How to Start Golf. Where Complete Beginners Should Begin

You do not need to join a golf club, buy a full set of clubs or know how to swing before you start.

For most complete beginners, the easiest place to begin is a driving range. You can practice at your own pace, hit as many or as few balls as you like, and leave whenever you have had enough.

This guide shows you where to go, what to take and the simplest path from trying golf for the first time to playing on a course.

The best place to start golf

Start at a local driving range.

A driving range is designed for practicing. You stand in your own hitting bay and hit balls into an open practice area. There is no score to keep, no hole to finish and no group waiting behind you.

That makes it the simplest and least pressured way to discover whether you enjoy hitting a golf ball.

What you need for your first visit?

Very little. Before buying equipment, ask the range whether you can hire a club. If not, borrow one from a friend.

• One club: a 7-iron, 8-iron or 9-iron is ideal.
• A small bucket of range balls.
• Comfortable clothes that allow you to move.
• Flat, comfortable shoes.
• A glove is optional; you do not need one for your first try.

You do not need a driver, golf bag, trolley, expensive shoes or a full set of clubs to begin.

What to do at the driving range

Tell the staff it is your first time. Ask where to collect balls, whether clubs are available and which bay you should use. Range staff regularly help beginners, so there is no need to pretend you already know what to do.

1. Choose a small bucket of balls.
2. Take one comfortable iron to your bay.
3. Place a ball on the mat and begin with small, easy swings.
4. Focus on making contact, not hitting the ball a long way.
5. Stop when you feel tired or your concentration drops.

Should you take a golf lesson first?

You can try the range on your own, go with an experienced friend or book a beginner lesson. All three are reasonable ways to start.

If you feel nervous or unsure, a short beginner lesson can remove much of the guesswork. If you simply want to see whether golf feels enjoyable, one casual range visit is enough.

Where else can a beginner start?

A driving range is the easiest general starting point, but it is not your only option.

• Beginner group clinic: friendly instruction with other new players.
• Pitch-and-putt or par-3 course: shorter holes and a gentler introduction to playing.
• Golf simulator: useful when weather or location makes a range difficult.
• Putting green: a free or low-pressure way to begin learning the shortest shots

  When are you ready to play on a course?

  You do not need a perfect swing. You are ready to try a beginner-friendly course when you can move around safely, make contact with the ball often enough to keep going and understand a few basic rules of courtesy.

  • Choose a short course, par-3 course or nine holes for your first game.
  • Play with someone supportive if possible.
  • Let the course know you are a beginner and ask about quieter times.
  • Pick up your ball and move on whenever a hole becomes frustrating.

What should you learn first?

Once you have tried golf and want to continue, follow The New Golfer Starter Series in this order:

1. How to Hold a Golf Club
2. Golf Stance & Setup
3. Your First Golf Swing
4. Your First Time at the Driving Range
5. Putting for Beginners
6. Playing Your First Round

Each lesson teaches one small part of the game so you can build confidence without trying to learn everything at once.

Your first-step checklist

• Find a nearby driving range.
• Check opening times and whether clubs can be hired.
• Wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes.
• Buy a small bucket of balls.
• Start with one iron and small swings.
• Focus on contact and enjoyment—not distance.

How much does it cost to start golf?

Golf can be expensive, but starting does not need to be. The biggest mistake is buying everything before you know whether you enjoy the game. Here are some options to help you start?

A low-cost first experience

A beginner can usually start with:

• Hired or borrowed clubs from a friend or family member (free)
• One bucket of range balls at the driving practice range ($10 to $20)
• You do not need a membership, a full club set or premium golf balls for your first attempt.

Typical beginner expenses

Best beginner approach

Clubs - Borrow, hire or buy second-hand. To purchase can range from $50  for 2nd hand clubs up to several hundred for a nice set. Obviously this can vary depending on where you live. 
Golf balls - Use inexpensive or second-hand balls. You can find these online or buy them at the local sporting good store starting at about 50 cents a ball. 
Course fee - Start with nine holes on a public course.  This can range from $20 to $50 depending on where you live. 
Driving range - Pay for one bucket of balls. A formal Golf lesson is not optimal at this stage.  I recommend starting with online instruction and hit a few balls at a driving range first.
Clothing - Comfortable clothing and runners/sneakers are acceptable at most public/municipal golf courses.

What should you avoid buying immediately?

Do not rush into buying:

• A premium driver
• A full set of fourteen clubs
• A rangefinder
• Expensive golf balls
• A large cart bag
• Specialist clothing for every weather condition

Try golf first. Buy equipment gradually as your needs become clearer.

Try the New Golfer Starter Series - 6 simple lessons from holding a club to playing your first round.