According to the National Golf Foundation, 45 million people six years and older played golf during 2023. Of those, 3.4 million were playing golf for the first time. The growing popularity of this game is evident, with almost 16,000 courses and 14,000 golf facilities in the U.S.
If you want to be part of the in-crowd and look like a pro on the green, you must learn the golf rules for beginners. Travel the course with us as we explain the dress code, golf etiquette, rules for teeing off, and why you may want to consider a golf league.
Learn to Play Golf
There are no rules on order at the first tee; on subsequent holes, the person with the best score on the preceding hole goes first.
There will be a recommended par for each hole and the entire course. Scoring is the number of strokes needed to get your ball into the hole, and par is the number of strokes a good player generally needs to complete the hole.
Each person takes their turn, and then the group moves on. As you approach each player's ball, they take their next shot, and the group continues.
This is for safety, so everyone stays behind the line of a flying golf ball. An average of 30,000 people receive treatment for golf injuries every year. Golf clubs account for 23.4% of the injuries, and 16% are caused by being struck by a golf ball.
You cannot move your ball and must play it where it lands. There are a few exceptions, and you will learn about these if you take golf lessons. Lessons usually run for about five weeks, with a one-hour weekly lesson.
Lessons help you perfect your swing and learn everything you need to know before stepping onto the course for the first time. This will help you navigate the course with confidence.
Others may inquire about your handicap. Handicap is based on your typical score when playing the course. The handicap levels the playing field when golfers of different abilities play a game together.
Dress Code for Golfers
Whether or not a golf course has a dress code often depends on its price or prestigious status. Many public courses are casual about attire, while golfers are expected to dress appropriately.
A golf shirt (polo) has short sleeves and a collar with a placket neckline and buttons at the top. Women's golf shirts are available in sleeveless styles.
Shirts are made of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and not interfere with your swing. Neutral colors are less distracting and the preferred color for the course.
Golf pants and shorts should be comfortable and non-restrictive. Women can select athletic skirts or dresses. Shorts should be just above the kneecap, and skirts no more than two inches above the knees.
Golf shoes can help improve the game if they have soft or metal spikes to improve traction.
Check with the course to ensure they allow this type of shoe; many now ban metal spikes. Tennis shoes or running shoes are also acceptable on some courses.
You'll need a loose-fitting crewneck sweater, vest, or windbreaker for cooler days. Sweatshirts and hoodies are not proper golf attire. Make sure your outerwear allows room for your swing.
Selecting Equipment
You may feel overwhelmed when purchasing your first set of golf equipment. One of the determining factors in selecting the right golf club is whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced golfer. Other factors to consider are your budget, whether you want to purchase new or used, the type of material you prefer, and the weight and feel of the club when you swing it.
Now you need a bag for your clubs. The first question is whether you want a stand, cart, hybrid, or Sunday bag. If you prefer walking the course, the built-in stand system keeps the bag off the ground.
Golf cart bags are the biggest, designed to sit on the back of golf and push carts. They do not have a stand system but provide more storage.
A hybrid golf bag is a crossover between a stand and a cart bag, incorporating features from both. It is larger than a traditional stand bag but has a stand system. It is smaller than cart bags but includes the strap pass-through system for use on a cart.
Sunday bags are the smallest and only hold a few clubs. They are useful for those who choose to tee off on par-three courses.
Now that you have clubs and a bag, you must select the best golf ball. Up to 70% of golfers use the wrong type of ball. Your pro shop's advice is invaluable here. Staff can analyze your equipment, swing, and launch angle and recommend a ball to improve your game.
Course Golf Rules for Beginners
Arrive before your tee time, allowing a few minutes to warm up before the game. Take a few swings with each type of club. This doesn't need to be lengthy, just a few shots to get you into the swing of things before starting your game.
Read the scorecard to learn any local rules. If other players use the same type and number of ball you play with, place an identifying mark on your ball.
Plan your next shot as you approach your ball to prevent slow-ups on the course. Pay attention to the direction of the wind, select your club, visualize your swing, and then play. Between club selection and the shot, it should only take 30 to 45 seconds.
Always replace your divots. Take a rake into bunkers, entering from the low side and closest to your ball. Take your shot, then rake the area you played from, including your footprints.
Out of Bounds
If you hit a ball out of bounds, such as into a wooded area, you have three minutes to search for your ball. If you cannot find it within that time, you must declare a lost ball, play with your provisional ball, and take a one-stroke penalty.
If you find your original ball in bounds after playing your provisional ball, remove the provisional and play with your original.
On the Green
If your ball impacts the green, use a tee or repair tool to work the edges toward the center without lifting the center mark.
Never step on another player's putting line. If your ball is in their line, mark it. The player whose ball is farthest from the hole putts first.
Never stand where you might distract a fellow player, and remain quiet while others putt. If there is a caddie, they will handle the flagstick.
If you handle the flagstick, hold it at arm's length, and don't shadow another player's putting line. Pull the flagstick straight up after the player hits the ball.
Golf Etiquette
Never hit your ball if it might reach the group ahead. If you hit a ball that may land near other players, yell "Fore" immediately. If your ball lands near others apologize.
It is okay to become frustrated when your game isn't going well. Outbursts that include yelling, swearing, screaming, or throwing clubs are unacceptable.
If your group stops for refreshments at the turn (end of nine holes), offer to buy drinks for the caddies. Once the game ends, shake hands, congratulate the winners, and thank everyone for their company.
Terminology
If you're not sure whether you've got a birdie, buzzard, condor, or eagle, you're not alone. Learning golf terminology can be confusing. Here are a few fun terms to get you started:
- Ace: a hole in one
- Albatross: three under par
- Birdie: one under par
- Buzzard: a double bogey (two over par)
- Chilly Dip: ineffectual chip shot
- Condor: four under par
- Double Eagle: three strokes under par
- Eagle: two under par
- Gardening: fixing a divot or ball mark
- Hook: shot goes severely right or left
- Nineteenth Hole: where you toast to the game and camaraderie
- Platypus: hitting out of bounds and still making par
- Snowman: scoring eight on a hole
- Tee Time: appointed time your golf game begins
- The Beach: sand trap
- Triple Bogey: three shots over par on a single hole
Next time you hit the course, you can take flight with all your new terminology.
Golf League Basics
A golf league is a chance to develop friendships and perfect your game. Select a course and the type of league you want to join. Review the times the league plays to ensure they fit your schedule and contact the course to learn how you can join.
Selecting a Course
Now that you know golf rules for beginners, you can select a course. Your best choice is a public course offering instruction, practice areas, leagues, and options for golfers of all skill levels.
Plum Creek Golf Course is a par 71, 18-hole championship course in Austin, Texas. It is laid out over 200 acres, incorporating the natural surroundings.
We provide five sets of tees to select from, giving every golfer a fair challenge, and we have the best practice facility in the area. Review our reservation policies and book a tee time so you can swing through our course soon.