As a former baby birdie golfer, I understand what it’s like to start out playing like trash. I also know that all players reach a point where a decision is made to either golf for the rest of time or never again.
If I could go back and learn golf as a newbie all over again, here’s what I’d do differently to be fearless and to fall in love with the game sooner:
STARTING OUT
- TAKE LESSONS FIRST: Start here. You won’t regret it. I didn’t do this, and it was really discouraging. Lessons helped me manage my expectations and enjoy playing, even while doing so horribly. Definitely use professional guidance to create a structured learning path and to understand what the learning curve looks like for most golfers at your current skill level.
- DON’T BUY EXPENSIVE CLUBS (YET): Start by renting or borrowing clubs. Don’t buy super expensive gear upfront. I can’t stress this enough. Finding the right clubs for your playing style takes time. As an example, I discovered men’s clubs suited my swing speed best only after my first full year and some change as a golfer. Up to that point, there were entire rounds where I didn’t even touch a majority of clubs because I was learning the absolute basics.
- GET ALLLL OF THE GOLF CLOTHING: If the women’s golf fashion world seems limited, it’s because it is. As a golf entrepreneur, I am working to bring more variety into the golf apparel space by merging function and form, but in the meantime, there are some solid options online. As in all realms, quality, comfortable clothing can work wonders on the confidence front. For me, having new golf ‘stumes meant I had to play. Colin kept a steady stream of attire coming my way, which definitely aided in me playing more often. He understood the assignment.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE & COMMUNITY
Because fearless golf is hot girl golf.
- EMBRACE BEING A BEGINNER: Every pro was once a beginner. Sure, they were probably 15 (you know, that time in life when if somebody told you they love you, you’re gonna believe them) with helicopter parents, but it’s better to be new to the game as an adult anyway because you can buy your own treats on the course and get into your car mid-round to cry/go home. Find ways to make learning the game, on and off the course, fun and relaxing! With the CVS receipt-long list of things we as adults can do with our time, I know this is mission critical. If I wanted to be bored, I’d play Uno with your kids.
- JOIN BEGINNER GROUPS: Connect with other newbies – aka baby birdies. I found comfort in shared learning with a really awesome, inclusive group of women at our club. Growing together is always more fun, IMO. The friendships are a big part of what kept me coming back. This was especially true during periods of my professional life when work-life balance wasn’t really my jam.
- TAKE YOUR TIME: While I’m an advocate for fast play, beginners should pace themselves. Ask your golf besties to help you gauge your pace of play so you don’t rush for no reason. If possible, schedule tee times behind slower players or in front of bigger/slower groups, allowing you the freedom to take your time.
PLAY, PLAY, PLAY
- FREQUENCY MATTERS – PLAY/PRACTICE OFTEN: The more you play, the more adept you become, you know this. If you’re hesitant about hitting a full course initially, places like Top Golf can be a great stepping-stone. If you take away anything from this post, I’d want it to be that simply approaching a golf club staff member and stating that you are new to the game can go a long way in helping get comfy on the course quickly. Just watch how the community rallies around you. Ask all the questions – etiquette, club rules, strategy, whatever. You will get the hang of things in no time! And I promise, people won’t be annoyed.
- JOIN A CLUB: Private, semi-private, and public courses, golf simulator facilities, and social settings like Top Golf and Puttshack offer memberships, so joining a club doesn’t have to require you to sell pictures of your feet on the internet. Unless you want to, boo, then you do you!
- FIND YOUR GOLF BESTIES: Golf is more fun with buddies. Whether it’s bonding over a round where you played well, like trash, or encountered a bunch of neat turtles, birdie besties will definitely increase your changes of sticking with golf and playing more fearlessly over time. Check out this post for more thoughts on this — Golf for Swifties: 19K9 – Finding Golf Besties as an Elder Millennial.
AVOIDING GOLF BURNOUT
- TAKE A BREAK: If golf starts feeling burdensome, take a break. It’s called PLAYING golf because it’s supposed to be recreation. Everyone needs to reset by stepping away [from insert most things]. Golf is as much a mental game as it is physical, so it is no exception. It’s okay to opt for shorter rounds if that’s what your mental/physical capacity requires. Take a cart if you normally walk with a pushcart. Use a pushcart if you normally walk and carry your clubs. Whatever works for you.
- Celebrate Small Wins: This is your golf love story. Say yes to celebrating your achievements, golf-related and otherwise. Consider your personal motivators in other areas of your life and don’t underestimate how much incentivizing your growth as a golfer, no matter your skill level, can aid in your advancement.
To recap, take lessons from jump, ask questions, buy cozy clothes that make you feel like whatever you want to feel like, and don’t buy expensive clubs when you first start out. No matter how you decide to play, just play.
Fearless golf is hot girl golf.
