Some people think that golf is an easy sport. You pick the club you like, go to a course, throw a hit here and there, and bam – you’re a professional golfer. However, nothing could be further from the truth – golf is actually a pretty complicated sport, and as a beginner, you might have a lot of questions – Do I need to have golf shoes? Do I need to wear a special outfit if I’m going golfing? Do I need to know the rules? – being just some of them.
So, to help you and other golf beginners out there, we prepared a list of the things that you should and shouldn’t do if you are just starting your journey with golf. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
Apparel
DO: Invest in some nice golf apparel. Some more luxurious clubs might require you to come dressed in a certain way. Of course, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars – there is a lot of nice and affordable clothing available on the market. For instance, here you can find many inexpensive pairs of shoes – https://www.thegolfshoponline.co.uk/skechers/shoes/. Also, if you want them to last longer, you can always invest in waterproof golf shoes. Here are some other options for men’s golf shoes.
DON’T: Overshop, especially if you are a beginner. First of all, you probably won’t need twenty polo shirts and ten pairs of golf trousers. And besides, since you are just starting, you don’t really know which brand will work the best for you. It might take time to figure it out, so instead of buying many things at once, just try buying one of each item and changing the brand once the item is too worn out, or if you think that it doesn’t work for you.
Equipment
DO: Buy things that will make your game experience more enjoyable. Start with the club set – as a beginner, it’s good to buy a set from a good company that won’t make a dent in your pocket. When it comes to other equipment, think about what will actually be helpful. For instance, a golf glove might help you in controlling the club, as well as give you more comfort and palm protection. You can also get special ladies golf balls.
DON’T: Overspend money on the equipment that you won’t need. As a beginner, you don’t need all the possible accessories available in the golf shops or the most expensive club set – especially since you don’t know if you’ll continue to play this sport, or if you’ll conclude that it’s not for you. So, at least in the beginning, take it easy and buy only the things that you’ll need for sure.
Rules
DO: Spend time to understand the rules. Golf is a complicated sport, so as a beginner, you should take your time to understand what you can and can’t do during a match. Also, if you are going to a golf club for the first time, you should read their rules as some of them might require, for example, a specific attire without which you’ll be denied entrance.
DON’T: Skip your way through – it’s one of the first mistakes that you can make as a beginner. Especially since there are some things that you need to understand before you start playing. Don’t assume that you don’t need to read anything because golf is not hard to play – you might end up surprised at how complicated it actually is.
Practice
DO: Use the practice range – after all, they exist for a reason. They are a perfect place for a beginner to get started with the sport, as a golf course might make them feel too much pressure.
DON’T: Think about others, or rather about what they think about you. You are not there for them, but to practice and get familiar with the sport. As a beginner, you have the right not to know some things. Remember – practice makes perfect. All the golfers were like you at some point.
Mentor:
DO: Train with a pro. Professional players and golf coaches will be able to help you in building a proper foundation for your game. Since they probably know many playing techniques, you’ll be able to find one that will work best for you. If you have a friend who is a pro, try to convince them to help you.
DON’T: Work with other beginners. They usually don’t know what to do, so how can they teach you how to play properly? The same goes for your spouse or any of your loved ones who is not a professional player or coach. Obviously, training with people close to you might be nice, but in the end, it will lead you nowhere if both of you don’t know what you should do.
Final Thoughts
There is one more thing. Remember always to enjoy yourself. Not only will you learn more, but also it’s always better to play something that you actually like. If you play as if you were obliged to do it, then there’s no point. So if you feel as if you’re forced to do it, just stop.
Not everyone likes to golf, and that’s a fact. However, if you are one of those people who at least want to give it a chance, now you know what you should and shouldn’t do. So now, the only thing that is left to say is ‘Good Luck!’.
