Up to Par: Golf Basics for Beginners

For many, golf is more than just a game—it’s a way to unwind, connect with others, and challenge oneself. But if you’re new to the golfing world, you may feel overwhelmed by the confusing golf terms, tons of gear, and endless unwritten golf rules. Don’t worry, though! We’ve got a golf guide to help you ease into things and get to know the world of golf as a newbie. Follow along to learn about golf equipment, golf rules, golf etiquette, and how to play golf!

How to Play Golf

Golf started in Scotland in the 15th century after Scottish army men were introduced to a very similar game by the French while aiding them in battle against the British. Today, it has evolved into a global phenomenon with structured golf rules, iconic courses, and some of the world’s most well-known and accomplished athletes. The goal of golf is simple—get the ball into the designated hole with as few strokes or swings as possible. A standard round of golf consists of 18 holes, each with its own unique challenges that make things a bit more complicated. Here’s a basic breakdown of how to play golf:  

• Teeing Off: The game starts at the tee box, the area designated by two tee markers spaced out equally in a well-defined, mowed area of grass on the course. This is where every player will take their first swing at a ball for a given hole.
• Playing the Ball as It Lies: In golf, wherever your ball lands after teeing off is where you play it from.
• Counting Strokes: Every time you swing at the ball, it counts as a stroke, even if you miss it. The number of strokes it takes for you to get the ball into the hole is your score for each hole. The fewer strokes total you take, the lower and better your score, and the person with the lowest score wins.
• Penalties: If your ball lands in the water, goes out of bounds, or finds itself in a tough spot, you might have to take a penalty stroke to get it back to a decent position on the course. These add to your score significantly, so try to stay on the fairway!

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Golf Equipment: Best Golf Gear to Have

Before you hit the golf course, you’ll want to have all the right golf equipment to play with skill and style. Here’s the must-have golf gear for a round:

Golf Clubs

You’ll need a variety of clubs to play golf, each with its own purpose. While a standard golf set has 14 clubs, at the very least, make sure you have a driver, iron, wedge, and putter ready. Here are the most popular types of golf clubs: 

• Drivers: The biggest clubs, used for long-distance shots.
• Fairway Woods: Also used for long shots, they typically have the largest heads and shafts and are more controllable and versatile than drivers.
• Irons: Used for mid-range accuracy. They come in scales, from 3-iron to 9-iron. As the scale increases, so will the loft of a good swing, while the length of the club’s shaft will decrease.
• Hybrids: A cross between woods and irons, hybrids have the same numbering system as irons and allow you to hit long shots with the same control as woods.
• Wedges: The highest lofted clubs, ideal for shorter shots and tricky spots. They’re like irons, but the club heads are more angled for extra control.
• Putters: The finishers of golf clubs, designed to make sinking the ball into each hole smooth. That’s why they’re the go-to on mini-golf courses! 

Golf Gloves

To properly hold clubs, you’ll need gloves made for golfing. Good golf gloves allow for a better grip on swings. There are several styles, sizes, and materials to choose from, so try a few different options before settling on your preferred fit.

Golf Balls

Believe it or not, there are multiple types of golf balls! Some are designed for distance, while others, primarily golf balls made of softer materials like rubber, are all about control. As you get into the game, you’ll find a ball that suits your swing.

Golf Tees

These little wooden or plastic pegs hold your ball off the ground for the first shot of each hole. They’re cheap and easy to carry, so you can keep a handful in your bag.

Golf Bag

A solid golf bag is your best friend on the course. Look for one with plenty of pockets for your balls, tees, gloves, and maybe a snack or two! Many bags even come with a stand, so they don’t have to lie on the ground every time you take a shot.

Golf Attire

Golf courses usually have dress codes to preserve tradition and prevent distractions. Golf dress codes may require players to wear collared shirts, slacks or shorts, and golfing shoes with spikes to keep them steady during their swings.

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Need-to-Know Golf Rules & Golf Etiquette

Much like other long-running sports like tennis and baseball, golf isn’t just about skill; it’s about respect—respect for the course, your fellow players, and the traditions of the game. Here are points to keep in mind when learning how to play golf:

• Play quickly: Keep things moving! There’s nothing worse than a slow round of golf. Be ready to hit when it’s your turn, and if you’re taking a while, let faster players play ahead of you.
• Respect the Course: Do your best to leave the course as you found it. Although altering the greens is a given, try to avoid damaging them excessively and clean up after yourself. The groundskeepers will thank you!
• Be Quiet: When someone is taking a shot, keep quiet and stay still. It’s a simple way to show respect and help everyone stay focused.
• Be Honest: In golf, you’re your own referee. Keep an accurate score, follow the golf rules, and play with integrity. The game is more fun when it’s played fairly and with care.

Popular Golf Words & Golf Terminology 

Golf has a language of its own. Having a thorough understanding of golf terms should help you start playing and sounding like a pro. Key golf terms include: 

• Par: The expected number of strokes needed to complete a hole. If you make par, you’re doing great!
• Birdie: Finishing a hole one stroke under par.
• Bogey: Finishing a hole one stroke over par.
• Eagle: Finishing a hole two strokes under par.
• Fore: A shout to warn others that your ball is headed their way.
• Mulligan: An unofficial do-over on a swing, often allowed in friendly games.

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Beyond How to Play Golf: Study Up on More Sports 

With this golf guide, you’ve learned all about how to play golf and the gear and gameplay that shapes the sport, including the best golf clubs for beginners. Use this information to get the most out of your day on the green. However, if you’re hitting the gridiron, freshen up on the rules of football with our “Football Guide: What Do All Those Calls Mean?" breakdown. From field goals to false starts and everything in between, we’ve got all the info you need to be ready for football!

FAQs

How to hold a golf club?

To properly hold a golf club using the most common grip, the overlap grip, wrap your non-dominant hand’s fingers around the grip portion of the club at the very top, with your thumb out. Then, with the club at your side, take your dominant hand, the trail hand, and place it just below the non-dominant hand, the lead hand, so that the lead hand’s thumb is in the palm of the trail hand as you hold the golf club.

What is a handicap in golf?

A handicap is a number that represents a golfer's abilities based on their past scores. The lower the handicap, the more skilled the golfer is, as they take fewer strokes to complete a standard course.

When was golf invented?

The modern form of golf was created in 15th-century Scotland, with earlier versions of the game tracing back to ancient times.

How many clubs in a golf bag?

In competition, golfers are allowed a maximum of 14 clubs in their bags, but you can have less, especially if you aren’t seriously competing. Typically, skilled golfers will at least carry one driver, fairway wood, iron, wedge, and putter.

How long does 18 holes of golf take?

The length of a game of golf varies depending on the number of players, their skill level, and the difficulty and layout of the course. Typically, you can expect to spend a few hours on the course.