What Do You Need to Play Golf?

Thinking about hitting the golf course but feeling overwhelmed by what you actually need? Getting started in golf is far simpler than it looks from the outside. You don't need a full bag of expensive clubs or pro-level knowledge to get out there and enjoy the game. This guide will walk you through the essential equipment, the right attire, and the fundamental swing thoughts that matter most for a beginner, helping you step onto the first tee with confidence.

The Absolute Essentials: Core Equipment

You can spend a fortune on golf gear, but to simply get started, the list is surprisingly short. The goal is to get you on the course without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade later as you fall in love with the game.

Golf Clubs: A Simple Starter Set

Walking into a golf store and seeing racks of clubs can be intimidating. You absolutely do not need a full set of 14 clubs when you start. In fact, fewer clubs make your decisions on the course much easier. Look for a beginner or "starter" set, which typically includes:

• A Driver: Used for hitting the ball as far as possible from the tee box on long holes.
• A Fairway Wood or Hybrid: A more versatile long-distance club that's easier to hit than a driver, both off the tee and from the fairway.
• A Few Irons: Your set will likely include a mid-iron (like a 6 or 7-iron) and a short-iron (like a 9-iron or Pitching Wedge). These are your go-to clubs for most shots from the fairway toward the green.
• A Putter: The flat-faced club used on the greens to roll the ball into the hole.

A simple half-set like this is more than enough to learn the game, play full rounds, and figure out what you like and don't like before investing in more advanced equipment.

Golf Balls and a Golf Bag

As a new player, you will lose golf balls. It's a rite of passage! Don't spend a lot of money on premium balls. Buy used, "experienced," or value-priced balls in bulk. You'll play with less stress knowing that-a wayward shot into the woods isn't a five-dollar mistake.

You'll also need a way to carry these items. A simple, lightweight stand bag is perfect. It's easy to carry and has legs that pop out to keep it standing up on the grass.

What to Wear: Look and Feel the Part

Golf has a reputation for having a dress code, and while some courses are stricter than others, following a few simple guidelines will ensure you're welcome anywhere. The good news is you probably have much of what you need already.

• Shirt: A collared shirt, like a standard polo, is the universal top for golf.
• Shorts or Pants: Golf-specific trousers or shorts are great, but any pair of chinos, khakis, or athletic-style pants will work perfectly. The main rule of thumb is no denim jeans.
• Socks & Proper Shoes: Golf shoes with soft spikes give you the best traction, which is important for balance during the swing. However, if you're just starting, a clean pair of comfortable sneakers is perfectly acceptable on most public courses and driving ranges.

Helpful Extras for Your Golf Bag

Beyond the absolute basics, a few small items can make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable. Think of these as the accessories that help you function like a seasoned player.

• A Golf Glove: Worn on your non-dominant hand (left hand for a right-handed player), a glove provides a much better grip on the club and helps prevent blisters.
• Tees: You'll need tees to prop your ball up on every teeing ground. Wooden ones are cheap and biodegradable.
• A Divot Tool & Ball Marker: These are tools of good etiquette. A divot tool is used to repair any small indentation your ball makes when it lands on the green. A ball marker (a small coin or flat plastic chip) is used to mark your ball's position on the green so you can lift and clean it.
• A Towel: Hook a towel onto your bag to clean your clubs, your hands, and your golf balls. Keeping the grooves of your clubs clean is essential for good contact.

Understanding the Motion: Your Golf Swing Basics

Equipment gets you on the course, but a functional swing is what truly lets you enjoy playing. Entire books have been dedicated to the complexities of the golf swing, but for a beginner, it's best to focus on a few simple, foundational ideas. Don't try to be perfect, just try to build a motion you can repeat.

The Hold: How to Grip the Club

Your hands are your einzigen connection to the club, making your hold the steering wheel for every shot. A poor hold forces you to make other changes in your swing just to hit the ball straight. A neutral, relaxed hold sets you up for success.

For a right-handed player, start with your left hand. The grip should rest primarily in your fingers, running from the base of your little finger to the middle of your index finger. Once you close your hand, you should be able to see the top two knuckles of your left hand when you look down. Now, bring your right hand to the club. Let the palm of your right hand cover your left thumb, and wrap your fingers around. The V's formed by your thumb and index finger on both hands should point roughly toward your right shoulder.

It will likely feel very weird at first. Unlike anything else we hold, the golf grip feels unnatural to start. Trust the process and stick with it.

The Setup: Your Address to the Ball

How you stand to the ball influences your ability to be powerful and consistent. The goal is to get into an athletic, balanced position ready for rotation.

First, stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart. This gives you a stable base for balance. Then, from your hips, tilt your upper body forward, pushing your bottom back slightly, until your arms hang down naturally and relaxed below your shoulders. Avoid slouching, keep your back relatively straight. This is that classic "golfer" look, and while it might feel funny, it puts you in a powerful position to turn.

When it comes to ball position, a simple rule is to play the ball in the middle of your stance for shorter irons (like a 9-iron). As your clubs get longer (7-iron, wood, driver), gradually move the ball forward in your stance. For the driver, the ball should be positioned off the heel of your front foot.

The Swing: A Rotational Action

This is where new players often get tangled up. Many beginners try to hit the ball with an up-and-down, chopping motion powered only by their arms. Instead, the an effective golf swing is a rotational movement powered by your body.

Think of it as simply turning your body away from the target, and then unwinding your body toward the target. In the backswing, an invaluable feeling is to rotate your torso and hips away from the ball while letting your wrists hinge naturally. You don't need a huge backswing, just turn as far as what feels comfortable while staying balanced.

The downswing is where the magic happens. Your first move should be a slight shift of your weight onto your front foot. This move helps ensure you a cleaner contact, hitting the ball first and then the turf. Then, simply unwind everything. Your hips and chest turn toward the target, letting the arms and club follow. Don't try to hit the ball, let the ball get in the way of your uncoiling body rotation.

Finally, the swing doesn't stop at impact. To get a feel of an elegant finishing move that will improve your balance, allow your body to keep turning until your chest and hips are facing your target. Most of your weight should be on your front foot, with your back heel coming naturally off the ground. Holding this balanced finish - whether you hit a great shot or not - is a sign of a good, committed swing.

Final Thoughts

Getting started in golf boils down to getting the essential gear, knowing the basic dress code, and focusing on a simple, rotational motion for a swing. The goal isn't immediate perfection, but rather to get out on the course, enjoy the walk, and make some contact.

As you get more comfortable and start playing on the course, you'll naturally have questions - trying to pick the right club, figuring out a shot from the deep rough, or deciding on a strategy for a tricky par 5. Our goal with Caddie AI is to give you a personal golf expert right in your pocket. You can ask anything, anytime, and get instant, simple guidance to remove the guesswork so you can feel confident over every shot.