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/lost-ball)\n    - [Lie](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/lie)\n    - [Las Vegas](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/las-vegas)\n  - ##### M\n    - [Match Play](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/match-play)\n    - [Maxed my Handicap](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/maxed-handicap)\n  - ##### N\n    - [Nassau](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/nassau)\n  - ##### O\n    - [Out of Bounds](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/out-of-bounds)\n    - [On a Rope](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/on-a-rope)\n  - ##### P\n    - [Poa Annua Grass](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/poa-annua-grass)\n    - [Par](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/par)\n    - [\"Putt for dough\"](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/drive-for-show-putt-for-dough)\n    - [Pot Bunker](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/pot-bunker)\n    - [Push Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/push-shot)\n    - [Putting Green](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/putting-green)\n    - [Practice Green](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/practice-green)\n    - [Peoria System](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/peoria-system)\n    - [Plugged](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/plugged)\n    - [Penalty Stroke](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/penalty-stroke)\n    - [Pull Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/pull-shot)\n    - [Punch Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/punch-shot)\n    - [Pitch Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/pitch-shot)\n    - [Putting](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/putting)\n    - [Pitch Mark](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/pitch-mark)\n    - [Play it as it lies](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/play-it-as-it-lies)\n    - [Provisional](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/provisional)\n    - [Putter](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/putter)\n  - ##### R\n    - [Rough](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/rough)\n    - [Round Robin](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/round-robin)\n    - [Rangefinder](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/rangefinder)\n    - [Read the Break](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/read-the-break)\n    - [Red Hazard](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/red-hazard)\n  - ##### S\n    - [Strokes Gained](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/strokes-gained)\n    - [Shamble](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/shamble)\n    - [Stableford](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/stableford)\n    - [Sixes](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/sixes)\n    - [Shot my age](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/shot-my-age)\n    - [Slice](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/slice)\n    - [Skins](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/skins)\n    - [Soft Hands](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/soft-hands)\n    - [ShotLink](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/shotlink)\n    - [Slope Rating](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/slope-rating)\n    - [Shank](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/shank)\n    - [Scramble](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/scramble)\n    - [Stinger](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/stinger)\n    - [Stroke Play](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/stroke-play)\n    - [Short Putt](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/short-putt)\n    - [Starter](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/starter)\n  - ##### T\n    - [Topped Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/topped-shot)\n    - [Tee Box](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/tee-box)\n    - [Tee Shot](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/tee-shot)\n    - [Tap In](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/tap-in)\n    - [Texas Wedge](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/texas-wedge)\n  - ##### U\n    - [Unplayable](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/unplayable)\n    - [Up and Down](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/up-and-down)\n  - ##### W\n    - [Whiff](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/whiff)\n    - [Wolf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/wolf)\n    - [Wedge](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/wedge)\n  - ##### Y\n    - [Yip](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/yip)\n    - [Yellow Hazard](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/yellow-hazard)\n  - ##### Z\n    - [Zoysia Grass](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms\/zoysia-grass)\n  \n  [All terms](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/golf-terms)\n\n![Profile](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/assets\/profile-placeholder-4211b386.png)\n\nPlease sign in to view your courses and purchases.\n\n[Login](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/sign_in)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/)\n2. \/ [Blog](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n3. \/ Golf For Beginner...\n\n# Golf for Beginners: A 7-Step Quickstart Guide\nNew to golf? In this 7-Step guide, I'll teach you everything you need to know and what you need to buy to get started in golf.\n\n[![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/11bbed3ce70c638528d0c3ed812b10331caadb61-400x400.jpg) Written by Zach](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/authors\/zach-gollwitzer)\n\nLast Updated: Sep 21, 2025\n\n[Golf Instruction](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-instruction)\n\n[Beginners](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/beginners)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/e4896384c82c4c5e05731d4523345c570bc879b6-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=1200)\n\nTable of Contents\n\n[Scroll to top](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners)\n\n- [What to expect in your golf journey](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-to-expect-in-your-golf-journey)\n- [A realistic timeline for your game improvement](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#a-realistic-timeline-for-your-game-improvement)\n- [Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-1-purchase-some-beginner-golf-clubs-and-accessories)\n- [What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-is-the-best-place-to-purchase-beginner-golf-equipment)\n- [What to look for in your first golf club set](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-to-look-for-in-your-first-golf-club-set)\n- [How many clubs do you need?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-many-clubs-do-you-need)\n- [Other things you need to purchase](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#other-things-you-need-to-purchase)\n- [Best golf balls for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-balls-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best golf shoes for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-shoes-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best GPS for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-gps-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best accessories for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-accessories-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-2-learn-the-basic-fundamentals-of-the-golf-swing)\n- [What should you focus on learning first?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-should-you-focus-on-learning-first)\n- [What are the best ways to learn golf?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-are-the-best-ways-to-learn-golf)\n- [Option \\#1: Group Lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-1-group-lessons)\n- [Option \\#2: Private golf lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-2-private-golf-lessons)\n- [Option \\#3: Join a country club](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-3-join-a-country-club)\n- [Option \\#4: Online lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-4-online-lessons)\n- [Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-3-hit-the-driving-range-and-start-practicing-your-swing)\n- [Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-4-find-beginner-friendly-local-golf-courses-and-start-playing)\n- [How to book a tee time](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-to-book-a-tee-time)\n- [Know the dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-the-dress-code)\n- [Men's golf dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#mens-golf-dress-code)\n- [Women's golf dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#womens-golf-dress-code)\n- [Know basic golf etiquette](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-basic-golf-etiquette)\n- [Know the basic terms and rules of golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-the-basic-terms-and-rules-of-golf)\n- [Basic Scoring in Golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#basic-scoring-in-golf)\n- [Most important rules of golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#most-important-rules-of-golf)\n- [Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-5-stay-positive-manage-your-expectations)\n- [Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\\!](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-6-get-involved-with-a-golf-league-or-tournaments)\n- [Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-7-keep-learning-upgrade-your-equipment-and-practice)\n- [When should you upgrade your golf clubs?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#when-should-you-upgrade-your-golf-clubs)\n- [How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-much-should-you-practice-at-the-driving-range-vs-the-golf-course)\n- [Conclusion and your next steps](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#conclusion-and-your-next-steps)\n\nTable of Contents\n\n[Scroll to top](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners)\n\n- [What to expect in your golf journey](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-to-expect-in-your-golf-journey)\n- [A realistic timeline for your game improvement](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#a-realistic-timeline-for-your-game-improvement)\n- [Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-1-purchase-some-beginner-golf-clubs-and-accessories)\n- [What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-is-the-best-place-to-purchase-beginner-golf-equipment)\n- [What to look for in your first golf club set](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-to-look-for-in-your-first-golf-club-set)\n- [How many clubs do you need?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-many-clubs-do-you-need)\n- [Other things you need to purchase](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#other-things-you-need-to-purchase)\n- [Best golf balls for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-balls-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best golf shoes for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-shoes-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best GPS for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-gps-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Best accessories for beginner golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#best-accessories-for-beginner-golfers)\n- [Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-2-learn-the-basic-fundamentals-of-the-golf-swing)\n- [What should you focus on learning first?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-should-you-focus-on-learning-first)\n- [What are the best ways to learn golf?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#what-are-the-best-ways-to-learn-golf)\n- [Option \\#1: Group Lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-1-group-lessons)\n- [Option \\#2: Private golf lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-2-private-golf-lessons)\n- [Option \\#3: Join a country club](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-3-join-a-country-club)\n- [Option \\#4: Online lessons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#option-4-online-lessons)\n- [Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-3-hit-the-driving-range-and-start-practicing-your-swing)\n- [Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-4-find-beginner-friendly-local-golf-courses-and-start-playing)\n- [How to book a tee time](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-to-book-a-tee-time)\n- [Know the dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-the-dress-code)\n- [Men's golf dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#mens-golf-dress-code)\n- [Women's golf dress code](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#womens-golf-dress-code)\n- [Know basic golf etiquette](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-basic-golf-etiquette)\n- [Know the basic terms and rules of golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#know-the-basic-terms-and-rules-of-golf)\n- [Basic Scoring in Golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#basic-scoring-in-golf)\n- [Most important rules of golf](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#most-important-rules-of-golf)\n- [Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-5-stay-positive-manage-your-expectations)\n- [Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\\!](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-6-get-involved-with-a-golf-league-or-tournaments)\n- [Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#step-7-keep-learning-upgrade-your-equipment-and-practice)\n- [When should you upgrade your golf clubs?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#when-should-you-upgrade-your-golf-clubs)\n- [How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#how-much-should-you-practice-at-the-driving-range-vs-the-golf-course)\n- [Conclusion and your next steps](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-for-beginners#conclusion-and-your-next-steps)\n\nWelcome to the game of golf. I'm **SO PUMPED** you found this page.\n\nMy name is [Zach](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/about), the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site\\!\n\nAs you're probably experiencing, **golf can be very intimidating for beginners.**\n\n*What's the best equipment to buy?*\n\n*What are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's \"etiquette\" too?\\!*\n\n*How do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air?*\n\nNone of this is easy, but don't worry, **you're in the right place.**\n\nIn this guide, I'll give you **EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW** to get started *and succeed* as a new golfer.\n\nLet's dive in.\n\n## What to expect in your golf journey\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/266c58d96daf8a85d1e6d338ff6b33bc345e99bd-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nI think the hardest part of golf is setting **realistic expectations** for yourself.\n\nThe golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, \"buy our driver and you'll *instantly* gain 30 yards\".\n\nWhile there are *proven ways* to accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some **time and practice.**\n\n### A realistic timeline for your game improvement\nBelow, I've written down what I think is a ***realistic* timeline for your game**. This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf.\n\n- **Months 1-3**\n  - You'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently\n  - You will miss the ball a lot and it will feel *impossible* to hit the ball where you are aiming\n  - You will think, \"I have NO IDEA what I am doing\"\n  - When playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace\n  - You'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, \"That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!\"\n  - You'll probably want to quit at some point. **DON'T GIVE IN.**\n- **Months 3-12**\n  - You will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range\n  - You will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up\n  - You will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of *confusion.*\n- **Year 2**\n  - Golf **starts getting really fun.**\n  - You can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players\n  - You will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90\n- **Years 3+**\n  - You'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends\n  - You will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment\n  - You'll know all of the golf lingo\n  - You will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets\n  - **You're finally a true GOLFER.**\n\nGreat, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my **Golf for beginners: A 7-step guide**.\n\n## Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/c857c90b2f316103b91b0a3f1b9429bea507f211-400x400.png?w=800)\n\n***NOTE:*** *I have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here:*\n\n- [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN](https:\/\/amzn.to\/47Acx4m)\n- [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3DPy7Em)\n\nYou've probably noticed—it's *really easy* to spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment.\n\nBut **you don't need to** in order to get started.\n\nThe primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course\\!\n\nKeep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now.\n\n### What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?\nBuying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store.\n\n### What to look for in your first golf club set\nThere are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online...\n\nSo I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set:\n\n- **Easy way** - buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below)\n- **Hard, time-consuming, in-depth way** - read my [guide to buying golf equipment](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-golf-clubs)\n\nBuying on Amazon is my recommendation as it *simplifies* everything for you. As I said, **you will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years** as you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect\\!\n\n### How many clubs do you need?\nAs a complete beginner, I think **10-12 clubs** is a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a **full set of 14 clubs** (the maximum that is allowed in golf).\n\nBelow are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter.\n\n- **9\/10\/12-piece sets** - this is **my recommendation**. I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit.\n- **14-piece set** - this is a **full set**. I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead.\n### Other things you need to purchase\nWhile purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf.\n\nBelow is my short list of **essentials**. There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the *bare minimum* to get out on the course:\n\n- Golf balls\n- Golf shoes\n- iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder\n- Accessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.)\n#### Best golf balls for beginner golfers\nAs I mentioned in the \"what to expect\" section of this guide, **you will lose lots of golf balls.**\n\nUnless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is **price.**\n\nSure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100.\n\nFor that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for *less than \\$1 per ball*. That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality.\n\n#### Best golf shoes for beginner golfers\nWith golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a \"beginner golf shoe\".\n\nWhile you could certainly play golf *without* golf shoes, I **highly recommend** purchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would *never* play golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing.\n\nIf you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe.\n\nWhile there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex\/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle \"spikes\" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown \"spiked\" golf shoe.\n\n#### Best GPS for beginner golfers\nWhen you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit.\n\nThere are **3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course**:\n\n1. **Use a free iOS or Android GPS app** - this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps.\n2. **Use a GPS Watch** - sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the [Garmin S10](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/garmin-s10-gps-watch).\n3. **Use a laser rangefinder** - this is the *most accurate* and is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners *need* this level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the [Bushnell Tour V5](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/bushnell-tour-v5-patriot-laser-rangefinder) is my top choice. There are some budget options like the [Gogogo Sport Vpro](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/gogogo-sport-vpro-laser-rangefinder), but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders.\n#### Best accessories for beginner golfers\nWrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing:\n\n- [3 1\/4\" Golf tees](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/golf-tees) - you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1\/4\" is long enough for hitting a driver.\n- [Groove Brush and Towel](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/beginner-brush-towel) - after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel.\n- [Divot tool + Ball Marker](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/beginner-divot-tool) - if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a \"ball mark\". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to \"mark\" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it.\n## Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing\nYou've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?\\!\n\nLet's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf).\n\n### What should you focus on learning first?\nAs long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels.\n\nTo get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the **exact order** I would learn them.\n\n1. **Proper Golf Grip** - To hit *any* golf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the *only* connection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on [how to grip a golf club.](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-grip)\n2. **Chip Shot** - The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens\\!\n3. **Pitch Shot** - The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a \"mini full swing\". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals.\n4. **Iron Shots** - For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons.\n5. **Full Swing Driver** - Most beginners want to learn this shot *first* because it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact.\n6. **Bunker Shot** - while a bit more advanced, you *will* find yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the *proper setup* to escape\\!\n### What are the best ways to learn golf?\nWhile the entire premise of the \"DIY\" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions.\n\nWhen you are first starting out in this game, it is *very challenging* to teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting.\n\nInstead of doing this, **I recommend group lessons.**\n\n#### Option \\#1: Group Lessons\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/0906d0513dcfd3d9ed0c0c032a73999fde7c76e6-7952x5304.jpg?w=800)\n\nI love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of \"hands-on\" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners.\n\n#### Option \\#2: Private golf lessons\nIf you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay \\$400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons.\n\nMost instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course.\n\n#### Option \\#3: Join a country club\nIf you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the *fastest* ways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits:\n\n- **The course usually won't be busy** - this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often\n- **The head pro gives private lessons** - you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is *generally* going to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area\n- **Other amenities** - if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game\\!\n#### Option \\#4: Online lessons\nA *very cheap* way to learn golf is online. For example, I have a [beginner's guide to golf video course](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/academy\/courses\/golf-for-beginners) you can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game.\n\n## Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing\nNow more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing.\n\nTo improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week.\n\nHere are my \"golf for beginners best practice tips\":\n\n- **Purchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment** - nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the *sooner* you will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these [GoSports alignment sticks](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/gosports-alignment-sticks) and get started\\!\n- **Hit on real grass whenever possible** - any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better *feedback* you will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not.\n- **Focus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons** - while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons.\n\nFor more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides:\n\n- [5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-tips-for-getting-your-game-from-the-range-to-the-course)\n- [Is hitting off mats bad for your game?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/is-hitting-golf-balls-off-mats-bad-for-your-game)\n## Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/237b32eac202d81906a86b8f545bfa8a64b92331-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhile there is technically no such thing as a \"beginner-friendly\" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others.\n\nAs I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace.\n\nIf you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be **very busy.**\n\nAs a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them.\n\nFurthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is *least crowded*. Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging.\n\nHere are the *least crowded* times to play golf:\n\n- Weekdays\n- Weekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called \"twilight rates\")\n### How to book a tee time\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/2ebbc5adada18ebae7e96b9ee0ed513722a9e8a3-3456x1224.png?w=800)\n\nIn order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a \"tee time\".\n\nMost golf courses allow you to \"book a tee time\" online, but you can always just call the golf shop.\n\n### Know the dress code\nNowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs.\n\nAll that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf.\n\n#### Men's golf dress code\n- Collared shirt\n- Golf shorts or pants\n- No denim\n- Tuck in shirt\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/79916df43475e3c30b56f062abac40a4f2a0cbfa-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\n#### Women's golf dress code\n- Collared shirt\n- Golf shorts or pants or skirt\n- No denim\n- Tuck in shirt\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/7ac563afd24913b988e5e14d5b5ea9828bcf34b9-720x1280.jpg?w=800)\n\n### Know basic golf etiquette\nWhile it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works.\n\nLuckily, it's not hard to get the hang of.\n\nRemember these rules, and you should be good\\!\n\n- **Keep up with the group in front of you** - as a beginner golfer, this is probably the *most important* rule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should **pick up your ball and go to the next hole.** If you don't, faster groups behind you **will get mad** (unless they are very patient people).\n  - If the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy\\!\n- **When someone is hitting, don't move around too much** - it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise\n- **Don't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting** - sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space\n- **Don't walk in someone's \"line\"** - when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call \"their line\". Step *over* this when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt.\n  - Some golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a **short putt**.\n- **Don't drive the golf cart close to the green** - a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times\n- **Rake the bunkers** - if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint\\!\n- **Maintain a safe space between you and the person hitting** - this is for *your own safety.* Stand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit.\n- **Know where to stand on the tee box when someone hits** - see the image below\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/490ba52768d0e2b5bd164a29035fd1d51da4f6c2-573x419.png?w=800)\n\n### Know the basic terms and rules of golf\nWhile knowing the rules and \"slang\" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics.\n\n#### Basic Scoring in Golf\nYou *may* know this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf:\n\n- Lowest score wins\n- Each hole has a \"par\", which is determined by the *length* of the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a \"par 3\", anything between 250-450 yards is a \"par 4\", and anything greater than 450 yards is a \"par 5\". This will vary based on the \"tee\" you play from (championship, mens, womens)\n- If you take 4 strokes on a \"par 4\", you've \"made par\"\n#### Most important rules of golf\n- **Teeing Off**\n  - Start each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area.\n  - The ball must be played from between the tee markers.\n- **Order of Play**\n  - The player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box).\n  - Players take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next.\n- **Penalty Strokes**\n  - Adding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf.\n  - Common penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls.\n- **Putting Green**\n  - On the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments.\n  - You can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole\n- **Flagstick**\n  - When putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended.\n## Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations\nListen up. **Golf is going to frustrate the heck out of you.**\n\nWhat started as a \"fun hobby\" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it.\n\nRemember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment *or someone else's* (because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it\\!\n\nAs you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen.\n\nAs soon as you can, I recommend reading [Golf is Not a Game of Perfect](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/golf-is-not-a-game-of-perfect-book). This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores *and* enjoy golf.\n\n## Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\\!\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/f009f9644a5dce50d15986451597587d26d5f6fb-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhile I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say—**golf is about people.**\n\nGolf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners.\n\nIn most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve.\n\nIf you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join [Golfweek's Amateur Tour](https:\/\/www.amateurgolftour.net\/), which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments.\n\n## Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice\nThe last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf\\!\n\n### When should you upgrade your golf clubs?\nAt some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to **hold you back.**\n\nI recommend *gradually* replacing your clubs and equipment.\n\n**A great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences.**\n\nI'd recommend starting by [finding a great driver](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-purchase-a-properly-fitted-driver). After that, get some [quality wedges](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-golf-wedges). Then [find some good irons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-great-set-of-irons), find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you\\!\n\nYou might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game.\n\n### How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/3b07ac922b6d2ddbc97ac5f0d5763718bfe781d8-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhen you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of *repetition practice*, which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play.\n\nSo in my opinion, you should try to *equally* balance your driving range practice and on-course play.\n\n## Conclusion and your next steps\nI hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a \"quickstart to golf\".\n\nIf you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site\\!\n\n### Explore by Category\n[Golf Terms (126)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-terms) [Golf Instruction (111)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-instruction) [Golf Equipment (95)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-equipment) [Accessories and Gear (48)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-accessories) [Golf Drills (26)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-drills) [Golf Swing Positions (10)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/swing-positions) [Golf Statistics (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-statistics) [Golf Fitness (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-fitness)\n\n### Explore by Topic\n[Beginners (29)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/beginners) [Data-Driven Golf (16)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/data-driven-golf) [DIY Projects (12)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/diy-projects) [Golf Tips (8)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-tips) [Competitive Golf (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/competitive-golf) [Tiger Woods (7)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/tiger-woods) [Impact (5)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/impact) [Swing Philosophies (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-swing-philosophies) [Breaking 80 (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-80) [The Golfing Machine (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/the-golfing-machine) [Slice Fix (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/slice-fix) [Takeaway (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/takeaway) [Breaking 90 (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-90) [Golf Nerds (4)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-nerds) [Winter Golf (3)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/winter-golf) [Breaking 100 (2)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/breaking-100) [Release (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/release) [Top of Swing (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/top-of-swing) [Golf Video Analysis (1)](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/tags\/golf-video-analysis)\n\n![Beautiful golf course](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/assets\/local-golf-spot-hero-acfe892f.jpeg)\n\nFeatured Sponsor\n\nL\n\nLocal Golf Spot\n\nDiscover Your Next Favorite Course\n\nFind and book tee times at the best golf courses near you.\n\nSearch over 17,000 courses\n\nUnbiased reviews and rankings from local golfers\n\nSave courses and plan your next golf trip\n\n[Visit Local Golf Spot](https:\/\/www.localgolfspot.com\/)\n\n## More like this\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/10cdcded5e3bfa1cb2d74dfd9538e58aac3e249e-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[My Top 5 Golf Tips for Beginner Golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers)\n\nIn this post, I'll share my top 5 tips (as a former collegiate golfer) for beginner golfers and get you on a path to more consistent golf\\!\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/46cc7b3f2111f012aaeb9cbd24cb1d7ba53745cc-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[Learn the transition and fix your over-the-top golf swing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-swing-transition)\n\nThis post explores the transition portion of the golf swing, and why it is so important to a golfers success.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-swing-transition)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/96017c984f664b28f0016f1e5e01f60618044bd0-5042x2836.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[Physics of the Golf Swing: What is the 2-Lever Model?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-physics)\n\nThis post explores a basic model for the golf swing and some of the uses of this model in a real golf swing.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-physics)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/69f177e90eeb2029ad1babec89d4fbe08665945b-4646x2613.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[How to Read Bermuda Greens: My Top 5 Tips](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/putting-on-bermuda-greens)\n\nIf you predominantly play on bent grass greens, Bermuda greens will be a shock. Here are my best tips for reading and making putts on bermuda greens.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/putting-on-bermuda-greens)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/28a30dad0c4cc2297231496d28265af0868c7b82-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nNewsletter\n\n[Is Golf Really 99% Mental?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/golf-mental-or-physical)\n\nThey say golf is 99% mental, but is it really? In this issue, I'll break down why this may not be true.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/golf-mental-or-physical)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/51736c3d91a857750acac29c657e97aece760129-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nNewsletter\n\n[3 MISTAKES Golfers Make with their Grip](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/3-mistakes-golfers-grip)\n\nLet's talk about 3 common mistakes golfers make with their golf grip and what to do instead.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/3-mistakes-golfers-grip)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/bc8ded28efe596d12f0382d15808fc6b5bd7fbe2-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nNewsletter\n\n[3 Putting Tips You've Never Heard Before](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/3-putting-tips-you-never-heard)\n\nThis week, I want to share 3 putting tips you've never heard of and why they might just transform your game inside 50 feet.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/3-putting-tips-you-never-heard)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/04487534537d59f24272b79379fdecb75db8ed02-1920x1080.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nReview\n\n[Every Shot Must Have a Purpose Book Review](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/reviews\/every-shot-must-have-a-purpose-review)\n\nEvery Shot Must Have a Purpose is hands down my favorite mental game book. It is particularly great for analytical golfers who need a mental game framework.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/reviews\/every-shot-must-have-a-purpose-review)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/c59378fc97635f7984d3413e06f3baf1351b4ac4-1080x1080.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nRoundup\n\n[11 Best Golf Books of All Time: Must-reads for every golfer](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/roundups\/best-golf-books)\n\nI've read a TON of books throughout my golf career. These are the best golf books that I have ever read and I'm confident you'll find a game-changer here.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/roundups\/best-golf-books)\n\n[See all](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n\n## Articles mentioning this one\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/10cdcded5e3bfa1cb2d74dfd9538e58aac3e249e-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[My Top 5 Golf Tips for Beginner Golfers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers)\n\nIn this post, I'll share my top 5 tips (as a former collegiate golfer) for beginner golfers and get you on a path to more consistent golf\\!\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/c27d158176c3826cb25cac2bad131edc8b2193bd-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nNewsletter\n\n[Why Play Golf? A Guide for the Beginner, Skeptic, or Hater](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/why-play-golf)\n\nIs golf worth the hype? To the beginner, the skeptic, and the hater, here are my favorite parts about this game.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/newsletter\/why-play-golf)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/900fe669ef9a4c67e9fcab1a80888211f2a42d03-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500)\n\nArticle\n\n[How to Learn Golf: Where is the best place to start?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/where-to-learn-how-to-play-golf)\n\nDo you go straight to the golf course? Go to driving range? Buy lessons? This posts explores the best ways to get started in golf.\n\n[Read more](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/where-to-learn-how-to-play-golf)\n\n[See all](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n\n## Footer\n### Quick Links\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/)\n- [Blog](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog)\n- [Local Golf Spot](https:\/\/www.localgolfspot.com\/)\n\n### Company\n- [About](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/about)\n- [Privacy](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/privacy-policy)\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/terms-and-conditions)\n- [Affiliate Disclosure](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/affiliate-disclosure)\n\n### Golf Instruction\n- [Golf Instruction](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-instruction)\n- [Golf Mental Game](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/mental-game)\n- [Golf Swing Fundamentals](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/swing-fundamentals)\n- [Course Strategy](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/strategy)\n- [Practice Strategies](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/practice-strategies)\n- [Putting Fundamentals](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/putting-fundamentals)\n- [Golf Mental Game Books](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/mental-game-books)\n- [Golf Instructional Books](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/instructional-books)\n- [Short Game Fundamentals](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/short-game-fundamentals)\n\n### Golf Equipment\n- [Golf Equipment](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-equipment)\n- [DIY Clubmaking](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/clubmaking)\n- [DIY Refinishing](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/refinishing)\n- [Golf Training Aids](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/training-aids)\n- [Golf Balls](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-balls)\n- [Golf Wedges](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/wedges)\n- [Golf Grips](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-grips)\n- [Golf Drivers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/drivers)\n- [Fairway Woods](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/fairway-woods)\n- [Golf Irons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/irons)\n- [Putters](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/putters)\n\n### Golf Accessories\n- [Accessories and Gear](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-accessories)\n- [Golf Simulators](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/simulators)\n- [Golf Shot Trackers](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/shot-trackers)\n- [Golf Apps](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-apps)\n\n### Other Categories\n- [Golf Slang](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-slang)\n- [Golf Score Terms](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-score-terms)\n- [Golf Shot Types](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-shot-types)\n- [Golf Swing Faults](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/swing-faults)\n- [Golf Betting Games](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-betting-games)\n- [Golf Scoring Formats](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/golf-scoring-formats)\n- [Golf Swing Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/swing-drills)\n- [Short Game Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/short-game-drills)\n- [Transition Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/transition-drills)\n- [Putting Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/putting-drills)\n- [Tempo Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/tempo-drills)\n- [Weight Shift Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/weight-shift-drills)\n- [Pitching Drills](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/categories\/pitching-drills)\n***\n[YouTube](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@thediygolfer)\n\n[Facebook](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thediygolfer)\n\n[Instagram](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thediygolfer\/?hl=en)\n\n[Twitter](https:\/\/twitter.com\/thediygolfer)\n\n© 2026 Links Logic LLC. All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"Welcome to the game of golf. I'm **SO PUMPED** you found this page.\n\nMy name is [Zach](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/about), the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site\\!\n\nAs you're probably experiencing, **golf can be very intimidating for beginners.**\n\n*What's the best equipment to buy?*\n\n*What are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's \"etiquette\" too?\\!*\n\n*How do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air?*\n\nNone of this is easy, but don't worry, **you're in the right place.**\n\nIn this guide, I'll give you **EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW** to get started *and succeed* as a new golfer.\n\nLet's dive in.\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/266c58d96daf8a85d1e6d338ff6b33bc345e99bd-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nI think the hardest part of golf is setting **realistic expectations** for yourself.\n\nThe golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, \"buy our driver and you'll *instantly* gain 30 yards\".\n\nWhile there are *proven ways* to accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some **time and practice.**\n\n### A realistic timeline for your game improvement\nBelow, I've written down what I think is a ***realistic* timeline for your game**. This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf.\n\n- **Months 1-3**\n  - You'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently\n  - You will miss the ball a lot and it will feel *impossible* to hit the ball where you are aiming\n  - You will think, \"I have NO IDEA what I am doing\"\n  - When playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace\n  - You'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, \"That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!\"\n  - You'll probably want to quit at some point. **DON'T GIVE IN.**\n- **Months 3-12**\n  - You will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range\n  - You will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up\n  - You will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of *confusion.*\n- **Year 2**\n  - Golf **starts getting really fun.**\n  - You can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players\n  - You will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90\n- **Years 3+**\n  - You'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends\n  - You will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment\n  - You'll know all of the golf lingo\n  - You will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets\n  - **You're finally a true GOLFER.**\n\nGreat, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my **Golf for beginners: A 7-step guide**.\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/c857c90b2f316103b91b0a3f1b9429bea507f211-400x400.png?w=800)\n\n***NOTE:*** *I have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here:*\n\n- [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN](https:\/\/amzn.to\/47Acx4m)\n- [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN](https:\/\/amzn.to\/3DPy7Em)\n\nYou've probably noticed—it's *really easy* to spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment.\n\nBut **you don't need to** in order to get started.\n\nThe primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course\\!\n\nKeep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now.\n\n### What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?\nBuying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store.\n\n### What to look for in your first golf club set\nThere are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online...\n\nSo I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set:\n\n- **Easy way** - buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below)\n- **Hard, time-consuming, in-depth way** - read my [guide to buying golf equipment](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-golf-clubs)\n\nBuying on Amazon is my recommendation as it *simplifies* everything for you. As I said, **you will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years** as you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect\\!\n\n### How many clubs do you need?\nAs a complete beginner, I think **10-12 clubs** is a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a **full set of 14 clubs** (the maximum that is allowed in golf).\n\nBelow are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter.\n\n- **9\/10\/12-piece sets** - this is **my recommendation**. I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit.\n- **14-piece set** - this is a **full set**. I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead.\n### Other things you need to purchase\nWhile purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf.\n\nBelow is my short list of **essentials**. There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the *bare minimum* to get out on the course:\n\n- Golf balls\n- Golf shoes\n- iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder\n- Accessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.)\n#### Best golf balls for beginner golfers\nAs I mentioned in the \"what to expect\" section of this guide, **you will lose lots of golf balls.**\n\nUnless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is **price.**\n\nSure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100.\n\nFor that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for *less than \\$1 per ball*. That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality.\n\n#### Best golf shoes for beginner golfers\nWith golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a \"beginner golf shoe\".\n\nWhile you could certainly play golf *without* golf shoes, I **highly recommend** purchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would *never* play golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing.\n\nIf you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe.\n\nWhile there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex\/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle \"spikes\" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown \"spiked\" golf shoe.\n\n#### Best GPS for beginner golfers\nWhen you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit.\n\nThere are **3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course**:\n\n1. **Use a free iOS or Android GPS app** - this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps.\n2. **Use a GPS Watch** - sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the [Garmin S10](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/garmin-s10-gps-watch).\n3. **Use a laser rangefinder** - this is the *most accurate* and is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners *need* this level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the [Bushnell Tour V5](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/bushnell-tour-v5-patriot-laser-rangefinder) is my top choice. There are some budget options like the [Gogogo Sport Vpro](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/gogogo-sport-vpro-laser-rangefinder), but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders.\n#### Best accessories for beginner golfers\nWrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing:\n\n- [3 1\/4\" Golf tees](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/golf-tees) - you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1\/4\" is long enough for hitting a driver.\n- [Groove Brush and Towel](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/beginner-brush-towel) - after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel.\n- [Divot tool + Ball Marker](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/recommends\/beginner-divot-tool) - if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a \"ball mark\". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to \"mark\" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it.\n\nYou've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?\\!\n\nLet's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf).\n\n### What should you focus on learning first?\nAs long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels.\n\nTo get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the **exact order** I would learn them.\n\n1. **Proper Golf Grip** - To hit *any* golf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the *only* connection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on [how to grip a golf club.](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/golf-grip)\n2. **Chip Shot** - The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens\\!\n3. **Pitch Shot** - The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a \"mini full swing\". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals.\n4. **Iron Shots** - For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons.\n5. **Full Swing Driver** - Most beginners want to learn this shot *first* because it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact.\n6. **Bunker Shot** - while a bit more advanced, you *will* find yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the *proper setup* to escape\\!\n### What are the best ways to learn golf?\nWhile the entire premise of the \"DIY\" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions.\n\nWhen you are first starting out in this game, it is *very challenging* to teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting.\n\nInstead of doing this, **I recommend group lessons.**\n\n#### Option \\#1: Group Lessons\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/0906d0513dcfd3d9ed0c0c032a73999fde7c76e6-7952x5304.jpg?w=800)\n\nI love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of \"hands-on\" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners.\n\n#### Option \\#2: Private golf lessons\nIf you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay \\$400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons.\n\nMost instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course.\n\n#### Option \\#3: Join a country club\nIf you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the *fastest* ways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits:\n\n- **The course usually won't be busy** - this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often\n- **The head pro gives private lessons** - you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is *generally* going to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area\n- **Other amenities** - if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game\\!\n#### Option \\#4: Online lessons\nA *very cheap* way to learn golf is online. For example, I have a [beginner's guide to golf video course](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/academy\/courses\/golf-for-beginners) you can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game.\n\nNow more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing.\n\nTo improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week.\n\nHere are my \"golf for beginners best practice tips\":\n\n- **Purchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment** - nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the *sooner* you will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these [GoSports alignment sticks](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/gosports-alignment-sticks) and get started\\!\n- **Hit on real grass whenever possible** - any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better *feedback* you will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not.\n- **Focus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons** - while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons.\n\nFor more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides:\n\n- [5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/5-tips-for-getting-your-game-from-the-range-to-the-course)\n- [Is hitting off mats bad for your game?](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/is-hitting-golf-balls-off-mats-bad-for-your-game)\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/237b32eac202d81906a86b8f545bfa8a64b92331-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhile there is technically no such thing as a \"beginner-friendly\" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others.\n\nAs I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace.\n\nIf you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be **very busy.**\n\nAs a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them.\n\nFurthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is *least crowded*. Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging.\n\nHere are the *least crowded* times to play golf:\n\n- Weekdays\n- Weekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called \"twilight rates\")\n### How to book a tee time\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/2ebbc5adada18ebae7e96b9ee0ed513722a9e8a3-3456x1224.png?w=800)\n\nIn order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a \"tee time\".\n\nMost golf courses allow you to \"book a tee time\" online, but you can always just call the golf shop.\n\n### Know the dress code\nNowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs.\n\nAll that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf.\n\n#### Men's golf dress code\n- Collared shirt\n- Golf shorts or pants\n- No denim\n- Tuck in shirt\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/79916df43475e3c30b56f062abac40a4f2a0cbfa-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\n#### Women's golf dress code\n- Collared shirt\n- Golf shorts or pants or skirt\n- No denim\n- Tuck in shirt\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/7ac563afd24913b988e5e14d5b5ea9828bcf34b9-720x1280.jpg?w=800)\n\n### Know basic golf etiquette\nWhile it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works.\n\nLuckily, it's not hard to get the hang of.\n\nRemember these rules, and you should be good\\!\n\n- **Keep up with the group in front of you** - as a beginner golfer, this is probably the *most important* rule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should **pick up your ball and go to the next hole.** If you don't, faster groups behind you **will get mad** (unless they are very patient people).\n  - If the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy\\!\n- **When someone is hitting, don't move around too much** - it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise\n- **Don't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting** - sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space\n- **Don't walk in someone's \"line\"** - when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call \"their line\". Step *over* this when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt.\n  - Some golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a **short putt**.\n- **Don't drive the golf cart close to the green** - a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times\n- **Rake the bunkers** - if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint\\!\n- **Maintain a safe space between you and the person hitting** - this is for *your own safety.* Stand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit.\n- **Know where to stand on the tee box when someone hits** - see the image below\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/490ba52768d0e2b5bd164a29035fd1d51da4f6c2-573x419.png?w=800)\n\n### Know the basic terms and rules of golf\nWhile knowing the rules and \"slang\" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics.\n\n#### Basic Scoring in Golf\nYou *may* know this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf:\n\n- Lowest score wins\n- Each hole has a \"par\", which is determined by the *length* of the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a \"par 3\", anything between 250-450 yards is a \"par 4\", and anything greater than 450 yards is a \"par 5\". This will vary based on the \"tee\" you play from (championship, mens, womens)\n- If you take 4 strokes on a \"par 4\", you've \"made par\"\n#### Most important rules of golf\n- **Teeing Off**\n  - Start each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area.\n  - The ball must be played from between the tee markers.\n- **Order of Play**\n  - The player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box).\n  - Players take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next.\n- **Penalty Strokes**\n  - Adding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf.\n  - Common penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls.\n- **Putting Green**\n  - On the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments.\n  - You can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole\n- **Flagstick**\n  - When putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended.\n\nListen up. **Golf is going to frustrate the heck out of you.**\n\nWhat started as a \"fun hobby\" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it.\n\nRemember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment *or someone else's* (because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it\\!\n\nAs you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen.\n\nAs soon as you can, I recommend reading [Golf is Not a Game of Perfect](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/products\/golf-is-not-a-game-of-perfect-book). This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores *and* enjoy golf.\n\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/f009f9644a5dce50d15986451597587d26d5f6fb-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhile I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say—**golf is about people.**\n\nGolf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners.\n\nIn most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve.\n\nIf you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join [Golfweek's Amateur Tour](https:\/\/www.amateurgolftour.net\/), which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments.\n\nThe last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf\\!\n\n### When should you upgrade your golf clubs?\nAt some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to **hold you back.**\n\nI recommend *gradually* replacing your clubs and equipment.\n\n**A great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences.**\n\nI'd recommend starting by [finding a great driver](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-purchase-a-properly-fitted-driver). After that, get some [quality wedges](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-golf-wedges). Then [find some good irons](https:\/\/www.thediygolfer.com\/blog\/how-to-find-a-great-set-of-irons), find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you\\!\n\nYou might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game.\n\n### How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?\n![](https:\/\/cdn.sanity.io\/images\/2htn0fq6\/production\/3b07ac922b6d2ddbc97ac5f0d5763718bfe781d8-1280x853.jpg?w=800)\n\nWhen you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of *repetition practice*, which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play.\n\nSo in my opinion, you should try to *equally* balance your driving range practice and on-course play.\n\nI hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a \"quickstart to golf\".\n\nIf you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site\\!","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners
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Boilerpipe Text	Welcome to the game of golf. I'm SO PUMPED you found this page. My name is Zach , the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site! As you're probably experiencing, golf can be very intimidating for beginners. What's the best equipment to buy? What are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's "etiquette" too?! How do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air? None of this is easy, but don't worry, you're in the right place. In this guide, I'll give you EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to get started and succeed as a new golfer. Let's dive in. I think the hardest part of golf is setting realistic expectations for yourself. The golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, "buy our driver and you'll instantly gain 30 yards". While there are proven ways to accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some time and practice. A realistic timeline for your game improvement Below, I've written down what I think is a realistic timeline for your game . This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf. Months 1-3 You'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently You will miss the ball a lot and it will feel impossible to hit the ball where you are aiming You will think, "I have NO IDEA what I am doing" When playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace You'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, "That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!" You'll probably want to quit at some point. DON'T GIVE IN. Months 3-12 You will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range You will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up You will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of confusion. Year 2 Golf starts getting really fun. You can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players You will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90 Years 3+ You'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends You will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment You'll know all of the golf lingo You will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets You're finally a true GOLFER. Great, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my Golf for beginners: A 7-step guide . NOTE: I have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here: Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN You've probably noticed—it's really easy to spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment. But you don't need to in order to get started. The primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course! Keep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now. What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment? Buying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store. What to look for in your first golf club set There are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online... So I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set: Easy way - buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below) Hard, time-consuming, in-depth way - read my guide to buying golf equipment Buying on Amazon is my recommendation as it simplifies everything for you. As I said, you will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years as you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect! How many clubs do you need? As a complete beginner, I think 10-12 clubs is a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a full set of 14 clubs (the maximum that is allowed in golf). Below are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter. 9/10/12-piece sets - this is my recommendation . I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit. 14-piece set - this is a full set . I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead. Other things you need to purchase While purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf. Below is my short list of essentials . There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the bare minimum to get out on the course: Golf balls Golf shoes iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder Accessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.) Best golf balls for beginner golfers As I mentioned in the "what to expect" section of this guide, you will lose lots of golf balls. Unless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is price. Sure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100. For that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for less than $1 per ball . That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality. Best golf shoes for beginner golfers With golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a "beginner golf shoe". While you could certainly play golf without golf shoes, I highly recommend purchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would never play golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing. If you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe. While there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle "spikes" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown "spiked" golf shoe. Best GPS for beginner golfers When you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit. There are 3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course : Use a free iOS or Android GPS app - this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps. Use a GPS Watch - sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the Garmin S10 . Use a laser rangefinder - this is the most accurate and is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners need this level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the Bushnell Tour V5 is my top choice. There are some budget options like the Gogogo Sport Vpro , but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders. Best accessories for beginner golfers Wrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing: 3 1/4" Golf tees - you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1/4" is long enough for hitting a driver. Groove Brush and Towel - after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel. Divot tool + Ball Marker - if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a "ball mark". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to "mark" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it. You've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?! Let's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf). What should you focus on learning first? As long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels. To get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the exact order I would learn them. Proper Golf Grip - To hit any golf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the only connection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on how to grip a golf club. Chip Shot - The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens! Pitch Shot - The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a "mini full swing". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals. Iron Shots - For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons. Full Swing Driver - Most beginners want to learn this shot first because it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact. Bunker Shot - while a bit more advanced, you will find yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the proper setup to escape! What are the best ways to learn golf? While the entire premise of the "DIY" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions. When you are first starting out in this game, it is very challenging to teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting. Instead of doing this, I recommend group lessons. Option #1: Group Lessons I love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of "hands-on" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners. Option #2: Private golf lessons If you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay $400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons. Most instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course. Option #3: Join a country club If you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the fastest ways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits: The course usually won't be busy - this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often The head pro gives private lessons - you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is generally going to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area Other amenities - if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game! Option #4: Online lessons A very cheap way to learn golf is online. For example, I have a beginner's guide to golf video course you can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game. Now more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing. To improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week. Here are my "golf for beginners best practice tips": Purchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment - nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the sooner you will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these GoSports alignment sticks and get started! Hit on real grass whenever possible - any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better feedback you will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not. Focus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons - while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons. For more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides: 5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course Is hitting off mats bad for your game? While there is technically no such thing as a "beginner-friendly" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others. As I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace. If you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be very busy. As a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them. Furthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is least crowded . Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging. Here are the least crowded times to play golf: Weekdays Weekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called "twilight rates") How to book a tee time In order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a "tee time". Most golf courses allow you to "book a tee time" online, but you can always just call the golf shop. Know the dress code Nowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs. All that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf. Men's golf dress code Collared shirt Golf shorts or pants No denim Tuck in shirt Women's golf dress code Collared shirt Golf shorts or pants or skirt No denim Tuck in shirt Know basic golf etiquette While it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works. Luckily, it's not hard to get the hang of. Remember these rules, and you should be good! Keep up with the group in front of you - as a beginner golfer, this is probably the most important rule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should pick up your ball and go to the next hole. If you don't, faster groups behind you will get mad (unless they are very patient people). If the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy! When someone is hitting, don't move around too much - it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise Don't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting - sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space Don't walk in someone's "line" - when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call "their line". Step over this when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt. Some golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a short putt . Don't drive the golf cart close to the green - a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times Rake the bunkers - if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint! Maintain a safe space between you and the person hitting - this is for your own safety. Stand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit. Know where to stand on the tee box when someone hits - see the image below Know the basic terms and rules of golf While knowing the rules and "slang" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics. Basic Scoring in Golf You may know this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf: Lowest score wins Each hole has a "par", which is determined by the length of the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a "par 3", anything between 250-450 yards is a "par 4", and anything greater than 450 yards is a "par 5". This will vary based on the "tee" you play from (championship, mens, womens) If you take 4 strokes on a "par 4", you've "made par" Most important rules of golf Teeing Off Start each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area. The ball must be played from between the tee markers. Order of Play The player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box). Players take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next. Penalty Strokes Adding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf. Common penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls. Putting Green On the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments. You can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole Flagstick When putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended. Listen up. Golf is going to frustrate the heck out of you. What started as a "fun hobby" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it. Remember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment or someone else's (because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it! As you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen. As soon as you can, I recommend reading Golf is Not a Game of Perfect . This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores and enjoy golf. While I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say— golf is about people. Golf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners. In most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve. If you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join Golfweek's Amateur Tour , which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments. The last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf! When should you upgrade your golf clubs? At some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to hold you back. I recommend gradually replacing your clubs and equipment. A great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences. I'd recommend starting by finding a great driver . After that, get some quality wedges . Then find some good irons , find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you! You might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game. How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course? When you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of repetition practice , which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play. So in my opinion, you should try to equally balance your driving range practice and on-course play. I hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a "quickstart to golf". If you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site!
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Terms learn the game of golf ### Golf Terms From golf slang to scoring terminology, you’ll find everything you need to know about golf with my comprehensive terms glossary. - ##### A - [All Square](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/all-square) - [Alternate Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/alternate-shot) - [Aggregate Score](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/aggregate-score) - [Aeration](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/aeration) - [Ace](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/ace) - [Amateur Golfer](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/amateur-golfer) - [Away](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/away) - [Approach Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/approach-shot) - [Apron](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/apron) - [Anchoring](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/anchoring) - [Albatross](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/albatross) - [Alignment](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/alignment) - [Army Golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/army-golf) - [Attend the flag](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/attend-the-flag) - [Aimpoint](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/aimpoint) - [Address](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/address) - [Acey Ducey](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/acey-ducey) - [Arnold Palmer](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/arnold-palmer) - ##### B - [Bogey](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bogey) - [Blow Up Hole](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/blow-up-hole) - [Birdie](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/birdie) - [Bermuda Grass](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bermuda-grass) - [Bent Grass](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bent-grass) - [Bunker](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bunker) - [Ball Striking](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/ball-striking-golf) - [Big Ball First](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/big-ball-first) - [Backswing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/backswing) - [Bingo Bango Bongo](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bingo-bango-bongo) - [Bladed Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bladed-shot) - [Bump and Run](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/bump-and-run) - ##### C - [Caddie](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/caddie) - [Chip Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/chip-shot) - [Chunked Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/chunked-shot) - [Chicago](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/chicago) - [Cart Path](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/cart-path) - [Chilly Dip](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/chilly-dip) - [Cut Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/cut-shot) - [Chapman System](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/chapman-system) - [Course Rating](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/course-rating) - [Course Record](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/course-record) - ##### D - [Dead Hands](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/dead-hands) - [Divot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/divot) - [Double Bogey](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/double-bogey) - [Draw](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/draw) - [Driver](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/driver) - [Draw Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/draw-shot) - ##### E - [Eagle](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/eagle) - ##### F - [Fade](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fade) - [Flop Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/flop-shot) - [Flat Stick](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/flat-stick) - [Fescue](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fescue) - [Free Drop](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/free-drop) - [Foot Wedge](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/foot-wedge) - [Fairway Wood](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fairway-wood) - [Fringe](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fringe) - [Fade Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fade-shot) - [Fore](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fore) - [Fairway](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fairway) - [Fourball](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/fourball) - ##### G - [Go-to Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/go-to-shot) - [Grounding the club](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/grounding-the-club) - [GIR](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/green-in-regulation) - [Glove](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/glove) - [Ground Under Repair](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/ground-under-repair) - [Gimme](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/gimme) - [Gruesomes](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/gruesomes) - ##### H - [Handicap](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/handicap) - [Headcover](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/headcover) - [Hook](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/hook) - [Hole in One](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/hole-in-one) - [High-Low](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/high-low) - [Hitting Bombs](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/hitting-bombs) - [Hybrid](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/hybrid) - ##### I - [It's your honor](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/your-honor) - [Iron](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/iron) - ##### L - [Links Courses](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/links-courses) - [Lip Out](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/lip-out) - [Lost Ball](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/lost-ball) - [Lie](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/lie) - [Las Vegas](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/las-vegas) - ##### M - [Match Play](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/match-play) - [Maxed my Handicap](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/maxed-handicap) - ##### N - [Nassau](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/nassau) - ##### O - [Out of Bounds](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/out-of-bounds) - [On a Rope](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/on-a-rope) - ##### P - [Poa Annua Grass](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/poa-annua-grass) - [Par](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/par) - ["Putt for dough"](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/drive-for-show-putt-for-dough) - [Pot Bunker](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/pot-bunker) - [Push Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/push-shot) - [Putting Green](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/putting-green) - [Practice Green](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/practice-green) - [Peoria System](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/peoria-system) - [Plugged](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/plugged) - [Penalty Stroke](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/penalty-stroke) - [Pull Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/pull-shot) - [Punch Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/punch-shot) - [Pitch Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/pitch-shot) - [Putting](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/putting) - [Pitch Mark](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/pitch-mark) - [Play it as it lies](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/play-it-as-it-lies) - [Provisional](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/provisional) - [Putter](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/putter) - ##### R - [Rough](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/rough) - [Round Robin](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/round-robin) - [Rangefinder](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/rangefinder) - [Read the Break](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/read-the-break) - [Red Hazard](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/red-hazard) - ##### S - [Strokes Gained](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/strokes-gained) - [Shamble](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/shamble) - [Stableford](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/stableford) - [Sixes](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/sixes) - [Shot my age](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/shot-my-age) - [Slice](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/slice) - [Skins](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/skins) - [Soft Hands](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/soft-hands) - [ShotLink](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/shotlink) - [Slope Rating](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/slope-rating) - [Shank](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/shank) - [Scramble](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/scramble) - [Stinger](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/stinger) - [Stroke Play](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/stroke-play) - [Short Putt](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/short-putt) - [Starter](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/starter) - ##### T - [Topped Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/topped-shot) - [Tee Box](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/tee-box) - [Tee Shot](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/tee-shot) - [Tap In](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/tap-in) - [Texas Wedge](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/texas-wedge) - ##### U - [Unplayable](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/unplayable) - [Up and Down](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/up-and-down) - ##### W - [Whiff](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/whiff) - [Wolf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/wolf) - [Wedge](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/wedge) - ##### Y - [Yip](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/yip) - [Yellow Hazard](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/yellow-hazard) - ##### Z - [Zoysia Grass](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms/zoysia-grass) [All terms](https://www.thediygolfer.com/golf-terms) ![Profile](https://www.thediygolfer.com/assets/profile-placeholder-4211b386.png) Please sign in to view your courses and purchases. [Login](https://www.thediygolfer.com/sign_in) 1. [Home](https://www.thediygolfer.com/) 2. / [Blog](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog) 3. / Golf For Beginner... # Golf for Beginners: A 7-Step Quickstart Guide New to golf? In this 7-Step guide, I'll teach you everything you need to know and what you need to buy to get started in golf. [![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/11bbed3ce70c638528d0c3ed812b10331caadb61-400x400.jpg) Written by Zach](https://www.thediygolfer.com/authors/zach-gollwitzer) Last Updated: Sep 21, 2025 [Golf Instruction](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-instruction) [Beginners](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/beginners) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/e4896384c82c4c5e05731d4523345c570bc879b6-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=1200) Table of Contents [Scroll to top](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners) - [What to expect in your golf journey](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-to-expect-in-your-golf-journey) - [A realistic timeline for your game improvement](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#a-realistic-timeline-for-your-game-improvement) - [Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-1-purchase-some-beginner-golf-clubs-and-accessories) - [What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-is-the-best-place-to-purchase-beginner-golf-equipment) - [What to look for in your first golf club set](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-to-look-for-in-your-first-golf-club-set) - [How many clubs do you need?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-many-clubs-do-you-need) - [Other things you need to purchase](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#other-things-you-need-to-purchase) - [Best golf balls for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-balls-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best golf shoes for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-shoes-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best GPS for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-gps-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best accessories for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-accessories-for-beginner-golfers) - [Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-2-learn-the-basic-fundamentals-of-the-golf-swing) - [What should you focus on learning first?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-should-you-focus-on-learning-first) - [What are the best ways to learn golf?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-are-the-best-ways-to-learn-golf) - [Option \#1: Group Lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-1-group-lessons) - [Option \#2: Private golf lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-2-private-golf-lessons) - [Option \#3: Join a country club](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-3-join-a-country-club) - [Option \#4: Online lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-4-online-lessons) - [Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-3-hit-the-driving-range-and-start-practicing-your-swing) - [Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-4-find-beginner-friendly-local-golf-courses-and-start-playing) - [How to book a tee time](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-to-book-a-tee-time) - [Know the dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-the-dress-code) - [Men's golf dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#mens-golf-dress-code) - [Women's golf dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#womens-golf-dress-code) - [Know basic golf etiquette](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-basic-golf-etiquette) - [Know the basic terms and rules of golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-the-basic-terms-and-rules-of-golf) - [Basic Scoring in Golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#basic-scoring-in-golf) - [Most important rules of golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#most-important-rules-of-golf) - [Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-5-stay-positive-manage-your-expectations) - [Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\!](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-6-get-involved-with-a-golf-league-or-tournaments) - [Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-7-keep-learning-upgrade-your-equipment-and-practice) - [When should you upgrade your golf clubs?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#when-should-you-upgrade-your-golf-clubs) - [How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-much-should-you-practice-at-the-driving-range-vs-the-golf-course) - [Conclusion and your next steps](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#conclusion-and-your-next-steps) Table of Contents [Scroll to top](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners) - [What to expect in your golf journey](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-to-expect-in-your-golf-journey) - [A realistic timeline for your game improvement](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#a-realistic-timeline-for-your-game-improvement) - [Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-1-purchase-some-beginner-golf-clubs-and-accessories) - [What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-is-the-best-place-to-purchase-beginner-golf-equipment) - [What to look for in your first golf club set](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-to-look-for-in-your-first-golf-club-set) - [How many clubs do you need?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-many-clubs-do-you-need) - [Other things you need to purchase](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#other-things-you-need-to-purchase) - [Best golf balls for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-balls-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best golf shoes for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-golf-shoes-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best GPS for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-gps-for-beginner-golfers) - [Best accessories for beginner golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#best-accessories-for-beginner-golfers) - [Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-2-learn-the-basic-fundamentals-of-the-golf-swing) - [What should you focus on learning first?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-should-you-focus-on-learning-first) - [What are the best ways to learn golf?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#what-are-the-best-ways-to-learn-golf) - [Option \#1: Group Lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-1-group-lessons) - [Option \#2: Private golf lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-2-private-golf-lessons) - [Option \#3: Join a country club](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-3-join-a-country-club) - [Option \#4: Online lessons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#option-4-online-lessons) - [Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-3-hit-the-driving-range-and-start-practicing-your-swing) - [Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-4-find-beginner-friendly-local-golf-courses-and-start-playing) - [How to book a tee time](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-to-book-a-tee-time) - [Know the dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-the-dress-code) - [Men's golf dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#mens-golf-dress-code) - [Women's golf dress code](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#womens-golf-dress-code) - [Know basic golf etiquette](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-basic-golf-etiquette) - [Know the basic terms and rules of golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#know-the-basic-terms-and-rules-of-golf) - [Basic Scoring in Golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#basic-scoring-in-golf) - [Most important rules of golf](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#most-important-rules-of-golf) - [Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-5-stay-positive-manage-your-expectations) - [Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\!](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-6-get-involved-with-a-golf-league-or-tournaments) - [Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#step-7-keep-learning-upgrade-your-equipment-and-practice) - [When should you upgrade your golf clubs?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#when-should-you-upgrade-your-golf-clubs) - [How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#how-much-should-you-practice-at-the-driving-range-vs-the-golf-course) - [Conclusion and your next steps](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-for-beginners#conclusion-and-your-next-steps) Welcome to the game of golf. I'm SO PUMPED you found this page. My name is [Zach](https://www.thediygolfer.com/about), the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site\! As you're probably experiencing, golf can be very intimidating for beginners. What's the best equipment to buy? What are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's "etiquette" too?\! How do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air? None of this is easy, but don't worry, you're in the right place. In this guide, I'll give you EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to get started and succeed as a new golfer. Let's dive in. ## What to expect in your golf journey ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/266c58d96daf8a85d1e6d338ff6b33bc345e99bd-1280x853.jpg?w=800) I think the hardest part of golf is setting realistic expectations for yourself. The golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, "buy our driver and you'll instantly gain 30 yards". While there are proven ways to accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some time and practice. ### A realistic timeline for your game improvement Below, I've written down what I think is a **realistic timeline for your game. This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf. - Months 1-3** - You'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently - You will miss the ball a lot and it will feel impossible to hit the ball where you are aiming - You will think, "I have NO IDEA what I am doing" - When playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace - You'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, "That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!" - You'll probably want to quit at some point. DON'T GIVE IN. - Months 3-12 - You will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range - You will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up - You will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of confusion. - Year 2 - Golf starts getting really fun. - You can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players - You will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90 - Years 3+ - You'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends - You will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment - You'll know all of the golf lingo - You will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets - You're finally a true GOLFER. Great, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my Golf for beginners: A 7-step guide. ## Step 1: Purchase some beginner golf clubs and accessories ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/c857c90b2f316103b91b0a3f1b9429bea507f211-400x400.png?w=800) *NOTE:* I have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here: - [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN](https://amzn.to/47Acx4m) - [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN](https://amzn.to/3DPy7Em) You've probably noticed—it's really easy to spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment. But you don't need to in order to get started. The primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course\! Keep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now. ### What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment? Buying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store. ### What to look for in your first golf club set There are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online... So I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set: - Easy way - buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below) - Hard, time-consuming, in-depth way - read my [guide to buying golf equipment](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-buy-golf-clubs) Buying on Amazon is my recommendation as it simplifies everything for you. As I said, you will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years as you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect\! ### How many clubs do you need? As a complete beginner, I think 10-12 clubs is a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a full set of 14 clubs (the maximum that is allowed in golf). Below are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter. - 9/10/12-piece sets - this is my recommendation. I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit. - 14-piece set - this is a full set. I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead. ### Other things you need to purchase While purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf. Below is my short list of essentials. There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the bare minimum to get out on the course: - Golf balls - Golf shoes - iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder - Accessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.) #### Best golf balls for beginner golfers As I mentioned in the "what to expect" section of this guide, you will lose lots of golf balls. Unless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is price. Sure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100. For that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for less than \$1 per ball. That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality. #### Best golf shoes for beginner golfers With golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a "beginner golf shoe". While you could certainly play golf without golf shoes, I highly recommend purchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would never play golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing. If you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe. While there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle "spikes" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown "spiked" golf shoe. #### Best GPS for beginner golfers When you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit. There are 3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course: 1. Use a free iOS or Android GPS app - this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps. 2. Use a GPS Watch - sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the [Garmin S10](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/garmin-s10-gps-watch). 3. Use a laser rangefinder - this is the most accurate and is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners need this level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the [Bushnell Tour V5](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/bushnell-tour-v5-patriot-laser-rangefinder) is my top choice. There are some budget options like the [Gogogo Sport Vpro](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/gogogo-sport-vpro-laser-rangefinder), but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders. #### Best accessories for beginner golfers Wrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing: - [3 1/4" Golf tees](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/golf-tees) - you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1/4" is long enough for hitting a driver. - [Groove Brush and Towel](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/beginner-brush-towel) - after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel. - [Divot tool + Ball Marker](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/beginner-divot-tool) - if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a "ball mark". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to "mark" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it. ## Step 2: Learn the basic fundamentals of the golf swing You've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?\! Let's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf). ### What should you focus on learning first? As long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels. To get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the exact order I would learn them. 1. Proper Golf Grip - To hit any golf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the only connection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on [how to grip a golf club.](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-grip) 2. Chip Shot - The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens\! 3. Pitch Shot - The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a "mini full swing". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals. 4. Iron Shots - For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons. 5. Full Swing Driver - Most beginners want to learn this shot first because it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact. 6. Bunker Shot - while a bit more advanced, you will find yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the proper setup to escape\! ### What are the best ways to learn golf? While the entire premise of the "DIY" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions. When you are first starting out in this game, it is very challenging to teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting. Instead of doing this, I recommend group lessons. #### Option \#1: Group Lessons ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/0906d0513dcfd3d9ed0c0c032a73999fde7c76e6-7952x5304.jpg?w=800) I love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of "hands-on" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners. #### Option \#2: Private golf lessons If you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay \$400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons. Most instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course. #### Option \#3: Join a country club If you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the fastest ways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits: - The course usually won't be busy - this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often - The head pro gives private lessons - you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is generally going to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area - Other amenities - if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game\! #### Option \#4: Online lessons A very cheap way to learn golf is online. For example, I have a [beginner's guide to golf video course](https://www.thediygolfer.com/academy/courses/golf-for-beginners) you can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game. ## Step 3: Hit the driving range and start practicing your swing Now more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing. To improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week. Here are my "golf for beginners best practice tips": - Purchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment - nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the sooner you will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these [GoSports alignment sticks](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/gosports-alignment-sticks) and get started\! - Hit on real grass whenever possible - any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better feedback you will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not. - Focus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons - while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons. For more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides: - [5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/5-tips-for-getting-your-game-from-the-range-to-the-course) - [Is hitting off mats bad for your game?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/is-hitting-golf-balls-off-mats-bad-for-your-game) ## Step 4: Find beginner-friendly local golf courses and start playing ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/237b32eac202d81906a86b8f545bfa8a64b92331-1280x853.jpg?w=800) While there is technically no such thing as a "beginner-friendly" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others. As I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace. If you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be very busy. As a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them. Furthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is least crowded. Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging. Here are the least crowded times to play golf: - Weekdays - Weekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called "twilight rates") ### How to book a tee time ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/2ebbc5adada18ebae7e96b9ee0ed513722a9e8a3-3456x1224.png?w=800) In order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a "tee time". Most golf courses allow you to "book a tee time" online, but you can always just call the golf shop. ### Know the dress code Nowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs. All that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf. #### Men's golf dress code - Collared shirt - Golf shorts or pants - No denim - Tuck in shirt ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/79916df43475e3c30b56f062abac40a4f2a0cbfa-1280x853.jpg?w=800) #### Women's golf dress code - Collared shirt - Golf shorts or pants or skirt - No denim - Tuck in shirt ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/7ac563afd24913b988e5e14d5b5ea9828bcf34b9-720x1280.jpg?w=800) ### Know basic golf etiquette While it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works. Luckily, it's not hard to get the hang of. Remember these rules, and you should be good\! - Keep up with the group in front of you - as a beginner golfer, this is probably the most important rule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should pick up your ball and go to the next hole. If you don't, faster groups behind you will get mad (unless they are very patient people). - If the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy\! - When someone is hitting, don't move around too much - it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise - Don't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting - sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space - Don't walk in someone's "line" - when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call "their line". Step over this when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt. - Some golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a short putt. - Don't drive the golf cart close to the green - a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times - Rake the bunkers - if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint\! - Maintain a safe space between you and the person hitting - this is for your own safety. Stand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit. - Know where to stand on the tee box when someone hits - see the image below ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/490ba52768d0e2b5bd164a29035fd1d51da4f6c2-573x419.png?w=800) ### Know the basic terms and rules of golf While knowing the rules and "slang" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics. #### Basic Scoring in Golf You may know this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf: - Lowest score wins - Each hole has a "par", which is determined by the length of the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a "par 3", anything between 250-450 yards is a "par 4", and anything greater than 450 yards is a "par 5". This will vary based on the "tee" you play from (championship, mens, womens) - If you take 4 strokes on a "par 4", you've "made par" #### Most important rules of golf - Teeing Off - Start each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area. - The ball must be played from between the tee markers. - Order of Play - The player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box). - Players take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next. - Penalty Strokes - Adding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf. - Common penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls. - Putting Green - On the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments. - You can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole - Flagstick - When putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended. ## Step 5: Stay positive, manage your expectations Listen up. Golf is going to frustrate the heck out of you. What started as a "fun hobby" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it. Remember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment or someone else's (because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it\! As you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen. As soon as you can, I recommend reading [Golf is Not a Game of Perfect](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/golf-is-not-a-game-of-perfect-book). This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores and enjoy golf. ## Step 6: Get involved with a golf league or tournaments\! ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/f009f9644a5dce50d15986451597587d26d5f6fb-1280x853.jpg?w=800) While I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say—golf is about people. Golf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners. In most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve. If you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join [Golfweek's Amateur Tour](https://www.amateurgolftour.net/), which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments. ## Step 7: Keep learning, upgrade your equipment, and practice The last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf\! ### When should you upgrade your golf clubs? At some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to hold you back. I recommend gradually replacing your clubs and equipment. A great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences. I'd recommend starting by [finding a great driver](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-purchase-a-properly-fitted-driver). After that, get some [quality wedges](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-golf-wedges). Then [find some good irons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-find-a-great-set-of-irons), find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you\! You might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game. ### How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course? ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/3b07ac922b6d2ddbc97ac5f0d5763718bfe781d8-1280x853.jpg?w=800) When you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of repetition practice, which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play. So in my opinion, you should try to equally balance your driving range practice and on-course play. ## Conclusion and your next steps I hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a "quickstart to golf". If you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site\! ### Explore by Category [Golf Terms (126)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-terms) [Golf Instruction (111)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-instruction) [Golf Equipment (95)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-equipment) [Accessories and Gear (48)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-accessories) [Golf Drills (26)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-drills) [Golf Swing Positions (10)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/swing-positions) [Golf Statistics (7)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-statistics) [Golf Fitness (1)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/categories/golf-fitness) ### Explore by Topic [Beginners (29)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/beginners) [Data-Driven Golf (16)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/data-driven-golf) [DIY Projects (12)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/diy-projects) [Golf Tips (8)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/golf-tips) [Competitive Golf (7)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/competitive-golf) [Tiger Woods (7)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/tiger-woods) [Impact (5)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/impact) [Swing Philosophies (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/golf-swing-philosophies) [Breaking 80 (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/breaking-80) [The Golfing Machine (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/the-golfing-machine) [Slice Fix (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/slice-fix) [Takeaway (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/takeaway) [Breaking 90 (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/breaking-90) [Golf Nerds (4)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/golf-nerds) [Winter Golf (3)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/winter-golf) [Breaking 100 (2)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/breaking-100) [Release (1)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/release) [Top of Swing (1)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/top-of-swing) [Golf Video Analysis (1)](https://www.thediygolfer.com/tags/golf-video-analysis) ![Beautiful golf course](https://www.thediygolfer.com/assets/local-golf-spot-hero-acfe892f.jpeg) Featured Sponsor L Local Golf Spot Discover Your Next Favorite Course Find and book tee times at the best golf courses near you. Search over 17,000 courses Unbiased reviews and rankings from local golfers Save courses and plan your next golf trip [Visit Local Golf Spot](https://www.localgolfspot.com/) ## More like this ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/10cdcded5e3bfa1cb2d74dfd9538e58aac3e249e-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Article [My Top 5 Golf Tips for Beginner Golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers) In this post, I'll share my top 5 tips (as a former collegiate golfer) for beginner golfers and get you on a path to more consistent golf\! 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[Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/golf-mental-or-physical) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/51736c3d91a857750acac29c657e97aece760129-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Newsletter [3 MISTAKES Golfers Make with their Grip](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/3-mistakes-golfers-grip) Let's talk about 3 common mistakes golfers make with their golf grip and what to do instead. [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/3-mistakes-golfers-grip) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/bc8ded28efe596d12f0382d15808fc6b5bd7fbe2-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Newsletter [3 Putting Tips You've Never Heard Before](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/3-putting-tips-you-never-heard) This week, I want to share 3 putting tips you've never heard of and why they might just transform your game inside 50 feet. [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/3-putting-tips-you-never-heard) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/04487534537d59f24272b79379fdecb75db8ed02-1920x1080.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Review [Every Shot Must Have a Purpose Book Review](https://www.thediygolfer.com/reviews/every-shot-must-have-a-purpose-review) Every Shot Must Have a Purpose is hands down my favorite mental game book. It is particularly great for analytical golfers who need a mental game framework. [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/reviews/every-shot-must-have-a-purpose-review) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/c59378fc97635f7984d3413e06f3baf1351b4ac4-1080x1080.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Roundup [11 Best Golf Books of All Time: Must-reads for every golfer](https://www.thediygolfer.com/roundups/best-golf-books) I've read a TON of books throughout my golf career. These are the best golf books that I have ever read and I'm confident you'll find a game-changer here. [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/roundups/best-golf-books) [See all](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog) ## Articles mentioning this one ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/10cdcded5e3bfa1cb2d74dfd9538e58aac3e249e-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Article [My Top 5 Golf Tips for Beginner Golfers](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers) In this post, I'll share my top 5 tips (as a former collegiate golfer) for beginner golfers and get you on a path to more consistent golf\! [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/5-golf-tips-for-beginner-golfers) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/c27d158176c3826cb25cac2bad131edc8b2193bd-1280x720.png?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Newsletter [Why Play Golf? A Guide for the Beginner, Skeptic, or Hater](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/why-play-golf) Is golf worth the hype? To the beginner, the skeptic, and the hater, here are my favorite parts about this game. [Read more](https://www.thediygolfer.com/newsletter/why-play-golf) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/900fe669ef9a4c67e9fcab1a80888211f2a42d03-5184x2916.jpg?auto=format&fit=max&w=500) Article [How to Learn Golf: Where is the best place to start?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/where-to-learn-how-to-play-golf) Do you go straight to the golf course? Go to driving range? Buy lessons? This posts explores the best ways to get started in golf. 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Readable Markdown	Welcome to the game of golf. I'm SO PUMPED you found this page. My name is [Zach](https://www.thediygolfer.com/about), the founder of The DIY Golfer (this site). I played competitive, D1 college golf at The University of Akron years ago and now share my love for this game with over 1 million golfers every year on this site\! As you're probably experiencing, golf can be very intimidating for beginners. What's the best equipment to buy? What are the rules of golf? And you're telling me there's "etiquette" too?\! How do I make contact with the ball and get it flying high and far in the air? None of this is easy, but don't worry, you're in the right place. In this guide, I'll give you EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to get started and succeed as a new golfer. Let's dive in. ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/266c58d96daf8a85d1e6d338ff6b33bc345e99bd-1280x853.jpg?w=800) I think the hardest part of golf is setting realistic expectations for yourself. The golf industry is doing a terrible job at this. Walk into a golf store and the first thing you'll see is, "buy our driver and you'll instantly gain 30 yards". While there are proven ways to accelerate your progress in this game that I'm excited to share with you, it's going to take some time and practice. ### A realistic timeline for your game improvement Below, I've written down what I think is a **realistic timeline for your game. This assumes you are like most golfers and only have 1-3 days per week that you can practice and play golf. - Months 1-3** - You'll be visiting the driving range and the golf store frequently - You will miss the ball a lot and it will feel impossible to hit the ball where you are aiming - You will think, "I have NO IDEA what I am doing" - When playing on a golf course, you will lose lots of golf balls and will likely have to pick up your ball before you finish each hole in order to keep a good pace - You'll hit a couple of good shots that will have you saying, "That was amazing, I LOVE golf!!" - You'll probably want to quit at some point. DON'T GIVE IN. - Months 3-12 - You will start hitting more consistent shots at the driving range - You will be able to play on a golf course and finish a couple of holes without picking up - You will probably be watching a lot of YouTube videos to figure out how to swing better, and this will probably result in lots of confusion. - Year 2 - Golf starts getting really fun. - You can play full rounds of golf on the course and even keep up with more experienced players - You will start caring about your score more and trying to break barriers like shooting under 100 or 90 - Years 3+ - You'll be good enough to play fancy golf courses and go on golf trips with your friends - You will know a lot more about equipment and will likely upgrade your equipment - You'll know all of the golf lingo - You will have all sorts of golf apps and gadgets - You're finally a true GOLFER. Great, so now that we have some realistic expectations, here is my Golf for beginners: A 7-step guide. ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/c857c90b2f316103b91b0a3f1b9429bea507f211-400x400.png?w=800) *NOTE:* I have consolidated all of the equipment recommendations for both men and women in one spot on Amazon. You can find both collections here: - [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for MEN](https://amzn.to/47Acx4m) - [Beginner Golfer Starter Pack for WOMEN](https://amzn.to/3DPy7Em) You've probably noticed—it's really easy to spend thousands of dollars on golf equipment. But you don't need to in order to get started. The primary goal when getting started in golf is purchasing a few clubs that get you out to the driving range and golf course\! Keep in mind, if you stick with the game, you will likely be replacing this beginner set within a year or two, so don't go for perfection right now. ### What is the best place to purchase beginner golf equipment? Buying golf equipment is tough. There are so many options and a LOT of salespeople trying to get you to buy the flashy new clubs that just arrived at the store. ### What to look for in your first golf club set There are so many options here. You can buy new or used, individual clubs or a full set, in-person or online... So I'll give you an easy way and a hard way to buy your first set: - Easy way - buy a beginner golf set on Amazon (recommendations below) - Hard, time-consuming, in-depth way - read my [guide to buying golf equipment](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-buy-golf-clubs) Buying on Amazon is my recommendation as it simplifies everything for you. As I said, you will likely replace this entire set within 1-2 years as you get better at the game, so no need to get this perfect\! ### How many clubs do you need? As a complete beginner, I think 10-12 clubs is a good starting point. Once you improve and need to upgrade your clubs, you will want a full set of 14 clubs (the maximum that is allowed in golf). Below are my two recommendations for men and women that I think are GREAT choices. Most sets on Amazon come in the following quantities and include all the clubs you need such as a pitching wedge, sand wedge, irons, fairway wood, driver, and putter. - 9/10/12-piece sets - this is my recommendation. I think a full set starting out is a bit overkill, and with 9 clubs, you can hit just about any shot a beginner would need to hit. - 14-piece set - this is a full set. I don't think you need all of this starting out, but if you want to know you've got every possible club, go right ahead. ### Other things you need to purchase While purchasing a golf set on Amazon gets you a golf bag + clubs, you'll need a few additional things before you can play a round of golf. Below is my short list of essentials. There are more things you'll eventually want to buy, but I view this list as the bare minimum to get out on the course: - Golf balls - Golf shoes - iOS or Android GPS App, GPS watch, or Rangefinder - Accessories (tees, groove cleaner, towel, etc.) #### Best golf balls for beginner golfers As I mentioned in the "what to expect" section of this guide, you will lose lots of golf balls. Unless you have deep pockets, your primary concern with golf balls is price. Sure, there are golf balls that help beginners hit it a little bit further, but I'm here to tell you—your choice of golf ball will not matter much until you start shooting below 100. For that reason, my top choice for beginner golfers is the 36-pack of Wilson Profile Distance golf balls. Wilson is a well-known golf company and in this pack, you're getting 3-dozen golf balls for less than \$1 per ball. That's about as cheap as you'll find while maintaining good quality. #### Best golf shoes for beginner golfers With golf shoes, there's really no such thing as a "beginner golf shoe". While you could certainly play golf without golf shoes, I highly recommend purchasing a pair so you can start getting used to the feel of them. As a competitive golfer myself, I would never play golf without spiked golf shoes because they provide so much stability for my golf swing. If you plan on doing a lot of walking (vs. riding in a cart), I'd invest in a quality golf shoe. On average, you will be walking ~3 miles for 9 holes of golf, or ~6 miles for 18 holes of golf. That's a lot of walking, so you NEED a great shoe. While there are plenty of great choices, FootJoy is one of the premier golf shoe brands and has a GREAT option for both men and women with the FJ Flex/Fuel golf shoe. This shoe has built-in, subtle "spikes" which provide great grip while avoiding a full-blown "spiked" golf shoe. #### Best GPS for beginner golfers When you are playing golf, you will need to measure the distance from your ball to the hole in order to choose the correct club to hit. There are 3 primary ways to measure distance on the golf course: 1. Use a free iOS or Android GPS app - this is my recommendation for beginners. There are many apps that allow you to track your round score, and stats, and also see the distance to the hole via your phone's GPS such as The Grint, 18Birdies, and Garmin Golf apps. 2. Use a GPS Watch - sometimes, carrying your phone everywhere is annoying. Instead, you can purchase a watch that will tell you the distance to the hole, and in some cases, allow you to connect with your phone to track your score as well. If you're going down this route, you can't go wrong with the [Garmin S10](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/garmin-s10-gps-watch). 3. Use a laser rangefinder - this is the most accurate and is my personal choice. That said, I don't think beginners need this level of precision starting out. If you insist on going this route, the [Bushnell Tour V5](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/bushnell-tour-v5-patriot-laser-rangefinder) is my top choice. There are some budget options like the [Gogogo Sport Vpro](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/gogogo-sport-vpro-laser-rangefinder), but I just don't think you can beat Bushnell when it comes to laser rangefinders. #### Best accessories for beginner golfers Wrapping up our list of beginner golf equipment to buy, there are a few essential accessories you will need. Here's what I recommend purchasing: - [3 1/4" Golf tees](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/golf-tees) - you'll see all sorts of marketing for tees of every kind, but the pros (and myself) play good old wooden golf tees. Don't overcomplicate this part of golf. Generally, 3 1/4" is long enough for hitting a driver. - [Groove Brush and Towel](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/beginner-brush-towel) - after enough shots, you will have dirt in the grooves of your irons. Pour a little water (or spit) on the club face, clean the dirt with this groove brush, and wipe clean with a towel. - [Divot tool + Ball Marker](https://www.thediygolfer.com/recommends/beginner-divot-tool) - if you manage to fly the ball on the green, it will make a small indentation called a "ball mark". You will use the divot tool to repair these ball marks. The ball marker is what you will use to "mark" your ball on the green before you pick it up to clean it. You've successfully drained your bank account on golf clubs and accessories and now, it's time to justify the cost, right?\! Let's learn how to swing a golf club (and play golf). ### What should you focus on learning first? As long as you are playing golf, you are learning new techniques and shots. This process continues with all skill levels. To get the most out of your practice, here are the key fundamentals I would learn, and the exact order I would learn them. 1. Proper Golf Grip - To hit any golf shot, you need to learn how to grip the golf club. I recommend purchasing a grip trainer and using it around the house whenever you have the chance. The grip is the only connection you have with the golf club, so learn it well! Here's an in-depth guide on [how to grip a golf club.](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/golf-grip) 2. Chip Shot - The chip shot is a short game shot that you need to learn because you'll be using it all the time around the greens\! 3. Pitch Shot - The pitch shot is another short game shot, but is longer than the chip shot. I consider it a "mini full swing". Learning the pitch shot is great because it will help your full swing by allowing you to develop good fundamentals. 4. Iron Shots - For beginners, this is one of the more challenging shots, but you will need to learn how to hit your irons. 5. Full Swing Driver - Most beginners want to learn this shot first because it's the most fun! Learning to tee the ball up at the correct height and hit the driver is essential. When you're starting, it's important to focus on a smooth tempo, great posture, and making solid contact. 6. Bunker Shot - while a bit more advanced, you will find yourself in a bunker at some point and it is important you know the proper setup to escape\! ### What are the best ways to learn golf? While the entire premise of the "DIY" Golfer is you should be able to teach yourself golf, there are a few exceptions. When you are first starting out in this game, it is very challenging to teach yourself the golf swing from the ground up. I know this because that's exactly how I learned—by watching tons of golf tips YouTube videos, reading sites like this one, and experimenting. Instead of doing this, I recommend group lessons. #### Option \#1: Group Lessons ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/0906d0513dcfd3d9ed0c0c032a73999fde7c76e6-7952x5304.jpg?w=800) I love this way of learning golf because it is affordable, yet gives you a lot of "hands-on" instruction that you will likely need in those first couple months of learning the game. It also makes things less intimidating because the majority of golfers attending these golf lessons are at the same skill level as you—complete beginners. #### Option \#2: Private golf lessons If you have the money, many golf instructors offer lesson packages, which can be an excellent way to get started. You will generally pay \$400-600 for 6-10, 30-minute private golf lessons. Most instructors will teach at either a driving range or golf course. #### Option \#3: Join a country club If you know you're in this for the long haul, one of the fastest ways to learn golf is by joining a country club. It's expensive, but if you can manage it, you'll get all of the following benefits: - The course usually won't be busy - this is a huge benefit to the beginner golfer because you don't have to worry about keeping pace with the group in front of you as often - The head pro gives private lessons - you'll get 1:1 instruction from the head pro, who is generally going to have more experience teaching than the average teaching pro in your area - Other amenities - if you've got a family, country clubs generally have pools, private events, and lots more you can bring your family to while you hone your golf game\! #### Option \#4: Online lessons A very cheap way to learn golf is online. For example, I have a [beginner's guide to golf video course](https://www.thediygolfer.com/academy/courses/golf-for-beginners) you can take to get up to speed, learn the swing, and get the most out of this game. Now more than ever, there are tons of driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and social venues like Top Golf to practice your golf swing. To improve your game, I recommend going to the driving range and hitting 50-100 golf balls at least once a week. Here are my "golf for beginners best practice tips": - Purchase an alignment stick and start practicing your posture and alignment - nearly 100% of beginner golfers line up improperly. The earlier you can start training your body to line up to the target, the sooner you will start hitting great golf shots. Grab these [GoSports alignment sticks](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/gosports-alignment-sticks) and get started\! - Hit on real grass whenever possible - any practice is great, but the more you can hit from real grass, the better feedback you will get. When hitting off artificial mats, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether you've made solid contact or not. - Focus on your driver, fairway woods, wedges, and short irons - while practicing your 4, 5, and 6 irons is important, I think beginner golfers would benefit from focusing on the clubs they hit the most, which is driver, 3-wood, and those wedges and short irons. For more tips on practicing golf at the driving range, I recommend checking out some of my guides: - [5 tips for getting your game from the range to the course](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/5-tips-for-getting-your-game-from-the-range-to-the-course) - [Is hitting off mats bad for your game?](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/is-hitting-golf-balls-off-mats-bad-for-your-game) ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/237b32eac202d81906a86b8f545bfa8a64b92331-1280x853.jpg?w=800) While there is technically no such thing as a "beginner-friendly" golf course, I'm here to tell you that some courses are going to be less inviting to the beginner than others. As I mentioned above, a country club is probably the best place for a beginner that has the money to purchase a membership because these courses are generally less crowded and gives a beginner space to learn the game at a slow pace. If you are like I was, you don't have that luxury. I grew up playing public golf courses, which can be very busy. As a beginner, I recommend finding a golf course that has cheaper greens fees since those courses are likely going to have the most beginners at them. Furthermore, the day of the week and the time of day you play will matter. You will want to go when the course is least crowded. Otherwise, you will have groups of golfers playing behind you that will expect you to play fast and keep up with the group ahead of you. As a beginner who hits lots of shots, this can be challenging. Here are the least crowded times to play golf: - Weekdays - Weekends after 4 pm (golf courses have reduced rates called "twilight rates") ### How to book a tee time ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/2ebbc5adada18ebae7e96b9ee0ed513722a9e8a3-3456x1224.png?w=800) In order to play any golf course, you will need to reserve a time to play which is called a "tee time". Most golf courses allow you to "book a tee time" online, but you can always just call the golf shop. ### Know the dress code Nowadays, golf courses have become less strict about dress codes. In general, public golf courses are far less strict than private country clubs. All that said, here are rules of thumb to follow for men and women when dressing for a round of golf. #### Men's golf dress code - Collared shirt - Golf shorts or pants - No denim - Tuck in shirt ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/79916df43475e3c30b56f062abac40a4f2a0cbfa-1280x853.jpg?w=800) #### Women's golf dress code - Collared shirt - Golf shorts or pants or skirt - No denim - Tuck in shirt ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/7ac563afd24913b988e5e14d5b5ea9828bcf34b9-720x1280.jpg?w=800) ### Know basic golf etiquette While it might seem odd to the new player, golf etiquette is a big deal and you'll have some very angry golfers staring at you if you're not aware of how it all works. Luckily, it's not hard to get the hang of. Remember these rules, and you should be good\! - Keep up with the group in front of you - as a beginner golfer, this is probably the most important rule. Starting out, you will be taking lots of shots, looking for your golf ball a lot, and generally playing slower than most golfers. You should try to target around 12-15 minutes per hole, and if it is taking longer, you should pick up your ball and go to the next hole. If you don't, faster groups behind you will get mad (unless they are very patient people). - If the course is empty (not busy) and nobody is behind you, take all the time you need and enjoy your round! That's why I recommend playing in the evenings—less busy\! - When someone is hitting, don't move around too much - it's hard to hit a golf shot when people are moving around and making all sorts of noise - Don't drive your golf cart past golfers while they are hitting - sometimes, this is unavoidable; just make sure you keep some space - Don't walk in someone's "line" - when on the putting green, the imaginary line between a player's golf ball and the hole is what we call "their line". Step over this when you walk because if you step on it, you could make scuff marks that will affect that player's putt. - Some golfers make WAYYY too big a deal of this. As a competitive golfer, the only time I cared about this was when someone walked in my line on a short putt. - Don't drive the golf cart close to the green - a universal rule for all golf courses is to keep the golf cart at least 50 yards from the green at all times - Rake the bunkers - if you hit from the sand, after you're done, rake the bunker so the next golfer doesn't have to hit from your footprint\! - Maintain a safe space between you and the person hitting - this is for your own safety. Stand at least 10 feet from a golfer while they hit. - Know where to stand on the tee box when someone hits - see the image below ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/490ba52768d0e2b5bd164a29035fd1d51da4f6c2-573x419.png?w=800) ### Know the basic terms and rules of golf While knowing the rules and "slang" for golf is not required to play, it's good to know the basics. #### Basic Scoring in Golf You may know this stuff already, but here is the basic scoring in golf: - Lowest score wins - Each hole has a "par", which is determined by the length of the hole. Generally, anything less than 250 yards is a "par 3", anything between 250-450 yards is a "par 4", and anything greater than 450 yards is a "par 5". This will vary based on the "tee" you play from (championship, mens, womens) - If you take 4 strokes on a "par 4", you've "made par" #### Most important rules of golf - Teeing Off - Start each hole by teeing off from within the designated tee area. - The ball must be played from between the tee markers. - Order of Play - The player farthest from the hole typically plays first (except on the tee box). - Players take turns hitting shots, with the player farthest from the hole going next. - Penalty Strokes - Adding penalty strokes for rule infractions is common in golf. - Common penalties include out-of-bounds, water hazards, and lost balls. - Putting Green - On the putting green, you can repair ball marks and remove loose impediments. - You can place a mark behind your ball and then pick your ball up to clean it or aim it at the hole - Flagstick - When putting, you can leave the flagstick in the hole or have it attended. Listen up. Golf is going to frustrate the heck out of you. What started as a "fun hobby" can quickly become an anger-inducing obligation if you let it. Remember, this is a game that is meant to be enjoyed. Sure, we're all trying to shoot lower scores, but if it comes at the expense of your enjoyment or someone else's (because you're being an annoying playing partner), it's not worth it\! As you learn golf, remember to take a few deep breaths and smile. You will hit lots of bad shots, your swing won't always feel that great, and bad breaks will happen. As soon as you can, I recommend reading [Golf is Not a Game of Perfect](https://www.thediygolfer.com/products/golf-is-not-a-game-of-perfect-book). This book will help you manage expectations and give you the perspective you need to shoot lower scores and enjoy golf. ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/f009f9644a5dce50d15986451597587d26d5f6fb-1280x853.jpg?w=800) While I love a quiet range session in beautiful weather, I'll be the first one to say—golf is about people. Golf is a great way to build friendships and enjoy time with your playing partners. In most cities, there are local golf leagues that you can join. This is a great way to make new friends and challenge yourself to improve. If you're really serious about improving your game and competing, you can also join [Golfweek's Amateur Tour](https://www.amateurgolftour.net/), which allows golfers of all skill levels to compete in tournaments. The last step is a never-ending step. This game has something for every skill level and you'll never master it. That's the beauty of golf\! ### When should you upgrade your golf clubs? At some point, you'll want to start replacing those beginner clubs that you bought because they will start to hold you back. I recommend gradually replacing your clubs and equipment. A great golf set does not come in a box; it's built to your preferences. I'd recommend starting by [finding a great driver](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-purchase-a-properly-fitted-driver). After that, get some [quality wedges](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-golf-wedges). Then [find some good irons](https://www.thediygolfer.com/blog/how-to-find-a-great-set-of-irons), find a bag you love, and after that... Well, that's up to you\! You might even consider getting a proper golf fitting which will help you determine what clubs and golf shafts are right for your swing and game. ### How much should you practice at the driving range vs the golf course? ![](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/2htn0fq6/production/3b07ac922b6d2ddbc97ac5f0d5763718bfe781d8-1280x853.jpg?w=800) When you're just starting out, you're going to need lots of repetition practice, which happens at the driving range. That said, there is no substitute for getting on the course and learning how to play. So in my opinion, you should try to equally balance your driving range practice and on-course play. I hope you've enjoyed this guide and it has provided you a "quickstart to golf". If you liked it, I've got a LOT MORE stuff for you to explore on the site\!
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