How to get into golf

Start here

Most people now start at a driving range or an indoor simulator, then move to a par-3 or nine-hole course before ever booking a full 18.

The right first step in golf is smaller than most beginners assume. Do these things in order.

• Start at a driving range with a 7-iron before buying anything
• Take two or three lessons early — grip and setup are hard to unlearn
• Play a par-3 or nine-hole course for your first round
• Carry a half set: driver, 7-iron, wedge, putter
• Find a regular playing partner or a society; booked tee times keep you consistent

What to buy — and what to skip

Buy the minimum, use it for a month, then upgrade what actually limits you.

• Half set of clubs is plenty to start
• Golf balls and tees
• Glove
• Soft-spike shoes
• Rangefinder or phone app

Where to train

These are the venue types to search for locally. Clubs and gyms in the SportConnect directory list their sports, levels and session times, so you can filter for beginner-friendly options.

• Public and municipal courses
• Par-3 and pitch-and-putt courses
• Driving ranges
• Indoor simulators and Topgolf-style venues

Pick the right format

Beginners who choose the wrong format usually decide the sport isn't for them. Start with Stroke play, or an easier variant.

• Stroke play
• Match play
• Stableford
• Scrambles and team formats
• Nine-hole social rounds
• Simulator leagues

Why it's worth it

What people get out of golf once they're past the first month.

• Handicaps let you compete with anyone, at any level
• Four hours of walking is real low-impact fitness
• Playable from your teens into your seventies
• The most social sport for conversation — you're with the same group all round
• Simulators and ranges make winter and city practice easy

Find people to train with

Nothing keeps a new sport going like other people expecting you. Create a free profile with golf as your sport and your level, then browse players, coaches and clubs in your city and message the ones running beginner sessions.

Your first month

1. 01

   Week 1 — driving range

   One bucket, one club (7-iron). The goal is contact, not distance.

2. 02

   Week 2 — one lesson

   A single pro lesson on grip, stance and alignment saves you a year of bad habits.

3. 03

   Week 3 — short game

   Putting and chipping decide your score more than driving. Spend a session on each.

4. 04

   Week 4 — play nine holes

   Book a nine-hole or par-3 round with a partner. Keep your own score honestly and start a handicap.

Frequently asked questions

Find a golf coach

A few sessions with a coach shortcuts months of guesswork. Every coach on SportConnect lists their sport, location, session formats, rates and availability, so you can compare before you message.

Keep reading

Keep exploring SportConnect