Beginner Golfer's How to Guide

Golf is a very interesting and active sport. While you don't need to be supreme physical fitness to play golf, it does require some amount of physical fitness. Virtually anyone on any budget can afford to play golf. It isn't just for the elite and rich anymore. Below you will find some guidelines to help you as a beginner golfer.

Renting equipment. Getting the right gear is important to be able to play golf. Initially, you will want to just rent your equipment from the course's guest area. Renting gives you a chance to figure out which styles and types of gear you're going to need for playing.

Shoes: Often times, beginner golfers do not realize the importance of a pair of good, quality golf shoes. For those on a budget, you can sometimes find these at local flea markets for reasonable prices. Good golf shoes are important because you will be doing a lot of walking on the greens. Shoes will last you a very long time and are an excellent investment to help you remain comfortable. When your feet aren't aching and sore, you can stay better focused on your game.

Scoring: You will need to know the basics of scoring before getting out there to play. After all if you can't keep score, how will you be able to know if you did a good job? The key to scoring is to have the fewest points at the end of the game. Each hole has a certain number of shots you're allowed to take to make it. You want to get the ball in the hole in that many shots or less to have a good game.

Golf Clubs: After you've rented equipment from the club houses and gotten used what you like it is time to shop for some golf clubs. You will need a minimum of two irons. These are for all purpose hits. You'll need a putter club to hit the ball off of the tee when you start your shots. If your budget will allow, it is nice to have distance club to get extra power for those far away holes. You can often find clubs on the Internet or at flea markets at a good price. You don't want to purchase used clubs that have nicks, scratches or dents in the club heads.

Golf Bags: Once you have bought your golf clubs, you're going to need a way to carry them around. Also, you'll have golf balls, tees, towels and other little items. I don't know of many beginner golfers that can afford a caddie to carry all their stuff. And even with a caddie, you still need a golf bag for them to carry your items for you! Make sure that if you are left handed to get a golf bag that is specifically for left handed people. For those that are going to golf solo and not ride around in a cart, you will want to get a bag with a stand to keep it clean and balanced when you stop to make shots. If you're going to be golfing with a lot of friends and in carts, you will want a cart bag that is specifically designed for golf buggies. For those that aren't sure which way they'll be playing the most, you can get a combo bag that is designed for both walking and carts.

Golf Balls: Everyone knows that you balls and tees to play golf. Since you will be losing a lot of balls, it is suggested that beginner golfers invest in a nice supply of all purpose golf balls. You will also want to purchase some light-weight home practice balls to use. One pack of tees should work well for you. You save money in the long run buying your tees and balls instead of renting them.

Practice: As with any sport, practice makes perfect. Practice often at home with your light-weight balls. Watch professionals on television to model their swings and movements. If your budget will allow, get a coach to help you for a few rounds. There are some terrific DVDs out that help you improve your game. I'd recommend DVDs over books because you can actually see the strokes, movements and suggestions instead of just trying to picture them in your mind while reading a book.

Study up a little bit on golf. Follow the above suggestions for what you need and how to play. Your game is sure to be up to par in no time!