Golf tips for beginners: 15 things to know before your first round
Quick answer
Before your first round: take a lesson or two, practice chipping and putting more than drives, play the forward tees, bring at least a dozen inexpensive balls, learn basic etiquette and pace (pick up at double par), and start with a nine-hole round at a quiet time. Above all, keep it fun.
Before you go
- Take one or two lessons. A coach can fix grip and setup issues before they become habits. See how to choose golf lessons.
- You don't need 14 clubs. A driver or hybrid, a 7-iron, a 9-iron or pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter will get you around. See how to choose golf clubs.
- Use cheap, soft balls. You'll lose some. Low-compression two-piece balls suit slower swings; see best golf balls for beginners.
- Practice the short game. A big share of a beginner's strokes are within 50 yards of the green.
- Learn the basics of scoring so you can keep a card: how golf scoring works.
At the course
- Arrive 30 minutes early to check in, hit a few putts and find the first tee.
- Play the forward tees. Shorter yardage keeps the game fun and the pace up.
- Book a quiet time, like a weekday afternoon or twilight, and start with nine holes.
- Dress the part: a collared shirt and golf or soft-soled shoes. See what to wear golfing.
- Bring the essentials: tees, a ball marker, a divot tool, a towel, water and sunscreen.
On the course
- Keep pace: be ready to hit, and pick up at double par in casual rounds.
- Safety: never swing near people; shout "Fore!" if a ball heads toward anyone.
- Care for the course: fix ball marks, replace divots, rake bunkers. Full list in our etiquette guide.
- Expect a slice. It's the most common beginner miss; here's how to stop slicing.
- Keep it fun. Celebrate good shots and don't count every stroke if your group agrees it's a casual round.
A simple first-month plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lesson on grip, posture and setup; putting practice |
| 2 | Chipping and pitching; half swings with a 7-iron |
| 3 | Full swings; driver or hybrid off a tee; swing drills |
| 4 | Nine holes at a quiet time from the forward tees |
Frequently asked questions
What clubs should a beginner bring?
A driver or hybrid, a mid iron such as a 7-iron, a wedge, a sand wedge and a putter are enough to start.
Should beginners play 9 or 18 holes first?
Nine holes at a quiet time is easier, faster and less tiring.
How many golf balls should a beginner bring?
At least a dozen inexpensive balls for a first 18-hole round.