Golf can be a fantastic game for those who have the time to spend on the links. If you've never golfed before, though, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the thought of going on the course for the first time. While anyone can sign up for a tee time and play on a course, the truth is that there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you decide to spend your first day on the golf course.
The first step towards having a successful day on the course is bringing the right gear with you. If you've already spent some time at the range, you may already have a few clubs. However, if you're starting to get serious about golf as a hobby, it’s recommended that you pick up some clubs that are meant for beginners. A good beginner's driver is absolutely a must, as is a good beginner's putter. You'll also want to take a moment to make sure that you've got a sleeve or two of golf balls, tees, a glove, and a good pair of shoes for the day. You’ll also be needing a bag like these for your clubs and all of your gear.
The good news is that most municipal golf clubs are definitely much laxer with their dress codes than they were in years past. With that said, those who are visiting a golf course for the first time are usually advised to get an idea of what everyone else is wearing before they show up. Not only is this going to help you to fit in, but it's going to increase your comfort level on the course. Not sure what to wear? A collared shirt, slacks, shorts, or a skirt, and a good pair of golf shoes are really all that you need.
When you're thinking about golf for beginners, it's usually a good idea to avoid planning out an eighteen-hole day spent on a professional course. Instead, it's a good idea to look for something that's more your speed—a course heavy on the Par 3s, for example, or one that's a little more suited to ‘executive’ play. If you can't find one of those, consider playing a quick three holes for your first game just so you can start to get the rhythm of the game down.
Another great way to get more out of your game is to bring a friend along. Unless you go late in the day or you're going to a very rarely played course, you're going to end up getting paired up with someone. You might as well get more by bringing a more experienced friend so that you can have a bit of company and—perhaps more importantly—someone around to help you figure out the game. It's often a good idea to bring along a player who has already spent some time on that particular course so that you can learn more about the ins and outs of how to play.
Finally, make sure that you spend some time learning while you are on the course. You're not going out on your first day and recording a pro level score—instead, you're going to spend most of the day making mistakes. Figure out where your game needs work and try to observe what others who are more successful do while they're playing. You may even practice golf at home with accurate golf launch monitors like Mevo Plus. This is all information you can use next time.
Your first game of golf might not be your most successful but it will start you down a path to playing better. Show up prepared and ready to learn so that you can get the most out of your first day on the links.
