The Ultimate Women’s Beginner Golf Guide

Golf can be an intimidating sport, but this Women’s Beginner Golf Guide will help alleviate a lot of the anxiety. We’re going to get you comfortable because these are things I wish I knew when I started learning how to play golf. The best thing about golf is that you can start at your own pace and take your game in any direction you want, whether you want to be a casual player, somewhat serious, or aspire to play tournaments back to back. Golf is a popular sport where businesses get down because you’re stuck with the group for 4-4.5 hours on a good day.

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Women’s Beginner Golf Guide

Golf is a men-dominated sport, but that doesn’t mean women should shy away from the greens. Honestly, this beginner golf guide can be for anyone. I’m sharing the knowledge I gathered over the past couple of years.

You can opt to play solo, but if you’re looking for a tribe, many women’s golf clubs are out there without the country club pricing. I’ve elevated my golf experience by meeting ladies who golf. I’ve been with this golf club for over a year and feel my golf game has leveled up through the outings and clinics. Expenses can add up quickly, but it’s an investment. The opportunities you take advantage of are the experiences you get from your investment.

Know Before You Go

Outfits

One of the funnest things about playing golf is wearing a cute outfit. Most golf courses (especially the private ones) are fairly conservative. The safest bet would be a polo (sleeved and sleeveless), long-sleeve shirt, and outerwear (jacket/pullover) paired with a skirt (it should not be too short), leggings, and capris/pants. Short sleeve shirts and tank tops are a bit tricky – I’ve worn tank tops during the summer, but I would’ve gotten a side eye at a private course (pair a neck twilly). If you want to be safe, read the dress code for that specific golf course.

Don’t forget to bring headwear and sunglasses! This includes hats, beanies (during the winter), visors, and bucket hats!

Golf Clubs/Set

If you’re not going to rent clubs, you’ll need to bring your own clubs. You can borrow a set from your friends/family, buy a used set, or buy a new set. What brand and model is up to you based on your own research. Carry them in your golf bag, which comes in different sizes (portable and full). There is a standing bag, which has retractable legs, and a cart bag, which is ideal for golf carts (but has more room). When carrying the golf bag, ensure the clubs are facing forward.

Accessories

Remember to pack these with you before you go out! You’ll need to bring these at a minimum. For a comprehensive list of bag essentials, check out my other blog post!

• Divot Tool
• Tees
• Glove (typically for non-dominant hand)
• Golf Balls
• Ball Marker
• Golf Towel

Golf Club Grips

When you’re playing and practicing golf, keep in mind about your golf club grips. Are they feeling slick? Looking shiny? Looking super wear? It’s a good idea to change out the golf club grips every 12-18 months, depending on the usage frequency and how well you take care of your clubs. Grips on the Go is a great mobile service that can regrip your clubs within minutes. You can go to their pop up’s or have them come to you.

Booking Tee Time

To book a tee time (reservation to play at the golf course), go to the golf course’s website and look for a link to book a tee time. You’ll have to register and potentially enter your credit card information. This is to ensure accountability that you will show up in accordance with your reservation. Be sure to read the fine print with the cancellations (i.e. up to 24 hours prior to the tee time). Be mindful when you’re playing with someone else and they booked the reservation.

How to Handle Yourself with Unsolicited Comments

Unfortunately, there will be situations when someone gives unsolicited comments (including catcalling and advisory). Prepare to know how you will handle yourself if that happens. There will be assholes at the course who will act entitled. Remember to stay calm and don’t provoke the person. If it’s safe, ignore them because they’re wasting their energy being bothered. For your own sake, document the incident in the event that you need to escalate to the golf course management. Call the clubhouse and inform them of the incident.

If someone gives you unsolicited advice, don’t be afraid to tell them, “Thanks for the tip, but I’m out here practicing on my own today.” You paid for your own range balls, and unless they’re an L/PGA pro, you didn’t ask for the advice.

Know on the Go

Here are some general tips to keep in mind while you’re out at the golf facility:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tee time so you can check in, pay, and use the facilities.
• Leave your golf bag outside of the clubhouse.
• There is a cart fee and a push cart rental fee. Sometimes, the cart fee is included, but you’ll have to verify on the website.
• In your golf group, those in the farther tees will go first.
• Keep pace by knowing the ball further from the flag always hit first. For beginners, it’s okay to drop the ball. Try to limit your putts to 3-4 max (if time permits), but aim for 2 putts.
• Lose a ball? Just drop a new one with your teammate.
• Don’t use anything other than a putter on the greens (nice green area close to the flag).
• Don’t drive the cart/push cart to the putting green.
• Rake bunkers after you’re done.
• Don’t walk in front of someone else’s line of sight on the greens.
• Wear proper golf shoes (typically soft spiked shoes).
• Only tee up in the tee box. If you’re not using a driver in the tee box, the tee should be close to the ground.
• Use your divot tool to fix divots in the greens.
• Don’t talk while someone’s hitting the ball.
• You can be efficient by being ready with your club while the current person hits.
• Do not step into the bunker from the steepest side.
• Make sure your ball and club are always clean for maximum impact.
• Yell “FORE” if your ball is going toward someone’s direction.
• Know your distance from the tee box to avoid hitting the group in front of you, and to keep pace.
• Some tee times might be aggressive (i.e. 8 minutes apart), but don’t let that intimidate you.
• A good 18-hole game will take 4-4.5 hours. The 19th hole is usually the restaurant at the golf course.
• There are 9-hole golf courses (with the 10th hole being the restaurant).
• Bring good sportsmanship.

The Driving Range

The driving range is where you practice your swing and golf shots. There are different-sized buckets (small/medium/large), and the large buckets usually give you the most bang for your buck. You can purchase these at the clubhouse or the machine (if it is automated). Here are some things to be mindful of:

• Load your bucket before entering the pin/payment for balls.
• Pay attention to the dispenser in case rogue balls are rolling out.
• It’s okay to practice as many balls as you need to. Don’t let someone bully you out.
• It’s okay to take a couple of minutes as a break, but be mindful if the driving range is busy. This is a tough one because others may not be as mindful.
• If someone comes up to you to talk to you about your swing… You can either tell them the statement above, or take the tips.
• Try to hit within the driving range area. If your ball flies to the golf course, remember to yell FORE.
• This is the best place to fix your swing because you have multiple balls to try out the mechanics versus one shot at the golf course.

Hope this women’s beginner golf guide helped you become more comfortable with playing golf!