A Beginner’s Guide to Golf: Mastering the Basics and Starting Your Golf Journey

Can you think of any other sport equally elegant as golf? Golf, as called the gentleman’s game, is a wonderful combination of skill, strategy, and patience. The most basic rule of golf is to be precise, aiming to hit a small ball into a series of holes using various clubs. Its versatility makes people of all ages and skill levels love the game, offering a fantastic way to spend time outdoors. This beginner’s guide to golf will help you master the basics and start your golf journey.

#1 Understand the golf course

One of the most exciting aspects of golf is the place used to play – the golf course. A standard golf course consists of 18 holes, each varying in distance and difficulty, transforming a potentially peaceful game into a real adventure outside. Before starting the first game, it would be recommended to walk around only to get a sense of the layout, and to feel more confident.

#2 Etiquette matters 

Golf is not a usual game which you can play anytime, but it’s a game of etiquette and respect for fellow players and the course. 

One of the most crucial tips is the request to be quiet and still. Let the others focus and avoid making noise or moving while others are taking their shots. To keep the place where you are playing beautiful, always repair the divots, or in other words, chunks of tart made during shots. Do the same with any ball marks on the grass.

Golf is about great strategy, so mind the pace of the game, which should not be too long with preparing for the shoots for a long time, but you shouldn’t rush either. And last but not least, be respectful, which means no talking and distracting others during the shots. You can find more useful tips on thegolfbandit.com. 

#3 Basic golf equipment

If you remind yourself of some film shots of people playing golf, the first thing that comes to your mind is an extensive set of clubs, expensive ones. Yet, as a beginner, you don’t need an extensive set of clubs but start with the essentials. 

A premium club set includes a driver, two fairway woods, two rescue clubs, 6-9 irons, a pitching wedge and sand wedge, and a putter. You also need durable balls designed for beginners, and be prepared to lose a few, especially in the beginning.

For sure, a sturdy bag to carry your clubs and other essentials around the course may be quite handy. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of proper golf shoes to provide traction and stability, enhancing your swing and preventing slips.

Grip, stance, or a swing? What are they?

As a golfer, you definitely need to know some of the basic terms, concerning the position while hitting the ball, or the way of hitting the ball itself.

A swing, which may be briefly explained as the preparatory move right before striking the ball, has its foundation in the grip and stance. 

A grip is when you hold the club with your non-dominant hand at the top and the other hand below. You can see a “V” between your thumb and index finger. Then stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with toes pointing slightly outward. You are ready now to position the ball in line with your lead heel.