Golfing For Beginners

By Author: Ben Thompson
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If you've ever thought about taking up the game of golf. There are some things you need to know.

Golf can be played individually or with a group of friends. You will get lots of exercise. A game can take up to 5 hours to complete, and you could be walking an average of 7000 yards around an eighteen hole course.

Golf is also a sport you can play at any age. Tiger Woods was two when he started playing and some seniors played well into their nineties. Golf is played by millions of people all over the world, and you’re never too far from a golf course.

You will need some equipment to play, and this will not come cheap. However when you're starting out, you could hire or purchase cheaper golf clubs etc.

If you feel it's a sport you would like to continue, then the sky's the limit on what you could spend, to help you improve your game.

A cheaper set of clubs would cost around $200 and this would come with a golf bag too. You'll also need a pair of golfing shoes. The shoes will have spikes so you can get grip when swinging the club.

You will also need a set of golf balls, tees and a golf ...
... glove to help you grip the clubs. A set of waterproofs would also come in handy for those rainy days!

When you're set up to play, the best advice I can give is go to a local golf club and use their driving range, or a public course. If you're new it's best to go early in the morning or later in the evening, when there are less people around. This way you won't feel intimidated by better golfers.

There are plenty of ways to learn to play golf. Watching videos, reading books, websites or getting coaching lessons from a golf instructor. You can also practice at home. There are putting matts to help your putting, and golfing nets that will let you chip and drive in your backyard.

To help you get off to the best start, there are some tips I can offer you. Golf is a sport where patience is needed. Sometimes you may feel hurried by your playing partner to rush your shot. DON'T! this will only lead to you making a poor shot.

Every shot needs to be taken in the same way. This is my Pre-Shot Routine

Once I place the ball on the tee or grass, I’ll take two steps back, and look up to the target. I’ll then look down at the ball and do this 2 or 3 times. I’ll try and visualise the distance, and take into account if there is any wind that may affect the shot.

When I’m happy, I’ll walk back and stand at 90 degrees, and a couple of feet back from the ball. This gives me room to take a couple of practice shots. I’ll be looking at the target while swinging the club. This helps you focus.

I’ll then approach the ball, and get into my stance by planting my feet in place, and placing my club behind (addressing) the ball. I'll then relax my shoulders, and wiggle my hips. You don’t want to feel stiff standing over the ball.

I then bend my knees slightly avoiding over balancing. Once I’m in that position, I’m ready to hit the ball.

Before taking the shot, I’ll look up 2 -3 times at the target, while I’m still in my stance. Then when I’m happy I’ll take back the club and take the shot. Not forgetting to follow through.

Also it's important to remember golfing rules, of which there are many, but don't be put off. You don't need to remember them all. Just a few which can be found on the PGA website. Or just ask you're playing partners if you're not too sure.

Something golfers always say when asked how you can improve your game is practice, practice, practice. Golf can be a frustrating game at the best of times, but can be exhilarating too. You could find yourself holing-out a 30 foot putt on one hole only to slice a drive into the weeds on the next.

Only with practice will you be able to iron out your faults. Professional golfers practice everyday for hours, and can still hit horrible shots, but with practice they make a lot fewer.

Don’t give up, and always ask for advice. Golf is a mechanical sport, everything works together, from your grip of the club through to your stance and then your swing. If any of these are not aligned then you’re going to struggle. So always be working on your game and you will succeed.

It’s worth knowing some golfing lingo for when you’re out on the course, this list should help.

All Square – Tied score
Birdie – A score less than par
Bogey – Taking one shot more than par
Cup – Hole on the green
Divot – Taking a chunk of grass when the club head hits the ground
Eagle – A score two under par
Fairway – From the tee to green short-mown part of the course
Follow through – Continuation of the swing after striking the ball
Fore – Shouted when the ball is heading towards a person
Gimme – Players agree to give a short putt without being played
Handicap – Golfers playing ability in numbers
Out Of Bounds – An area marked where play is not allowed
Pro – Golf professional
Pin – Hole on the putting green
Rough – Long grass off the fairway
Tee Time – The time your game starts

I’ve played Golf since I was 6 years old. It’s my passion. I started www.golfled.com to share everything I’ve learned over the years. With my close friend Joel Kramer (golf instructor) we have put together all our experience and knowledge into helping you improve your game.

For a more detailed guide visit> https://golfled.com/ultimate-beginners-guide-to-playing-golf-step-by-step-guide/

Hi, my name is is Ben Thompson. I’ve played Golf since I was 6 years old. It’s my passion. I started Golfled to share everything I’ve learned over the years. With my close friend Joel Kramer (golf instructor) we have put together all our experience and knowledge into helping you improve your game.