When I started playing golf, I thought it would be a low-stakes, relaxing way to spend a Saturday. Instead, I discovered a sport that’s part therapy, part comedy, and part exercise in humility.
So if you’re just getting started, here are five things I wish someone had told me upfront — the kind of stuff that could have saved me a dozen lost balls and at least one emotional collapse on the back nine.
1. The Driving Range Isn’t a Judgment Zone
Showing up to the range as a beginner feels like walking into a gym full of bodybuilders while holding a Shake Weight. You’re convinced everyone’s watching you. But spoiler: they’re not. They’re all too busy fixing their own swing demons.
Still, knowing what to expect helps. Here’s a no-judgment guide:
- Stepping Onto the Range: Your Friendly First-Timer’s Guide
- What Everyone Else at the Driving Range Is Doing (And Why It Doesn’t Matter)
2. Picking the Right Tees Actually Matters
I used to think playing from the back tees made me look more legit. In reality, it made the game longer, slower, and way more demoralizing. Choosing the right tee box makes golf way more fun and keeps the pace moving.
3. You Don’t Need Fancy Gear (But Some Stuff Helps a Lot)
Beginner me spent way too long researching clubs and not enough time figuring out why my hands were slipping mid-swing. What actually helped? Golf shoes, a glove that fit, and rain gear that didn’t make me feel like a soggy burrito.
- The Only Golf Accessories a Beginner Truly Needs
- Golf Course Style for Beginners: Look Good, Stay Comfortable
4. You’ll Spend More Time Escaping Trouble Than You Expect
I used to think bunkers and thick rough were rare. Then I started playing. Turns out, escaping bad lies is basically half the game — and learning how to do it (without crying) makes everything better.
5. Golf Is Weirdly Social — And That’s a Good Thing
I thought golf would be a solo thing. But from random pairings to friendly leagues, it’s one of the most social sports I’ve tried. People are surprisingly cool (even when you top your drive).
Final Thought: You Will Suck — and That’s the Point
You’re going to top the ball, chunk a chip, and launch one into a pond. But you’ll also hit that one sweet shot that keeps you coming back. That’s golf.
We write about all of it over at WeSuckAtGolf.com. If you’re figuring it out too, come hang out — and bring extra golf balls.
