How to Start Learning to Play Golf

Golf lessons can be taken privately or in a group.

Becoming a beginner golfer can be a tough step. Some players are so inhibited by the fear of looking foolish before others that taking the plunge and getting their first golf lesson is too big a hurdle to overcome. Golf, however, can be one of the most rewarding and social sports you can play, and learning the basics of the game is relatively simple. Developing your fundamental technique does take a lot of determination and practice, however, and it is not a journey you should take alone.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Locate your nearest or most convenient golf club and call its reception to book a lesson with an instructor or the club's professional. Most golf clubs have at least one resident professional player who leads fun introductory lessons and can give you any advice you require. Decide between taking private or group lessons as a beginner. Private lessons are more expensive, but are useful if you feel self-conscious about your play, while group lessons are cheaper but you may receive less focused attention from the coach. Ask an experienced friend or colleague to show you the basics of golf if you cannot afford the cost of a paid session with a club professional.

2. Apply what you have learned in your golf lessons to your own play and practice. Consider your grip on the club and stance, which both change depending on the type of shot you wish to play or club you are using. Stick to the advice you received from a club professional or experienced golfing friend even if you find that it is not initially working out for you. Many players inadvertently allow bad habits to enter their technique when they stray from the advice of their coaches.

3. Study instructional videos and watch the professionals. Note how they play different types of shot. Do not allow yourself to become confused, however, by the vast wealth of information that is available. Ask your golfing friends, coaches or club professionals if there are any specific websites or magazines that provide the best and most useful coaching tips.

4. Visit a convenient pitch and putt or par-three golf course and attempt to play it in as low a score as possible. Invite friends and other golfers if you are feeling confident about your golf game or play the course alone if you are still apprehensive about playing with others. Playing par-three courses is particularly useful because you can hone your short game and focus on strokes that require more loft and timing rather than power. Attempting to hit the ball too hard during this beginner phase can lead to "disastrous results," according to Golfer-today.co.uk.

Tips & Warnings

• Persevere with the advice and tips you receive from a club professional or experienced golfer, even if you find you are able to strike the ball consistently using another technique. Going your own way with your technique often leads to bad habits developing which will inhibit your game in the long run.

• Do not buy any clubs of your own until you are confident that golf is the sport for you.

References

• Golf Instruction: The Women's Guide to Golf Books; Kellie Stenzel
• Golfer Today: Playing Golf --- Getting Started
• Golf Made Simple: How to Fix Old Golf Habits that come back

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Golf Digest: Golf Course Finder