Beginner's Guide

Download the Get into Golf App

We developed the Get Into Golf app to help encourage more people into the game, increase membership and boost beginners’ confidence.

The app:

• Includes an easy-to-navigate knowledge bank of videos and guides to develop beginners’ understanding of different aspects of the game.
• Practical, interactive features like checklists and quizzes to boost confidence.
• Is a one-stop shop for new golfers to become familiar with golf lingo, learn some new skills and check out some basic rules of the game.

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW ON ANDROID and IOS

Talk to a Pro

The best person to talk to about golf are the ones with the most experience. Most clubs in Ireland have their own resident Golf Professional who will guide you in the right direction when getting started, and some clubs run taster sessions and a buddy system to introduce newer players.

Find your local club

Find a Get into Golf Programme (Women)

Getting into golf via a Women's Get into Golf programme has been a hugely positive way for thousands of women to learn how to play the sport in a supported environment. The GIG programme includes lessons with a PGA Professional and on course activities that allow participants to learn new skills, meet people of a simliar ability and get to know current members too.

Get into Golf programmes generally run from Spring into Summer. 

Click here to view list of clubs hosting Get Into Golf in 2024

Know the Rules

Before you start playing, there are some important basic rules you can get to know. These are not extensive but could save you a lot of headaches later on!
Rules for Beginners

Practice, practice, practice

You know the cliché - practice makes perfect. In golf, this is very true. Don’t expect to get it right first time, and never give up. Like learning to drive for the first time, every step feels monumental until eventually you find you no longer have to think about each of those steps and you just keep driving!
Where to Learn and Practice

Top Tips

Sometimes getting started can be the hardest part about learning anything new.  

Getting lessons from your local PGA professional can often be a great way to learn the basics. The more lessons you get and the more time you put into your practice can often have an impact on how quickly you develop as a player.

Learning in groups is a great way to meet other people who may be starting off like you.  To see if there are any group lessons happening near you, contact local clubs in your area.

Who do I speak to in the club?

As a new golfer, making the transition from the driving range to the golf course can be difficult but generally clubs offer support by providing mentors or ‘buddies’ to help you get settled.

A player’s initial experiences on the golf course can be daunting but with support and guidance from a current member you can enjoy the challenge, practice your new skills and learn about the course.

Joining a golf club can  be unnerving, especially if you have no prior links with the facility. Go along to sessions that the club has arranged for ‘new members’, these are usually fun, social occasions to make new members feel at ease and can link you with a ‘point of contact’ in the club. This person can help you with any queries/issues relating to the fundamentals of golf club membership, such as club rules, etiquette, competition formats and general procedures, and can be a great resource during your first year of membership.

What to wear?

When you  go along to a taster session or introductory lessons, you simply need to wear comfortable clothing. Thin layers are ideal, they’re easy to move in and you can add to the layers or remove extra, depending on the weather.

Golf is played in all weathers so, once you become a regular, it’s advisable to buy a good waterproof suit. Waterproofs are also very useful to wear in the wind and cold, so they can be used for other activities and not just golf, so a worthy investment!

As you get more involved with golf you’ll find there’s a vast choice of purpose-designed golf wear which offers comfort and style.

Sensible shoes are important and, if you decide to take up golf, you’ll need to buy a pair of golf shoes. Good shoes will breathe, repel water and give you comfort on the long walks, while the spikes will provide traction when you’re making your swing.

If you join a club, you’ll need to ask about their dress code. Some clubs have strict codes while others are more relaxed, but the general rules exclude denim jeans and football shirts, especially while on the course.

When can I play?

When you are starting off, it is recommended that you go to the course during a quiet time, perhaps a weekday evening or morning depending on the club you are playing at.  This gives you more time on the course to practice your new skills without rushing through the game.

It is a good idea to check with the clubhouse or pro shop in advance of playing.  Remember, when you are learning to play, its a lot like learning to drive a car.  Beware of other players around you, if someone is right behind you pull in and wave them through!

Perceptions

We have consulted with hundreds of people prior about their perceptions of the game prior to attending a taster session.   The majority had strong perceptions not only on what golf was like as a sport but also what the golf environment was like.  These things included:

• “It is really boring”
• “It requires a lot of time”
• “It is way too difficult”
• “It is for the elite, we wouldn’t be welcomed”
• “There are so many rules”
• “It is so expensive”

The Get into Golf initiative helps to showcase that these perceptions differ from reality in the majority of Golf Clubs. This is done in the following way:

To showcase that Golf isn’t for the elite the programme recommends:

• Taster Sessions – offering people in wider community a chance to attend a FREE taster session that delivers engaging and fun activities so that they can try golf out without having to commit to anything.
• Giving general information – by outlining start and finish times, where to meet, what clothing to wear and equipment required on the posters it helped to tackle the anxieties of the “unknown”
• Setting up Group sessions – the entire programme is about learning through a group environment that is safe and fun
• Buddy system – introducing club members as buddies and having social activities in the Clubhouse means there are plenty of opportunities for participants to integrate with members and into the Club.  These buddies also help you to learn golf phrases, the basic rules and how to enjoy all the benefits of golf.

For people with time constraints, the programme suggests:

• Regular times– by having lessons and activities the same time and day each week meant participants could make it part of their weekly routine
• Set playing times– playing for a period of time e.g 1.5 hours rather than setting out the number of holes to be played e.g playing 9 holes which for some beginners could take several hours
• Playing shorter courses– allowing participants to play from 100m, 150m, start of the fairway or tee boxes depending on their ability meant they could get around the course a lot quicker and felt like they were achieving something
• Playing 9 hole competitions  –for those who were ready to move on to competition and handicap but didn’t have time to play 18 holes

Cost

The cost of the eight week programme ranges from £/€50 – €100 depending on the part of the country you are in.  his is a great cost effective way to try out the sport and gives participants the opportunity to move into an introductory membership if they want to progress further.

All Golf Clubs running a Get into Golf programme will have:

• Introductory membership– Typically, depending on what part of the country you are doing the programme, introductory membership will begin from 25% of the ordinary membership fee for year 1 and 50% for year 2.  In most clubs this membership will have certain restrictions, however it will most certainly meet the majority of your needs and allow you to get a taste for what Golf Club membership is like.
• Club lending scheme– Most Golf Clubs have a lending scheme, which can be used by participants through the duration of the programme.

Obtaining a Handicap Guidelines

• A handicap will only be allotted if you are a member of an affiliated club and after full consideration of any previous playing history.
• The committee will give you instructions on how to obtain your handicap.
• You will have to play at least 3 rounds of 18 holes or 6 rounds of 9 holes. You may be asked to put your name on your card and date. On top of the card you should write ‘For handicap’.
• You will be advised that each card must be marked and signed by a responsible person acceptable to the committee.
• You will need a club card, a pencil/pen to mark your score accurately after each hole.
• After each round, you must sign your card and your marker must sign it also.
• You will be advised by the committee on where to put your card when you have finished each round.
• The required number of cards should normally be submitted within a period of six months.