Golfing is a sport that women of nearly any age can enjoy. Being a beginner, women need to prepare themselves with the basics of golf before stepping on the course, such as learning golf etiquette and the rules of golf. Women will also want to buy the right equipment, learn about the golf dress code and consider taking golf lessons. Whether you want to play in a company outing, with family and friends, or you're off to golf on your own, learning the basics will help you enjoy the game.
Golf Etiquette
There are unspoken rules of how to conduct yourself on the golf course that are expected of players, but not always taught to beginners. Because it's an individual sport without referees, officials or umpires, learning golf etiquette up front is important to make you feel more comfortable when golfing with others. The United States Golf Association (USGA) is one resource for the basics in golf etiquette. Some of the USGA's etiquette tips include:
• If your ball is in danger of hitting someone, shout the warning "fore." Also, make sure no one is close to you before swinging the club.
• Golf is a game that requires concentration. Refrain from making noise or moving during a person's swing. Standing directly behind a person who is swinging is also considered poor etiquette. Also, turn your phone and other electronic devices off to avoid distracting other players.
• Be aware of another person's putting line. When putting, do not stand or walk on the line of putt of anyone in your group. Also, refrain from casting a shadow over the line of putt for your competitors. Remain on the putting green until all players have finished.
• Pace of play is key. Try to keep up with the group in front of you and if you notice the group behind you has caught up and is waiting, consider letting them play through. As a beginner, pace of play is the most difficult. Remain calm when you first start golfing, and don't be embarrassed to pick up your ball when necessary to keep up your pace of play.
• Leave the golf course better than you found it. Repair your divots on the fairway and ball marks on the putting surface. Rake bunkers before leaving and smooth over all holes and footprints made by yourself or others.
Rules of the Golf Game
Since 1952, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the R&A in St. Andrews Scotland have been responsible for writing, interpreting and maintaining the rules of golf. The USGA presides over golf in the United States and Mexico while the R&A presides over golf in the rest of the world. Depending on where you end up golfing, it is important to familiarize yourself with both sets of rules. There is no need to memorize the rules of golf line by line. Consider taking a copy of the appropriate rule book with you when golfing. The rules of golf are updated every four years, and you will need to get a new rule book starting in January 2012.
Golf Equipment
A woman starting to golf does not need expensive equipment. In fact, she will be better off buying inexpensive or used golf clubs because she is likely to damage the golf clubs when learning to swing. There are clubs for men and women, which differ primarily in the length of the club, but being a woman doesn't mean women's clubs are the best for you. When a woman buys her first set of golf clubs, she should ask a sales representative or golf professional whether she should be purchasing women's or men's clubs. Golf clubs also have a variety of shafts with more and less flexibility. Again, ask for help when selecting your first set of clubs.
Golf shoes are important to help you from slipping on the golf course and providing a stable base in your swing. Women's golf shoes come in the same sizes as the other shoes you purchase and have spikes on the bottom. Golf courses used to allow metal spikes; however, most courses no longer allow these so make sure to purchase soft spike shoes. There are many brands of golf shoes on the market, including sandals for women. Consider purchasing shoes that are waterproof. You never know if you will be on a golf course when it starts to rain, and golfing in wet shoes can become uncomfortable and may give you blisters.
Purchase golf gloves to protect your hands from blisters and calluses. Women's golf gloves come in XS, S, M, L and XL.
When buying golf balls, it is difficult for a beginner to know which one is right for you. There is no need to purchase golf balls marketed toward women or marketed for a specific quality, like longer distance. As a beginner, you most likely won't be able to tell the difference between golf balls. Colored golf balls are also available if you want a little extra flair in your golf game.
Finally, make sure to purchase tees and a ball repair tool. Golf tees come in a variety of colors, lengths and materials. The material and length won't make much of a difference as you learn to golf. Select the tee that you like best.
Golf Instruction
Golf lessons are important for success. The biggest mistake you can make is to try to teach yourself to swing a golf club, which brings bad habits into the swing that are difficult to correct in the future. Start with golf lessons, either in a group or one-on-one with a golf professional. You might even want to consider an intense three-day women's golf clinic for beginners to get you into the swing of things. Between each golf lesson, practice your swing. Practice is essential to golf, so plan on venturing to the driving range regularly.
To find a golf professional for lessons, call up a local golf course or look online. The Ladies Professional Golf Association has an online tool to help you find a golf professional in your area.
Golf Attire
Collared shirts are not just for men. Women are also expected to wear collared shirts on most golf courses. You will see clothing designers advertising shirts without collars under its golf label. Do not assume these are appropriate just because the shirt says it's for golf. You are better safe than sorry by always wearing a collared shirt. Dress pants, shorts or skorts are all appropriate for golf, while jeans are not allowed on most private golf courses. If you decide to wear shorts or a skort, consider selecting a pair that is almost to your knee. Some courses do not allow "short shorts" on the course. To play it safe, call the golf course in advance to identify any specific dress code for the clubhouse and while you are on the golf course.
Playing Your First Round
You are ready to play and need to select a golf course. Find a course that welcomes beginners by asking other golfers for recommendations. Call the golf course to make your tee time and be prepared with a date, time and the number of golfers in your group. Some clubs have women's golf day, and you might want to golf during this time. Also, courses might have men's-only tee times. Depending on the course you are playing, you will find out if there are any specifics on tee times for women golfers.
When you arrive at the golf course, check in at the pro shop to let the course know you are there. Arriving at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tee time is recommended. After you check in, review the course card to determine which tee you will play from. Courses frequently mark the "ladies tee" with red, and this set of tees tends to be the shortest in length. You are not required to play from the shortest tees or the ladies tee, but as a beginner it is recommended.
Golf Terminology
Ever heard someone mention a divot, birdie or lateral hazard while on the golf course? The game of golf has its own terminology that can make the game challenging unless you learn some of the basics. The Golf Channel has a great online resource to look up golf terms you are not familiar with while learning to golf or on the course. There are also golf instruction books available to learn more about golf terminology.
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