Golf is a community sport, a social sport, and a sport of equitete and rules. For the first-time golfer, the latter can take time to understand, but with The First-Time Golfer’s Essential Checklist, we are setting you up for success the first-time you step on the course.
While equipment is necessary to play, we encourage you to consider used clubs or a smaller set to start with. A first-time golfer really only needs 3-4 clubs in their bag – a driver, a pitching wedge, an iron (we suggest a 7-iron) and a putter. Once you have your clubs, golf balls, and the checklist below, you are ready for a day on the course with family or friends.
| <-Click to Use Checklistnet's Checklist | |
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| Clubs: We suggest you borrow clubs or rent clubs at the course for your first round. Most golf clubs and courses offer club rentals. If you borrow clubs, or make the decision to purchase clubs, we recommend first-time golfers have at least these clubs in their bag: |
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| Driver | |
| 7-iron | |
| Pitching wedge | |
| Putter | |
| Accessories: Make sure to pickup a few accessories as prepare for your first round. All of these accessories will be avaiable in the clubhouse at the course, or you can save a bit of money and pick them up at a your local sporting good store before you head for the course. | |
| Small bag of tees (tall ones are more forgiving for beginners) | |
| 6-12 budget-friendly golf balls (you might lose several) | |
| One golf ball marker. You an use a coin (Kenney half dollar is favored by many golfers) or spend a few bucks and get a ball marker from in the pro shop as a souvenior from your first round. | |
| One golf glove that fits your lead hand. Tip: Your Lead hand us almost always your non-dominant hand, so if you are right-handed, you will typically have a golf glove on your left hand. | |
| What to Wear |
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| Collared shirt (required by most golf courses) and weather appropraite outer layer. | |
| Khaki pants or golf shorts (jeans or gym shorts are not permitted on most golf courses, and they are uncomfortable to play in) | |
| Athletic shoes or basic golf shoes (running shoes are fine for your first round) | |
| Cap or visor for sun protection and sunglasses | |
| Essential Items | |
| Sunscreen (a round of golf (18 holes)) can take four hours or more so sunscreen is an essential anytime of year) | |
| Water bottle (stay hydrated) and small snacks (candy, fruit, granola bars) | |
| Small towel | |
| Band-aids (just in case you get a hand or footer blister). | |
| Before You Go & & Whe You Arrive | |
| Book a tee time (we suggest you ask for a less busy time if you are a first-time golfer | |
| Confirm dress code (collar shirt, pants, shorts, etc.) |
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| Ask about rental clubs if needed | |
| Day of: Check in at pro shop, meet your playing partners, and find the practice area. |
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| Basic Rules and Etiquette to Know | |
| Keep quiet and stand still when others are hitting | |
| Mark your ball on the green | |
| Repair any damage you make to the course | |
| The player furthers away from the hole hits first, but the player with the lowest score on the previous hole hits first on the next hole. |
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| Recommended Next Steps | |
| Schedule a lesson before or after your first round. Golf clubs and courses have teaching professionals on-staff who provide lessons at the driving range and putting greens. | |
| Watch basic golf club grip and etiquette videos on YouTube | |
| Practice putting at home on the carpet or at a practice green | |
| Remember it is acceptable to pick up your ball if you're taking too many shots on a hole. |
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