Playing golf as a beginner seems very complicated and with so many rules to follow, it really tests the patience of the newbies. Well, one of the most popular games in the world is golf and once you learn the knack of playing it you are sure to play it for lifelong.

Learn How to Play the Game of Golf the Right Way

  1. Make up  Your Mind for the Golf Game

The first thing is to have a belief in your mind that the game of golf is an easy one. You need to have a liking for the game if you want to be a successful player. Before attempting to play, you should look at the golf videos of the top players and see the desire and the passion that they have in their eyes when striking the ball. Understand that you will not hit the perfect shot the very first time and you should be ready to learn from the mistakes.

  1. Choose the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment gives you confidence when you are on the golf turf. As you are a beginner, it is advised that you look at buying the golf clubs that will help you to perfect your imperfect golfing skills without causing a huge hole in your pocket. Once you learn the tricks of the trade, you can always buy latest and hot products to play. The golf bag can have as many as 14 clubs. But to start with, you just need the putter, a wedge, a fairway wood, and a driver. Getting used clubs that could last for 3 to 4 years is an ideal option as well. 

  1. Know the Rules of the Game

One of the most important things of learning to play golf is to understand its rules. It is important to first learn the basics of golfing and once you start playing, you can learn the rest of the rules. Lying with experienced players or trainers will help you to understand the rules of the game better. You should be ready to ask any questions or doubts while training so that you get to know golf better. An overview of the basics is mentioned below.

  • There are 18 holes in a golf course.
  • Each hole has a par like par 4. This means that you need to hit the ball into the specific hole with 4 shots to earn a par score.
  1. 2 under par (you hit the hole with 3 shots out of 5) – eagle
  2. 1 under par is a birdie
  3. On par or even with par- par
  4. 1over the par (hit 6 shots instead of par 5) – bogey
  5. 2 over par is double bogey and so on
  • Tee markers are very important and the ball should be placed behind these markers when you are teeing off.
  • Out of bounds is when you hit the ball out of the play area or in the water. You will learn one stroke penalty and you can resume with a new ball. It can be placed just before the out of bounds area or from where the shot was hit.
  • Once the player lands in the green, the farthest player from the hole gets to hit the shot first. It will go one until everyone putts.
  • Your goal is to hit the ball in the goal with par or less than par this. The lowest scorer at the end of the holes will be the winner.
  1. How to Get Set for the Golf Swing?First, stand with your feet hip-width apart and with slightly bent knees. The body’s weight must be evenly distributed on both the feet. Bend forward at your hips to make sure that the club’s end is touching the ground.
  • The club must be drawn back and should be first parallel to the ground. The main aim must be close to your side and the rounded edge of the club should face upwards.
  • Now move the club up to 90-degree angle and your body weight should be moving to the dominant side. The elbows should be folded to allow the club to be at 90 degrees to your arm and the shoulders must be in an upward motion. The club’s toe will be pointing back to the opposite direction of the swing.
  • The shoulders should be turned up so that the club moves about 180 degrees over your head. At full stretch, the dominant hip, shoulders, and the ankle must be ready for the downward movement towards the ball.
  1. Hitting the Gold BallThe weight needs to be shifted to the other side when you are looking to ring the club down from above your head. Ensure that the wrists are hinged when the club is brought down.
  • The body-side that is facing the hole needs to be straightened during the club’s contact with the ball. The head needs to be behind the golf ball and the power wrist must have a bend.
  • The weight shifts from the dominant side to the target side.
  • Never stop the swing once the club connects with the ball. It needs to go up so that they are parallel to the ground. The dominant knee will be now moving towards the straight leg and the top of the club-head should be pointing towards the sky for the completion of the shot.
  1. Practice the Shorter Shots

Just about half of the shots that you hit will be within 50 yards and hence you will be using the wedges and the putter more. You need to be well versed with the less than 50-yard shots as well and not just the huge tee offs. The short game can be practiced anywhere, even in your backyard. The putting practice also needs to be mastered before hitting the main golf course. You can do so by aiming the balls on the doormats or carpets.

  1. Maintain a Range Routine

The first thing that an avid golfer will do will be to see how far he or she can hit the golf ball. Well, it is important to put to rest this temptation and start first with short irons or wedges. This will help in getting the muscles loose and relaxed. It is a warm-up for the muscles so that they are ready for the big swings. You need to slowly increase the speed and the length of the golf swings and then move to the middle irons. Then, you can look to hit the ball with the drivers. 

  1. Dos for Golf BeginnersIt is important to start in a practice range and once you get the hang of the shots and the game, you can move to the golf course.
  • Working with a trainer or a professional to learn the art of golf swings is very important.
  • Learning to grip the club and also choosing the right clubs and balls is very important.
  • It is important to invest in the right kind of equipment and golf attire including the gloves. 

It is very important for the golfer to be ready to hit the shot when his turn comes. So, focus on the game must always be there. 

How do you play golf step by step?

All you have to do is follow these steps:
  1. One. Square your feet.
  2. Two. Align your shoulders.
  3. Three. Grip the club correctly.
  4. Four. Stand directly behind the ball.
  5. Five. Slightly bend your knees.
  6. Six. Keep your eyes on the ball and your arms nice and straight.
  7. Seven. Take a swing.
  8. Eight.

Is golf hard to learn?

Learning to play golf is really hard. For those of us that grew up playing the game, we take the teenage learning curve for granted. If you are a young adult and are thinking of taking up the game, here are 7 reasons why anyone in their twenties should learn to golf.

Can you teach yourself to play golf?

You absolutely can teach yourself golf. Anyone can swing a club, play a chip shot or make a putt with a little practice. But if you want to excel at golf, or become a low-handicap player, it’s likely you will need lessons with a professional golf instructor to fine-tune some of the technical aspects of your swing.

What are the 14 clubs in a golf bag?

According to the USGA, a golfer is allowed to have 14 clubs in his bag. This may include three woods (driver, 3-wood and 5-wood), eight irons, (3-9 iron and pitching wedge), and putter.

How many balls can a PGA player carry?

Under the Rules of Golf, a golfer can carry as many golf balls as they want in their bag. Really, they can carry as many golf balls as they’re willing to carry around themselves or their caddie is willing to lug around for them. Most PGA Tour golfers carry in the area of nine golf balls in their bag per round.

Can you carry 2 drivers in your golf bag?

A golfer can carry any golf club(s) that he/she wants — but no more than 14. Phil Mickleson occasionally plays with 2 drivers in the bag. Take it to the extreme, a player could play with 14 putters if he wanted to.

What 14 clubs should a high handicapper carry?

Beginner’s golf bag:
  • Two hybrids or three wood.
  • Three iron through nine iron.
  • Gap wedge.
  • Pitching wedge.
  • Putter.
  • Lob wedge.
  • Driver.

Which clubs should a high handicapper carry?

“It mostly goes to the person’s physical ability,” Cleveland said. “If they’re strong, I might want to look at a 60-degree wedge. If they’re a little older, or not so strong, then I might look at a 56- or 58-degree maximum. If the person is older, like me, I would say 56 should be your highest loft.”

How far should I hit my 4 hybrid?

The 4-iron and 4–hybrid estimates are 160 to 210 yards for men and 120 to 170 yards for women. The 5-iron and 5-hybrid ranges are 150 to 200 yards for men and 115 to 160 yards for women, while the 6-iron or 6-hybrid ranges are 140 to 190 yards for men and 110 to 150 yards for women.

What 14 clubs should you have?

What clubs should the average golfer carry?

Intermediate level
  • A driver.
  • A 3 wood.
  • A pitching wedge.
  • A sand wedge.
  • A 4 & 5 hybrid.
  • Irons 6-9.
  • A putter.

What clubs does Tiger Woods use?

Most golfers carry at least a 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron and pitching wedge. Going with less-lofted clubs after the 7-iron, some golfers choose to carry hybrids to replace their 6-, 5-, 4- and/or 3-iron. Hybrids are easier to hit from all lies and launch the ball higher.

Should I carry a 3 wood and 5 wood?

  • Wedges: TaylorMade MG2 TW/MT Grind (56-12, 60-11) Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400.
  • Putter: Scotty Cameron GSS Newport 2. Grip: Lamkin Deep Etched Pistol Cord.
  • Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord 58R (Logo Down)
  • Ball: Bridgestone Tour B XS.

Why do I hit my 3 wood farther than my driver?

The 5 wood is more of a fairway club because of the increased loft whereas the 3 wood is a good alternative for the tee as well. This should lead to a club spacing of the same distance as between your irons, this means that many golfers should consider carrying both clubs.

How far should I hit my 3 wood?

Players who hit their 3– or 5-wood as far or longer than their driver are typically using too little loft with the driver for their clubhead speed. You know, it’s a funny thing with the driver and its loft compared to the other clubs in the bag.

Should I carry a 5 wood or 3 hybrid?

Estimated beginner driver golf club distance chart
Club Men Women
3–wood 180-225-245 125-150-180
5-wood 170-195-220 105-135-170
2-iron 170-195-215 105-135-170
3-iron 160-180-205 100-125-160