Welcome to Golf: Why It’s Not as Intimidating as You Think

If you’ve ever thought about trying golf but stopped yourself because it felt intimidating, expensive, confusing, or “not for beginners,” you’re not alone — and you’re exactly who this space is for.

I didn’t start golf because I was naturally good at it. Like everyone else, I was pretty bad at first (and still can be). What kept me coming back wasn’t perfect swings or great scores — it was the one good shot per round, the time outside, the social aspect, and the feeling that I was learning something new.

This blog exists to make golf feel more approachable, especially for women who are brand new, a little nervous, or just don’t know where to start.

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What Golf Really Is

At its core, golf isn’t about being amazing. It’s about etiquette, honesty, and enjoying the game.

One of the coolest things about golf is that it’s a game of honor — you keep your own score. There’s no referee watching your every move. That alone says a lot about the culture of the sport. You can accuse me of being a bad golfer, but don't ever accuse me of taking creative liberties with the scorecard!

Most golfers aren’t paying attention to how good or bad you are. They’re worried about their own game. If you’re respectful, keep up with pace of play, and understand a few basics, you’ll fit in just fine.

The Absolute Basics: Clubs You’ll Hear About

You don’t need a full bag of clubs or deep technical knowledge to start. Here’s a simple breakdown

• Driver – Used off the tee on longer holes. It’s the big club everyone wants to crush (and sometimes misses entirely — totally normal).

• Irons – Used for shots from the fairway or rough. These make up most of your shots during a round.

• Wedges – Shorter shots around the green. You’ll love these more than you think.

• Putter – Used on the green to roll the ball into the hole

That’s it. You can learn more later — you don’t need to know everything to start.

A Few Rules That Actually Matter as a Beginner

You don’t need to memorize a rule book. These are the basics that will help you feel comfortable your first few rounds:

• Teeing off: Start from the tee box that makes sense for you (usually forward tees for beginners — for women these are most often colored red)

• Order of play: Generally, whoever is farthest from the hole at any given time hits next.

• On the green: Try not to step on someone else’s putting line (the imaginary line on the putting green between the ball and the hole)

• Pace of play: This matters more than how good you are. Be ready when it’s your turn and don’t overthink every shot. You WILL be called out if you take 3+ practice swings - just "Grip It and Rip It," as PGA professional John Daly says.

If you mess up? Everyone does. And let's be real - we feel a slight sense of relief when other players hit their first bad shot of the round because it reminds us that they are just as human as we are.

What Beginners Actually End Up Loving About Golf

Most people don’t fall in love with golf because of their score. They fall in love with it because of:

• Being outside for hours

• Walking (or riding) a beautiful course

• The social aspect

• The one amazing shot that keeps you coming back

• Post-round drinks and laughs

• Slowly feeling more confident each time you play

• Cute outfits!

Golf has a way of humbling you — and then rewarding you just enough to keep you hooked.

Let’s Talk About Looking the Part (It Matters More Than You Think)

This might sound superficial, but it’s true: dressing appropriately on the golf course earns you instant respect, especially as a beginner.

You don’t need designer outfits or anything fancy. A collared shirt, golf skirt/shorts, or athletic pants goes a long way. When you look like you belong, you feel like you belong — and other golfers treat you that way too.

Confidence on the course isn’t just about your swing.

If You’ve Been Curious About Golf…

If you’ve been wanting to try golf but felt nervous, intimidated, or unsure where to begin — you’re in the right place.

This space is for learning the basics, asking the “dumb” questions (there aren’t any), and figuring out how to get out there without feeling clueless.

Next up: How to Get Out There and Look Like You Semi-Know What You’re Doing — because we all start somewhere.

Welcome to golf.