How to get into golf: a beginner’s guide to starting with confidence

Golf can seem difficult to break into from the outside. There’s a sense that everyone else knows what they’re doing or that you need expensive equipment. In reality, the modern game is far more relaxed and beginner-friendly than its reputation suggests.

If you’re curious about giving golf a go, the most important thing to know is that you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. You just need a place to begin. To help, we’ve laid out some simple tips and guidance to get you started with confidence.

For most people, the best introduction to golf is the driving range. It’s a low-pressure environment where there’s no scoring and no expectation to be good straight away.

Your first session is really about getting used to the feeling of holding a club and making contact with the ball. That alone is a win. Distance, direction, and consistency will come later.

If you’re looking for something a little more social, venues like Pitch are also a great place to start. With a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, food and drinks, and interactive games, they take away a lot of the pressure that can come with traditional golf settings. It’s an easy way to try golf in a more casual environment, especially if you’re going with friends. As a Golfbreaks customer, you can also benefit from exclusive offers, including 20% off social bay hire and 10% off Pitch Play and Pitch Plus memberships.

If you’re feeling unsure, a few small decisions can make a big difference to your confidence:

• Choose a quieter time so you don’t feel rushed or watched
• Go with a friend, or even just someone else who’s also starting out
• Don’t compare yourself to more experienced players around you
• Focus on simple goals, like making clean contact rather than hitting perfect shots

It’s also worth considering a beginner lesson early on. Even one session with a coach can give you a basic understanding of how to swing and what you’re trying to achieve, which makes practice much more enjoyable.

When you do eventually step onto a golf course, remember that you’re allowed to take your time learning. Many courses are very welcoming to beginners, especially at quieter times of day.

One of the most common concerns for new golfers is getting the “unwritten rules” wrong. In reality, things are much simpler than they seem.

Clothing is a good place to start. Most driving ranges are very relaxed, and general sportswear is perfectly acceptable. On the course, you’ll usually want something slightly smarter, such as a collared shirt paired with trousers, shorts, or a skirt. Comfort matters more than anything else when you’re starting out. It’s always worth checking the course’s dress guidelines in advance so you know what’s appropriate.

If you’re looking to build out your golf wardrobe, our partnership with TravisMathew offers a great place to start. Inspired by a laidback yet active lifestyle, their clothing is designed to keep you comfortable and confident both on and off the course. Golfbreaks customers can also enjoy an exclusive 20% off across the TravisMathew website, making it easier to find something that feels right as you get into the game.

You don’t need to arrive fully equipped either. A basic setup is more than enough:

• A few clubs or a hired set
• Balls, which are typically provided at the range
• Comfortable shoes. Trainers are absolutely fine at the beginning

You can always add extras like a glove or golf shoes later, once you know you enjoy the game.

As for what to expect, most modern golf environments are friendly and low-pressure. People are usually focused on their own game, not judging anyone else. On the course, simple awareness goes a long way. Try to keep up with the group in front or let others play through and be mindful of players around you. That’s all that’s really expected at this stage.

Golf equipment has a reputation for being complicated, but at a beginner level, you only need to understand the basics.

A typical set of clubs includes a mix of different types, each designed for a specific purpose. The three you’ll hear about most often are:

• The driver - used for longer shots, usually from the tee
• Irons - which cover a wide range of distances and situations
• Wedges - which are designed for shorter, more precise shots, such as getting the ball onto the green or out of bunkers
• The putter - used on the green to roll the ball into the hole

You don’t need all of them to start. Many beginners begin with just a handful of clubs or a simple starter set. Renting equipment is also very common, especially at driving ranges and golf resorts.

It’s worth holding off on major purchases until you’ve had a few sessions and have a better sense of what feels comfortable. Golf can become equipment-heavy later on, but there’s no need to rush into that side of the game.

When you step onto the course, you don’t need to know every rule, but a few basics will help you feel more confident and respectful of others.

• Shout “fore” if your ball might hit someone - If you hit a shot and think it could go near another person, shout “fore” loudly to warn them. It’s a standard safety call in golf and gives others a chance to move or protect themselves.
• Avoid walking across someone’s putting line - When you’re on the green, each player will have an invisible “line” between their ball and the hole. Try not to step on that line, as footprints can affect how the ball rolls.
• Be ready when it’s your turn - Golf is played in turns, but you should be preparing your shot while others are playing. This helps keep things moving and avoids holding up the group behind you.
• Repair pitch marks on the green - When a ball lands on the green, it can leave a small dent. Use a repair tool or tee to gently fix it. This keeps the surface smooth for everyone.
• Replace divots or tidy up after your shot - Sometimes your club will take a chunk of grass when you hit the ball. If it comes out cleanly, place it back. If not, many courses provide sand to fill the area.
• Rake the bunker after your shot - If you play from a bunker, use the rake provided to smooth over any footprints or marks you’ve left behind. This keeps the surface fair for the next player. After raking, place the rake back where you found it, usually just outside the bunker.

The right environment can make a huge difference when you’re starting out. A friendly, inclusive setting will help you relax and enjoy the learning process far more than anywhere that feels overly formal.

A good place to begin is with structured beginner options. Many facilities now offer:

• Group coaching sessions specifically for beginners
• “Get into Golf” programmes designed to introduce the basics
• Flexible, pay-as-you-play access rather than full membership

Coaches are also more accessible than ever and working with one early on can help build confidence quickly.

If possible, try a couple of different venues. Each club or range has its own atmosphere, and finding one that suits you will make it much easier to keep coming back.

If you want to take a more immersive approach, a coaching trip can be one of the most rewarding ways to get into golf.

Rather than learning in short sessions spread over weeks, these trips allow you to focus on your game over a few days in a relaxed setting.

They also tend to be very social, which helps remove some of the pressure that beginners often feel. You’re surrounded by people who are learning and enjoying the process at the same time.

It’s easy to assume that golf trips are only for experienced players, but that’s not the case. In fact, many golf holidays are ideal for beginners.

Modern golf resorts are designed to cater for a wide range of abilities. That means you can ease into the experience in a way that suits you. Some people choose to play casually, others mix in lessons, and many simply enjoy being in a great setting with friends.

The key thing to remember is that a golf trip isn’t about playing perfectly. It’s about enjoying the game, the environment, and the time away.

If you’re considering it, take a look at beginner-friendly golf breaks to get a feel for the options available. There are also plenty of UK golf breaks for beginners if you’d prefer to stay closer to home for your first trip.

We’ve rounded up some of the best beginner-friendly golf destinations in the UK and Europe. These handpicked spots offer the perfect mix of relaxed courses, welcoming atmospheres, and great value, making them ideal for your first golf getaway.

If you're unsure what makes a course easier or more challenging, you can also explore our guide to golf courses from easiest to hardest to help you choose the right level for your first trip.

Dunston Hall, Norfolk, England Best for: Relaxed UK getaways, first-time players, scenic parkland Why go: Easygoing layout + on-site coaching + elegant countryside setting

Set in 150 acres of beautiful Norfolk parkland, Dunston Hall is a fantastic introduction to golf travel in the UK. Its 18-hole course is short, forgiving, and perfect for beginners, with wide fairways and a welcoming pace of play. The on-site academy offers coaching and practice facilities, while the historic hotel provides comfort, charm, and excellent dining, ideal for a weekend golf break close to home.

Bryn Meadows Golf Hotel & Spa, Wales Best for: Spa retreats, tranquil setting, stress-free rounds Why go: Undulating fairways + scenic views + all-in-one resort experience

Nestled in the rolling Welsh hills, Bryn Meadows is perfect for players starting out. The course is manageable yet engaging, offering a great introduction to golf without being intimidating. After your round, unwind at the luxury spa or soak up the views from the indoor pool. Everything you need, from equipment hire to coaching, is available on-site.

Hotel Isla Canela Golf Resort, Costa de la Luz, Spain Best for: Coastal calm, casual golf, first golf holiday abroad Why go: Easy-walking course + golf school + quiet seaside vibe

Ideal for a first golf break in Europe, Isla Canela’s flat, walkable course is one of the most beginner-friendly in Spain. The resort offers equipment rental, coaching packages, and relaxed Mediterranean living, perfect if you're new to the game. Whether you’re looking to learn, improve, or simply enjoy your first golf holiday, Isla Canela has you covered.

Pestana Golf Resort, Carvoeiro, Portugal Best for: Sun, sea & swing practice, flexible golf setups, group trips Why go: Multiple beginner-friendly courses + golf academy + apartment-style stays

In the heart of the Algarve, Pestana Golf Resort offers access to several easygoing courses ideal for new golfers. With tuition available and an on-site academy, you can learn and play at your own pace. The resort’s apartments are perfect for groups or families, and its location makes it easy to explore the local beaches and restaurants when you’re off the course.

For many women, golf can feel like a difficult sport to step into. That hesitation is completely understandable, but the landscape is changing quickly, and the game is becoming far more inclusive.

At Golfbreaks, supporting women in golf is a long-term commitment, not just a one-off initiative. As signatories of the R&A Women in Golf Charter, the focus is on creating welcoming, supportive spaces where women feel confident to learn, play, travel and connect, whatever their starting point.

That comes to life through a growing calendar of events and experiences designed specifically with women in mind. From relaxed, social introductions to the game through events like Golf Groove and simulator sessions at venues like Pitch, to on-course experiences such as Women’s Golf Day events and “Nine and Wine” evenings, the emphasis is always on making golf feel accessible and enjoyable.

There are also opportunities to experience the game at a bigger scale. Hosted trips to events like the AIG Women’s Open, as well as upcoming experiences around tournaments like the Solheim Cup, combine world-class golf with a supportive, community-led atmosphere.

The most important thing to take away is simple. Golf is for everyone. You don’t need to reach a certain level or have everything figured out before you begin. With the right environment and support, you can start in a way that feels comfortable, social and genuinely enjoyable.

Is golf expensive to start? It can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. Driving ranges are generally low-cost, and you can hire clubs or buy second-hand equipment. There’s no need to invest heavily until you’re sure you want to continue.

Do I need lessons before playing on a course? You don’t have to take lessons before stepping onto a course, but they can help you feel more comfortable and avoid frustration early on. Even a couple of sessions can make a noticeable difference.

How long does it take to get good at golf? Golf is a long-term game, but enjoyment comes much earlier than mastery. Most beginners start to feel more confident after just a few sessions, especially if they practice regularly.

Can I go on a golf trip as a beginner? Yes, and many people do. Golf trips are often designed for mixed abilities, and beginners are very much part of that. You can play at your own pace, take lessons, and focus on enjoying the experience.

What’s the best way to practise as a beginner? Starting at the driving range is ideal. Focus on consistent contact and getting comfortable with your swing. As you progress, adding short game practice and occasional time on the course will help round out your skills.