10 Useful Golf Basics Every Beginner Should Know

There are more than 20 million golfers in the US alone. The chances are that you know someone who plays. And if you do, you'll know how much they love the game. If golf is something that you've always wanted to try, then it's never too late. It's a simple game to learn, and one that you can spend a lifetime mastering. That's what makes it such a popular pastime. If you'd like to give it a try then we're here to help. Read on as we take a look at 10 useful golf basics that you should know before you start.

1. You Don't Need a Bag Full of Clubs

The first thing you're going to need if you want to play golf is some clubs. But there's no need to go crazy. There are certain clubs you're definitely going to need from the outset, but just a few of the basic clubs are enough to get you started. You're definitely going to need a driver to start off each hole, and a putter to finish each one off. You're likely to end up in a lot of bunkers to start with, so a sand wedge is important too. Add in a couple of irons, a pitching wedge, and a 3 wood and you've got all you need for a decent game of golf.

2. Try Before You Buy

You want to be sure that you are comfortable with the clubs you buy. So it always makes sense to give your clubs a few swings before you make your purchase. Try out a few drivers on the range to see which style you are most comfortable with. It's also worth asking the salespeople what they recommend. As a beginner, opt for woods that have more loft. They are much more forgiving and make it easier to get the ball in the air.

3. Practice Your Drives

Once you've got your clubs, don't expect to go straight onto the course and start playing like a pro. You only get one tee shot per hole, so your chances to practice this vital technique are quite limited in an actual game. Get out on the driving range and hit a lot of drives, working on your swing until it begins to feel comfortable. When it comes to the real game, you'll have much more control over your tee shots and be able to start each hole off with a solid stroke.

4. Don't Forget the Short Shots

Drive for show, putt for dough. If you can't play the short stuff then you're not going to win many games of golf. Take your wedges out in the backyard and practice chipping a few balls around so that you can get a feel for how hard you need to strike the ball. And it may be a movie cliche, but putting the ball into a mug whilst you're at work is a great way to get used to heating a clean putt.

5. Find a Coach Before You Learn Bad Habits

A lot of people turn to a coach to improve their game after playing for years. The trouble with doing so is that by that point, players have years of bad habits ingrained into their game. If you're starting golf for the first time, this is the ideal moment to hire a coach who can teach you all the right habits from the outset.

6. Learn the Right Grip

There are surprisingly many grips used by professional golfers. The reason for this is that different grips can benefit different swing styles. The best thing to do as a beginner is to speak to a coach. They will look at your swing and guide you in choosing the grip that most suits your natural style.

7. Perfect Your Swing

There are three main parts to every golf swing. The backswing is the cause of many problems for beginners. Try to keep your right arm close to your body as you go through the backswing. The downswing actually starts with the left knee. Straightening the left leg will automatically start the downswing. Try to keep your head behind the level of the ball. The follow through is the final part of the swing. If you try and stop the club without following through it will impact the entire stroke. And remember to keep your head still throughout.

8. Chip or Pitch?

These are two different types of shots that can be used in similar situations. The chip shot is a fairly low lifted shot that drops the ball well short of its destination and rolls the rest of the way. The pitch shot is more lofted, meaning most of the distance is covered in the air. Use the pitch shot when you have obstacles or rough between you and the pin, or you want to try to stop the ball more quickly.

9. Getting out of the Sand

As a beginner, it's inevitable that you're going to hit a lot of bunkers. The key to bunker shots is to not hit the ball at all. Instead, hit the sand just in front of the ball and let the sand push the ball out of the bunker. It means that you will need to hit the shot harder than you first expect, so it's a shot that's definitely worth practicing.

10. Start Small

Our final word of advice is to not bite off more than you can chew. Trying to take on 18 holes on your first ever outing could leave you pretty demoralized by the time you finally manage to complete your round. Take things slowly by playing a few holes to start with. Work your way up to longer rounds once you have more confidence.

You've Mastered the Golf Basics; Now It's Time to Play

Once you've learned how to master the golf basics, it's time to get out there and play. Book yourself a round, and start your golfing journey today.