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Book a tee time at a beginner-friendly course
Search for 'executive course' or 'par-3 course' near you — these are shorter, faster rounds, ideal for first-timers. Also consider weekday mornings (less crowded, more patient atmosphere).
⏱ 5–15 min | Free via app/website (GolfNow, TeeOff, course website)
Check and confirm the course dress code
When in doubt: collared shirt + golf shorts/pants + soft-spiked or athletic shoes = safe at nearly all public courses.
⏱ 2 min | Free
Pack 1–2 golf gloves
Wear the glove on the lead hand (left hand for right-handers). Most beginners only need one glove.
⏱ Prep: 5 min | Cost: $8–15 per glove at most courses or sporting goods stores
Pack 20+ wooden tees (assorted heights)
Longer tees (2.75-inch) for driver. Shorter tees (1.5-inch) for irons on par-3s. A pack of 50 is cheap and lasts many rounds.
⏱ Prep: 2 min | Cost: $2–4 for a bag of 50
Pack 6–12 golf balls (cheap, used, or mid-range)
Used/recycled balls are perfect for beginners ($5–10 for a dozen). Try Callaway Supersoft, Wilson Duo, or generic lake balls. Save premium balls for when you're more consistent.
⏱ Prep: 5 min | Cost: $5–15 for a dozen
Pack a ball marker (coin or small flat marker)
Keep it in your front pocket. Buy a fun custom marker if you want — it's a nice personal touch.
⏱ Free (use a coin)
Pack a divot repair tool
Most pro shops sell them for $3–5. Many come with a built-in ball marker clip. A tee also works in a pinch.
⏱ $3–5
Pack sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
Apply before you leave, not at the course. Bring a small tube to reapply at the turn (after hole 9).
⏱ $5–12
Pack a hat or visor
Any hat works. Golf caps with a full brim or a visor are most common. Tie a clip for sunglasses to your bag.
⏱ $0 (any hat you own)
Pack at least 2 large water bottles
18 holes in summer sun can take 4+ hours. Bring 48–64oz of water minimum. Refill at the halfway house.
⏱ Free if you pack from home
Pack a snack or energy bar
Energy bars, nuts, or a banana are perfect. Avoid messy or greasy foods. Keep a snack in the cart or bag pocket.
⏱ $1–3
Pack a lightweight layer/pullover
Check the forecast — if under 65°F at tee time, bring a mid-layer. A golf vest or lightweight pullover is perfect.
⏱ Use what you own | New: $20–60
Pack a lightweight rain jacket (if forecast >20% chance of rain)
Check Weather.com or Weather Underground for hourly forecast. Anything over 20% rain chance = throw a jacket in the bag.
⏱ $20–80 for a basic waterproof jacket
Charge your phone fully
Download a free GPS golf app like 18Birdies or Golfshot before the round. They show distance to the green and are game-changers for beginners.
⏱ Free apps (in-app purchases available but not required)
Check your bag — count clubs, confirm maximum 14
For casual play, just make sure you have your core clubs: driver or 3-hybrid, some irons (6, 7, 8, 9), PW, SW, and putter. You don't need all 14 to start.
⏱ 5 min | Free
Confirm your golf shoes have soft spikes (or are spikeless)
Spikeless athletic golf shoes or running shoes with good grip work fine for beginners. True golf shoes are more stable but not required on day one.
⏱ Check existing shoes | New golf shoes: $40–100+
Set an alarm to arrive 30–45 minutes before your tee time
If your tee time is 9:00 AM, set your alarm to arrive by 8:15. That gives you check-in time, range time, and a putting green visit.
⏱ 1 min | Free
Review 5 core etiquette rules
The 5 must-knows: (1) Be quiet during swings; (2) Repair divots and pitch marks; (3) Rake bunkers; (4) Don't step on putting lines; (5) Shout 'Fore!' if your ball is heading toward anyone.
Check the weather forecast one more time
Wind especially affects your club choices. A 15mph headwind means you'll need 1–2 extra clubs on approach shots.
Eat a proper breakfast or meal before you play
Protein + carbs = ideal pre-round meal. Eggs and toast, oatmeal with fruit, or a protein bar are all good options. Avoid heavy, greasy food right before play.
⏱ $3–10
Double-check bag: balls, tees, glove, marker, divot tool, water, snack
Run through the checklist mentally as you load the car.
⏱ 3 min | Free
Introduce yourself to playing partners on the first tee
Shake hands. Say your name. Mention you're new if you want patience. One sentence is enough: 'Hey, I'm [Name] — I'm still learning. Appreciate your patience!'
⏱ 30 seconds | Free
Set your own expectation: focus on fun and pace, not score
Tell yourself: 'I want to (1) have fun, (2) keep pace with the group, (3) take care of the course.' That's it. Score is secondary.
Use your most consistent club off the first tee — not the driver
The first tee has an audience. Don't try to impress. Just get the ball in the fairway. That's a victory.
⏱ No cost
Shake hands with playing partners on the 18th green and thank them
A simple 'Great round — thanks for having me' is perfect. Shake hands with everyone in the group.
Clear the 18th green promptly so the group behind can finish
Move to the bag drop or cart return area before celebrating, reviewing cards, or taking group photos.
⏱ 30 seconds of awareness
Return cart and tip cart attendant if applicable
Hand the tip directly when you return the cart or when they take your bag.
⏱ $3–5 tip | 5 min
Head to the 19th hole (clubhouse bar/restaurant) with your playing partners
Offer to buy a round of drinks if you had a great time or if the group was patient with you as a beginner.
⏱ $5–25 depending on venue
Rehydrate after the round — drink water before alcohol
Drink a full glass of water before your post-round beer or cocktail. Your body will thank you tomorrow.
⏱ Free
Note 2–3 things that went well and 1 thing to practice before the next round
Write in the notes app on your phone. Example: 'Good: putts felt smooth, chipping okay. Practice: driving range for tee shots.'