Golf has grown beyond its image as an exclusive sport for executives and elites—it’s now a game enjoyed by players from all walks of life. Across Indonesia, more driving ranges and public golf courses are opening access to the game at affordable prices, making it easier than ever for newcomers to experience golf.
However, while golf may appear calm and simple, mastering it requires technical skill, mental focus, and consistent practice. To help new players begin their journey, GoGolf has compiled these nine essential beginner golf tips — covering everything from basic technique to mindset — so you can build a strong foundation for your game.
1. Prepare the Right Golf Equipment
Before stepping onto the course, beginners must ensure they have the proper gear. Golf equipment isn’t just about owning clubs and balls—it’s about comfort, fit, and functionality.
Here’s what every beginner should have:
- Golf clubs: A beginner set usually includes a driver, irons, a putter, and a wedge. Start with 6–8 lightweight graphite-shaft clubs to make swinging easier.
- Golf balls: Choose low-compression balls that are softer and easier to control.
- Tees: Used for the first shot (tee shot), available in various heights.
- Golf gloves: Prevent slipping and improve grip, especially for your lead hand.
- Golf shoes: Designed with strong traction to maintain balance during the swing.
- Golf bag: For carrying all equipment comfortably.
- Golf attire: Stick to proper etiquette — collared shirts and golf trousers or skirts.
As a beginner, you don’t need to buy an expensive full set immediately. Renting or trying demo clubs before investing can help you find what best suits your swing style.
2. Warm Up Before You Play
Warming up is often overlooked by beginners, yet it’s crucial for preventing injury and improving swing performance. Golf engages muscles throughout the entire body—especially in the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
An ideal warm-up includes:
- 5–10 minutes of light jogging or brisk walking to elevate body temperature.
- Dynamic and static stretches for the wrists, shoulders, hips, and spine.
- Several gentle swings without a ball to improve flexibility and coordination.
- Practicing “shadow swings” to get your body accustomed to full motion.
A proper warm-up not only prepares your muscles but also helps you mentally focus and swing more fluidly, reducing post-game stiffness and fatigue.
3. Master the Correct Golf Stance
Proper posture forms the foundation of every good golf shot. Many beginners focus on power instead of body alignment and balance, which often leads to inconsistent results.
Follow these basics to achieve the right stance:
- Feet: Shoulder-width apart for stable balance.
- Knees: Slightly bent, not locked.
- Hips: Tilt forward naturally, with your back straight but relaxed.
- Shoulders: Stay low and relaxed, not hunched.
- Arms: Hang comfortably in front of your body.
- Head: Keep slightly down, eyes focused on the ball.
- Weight: Evenly distributed across both feet and shifts naturally during the swing.
A stable, balanced posture allows you to control the swing path, improve shot accuracy, and maintain consistent rhythm throughout the game.
4. Practice the Backswing and Downswing
The swing is the heart of golf, divided into two key phases: backswing and downswing. Understanding both is essential to generate powerful and controlled shots.
- Backswing: This is when the club moves away from the target. Rotate your shoulders and hips while keeping your eyes fixed on the ball. Don’t just lift your arms—engage your body for a smoother motion.
- Downswing: This begins as the club descends back toward the ball. Shift your weight from the back foot to the front foot while rotating your hips to add speed and control.
For beginners, practice these motions slowly and repeatedly without a ball to build muscle memory. Use a mirror or video recording to observe your form. With consistent drills, you’ll develop smoother, more powerful swings over time.
5. Develop “Feel” Through Regular Practice
In golf, “feel” refers to a player’s instinct and ability to sense the ball’s reaction upon impact. It’s not learned overnight — it develops through repetition and awareness.
To build your feel, focus on:
- Short-game practice: Chipping and pitching to improve precision.
- Mid-range iron shots: Hitting from different yardages.
- Putting drills: Fine-tuning control on various slopes and speeds.
The more varied your practice sessions, the faster you’ll learn how different lies, weather, and club choices affect ball flight. Over time, you’ll instinctively know how much force to apply — a key trait of skilled golfers.
6. Use Your Whole Body When Swinging
One of the most common beginner mistakes is relying solely on arm strength. Effective golf swings come from coordinated body rotation, not brute force.
Focus on:
- Synchronizing hand and body movement.
- Transferring weight smoothly from the back foot to the front foot.
- Maintaining a steady tempo from backswing through follow-through.
A proper golf swing uses your legs, hips, torso, and shoulders as one continuous motion. Tools like swing trainers or lessons with a coach can help you master this full-body rhythm.
7. Practice Consistently and Systematically
Progress in golf requires discipline and structure. Random practice sessions won’t deliver results — you need a planned routine that develops all parts of your game.
You can organize your weekly practice like this:
- Monday: Putting and short game.
- Wednesday: Iron play and approach shots.
- Saturday: Full swings and driving practice.
- Sunday: On-course play (if possible).
Consistency builds confidence, strengthens key golf muscles, and improves mental focus. Over time, regular training will refine your technique and prepare you for competitive play.
8. Learn the Rules and Etiquette of Golf
Golf isn’t just about technical skill—it’s also about sportsmanship, respect, and etiquette. Understanding proper behavior on the course is part of being a true golfer.
Basic golf etiquette includes:
- Staying quiet when others are taking their shot.
- Avoiding standing too close to another player’s swing path.
- Replacing divots and repairing ball marks.
- Maintaining a steady pace of play to avoid delays.
- Wearing proper golf attire according to club standards.
Following these etiquette rules ensures that everyone enjoys a pleasant, respectful round — and helps you integrate easily into the golfing community.
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9. Play on a Real Course
After you’ve practiced at the driving range, it’s time to take your game to the actual course. Playing on a real course provides experience you can’t get in practice — varying terrain, pressure, and strategy.
Tips for your first on-course round:
- Start with a 9-hole course before moving to 18 holes.
- Bring a friend or mentor for guidance.
- Focus on enjoying the process, not your score.
- Note the areas that need improvement for your next practice.
Real-course experience helps you understand course management, develop composure under pressure, and learn to adapt to different playing conditions.
Conclusion
Golf is a sport of patience, precision, and perseverance. While the learning curve can be steep, it rewards you with physical fitness, mental discipline, and social connection.
For beginners, success lies not in hitting long drives immediately but in building strong fundamentals through consistent effort and focus. With these nine beginner tips, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying golf — not just as a game, but as a lifelong pursuit of mastery and joy.
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