Want to play golf but don’t know anything about golf?
In golf, there’s a significant discussion about how to attract new players to the game. There are numerous motivations behind why the industry seeks to expand its player base, with financial gain being a primary driver. This article is tailored to individuals who have long harbored an interest in golf and provides guidance on taking the next step forward.
As mentioned earlier, golf is a game meant to be played, but various factors like cultural, psychological, or economic barriers might have prevented you from experiencing it firsthand. Honestly, putt-putt or mini-golf can serve as fantastic introductions to the game. I recall my own childhood when, before fully realizing my love for golf, I’d create mini-golf courses in a corner of our backyard. I’d design long holes, short ones, with ups, downs, twists, and turns, incorporating water hazards, little critters, and all sorts of obstacles. The main goal was simple: I just wanted to play.
I consider myself fortunate that my older brothers had golf clubs, allowing me to observe them play at the local golf course. However, for those who didn’t grow up around the game, venturing onto a golf course can feel daunting and intimidating. Nowadays, as I teach at Golf Jundiz, I often notice people peering curiously at the course, their interest evident yet hesitant to take that first step. Sometimes, I’ll approach them and extend an invitation, only to hear responses like, “I’ve always wanted to play, but I’m too old,” or “Isn’t golf just for posh people?” Well, let me tell you, golf is for everyone, but the key is learning by playing.
With that said, it’s crucial to find a golf course that welcomes beginners with open arms, both in terms of skill level and customer service. I often recount the story of my wife’s skiing experience to emphasize this point. On a weekend trip to Lake Tahoe with a group of seasoned skiers, they reassured her, saying, “Don’t worry, you’ll pick it up quickly.” Then, they whisked her to the mountaintop and simply said, “Follow us.” What followed? Well, she had zero experience with skiing, but thankfully, she had the wisdom to retreat, get a refund for the day pass, and opt for some hot cocoa at the lodge instead.
What defines a beginner-friendly course?
Typically, a beginner-friendly course is a shorter one, often referred to as a “pitch and putt” golf course. These courses boast fewer obstacles and require less skill and knowledge to navigate effectively. Pitch and Putt courses typically span around 100 meters (110 yards) in distance, allowing for shorter shots and quicker gameplay. If you’re unsure about the skill level required for a particular course, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly. Let them know you’re a beginner and inquire about their offerings. In Europe, some courses may require a license, but ideally, you’ll find a facility with a beginner program that prioritizes actual gameplay over range practice.
Arriving at the Course
If you find yourself unsure of what to do and haven’t called ahead, don’t worry—simply head to the golf course. For many, this initial step can feel intimidating, but I hope the insights shared here can help boost your confidence and ease any apprehensions. Upon arrival, make your way to the golf shop where a friendly staff member will greet you and guide you through your options for the day. Depending on the course’s availability, you may have the opportunity to play immediately or be asked to wait. Rental clubs are typically available, and some courses may even lend you a club or two if needed.
Selecting and Using Clubs
Now, let’s delve into clubs. While golf permits a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag, as a beginner, starting with just one club suffices, especially on a beginner-friendly course. If you happen to have access to a “smart club,” that’s superb. These clubs, crafted by the esteemed Australian teacher Sandy Jamieson, are tailored for beginners, featuring a modified 5 iron with a user-friendly handle and an enlarged club head for easier hitting. Moreover, they come with an indicator on the club face pinpointing the sweet spot—the ideal point for contact with the ball. If a smart club isn’t at your disposal, I recommend starting with either a 7 iron, 6 iron, or 5 iron to kickstart your golf journey.
At the golf course where I teach, I’ve crafted my own Smart Club, employing a sustainable approach of repurposing old clubs. It’s a resourceful method where I’ve repurposed old clubs by trimming down 7 irons, 6 irons, or 5 irons, affixing a putter grip for comfort, and marking a circle on the sweet spot. This straightforward modification transforms these clubs into outstanding tools for beginners, offering both ease of use and visual guidance to assist golfers in finding that critical sweet spot for optimal performance. And you could do the same thing too!
Preparing for Your Round
Before embarking on your round, it’s essential to purchase golf balls and ensure they are marked with a sharpie marker. This straightforward action aids in ball identification and enhances the pace of play. Once your balls are marked, head to the putting green to warm up before teeing off. Certain courses may provide coaching on fundamental techniques, such as proper hand placement and body alignment, which can be invaluable for beginners like yourself.
If the course doesn’t offer coaching, here’s what you can do. Begin by practicing a small rolling shot on the putting green with your Smart Club, then gradually increase the distance as you progress. Position the ball on the ground and grip the club handle, ensuring your lead hand’s pad rests on top of the flat spot with the thumb on top, pointing straight down. Place your other hand closely below it, also with the thumb pointing straight down. Let your arms hang naturally, resembling ropes of a swing tied to a tree. Next, position the sweet spot of the club head directly behind the golf ball, ensuring the club face points toward your intended target. Ensure the base of the “smart club” is flat on the ground, and align your body comfortably parallel to your target line.
Starting Your Game
Imagine that you’ve placed a one-year-old baby on that tree swing we mentioned earlier. Now, are you going to swing the baby high and fast or low and slow? Hopefully, you answered “low and slow”! Well, you’re going to do the same thing with your relaxed shoulders and arms. When you’re on the green, it’s essential to be mindful that the grass here is very fine and delicate. So, when you swing the club on the green, you don’t want it to touch the ground because it could damage the grass, and you’ll end up having to repair that damaged spot. Additionally, this movement helps you work on a golf term called “bottom point control,” which refers to the lowest point of your arc during the swing.
Improving Your Skills
As you become more proficient, you can gradually move further away from the target. REMEMBER, it’s crucial to manage your current skill level. This means that when you start to hit erratic shots or miss the ball altogether, you’ve reached your skill limit. But that’s okay! You can always go back to a manageable, repeatable, and sustainable golf swing that ensures more consistent contact and a more enjoyable time on the course. After a few minutes of warming up, you and your group can head to the first hole.
Golf Course Etiquette
At certain golf courses, you’ll find a sand container nearby. Here, you’ll fill small buckets with sand. Why? Because if you happen to make a big hole or divot with the golf club, you can cover the damaged area with sand. This special sand contains seeds that help the grass grow back faster. It’s important to remember that on the putting green, we must be extremely careful not to damage the grass in any way. If, by chance, you do end up damaging it, please be sure to repair it promptly.
Golf Terminology
I’ve made the deliberate choice not to delve into golf vernacular and vocabulary, such as “fairway,” “rough,” “par,” “birdie,” “shank,” and so forth. From my experience, I’ve found that the best way to pick up these terms is through practical experience—learning by doing, as they say.
Safety and Order of Play
In golf, safety is paramount due to the presence of fast-flying projectiles, namely the golf ball. Let’s start with the teeing area: marked by two markers, it serves as the starting point for each hole. On the first tee, flipping a tee is a simple method to determine the order of play for each member of the group. Here’s how it works: gather your playing group in a circle and flip a tee. The person indicated by the tee when it lands goes first, and continue flipping until each member’s turn is established. Alternatively, you can opt for Ready Golf, where whoever is ready to play goes ahead without waiting for a specific order. When it’s your turn, place the ball on a tee between the markers. While the rules allow for more in the teeing ground, let’s focus on the basics. Take about 15 seconds for a practice swing or two, then set up to the ball and hit it. Use landmarks to locate your ball, and if needed, ask other players if they saw it so you can swiftly find it and maintain the pace of play. Knowing where to wait is crucial for everyone’s well-being. The safest spot to wait your turn, especially if the golfer is right-handed, is about 2-3 meters diagonally to their right. For left-handed players, simply do the opposite. Here, you’re shielded from the ball and the club, ensuring safety for all.
Maintaining Pace of Play
Once everyone has hit their shots, proceed as a group to locate the golf balls. Generally, the player farthest from the hole takes their turn first, but if someone is still searching for their ball, it may be necessary to employ Ready Golf. If it’s your turn to play or you’re opting for Ready Golf, communicate to the group that you’re about to hit. Take a couple of practice swings, get into position, and swing away. Afterward, lend a hand to anyone still searching for their ball, ensuring everyone can proceed smoothly.
Handling Lost Balls
If you or someone else in your group can’t locate their ball, and the search is taking too long, it’s best to drop another ball, play it, and continue with the game. This approach helps maintain the pace of play, which is crucial, especially on busy days. On such days, groups typically tee off every 8 to 10 minutes, and each group is allotted 10 to 15 minutes to complete a hole.
Staying Active Between Shots
Walking briskly between shots or from hole to hole not only promotes cardiovascular health but also contributes to faster play on the course. If you’re taking too much time, consider picking up the ball and dropping another one closer to the hole to finish out. Don’t stress about losing a ball; it happens. As previously mentioned, simply drop another ball near the spot where you last saw it and continue play from there. Remember, there’s a thriving industry for used golf balls, so you’re indirectly supporting it. If you find yourself struggling to make contact or feeling overwhelmed by the game, don’t hesitate to take a break. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surroundings of the golf course, taking in the scenery and allowing yourself time to regroup. When you’re ready to get back into the game, approach it with renewed energy and focus. Remember, the key is to make a controlled swing that guarantees forward progress. This means keeping your swing rhythmical, compact and manageable. Often, we lose control when we try to do too much, mimicking the swings of more advanced golfers. Instead, focus on finding a sustainable and repeatable swing that consistently makes contact with the ball. Once you’ve mastered this foundational swing, you can gradually work on refining and expanding your technique. When my brother was learning to skateboard, he mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. I suggested he try going during off-peak hours. Similarly, golfing during quieter times allows you to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, giving you the space and time to learn, play and practice at your own pace. Most golf courses offer various options, including 9-hole rates, so you don’t have to commit to 18 holes. And remember, most golfers behind you are concerned more about pace of play than your score. As long as you maintain a good pace, everyone will be happy.
Embracing the Journey
Remember, golf is a personal journey, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, it’s essential to stay aware of where you stand in your game. Coach Sandy Jamieson’s advice is spot on: simplify your approach, focus on executing a controlled swing that moves the ball forward steadily. As you refine your ball-striking skills, keep those fundamental mechanics in mind, groove your rhythm, and aim for that satisfying solid contact. Mastering golf isn’t achieved overnight; it requires smart practice habits, dedication, repetition, and a willingness to “surrender to the result,” whether it’s good or bad. In truth, we never truly master golf; instead, the best approach is to embrace and enjoy all aspects that golf brings to your life. Embrace the journey, keep your patience intact, and have faith in the process of skill development. While we all dream of launching the ball down the fairway with precision, hitting crisp iron shots, and sinking putts, true improvement stems from consistent, mindful practice and play. Stay committed, and always remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Recommended Programs
If you happen to reside in Melbourne, Australia, I highly recommend checking out a program called 1ClubGolf at Oakleigh Golf Course, led by the fantastic coach Sandy Jamieson. In fact, some of his concepts have inspired my approach to this article and my beginner golf program.
Coach Jamieson emphasizes four key principles: safety, maintaining a good pace of play, understanding your skill level, and respecting the course. Remarkably, he’ll have you out on the course playing within just 15 minutes of your arrival. If you do pay him a visit, I’d love to hear about your experience.
What defines a beginner-friendly course?
Typically, a beginner-friendly course is a shorter one, often referred to as a “pitch and putt” golf course. These courses boast fewer obstacles and require less skill and knowledge to navigate effectively. Pitch and Putt courses typically span around 100 meters (110 yards) in distance, allowing for shorter shots and quicker gameplay. If you’re unsure about the skill level required for a particular course, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly. Let them know you’re a beginner and inquire about their offerings. In Europe, some courses may require a license, but ideally, you’ll find a facility with a beginner program that prioritizes actual gameplay over range practice.
Arriving at the Course
If you find yourself unsure of what to do and haven’t called ahead, don’t worry—simply head to the golf course. For many, this initial step can feel intimidating, but I hope the insights shared here can help boost your confidence and ease any apprehensions. Upon arrival, make your way to the golf shop where a friendly staff member will greet you and guide you through your options for the day. Depending on the course’s availability, you may have the opportunity to play immediately or be asked to wait. Rental clubs are typically available, and some courses may even lend you a club or two if needed.
Selecting and Using Clubs
Now, let’s delve into clubs. While golf permits a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag, as a beginner, starting with just one club suffices, especially on a beginner-friendly course. If you happen to have access to a “smart club,” that’s superb. These clubs, crafted by the esteemed Australian teacher Sandy Jamieson, are tailored for beginners, featuring a modified 5 iron with a user-friendly handle and an enlarged club head for easier hitting. Moreover, they come with an indicator on the club face pinpointing the sweet spot—the ideal point for contact with the ball. If a smart club isn’t at your disposal, I recommend starting with either a 7 iron, 6 iron, or 5 iron to kickstart your golf journey.
At the golf course where I teach, I’ve crafted my own Smart Club, employing a sustainable approach of repurposing old clubs. It’s a resourceful method where I’ve repurposed old clubs by trimming down 7 irons, 6 irons, or 5 irons, affixing a putter grip for comfort, and marking a circle on the sweet spot. This straightforward modification transforms these clubs into outstanding tools for beginners, offering both ease of use and visual guidance to assist golfers in finding that critical sweet spot for optimal performance. And you could do the same thing too!
Preparing for Your Round
Before embarking on your round, it’s essential to purchase golf balls and ensure they are marked with a sharpie marker. This straightforward action aids in ball identification and enhances the pace of play. Once your balls are marked, head to the putting green to warm up before teeing off. Certain courses may provide coaching on fundamental techniques, such as proper hand placement and body alignment, which can be invaluable for beginners like yourself.
If the course doesn’t offer coaching, here’s what you can do. Begin by practicing a small rolling shot on the putting green with your Smart Club, then gradually increase the distance as you progress. Position the ball on the ground and grip the club handle, ensuring your lead hand’s pad rests on top of the flat spot with the thumb on top, pointing straight down. Place your other hand closely below it, also with the thumb pointing straight down. Let your arms hang naturally, resembling ropes of a swing tied to a tree. Next, position the sweet spot of the club head directly behind the golf ball, ensuring the club face points toward your intended target. Ensure the base of the “smart club” is flat on the ground, and align your body comfortably parallel to your target line.
Starting Your Game
Imagine that you’ve placed a one-year-old baby on that tree swing we mentioned earlier. Now, are you going to swing the baby high and fast or low and slow? Hopefully, you answered “low and slow”! Well, you’re going to do the same thing with your relaxed shoulders and arms. When you’re on the green, it’s essential to be mindful that the grass here is very fine and delicate. So, when you swing the club on the green, you don’t want it to touch the ground because it could damage the grass, and you’ll end up having to repair that damaged spot. Additionally, this movement helps you work on a golf term called “bottom point control,” which refers to the lowest point of your arc during the swing.
Improving Your Skills
As you become more proficient, you can gradually move further away from the target. REMEMBER, it’s crucial to manage your current skill level. This means that when you start to hit erratic shots or miss the ball altogether, you’ve reached your skill limit. But that’s okay! You can always go back to a manageable, repeatable, and sustainable golf swing that ensures more consistent contact and a more enjoyable time on the course. After a few minutes of warming up, you and your group can head to the first hole.
Golf Course Etiquette
At certain golf courses, you’ll find a sand container nearby. Here, you’ll fill small buckets with sand. Why? Because if you happen to make a big hole or divot with the golf club, you can cover the damaged area with sand. This special sand contains seeds that help the grass grow back faster. It’s important to remember that on the putting green, we must be extremely careful not to damage the grass in any way. If, by chance, you do end up damaging it, please be sure to repair it promptly.
Golf Terminology
I’ve made the deliberate choice not to delve into golf vernacular and vocabulary, such as “fairway,” “rough,” “par,” “birdie,” “shank,” and so forth. From my experience, I’ve found that the best way to pick up these terms is through practical experience—learning by doing, as they say.
Safety and Order of Play
In golf, safety is paramount due to the presence of fast-flying projectiles, namely the golf ball. Let’s start with the teeing area: marked by two markers, it serves as the starting point for each hole. On the first tee, flipping a tee is a simple method to determine the order of play for each member of the group. Here’s how it works: gather your playing group in a circle and flip a tee. The person indicated by the tee when it lands goes first, and continue flipping until each member’s turn is established. Alternatively, you can opt for Ready Golf, where whoever is ready to play goes ahead without waiting for a specific order. When it’s your turn, place the ball on a tee between the markers. While the rules allow for more in the teeing ground, let’s focus on the basics. Take about 15 seconds for a practice swing or two, then set up to the ball and hit it. Use landmarks to locate your ball, and if needed, ask other players if they saw it so you can swiftly find it and maintain the pace of play. Knowing where to wait is crucial for everyone’s well-being. The safest spot to wait your turn, especially if the golfer is right-handed, is about 2-3 meters diagonally to their right. For left-handed players, simply do the opposite. Here, you’re shielded from the ball and the club, ensuring safety for all.
Maintaining Pace of Play
Once everyone has hit their shots, proceed as a group to locate the golf balls. Generally, the player farthest from the hole takes their turn first, but if someone is still searching for their ball, it may be necessary to employ Ready Golf. If it’s your turn to play or you’re opting for Ready Golf, communicate to the group that you’re about to hit. Take a couple of practice swings, get into position, and swing away. Afterward, lend a hand to anyone still searching for their ball, ensuring everyone can proceed smoothly.
Handling Lost Balls
If you or someone else in your group can’t locate their ball, and the search is taking too long, it’s best to drop another ball, play it, and continue with the game. This approach helps maintain the pace of play, which is crucial, especially on busy days. On such days, groups typically tee off every 8 to 10 minutes, and each group is allotted 10 to 15 minutes to complete a hole.
Staying Active Between Shots
Walking briskly between shots or from hole to hole not only promotes cardiovascular health but also contributes to faster play on the course. If you’re taking too much time, consider picking up the ball and dropping another one closer to the hole to finish out. Don’t stress about losing a ball; it happens. As previously mentioned, simply drop another ball near the spot where you last saw it and continue play from there. Remember, there’s a thriving industry for used golf balls, so you’re indirectly supporting it. If you find yourself struggling to make contact or feeling overwhelmed by the game, don’t hesitate to take a break. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surroundings of the golf course, taking in the scenery and allowing yourself time to regroup. When you’re ready to get back into the game, approach it with renewed energy and focus. Remember, the key is to make a controlled swing that guarantees forward progress. This means keeping your swing rhythmical, compact and manageable. Often, we lose control when we try to do too much, mimicking the swings of more advanced golfers. Instead, focus on finding a sustainable and repeatable swing that consistently makes contact with the ball. Once you’ve mastered this foundational swing, you can gradually work on refining and expanding your technique. When my brother was learning to skateboard, he mentioned feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. I suggested he try going during off-peak hours. Similarly, golfing during quieter times allows you to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, giving you the space and time to learn, play and practice at your own pace. Most golf courses offer various options, including 9-hole rates, so you don’t have to commit to 18 holes. And remember, most golfers behind you are concerned more about pace of play than your score. As long as you maintain a good pace, everyone will be happy.
Embracing the Journey
Remember, golf is a personal journey, and everyone progresses at their own pace. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your skills, it’s essential to stay aware of where you stand in your game. Coach Sandy Jamieson’s advice is spot on: simplify your approach, focus on executing a controlled swing that moves the ball forward steadily. As you refine your ball-striking skills, keep those fundamental mechanics in mind, groove your rhythm, and aim for that satisfying solid contact. Mastering golf isn’t achieved overnight; it requires smart practice habits, dedication, repetition, and a willingness to “surrender to the result,” whether it’s good or bad. In truth, we never truly master golf; instead, the best approach is to embrace and enjoy all aspects that golf brings to your life. Embrace the journey, keep your patience intact, and have faith in the process of skill development. While we all dream of launching the ball down the fairway with precision, hitting crisp iron shots, and sinking putts, true improvement stems from consistent, mindful practice and play. Stay committed, and always remember: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Recommended Programs
If you happen to reside in Melbourne, Australia, I highly recommend checking out a program called 1ClubGolf at Oakleigh Golf Course, led by the fantastic coach Sandy Jamieson. In fact, some of his concepts have inspired my approach to this article and my beginner golf program.
Coach Jamieson emphasizes four key principles: safety, maintaining a good pace of play, understanding your skill level, and respecting the course. Remarkably, he’ll have you out on the course playing within just 15 minutes of your arrival. If you do pay him a visit, I’d love to hear about your experience.
Comments are closed