Beginner’s Guide to Golf, Part 1: Starting Out

By: Vinod Gupta

Considered a “thinking man’s” sport, golf can be as mentally stimulating as it is relaxing—provided you know what you are doing. Before you tee off, consider these pieces of advice.

Forego Expensive Equipment

If you are not careful, golf can become an expensive sport: clubs, club bag, gloves, shoes, shirts, golf course memberships… Rather than buying the shiniest, most expensive equipment you can find, head to the driving range and use their clubs. At this stage, it is more important for you to get a good feel for swinging and hitting the ball than sporting name brand gear.

When and Where to Buy Clubs

You have probably noticed that professional golfers deliberate over what type of club to use for certain shots. It will take you a good deal of time to become proficient enough to worry about such concerns. When you have spent some time at a driving range and feel you are ready for your own clubs, buy half a set of clubs to save some money. A putter, two woods, a wedge, and iron numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9 will be enough to get you started. General sports equipment stores usually have clubs, but they tend to be overpriced. Talk to friends and find out where they bought their clubs and if they are satisfied with the investment. Then browse the stores they recommend. You should also try Pro shops and driving ranges for second-hand clubs.

Invest in Lessons

It will be tempting to visit the nearest golf course once you have your clubs, but first you should invest in a golf instructor. Your instructor will teach you forms and swings, which you should practice at a driving range whenever you have time.

The Keys to a Proper Swing

There are three key ingredients to a proper swing: grip, stance, and posture. Each element plays an important role in how and where you hit the ball. Talk to instructors and friends for tips on how to stand, grip your club, swing, and follow through on the hit.

Your First Course

Once you and your instructor feel you are ready to play on a course, there are a few considerations to bear in mind. Choose a course with a relatively low traffic so as not to hold up parties behind you while you are still learning the ins and outs of the game. Second, opt for a 9-hole course instead of an 18-hole course: 9-hole courses make for good introductions to the sport.

Beginner’s Guide to Golf, Part 2: Grips and Swings

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