Beginner Golf For Women

Last Updated on June 23, 2025 by Jenni

Beginner Golf for Women: A Simple Guide to Starting Your Golf Journey.

Are you thinking about taking up golf but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. As a woman who was once a complete beginner myself, I understand just how intimidating it can feel to step into the world of golf.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start playing golf confidently — from what gear you need to basic rules, etiquette, and mindset tips. Plus, I’ll share parts of my own golf journey to show you that anyone can learn and enjoy this wonderful game.

Whether you’re completely new or just looking for beginner-friendly guidance, this post is your starting point.

Table of Contents

My Golfing Journey: From Reluctant to Obsessed.

When I first took up golf, I had never held a club in my life. We were living in Sydney, and my husband Rick — a lifelong golfer — spent his weekends on the course. One day he said, “I love you and I love golf… but I hate spending weekends away from you.”

So, I offered him a deal: buy me some golf lessons and we’ll see where that leads.

And so began my adventure into a sport I thought I’d never enjoy — but now can’t imagine life without. It took a lot of patience (and a lot of hours at the driving range), but today I’m confident on the course, and more importantly, I love the game.

I was 60 when I started – if I can do it, you can too!

Step 1: Start with the Basics – Beginner Golf For Women.

Before hitting the course, it’s helpful to understand how golf is played and what to expect.

At its core, golf is a game where you try to get a small ball into a small hole in as few strokes as possible — across a variety of terrains (fairway, rough, sand, green). Sounds simple, but every hole brings its own challenge!

New to golf lingo? Here are some golf tips for beginner women.
Check out my Par For The Course – Breaking Down Golf Jargon For Beginners. to get familiar with common phrases like par, birdie, bunker, and rough.

Step 2: Get the Right Equipment (You Don’t Need Everything!)

Golf gear can feel overwhelming at first — all those clubs and accessories! But don’t worry. As a beginner, you only need a few essentials to get started. So, here is some advice on what women need to start golf:

Core clubs:

Driver
Putter
Sand wedge

Helpful additions:

7-iron
9-iron
Pitching wedge
A hybrid or fairway wood (18–26° loft)

You can find even more information right here: Best Women’s Beginner Golf Clubs
Then you can check outl: Best Golf Balls for Women

Step 3: Learn at the Driving Range.

Before you hit the course, I recommend getting comfortable at the driving range.

This is where I started — for months — learning to swing with just a few clubs (my driver, 7-iron, and pitching wedge). It’s the perfect place to build your skills without the pressure of being on a course.

My tip for you here is: Focus on consistency over distance. Your goal is solid contact, not power.

This article will give you some tips: First Time At The Driving Range: What To Expact.

Step 4: Take a Few Lessons (Trust Me on This!)

Even if you have friends who golf, I highly recommend taking a few lessons with a certified Golf Pro. Why?

You’ll learn proper technique from the start.
You’ll avoid bad habits.
You’ll gain confidence more quickly.

Most courses offer beginner clinics or one-on-one instruction. It’s a smart investment.

Here’s some more info on How to Choose a Golf Instructor and Are Golf Lessons Worth It For Beginners.

Step 5: Hit the Course — What to Expect on Your First Round.

When I finally made it onto the course, I was shocked at how different it felt from the driving range. The terrain, the pressure, and the unpredictability were all new. I seemed to be hopeless at hitting the golf ball.

Here’s what I wish I had known:

Every hole is different — expect the unexpected.
Don’t worry about score. Just play.
Take your time, but be mindful of pace.

More relevant info: Your First Time on the Golf Course: What to Know

Step 6: Know The Rules (Just the Basics for Now).

The official rule book is over 180 pages — but don’t worry, you don’t need to know it all. Here are a few essentials to start:

Yell “FORE” if your ball might hit someone.
Replace divots (chunks of grass).
Don’t take too long between shots.
Play the ball where it lies (mostly).
Take a one-stroke penalty for lost balls.

Here are here some of the most important rules: 10 Golf Rules Every Beginner Should Know

Step 7: Understand Golf Etiquette.

Golf is as much about manners as it is about skill. Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

Basic beginner etiquette:

Don’t talk during someone’s swing.
Don’t walk in another player’s putting line.
Keep up with the group ahead.
Dress appropriately.

Here is an article I wrote about this topic: Understanding Golf Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts.

Step 8: Practice, Persevere, Enjoy.

Golf is challenging — even pros mess up! You’ll have frustrating days, missed shots, and moments that make you want to give up.

But if you stick with it, you’ll discover:

The joy of improvement.
The beauty of the course.
The satisfaction of hitting that perfect shot.

💬 From me to you: I nearly quit golf more than once. But I’m so glad I didn’t. Today, golf is not only something I enjoy — it’s something I share with others.

Ready to Begin Your Golf Journey?

You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to start.

Browse my other beginner-friendly posts for more guidance, or check out some of my favorite starter gear recommendations. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just remember: every golfer was a beginner once.

Here are some more articles you can explore:

Let’s tee off together — you’ve got this!