Golf Starter Checklist

1. Gather your supplies

• A starter set of golf clubs
• A few golf balls and tees
• A golf glove and comfortable shoes
• A local course or driving range

2. Your first project

3. Your first month, step by step

• Week 1: 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.
• Week 2: 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.
• Week 3: 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.
• Week 4: 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.

4. 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