Golf can be extremely intimidating when you first start taking a liking to it. There are so many unanswered questions about where to start and how to progress.
At the end of the day, golf is a game. It can get frustrating. You’ll want to quit every other day, but those rewarding shots keep you begging for more. You won’t become Tiger Woods overnight, but the process is humbling and rewarding.
We all were once new to golf. Whether you are working with a coach or trying to navigate the ins and outs on your own, Golfweek has five tips to get you playing confidently and happily.
1 Go to the driving range before the course
The range has several green complexes and bunkers, along with three tiers of grass areas where golfers can hit. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
It may seem like you have to go to a golf course right away to play golf, but you will thank yourself for starting at the driving range. Many golfers struggle to make contact with the ball when they are first starting out, and grinding at the range can save you headaches on the course. Everyone at the range is there to work on their game, so grab a medium or large bucket and get practicing.
2 It’s OK to pick up your ball on the course
Patrick Cantlay reacts after putting inches away from the hole on the 18th green leaving a tap in for the win in the BMW Championship golf tournament. (Photo: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)
Go out to the course to have fun, and don’t worry about your score. If you are new to the game, your score is going to be high. Hit shots and if things get frustrating or numbers start to get high, pick the ball up and hit a few putts on the putting green or wait until the next hole. Picking the ball up will help you stay happier and not let yourself get into a dark place of frustration.
3 Don’t worry about the group behind you watching
Many golfers are so worried about the group behind or in front of them watching them play golf. The truth is everyone is so worried about their own golf game that they aren’t out there to judge other golfers. Unless you are playing in a PGA Tour event, try to stay calm and focus on the next shot. It’s not worth it to let strangers get in your head and ruin your day.
4 Look good, play good
Billy Horschel of the United States waits on a green during the final round of the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola at the East Lake Golf Club. (Photo by Kevin C Cox/Getty Images)
Make sure to wear something that you are comfortable in. If you are in some wacky outfit that you aren’t used to, you are going to spend most of your day worried about what you look like rather than hitting the golf ball. When you look good, you play good, and being in something you’re comfortable in makes you feel more confident in yourself and your abilities.
5 Act the part
Act the part on the golf course. Be courteous and follow the nature of the game, and you’ll feel more like you belong and gain respect from other players. Simple things like staying out of the way of the person hitting and not stepping in someone’s line on the putting green can go a long way.
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