Beginner's Golf Instruction and the Rules You Must Know

You should definitely consider what golf clubs you are going to use, as they're the most important thing, besides you of course! A great tip for beginner golfers: go to the nearest sporting goods store and hold a bunch of different golf clubs. See which clubs feel the most comfortable to you. If price isn't an issue, you got your clubs. If you're on a budget, don't like that keep you from playing golf! Anything is possible. Keep note of the golf clubs you like and then go online to eBay.com. See if those clubs you liked at the store are there for a cheaper price. If you don't mind buying used clubs, that is another option. But be careful on eBay - make sure the seller has a good reputation and feel free to ask questions as to why the seller is selling.

Many people that are experienced in golf will most likely tell a beginner to golf to go to the driving range first. A driving range is where you can practice hitting the golf ball out into a clear field, and here, you can practice your swing. As you practice, you'll get better, and it's only a matter of time that you'll be ready to play at a real golf course! Spend a lot of time hitting balls and improving your swing. It will definitely be worth it!

Once you've mastered the good ol driving range, you've graduated to "playing golf on a real course status!" But with that, comes rules. Rules that are important to know, as golf is a sport where honesty is greatly appreciated and part of the sport. There is no golf official watching over you, unless you're playing in a tournament. In order to play the game, you got to abide by the rules. There are many of them, but we'll just go over the basic ones first.

1. You can only have 14 clubs on the course
2. If you swing and miss the ball, it counts as a stroke.
3. You and the ball must hit behind and between the markers when teeing off.
4. You can move loose natural object like rocks, leaves and fallen tree branches, but you absolutely cannot move growing vegetation such as bushes, tall grass and tree branches that are still on the tree.
5. If you hit someone's ball by accident, you'll be penalized two strokes in stroke play, or lose the hole in match play.
6. If your ball becomes unfit for play you can replace it and not be penalized either between holes or on the hole where it becomes unfit.
7. You can only get advice through your partner or caddy.

Sure it may be intimidating at first, but it's just like anything else new to you. Don't be discouraged if you mess up, or piss someone off at the golf course. If you tell them you're new to the game, they should be more understanding, and if nice enough, will give you some pointers. Keep these rules in mind, and you're on your way to being a golfer! Woohoo!