My husband gave me a set of golf clubs for Christmas. I do not play golf. He has been encouraging me to learn the game and join a local ladies golf group. He is a seasoned golfer and plays in his own golf league. I do not expect to play much with him until I feel ready to join him on the course. How do you suggest I get started?

I suggest you start by taking a few golf lessons from a professional coach who works with beginners. Although lessons are not necessary for learning to play golf, they are beneficial in getting you started before developing bad habits. Space your lessons far enough apart that you have time to practice and analyze what you are learning before the next lesson.

For reference, there are nearly 2,000 LPGA Professionals across the United States and around the world who are eager to teach new students. These certified instructors go through a vigorous training process and are well equipped to work with students of all ages and skill levels. To find a coach near you, use this link.

In addition to taking lessons on the mechanics of golf, find someone who can coach you on the “mental” side of the game. The mental side of golf is often overlooked as a teachable component of the game. There are at least two famous quotes from well-known professional golfers referring to the importance of mind management in golf.  Professional golfer Jim Flick once said, “Golf is 90 percent mental and the other 10 percent is mental, too.” Bobby Jones famously said, “Golf is a game that is played on a five-inch course — the distance between your ears.” You can learn to better direct your thoughts, manage your emotions and maintain your focus, which not only improves your game, but it also increases your self-awareness, self-confidence and decision-making which then transfers to other areas of your life.

I also suggest you start familiarizing yourself with golf etiquette. Etiquette can be defined as, “a set of accepted customs and rules of social conduct, especially among a particular group of people or in a particular social setting.” The more you play, the more golf etiquette you will learn from other players. However, here are a few golf protocols to get you started.

  1. Wear appropriate attire. Golf clubs and public courses usually have dress codes. Check with the course about dress requirements before arriving to play.
  2. Be punctual. Be present and ready to tee-off at the designated tee time. Arrive early enough to warm-up and hit practice shots before your appointed time.
  3. Leave golf bags outside. Most courses have a stand outside the clubhouse for your golf bag while checking in. You can also leave your bag in the car. When you get a cart, load your bag onto the cart from the stand or drive the cart to the car to load your bag.
  4. When others are hitting, be quiet. It is deemed impolite to talk, zip your golf bag and otherwise make noise when another player is teeing off, or in close range on the fairway preparing for a shot. Unless otherwise agreed to by all players, put your cell phone on silent mode.
  5. Watch your positioning on the green. Refrain from moving around someone on the green or standing in their line of sight when they are preparing to putt. Do not stand behind the hole opposite someone putting. Be aware of your shadow and keep it from falling across someone’s putting line or ball. Avoid walking across another player’s putting line.
  6. Learn the basic rules. The complete rules of golf are lengthy and detailed. However, you still want to be aware of the most basic rules before you play. Perhaps your husband or friends who play can discuss the basics with you. If you take lessons, your coach can help. In most cases people who play golf become aware of the lesser known rules when occasional situations occur on the course that are governed by those rules. Knowledgeable playing partners or club professionals are usually consulted when these situations occur. You can also obtain a copy of the United States Golf Association written rules of golf in book form or online.

These suggestions paired with your new set of clubs will give you a good start in learning the game of golf!