How to Learn to Play Golf

Co-authored by Michael Metz

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 References Approved

Golf is a very popular sport that you can play for many years. It is great to do in your leisure time as well as with business colleagues. You can learn to play golf by learning to hit the ball correctly, understanding the basics of the game, and practicing your skills. The game of golf takes a lot of practice and determination to see success.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Learning to Hit the Ball

1
Align your body with the ball. Your face, shoulders, hips, and feet should all be facing the ball before you swing. Your body should be parallel to the intended target. Make sure that your feet are shoulder width apart for maximum balance. When using a wood (driver, fairway club, or a club with a bigger head,) position the ball just forward of the center of your stance to get maximum control and distance. Lean forward slightly as you position the club to the ball.^{[1]
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- Bend your knees slightly and bend forward just a little from the waist to maintain proper posture.
2
Position your hands correctly on the club. Place the hand closer to your target on top of the hand that is farther away from the target. Keep your arms straight but relaxed. Since you are leaning forward, your arms will be hanging down almost straight from your shoulders.^{[2]
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- For example, if you are right-handed, your set-up will have your left hand closer to the target. Your right hand, then, will be closer to the ground.
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3
Perfect your backswing. Move the club back away from the ball. If you are right-handed, you move the club backward to the right. Your right elbow should bend slightly, but your left elbow will remain straight. Your shoulders will twist clockwise slightly. As you turn, raise the club until it is somewhere between hip and shoulder height. This should feel comfortable. Do not force your body to swing the club high. When you swing, you don't have to hit the ball as hard as you can. It should be an in-control swing, so just go easy and hit the ball smoothly. Don't try to hit the ball, but to just swing the club and let the head do all of the work.
- If you are left handed this will be reversed. You will bring the club backwards to the left, bending your left elbow and keeping your right elbow straight.
4
Hit the ball. Swing the club forcefully toward and through the ball. If you are right-handed, you will swing the club to the left. Once you hit the ball, follow through with your body turn and club. Allow the club to continue to swing over your left shoulder. At this point, both of your elbows will be bent.
- Keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing. Look at where you want the ball to go before you swing. This not only helps you strike the ball but also keeps your body from moving too much.
- If you are left handed you will swing the club to the right.
5
Shorten your backswing with putting. As you get closer to the hole, you will want to change your swing slightly. When you putt, for example, use a shorter backswing. Lightly tap the ball. The ball should roll on the ground instead of flying through the air. Continue your follow through and keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing, pitch, chip, or putt.^{[3]
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6
Use the correct club. There are several different types of clubs in a set of golf clubs. The driver is the club that is used to hit the ball long distance. This should be used on your first hit off the tee-box. The putter is the club that is used when your ball is on the green. An iron is used for hits that are less than 200 yards (180 m) away. Hybrid clubs have been developed recently that combine the benefits of drivers and irons.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Understanding the Game

1
Respect the rules of the course. While there are specific golf rules that are followed on every course, there are often course specific rules as well.^{[5]
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- For example, course specific rules indicate where the boundaries are on the course.
2
Determine the order of play. Each player in the game should hit their first round. In this first round, it does not matter who hits the ball first from the tee-box. However, once all of the players have teed off, the player who is farthest away from the hole should hit first.^{[6]
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3
Keep score. One point will be awarded to each swing that it takes for you to get the ball into the hole. An additional point will be added if the ball goes out of bounds. These boundaries vary from course to course. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.^{[7]
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- Players may also have to add penalty strokes to their score if they do things such as hit the ball into a water hazard or hit the ball out-of-bounds.
4
Be conscious of your time. Remember that there are other people on the course. Don’t rush the people in front of you. Also, pay close attention to how long the course is taking you. If you are taking a long time or have fallen approximately a hole behind the group in front of you, allow the people behind you to move in front of you.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Practicing Your Skills

1
Take a golf lesson. Learn golf from people who know and understand the game. This can be in the form of a formal, paid lesson or informal lesson with a friend. Your coach will show you the proper way to hit a ball and which clubs are best to use in certain situations.
2
Golf regularly. Once you have a good grasp on golf basics, you should practice regularly. You can practice specific steps, like teeing off, over and over until you perfect it. Be intentional about your practice.
3
Watch others golf. You can learn a lot by watching others. Watch golf videos online or tournaments on the television. Go to live matches. Take note of the golfer’s body positions and technique. Try to adopt these techniques the next time you play golf.

Expert Q&A

Question

How to I get a golf club that's the right size for me?

Michael Metz
Golf Instructor
Michael Metz is a Golf Instructor and the Director of Instruction at Simi Hills Golf Course. With more than 15 years of experience, Michael is adept at coaching all facets of Golf. Mike uses technology, such as Flightscope, V1 Swing Suite, Blast Motion, and BodiTrak pressure mapping, to provide advanced golf training with quick results.

Michael Metz

Golf Instructor

Expert Answer

To figure out which clubs are right for you, see where your hand’s hanging and go to a club fitter—they can cut two inches off or they can even add an inch to it and then bend the club to where the sole of the club is sitting on the ground so you don't "toe up" or "heel up" when you're holding the club.
Question

How do I know which type if a club is a left or right-handed club?

Community Answer

Hold out the club in front of you, flat and the way it was manufactured. If the clubface (flat side) is facing left, then it's a right-handed club. If the clubface is facing right, then it's a left-handed club.
Question

How do I hit the ball with different clubs?

Community Answer

Your swing should not be much different except for putting and chipping. If you are really close to the green, then you should probably use half the distance of your normal swing.

Warnings

The game of golf takes a while to learn. Be patient.

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Failing to practice your golf technique will result in poor golfing.

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