Whether you’ve decided to get into golf as a hobby, a way to keep up with your friends, or you need it for business meetings, and there are plenty of things you need to know before you hit the links.
Below, we’ll cover everything from attire like how funny golf polo shirts can be to some basic forms of golf etiquette. Let’s go ahead and tee off.
Dress Code
This is going to depend on the clubhouse you play at, but overall there are dress codes for the golf course.
Generally speaking, men are always supposed to wear pants while women can wear pants or skirts. But if you’re playing with a few friends in a casual setting, then shorts are fine.
T-shirts are not allowed, and you should always wear a polo. There are plenty of different types of golf polos out there, including funny golf polo shirts to show your character.
When it comes to shoes, there are specific shoes for the golf course you should wear. They have small cleats on the bottom to help you from slipping while walking around.
Tennis shoes are a no-no but can be worn on a course with a less stringent dress code.
Don’t Spend Too Much on Clubs
You may not know a lot about golf, but you do know the objective is to hit the ball into the hole using a golf club. Pretty simple.
It’s tempting when you start playing to opt for the best clubs. The ones that cost the most must be the best clubs on the market.
Usually, yes, but if you’re starting, it’s best to go with some mid-range clubs or even those that are second hand.
New golf clubs can cost well over $500, and that’s just for one club. You’re allowed to have 14 in your bag, so you’re looking at thousands of dollars for just the clubs!
It’s best to purchase a beginner set that has everything you need in it to get started. Once you feel like golf is for you, then you can start checking out bigger and better clubs.
Golf Etiquette
Unless you’re planning on playing the PGA tour, you don’t have to follow a lot of rules, but some general ones transcend international lines and levels of play.
For starters, golf courses are quiet. You can speak to each other, but there is no yelling across courses or any loud noises. The only time you may ever hear someone yelling is when they say “fore” to warn others of a wayward ball.
Also, you must show up promptly for your tee time. Many golf courses have all kinds of groups coming through, and it’s right to show up on time.
There are other rules, such as cleaning up after yourself in a sand trap or a missed drive, but those can be learned after playing a few rounds.
You Need Practice
If you’ve never swung a golf club before, you might be surprised to see how the ball distance changes with just a few tweaks to your swing.
Before you hit the golf course, it’s best to take a few lessons or at least go to the driving range or putting areas to get some practice in.
Even Tiger Woods had a coach, and he’s considered one of the greatest golfers ever. Golf can be a frustrating game, but with consistent practice, you may become a solid player.
