Get into Golf
A guide for those starting out
in the game
A guide for those starting out
in the game
Starting out in golf can be daunting, knowing the different ways to play, the terminology, and the social etiquette. Once you have played your first few rounds of golf and become accustomed to the rules and how to behave on the course you’ll realise that this is a game for you.
We have created this guide to help you learn the basics and make an informed choice when it comes to what to wear and what clubs you need.
Package Sets
Golf Essentials
/Clubs
Drivers
A driver is the longest club in your bag with the biggest club head designed for long shots off the tee and a part of the woods family.
Shop Drivers Shop DriversFairway Woods
These are higher lofted woods to offer control off the tee and to help launch the ball off the fairway. There are various woods ranging from 3-wood to 9-wood, all with different lofts to go different distances.
Shop Fairway Woods Shop Fairway WoodsHybrids
A Hybrid is used to launch the ball with greater consistency than a traditional long iron.
Shop Hybrids Shop HybridsIrons
With a shorter shaft and a smaller, flatter club head, irons typically range from a 3 - SW iron with different lofts to go different distances.
Shop Irons Shop IronsWedges
Wedges look similar to irons but are designed with the highest loft and used for shorter approach shots to the green. Most golfers start with a pitching wedge and sand wedge (for bunkers) and you can get wedges of varying degrees from 44 degrees to 60 degrees, to help with different shots around the greens.
Shop Wedges Shop WedgesPutters
Only to be used on or around the green, the putter is the most used club and is for stroking the ball into the hole.
Shop Putters Shop PuttersBeginner FAQ’s
What do the numbers mean?
The number on the clubs is an indication of loft, the lower the number the less loft on the club so a 5 iron has a loft of 25 degrees whereas a 9 iron has a loft of 40 degrees. The higher the loft means the ball will go higher and not as far as a club with a lower loft.
What clubs should you start with?
The minimum a beginner should start out with is a driver, a 7 iron, a wedge, and a putter. However, buying single clubs can be a hassle and a package set is more suited to those who are starting in golf.
What are the best golf clubs for beginners?
The best golf clubs for beginners vary depending on the person. A good place to start is a package set. A package set comes with a driver, woods, irons, and a putter from a variety of brands and prices.
Beginners Clubs Beginners ClubsWhat are the best Irons for Beginners?
The best irons for beginners are ones that provide you with as much forgiveness as possible. If a club is classed as 'forgiving', it simply means it’s easier to hit. There are a lot of brands that have irons designed to be forgiving. Some to look into are the TaylorMade Sim2, Callaway Mavrik, Cobra Darkspeed, TaylorMade Qi10, and the Callaway Ai Smoke
Beginners Irons Beginners IronsWhat is a Handicap?
At its simplest, a golf handicap is a measure of your ability as a golfer. Almost uniquely in sport, the handicapping system lets players of all levels and abilities compete against each other on equal terms.
What is a handicap? What is a Handicap?How do you score in golf?
Your score is the total number of shots it takes you to get the ball from the tee box into the hole. When it comes to scoring, golf has its own terminology. Whether that be an eagle, birdie, par, bogey, or double bogey.
Scoring Explained Scoring Explained
Golf Essentials
/Equipment
Gloves
Golf gloves are worn on the opposite hand. Right handers need a left handed glove, lefties need a right handed glove. A glove is used for grip and to stop the club from twisting in your hand.
Shop Gloves Shop GlovesBalls
Golf balls are an essential to play golf. It's also important you play with the right ball as different balls are better suited to different players.
Shop Balls Shop BallsBags
Golf bags are needed to keep your golf clubs safe and organised, hold golf balls, clothing, and even store drinks and snacks for the course.
Shop Bags Shop BagsTees
Tees are only used on the tee box and are used to prop up the ball. Although they aren't needed to play golf they help when hitting the ball
Shop Tees Shop TeesShoes
Golf shoes are designed to give you more traction, stability and comfort when you play golf
Shop Shoes Shop ShoesGolf Essentials
Myth Busting
Myth:You need expensive clubs to play well
Busted:
You need the right clubs for your ability in the game. Most beginners will start with a Package Set, which offers great value and has all the clubs that you need. However, some people will want to go straight to the more premium clubs to begin, but we would recommend you visit a store and seek advise.
Beginners Clubs Beginners ClubsMyth:Hitting the ball harder makes for a better shot
Busted:
While in essence hitting the ball harder makes the ball go further, there are other variables to take into account, such as strike location and timing. Beginners should focus on technique and replicate a good strike over trying to hit the ball as hard as possible.
How to Swing How to SwingMyth:You need to be physically fit to play golf
Busted:
While being physically fit can certainly help, golf is a sport that people of all ages and fitness levels can enjoy. It's more about technique and finesse than raw athleticism.
Golf Essentail Fitness Golf Essentail FitnessMyth:Equipment doesn't matter
Busted:
Equipment does matter. It's important to get the right equipment for you, whether you are a beginner or advanced golfer. Many beginners underestimate the importance of custom fitting, thinking it won't make a difference at this early stage. We recommend Custom Fitting so that golfers of all abilities get the best advice and the most suitable clubs for their game.
At American Golf, we provide this service for FREE and sessions can be booked online here.
Beginners Equpiment Beginners EquipmentMyth:Clothing doesn't matter
Busted:
Clothing does matter. It's important that you're movement is not restricted during the game and you should consider a wide range of technical golf clothing. You will find waterproof, breathable, lightweight and stretch fabric apparel options to suit the season and weather you will be playing in.
Clothing Essentials Clothing EssentialsMyth:Stick with the same brand and model of golf balls
Busted:
while consistency can be helpful, it's not essential for most amateur golfers. Experimenting with different golf balls can help you find the one that suits your game best. Ball fitting can be beneficial for beginner golfers in understanding which ball is right for your ability and game.
Beginners Equpiment Beginners Equipment