Golf
Golf is the gentle, sociable game you can enjoy for the rest of your life. A few hours outdoors, a little walking, good friends, and the quiet thrill of a well-struck shot.
What you need to start
- A starter set of golf clubs
- A few golf balls and tees
- A golf glove and comfortable shoes
- A local course or driving range
At a glance
Your learning path
Three stages, taken at your own pace. Start at the top, get comfortable, then move down as you grow. There is no rush, and no wrong place to begin.
Brand new to golf? Start right here. These friendly lessons walk you through how to start, how to hold the club, the simple basic swing, and putting, all at an easy, no-pressure pace.
HOW TO HIT A GOLF BALL WITH DRIVER FOR BEGINNERS
Danny MaudeHow to Hold and Grip the Golf Club
Rick Shiels GolfHow to Swing a Golf Club (The EASY way)
Rick Shiels GolfEasy Putting tips!
Rick Shiels GolfComfortable with the full swing? Now we sharpen the scoring shots: chipping and pitching around the green, striking your irons cleanly, smart course management, and the short game that saves strokes.
HOW TO HIT CHIP SHOTS AROUND THE GREEN - EASY TECHNIQUE
Danny MaudeHOW TO PITCH LIKE A GOLF PRO
MeandmygolfHow to hit irons Consistently (Simple Golf Tips)
Rick Shiels GolfHow to QUICKLY Learn Course Management in Golf
Golf SidekickSHORT GAME BASICS - 3 EASY GOLF LESSONS
Danny MaudeReady to lower your scores? These lessons cover driving for distance, shaping your shots, escaping bunkers, the all-important mental game, and the smart strategy that turns a good round into a great one.
HOW TO HIT YOUR DRIVER LONGER! - Secret to more DISTANCE
Rick Shiels GolfHow to DRAW & FADE your golf driver
Rick Shiels GolfHow to play great bunker shots!
Meandmygolf9 Mental Techniques Guaranteed to Improve Your Golf Game
Jon Sherman GolfHow to lower Golf Scores Immediately: STRESS FREE GOLF 101
Golf SidekickWhy golf is wonderful after 50
Golf is one of the kindest games you can take up after 50. A round means a few gentle hours outdoors in the fresh air, some easy walking, and the steady, low-impact movement of the swing, which keeps your shoulders, hips, and back mobile. Just as wonderful is the company: golf is a deeply social game, played with friends old and new, and it gives you a reason to be out and moving every week. Best of all, it is a game for life, one you can keep enjoying for decades. One important note first: golf is a physical activity, so please check with your doctor before you begin, and always warm up and gently stretch before you play to protect your back and joints.
Your first month, week by week
Spend two relaxed sessions at the driving range. Warm up and stretch first, then hit a small bucket of balls, focusing only on making clean, comfortable contact. No score, no pressure.
Add some time on the putting green. Roll putts from a few feet to learn pace and feel, then finish with a short range session working on your grip and setup.
Try chipping around the practice green and mix in your irons at the range. Keep the swing smooth and easy rather than swinging hard for distance.
Play a few holes on a short par-3 or executive course, or join a friend for nine holes. Walk or ride, take your time, and simply enjoy being out on the grass.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Gripping the club too tightly, which tenses your arms and ruins the swing
- Swinging too hard for distance instead of making smooth, balanced contact
- Skipping a proper warm-up and gentle stretch before you play
- Reaching for the wrong club instead of one that fits the distance you actually hit
- Looking up too early to see where the ball went, before you have finished the shot
- Standing too far from or too close to the ball, which throws off your whole setup
Make it easier on your body
Simple ways to keep golf comfortable and safe with arthritis, low vision, or limited mobility.
- Ride a golf cart instead of walking the course to save your legs over 18 holes
- Senior-flex, lightweight graphite-shafted clubs are far easier to swing and gentler on the joints
- Always warm up and stretch gently before playing to protect your back and shoulders
- A stand bag or a push cart spares your back and shoulders from carrying clubs
- Start on par-3 or executive courses, which have shorter holes and less walking
- Supportive, spikeless golf shoes help your balance and are comfortable to walk in; adaptive and seated golf options also exist for those who need them
Words you'll hear
- Par
- The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to finish a hole.
- Birdie
- Finishing a hole in one stroke under par, a very good result.
- Bogey
- Finishing a hole in one stroke over par, which is perfectly normal for most golfers.
- Fairway
- The neatly mown strip of grass between the tee and the green where you want your ball to land.
- Green
- The smooth, closely cut area of grass around the hole, where you putt.
- Handicap
- A number that measures your skill level so players of all abilities can compete fairly.
Where to find your people
- Local public courses and driving ranges, where staff and regulars are usually happy to help newcomers
- Senior golf leagues, which welcome players of every ability for friendly weekly rounds
- PGA professional lesson programs and group clinics at your nearby course
- Golf Meetup groups that organize casual rounds and outings in your area
- Par-3 and executive course communities, a relaxed and welcoming place to start
Start learning Golf
Sign up for our free, friendly lessons and we will help you take the first step. Tell us where you are starting from and we will meet you there.
