A standard golf course has 18 holes, or areas with a tee, green, and physical hole marked by a flag. There are smaller courses as well, such as 9-hole courses, which are ideal for beginners.
Find a course map at the course’s main office, where you check in and can rent gear.
After the tee off at each hole, the person who is farthest away from the hole hits first, then the person who is next farthest away, and so on until everyone gets the ball to the hole.
If you’re not sure that something near your ball qualifies as an obstruction, ask a more experienced player. If you hit your ball out of bounds or into water, you will have to take a 1 stroke penalty, drop your ball again where you shot it, and try again.
Your score on each hole has a nickname relating to the par for that hole. For instance, shooting 2 under par, or getting the ball in the hole in 3 shots on a 5-par hole, is called an “Eagle. ” Shooting 1 under par is a “Birdie,” and shooting even with the par is just called “Par. ” Shooting 1 over par is a “Bogey. ” Then 2 over par is a “Double Bogey,” 3 over par is a “Triple Bogey,” and so on.
In the beginning, you will probably shoot over par, especially on more difficult, 5 par holes. This is totally normal. You will improve with the more practice you have.
The total par for the course is the number of pars added up from all the holes. This number is typically 72 on a standard golf course, less on a smaller course. A 9 hole, Par 3 course would be a total 27 par course.
When thinking about the right way to stand, imagine how a bowler stands before bringing the ball back to throw it: with their weight even between both feet, and slightly bent forward at the hips. The non-dominant side of your body should be facing your target, or the hole. For example, if you are right handed, you will be bringing the club up toward your right and then swinging down and to the left, hitting the ball toward your left.
When the club is parallel to the ground, it should be faced so the toe, or rounded edge, is up toward the sky.
At this point, the toe of your club should be facing back toward the opposite side of the direction you’re swinging.
Picture your hands being at an 1 o’clock position – that’s how high they should be from the ground. Your dominant hip and ankle, as well as your shoulders, should feel ready to spring downward toward the ball.
Keep your wrists hinged like they were as you start to bring the club down, to avoid throwing the club’s weight from the top.
Your weight is now mostly shifted to your non-dominant side, or the side that your target is on.
Your dominant knee should kick inward toward the straight knee during the last part of shifting your weight, closing the gap between your legs. A proper follow-through stops with the clubhead below the level of your hands, showing you’ve maintained control in your arms and wrists, and the toe of the clubhead is pointing up toward the sky.
If you’ve never played golf before, consider going with someone who will let you use their clubs, renting clubs at the golf course, or going to a driving range to try out different clubs before spending money on your own set.
You will lose balls when you’re first starting out, so it’s best not to spend too much on them right away. Some golf courses provide balls for you to play with; find out ahead of time if a golf course does this by calling the course office. Golf balls and tees can be purchased at sporting goods stores.
For a bag, any sturdy bag that carries your clubs, balls, rain gear, water and/or snacks will work. Check out thrift stores, yard sales, or used gear websites online to find a good deal on a golf bag.
Golf is a social game, so chatting with others in your group is expected, but not when someone is about to take a shot. Too much talking during a shot can distract the person and throw them off.
A flying golf ball can seriously injure a person if it hits them. This step is important for safety as well as being common courtesy.
A flying golf ball can seriously injure a person if it hits them. This step is important for safety as well as being common courtesy.
Stay alert of other players not in your group who are using the course. Occasionally balls from other players will travel onto your hole; don’t touch the ball and allow the person to come get the ball themselves.
If you lose your ball from tee-off, just take the penalty stroke and return to your tee to make the shot again.
