How to Finally "Get Into Golf" — A Primer for Newbies

Getting into golf as an adult can be daunting. It seems like everyone on the green already somehow knows what they’re doing—and learning on the fly before a business round or trip with your in-laws only adds to the pressure. But learning to golf shouldn’t be a stressful experience; instead, it’s a chance to get in tune with yourself and foster a new healthy hobby. “Golf is a lifelong sport. It is where most athletes from more strenuous sports end up satisfying their competitive nature and ambition for lifelong learning,” explains Bradford Curren, Head Golf Professional at Glen Arbour Golf Club. “Golf is more challenging mentally than physically; the desire for improvement grows with each moment you exceed your own expectations on a well-played shot. The moments witnessing your potential rise in reality as the ball flies, rolls or ends up better than you ever envisioned is the addictive part of the game.” RELATED: Golf Bag Essentials Here’s what you need to know about playing golf as a beginner—and exactly what you’ll need to get started according to Curren: How Do You Actually Start Playing Golf? Start at the Driving Range or Simulators Golf activity centres generate more revenue worldwide than green grass facilities, look into the local driving ranges, simulators and miniature golf facilities in your area. Seek guidance from a golf professional, build your swing and ability to hole out on the practice facility before booking your first tee time. When you are ready to try a real golf course for the first time, start with close friends you are comfortable around or a group of players in a similar situation to you. Never forget that you only perform to your full potential when you are having fun. Golf is a game, enjoy it. Don’t Shy Away From Hiring a Coach “Your past successes and other athletic experiences will only hold you back if you believe you can learn the game on your own or from the tips your friends offer,” explains Curren. “Golf is by far the most technically challenging sport that absolutely requires a swing coach for any amount of success.” According to Curren, there are only two known golfers to ever make it to the PGA Tour who never acknowledged help from a swing coach: Lee Travino and Bubba Watson. “Golf is the only game where figuring it out on your own will surely make you look silly and stick out more than the flashiest outfit on property, even if you become a PGA Tour winner,” he explains. “The club professional at your local golf course will surely have golf experience and advice that will help make learning the game far more enjoyable, no matter how successful and confident you are in other aspects of life,” adds Curren. “If you are not learning, you will soon be losing.” How Long Will It Take to Feel Comfortable? According to Curren, you’ll never feel comfortable with your golf game if you spend too much time reading about the game or watching YouTube videos on the best form and technique. “The only way to feel comfortable on the golf course is to go out and learn from personal experience,” says Curren. “Slowly building a genuine self-belief that you have put in the work to guarantee the outcome you are expecting.” “This is one of the most humbling games and confidence is far too closely associated with arrogance to ever expect success on the golf course,” he says. “The game of golf is about hard work, self-belief and trust in your process. You must never be too confident in order to properly select your shots on the golf course.” Curren says that new golfers and experienced golfers alike need to be humble enough to play all your golf shots directed at safe targets, finding a focus so deep that your subconscious mind physically executes the motion of a golf swing without your thoughts ever wavering from visualizing the shot you are playing until the ball is struck and the results become reality of life, out of your control. “Accept the outcome, learn from the experience and try to do better the next time,” he says. What Gear Is Actually Required to Start Playing Golf? The number of clubs and additional gear can seem like a big barrier to entry — but Curren says starting small and growing as your game grows is the way to go. He listed the top gear from most to least important below. “You will only need the top three items for miniature putt or a practice green. To start going to the driving range and learning the golf swing, you will need the top ten items,” he says. “Before showing up to a tee time on a real golf course, you should own everything listed in the top fifteen items.” “Please do not attach any expectations to your round other than a fun day outside with friends, until you have acquired the top twenty items,” he adds. “Once you own everything on the list, you will be considered a golfer by the rest of the community.” Tee time (host facility)Golf ball(s)PutterBeverage (water or substitute) Sunscreen/weather appropriate outfitSand wedge Pitching wedgeDriver TeesGolf shoes (athletic sneakers minimum) Golf bag7-iron Hybrid/rescue clubFairway metal/wood Golf glove9-iron 8-ironGap/approach wedge Lob wedgeDistance measuring device (GPS/laser)6-iron5-ironDriving iron or 2nd fairway/hybridHeadwear, sunglasses or style piece Headcovers You don’t need to buy all of this at once, nor should you buy everything brand new (unless you have deep pockets), but once you have the gear and some fundamentals of swing technique, you’re ready to start having fun on the course. 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