Whether you’re starting the game of golf for the first time or dusting off your clubs from a long hiatus, we’ve got you covered. SeeWhatSheCanDo’s Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Golf is jammed packed with resources designed to help you get comfortable and confident in the game. We cover terminology, parts of the golf course, what you need to play, and golf etiquette in these four articles from our Discover blog.

Find more golf stories, advice, tournaments and local golf courses in your neighbourhood on our Golf activity page.

Hit the green and tee up that swing: Golf for the beginner

The Basics + Vital Information

From what to wear to how to score, this getting started checklist touches on all the necessary basics you'll need to know before hitting the links.

Pay special attention to: All parts concerning etiquette (dress code, scoring, etc.) and when you need to yell “fore!” Familiarizing yourself with golf etiquette is crucial to a successful round. Most golfers take etiquette very seriously and while this may seem surprising to a newbie, your round of golf will be more enjoyable and relaxed if you know how to be a polite golfer.

Parts of a golf course: Tee to green and stuff in-between

Golf Course Terminology

This visual dictionary will help you get acquainted with terms you’ll come across while you’re out playing your round of golf.

Pay special attention to: “Tee Box – Forward Tees, Middle Tees, Back Tees” . There is some extra etiquette surrounding the “tees” so it’s good to know when these details apply. An example would be that you want to be extra quiet when people are taking their ‘tee shot’ to avoid distracting them.

“Golf: What’s in it ‘Fore’ You”

Health Benefits and Scaling Golf to Your Level

This article highlights all the reasons why golf is such a great game for your mind, body and soul.

Pay special attention to: “Game Play”. Golf is a fickle game but luckily we can make alterations to have it best suit our needs. Your early forays into golf will feel much more enjoyable when you can tailor your game to your abilities.

Golf Tips: How to repair ball marks

Hands-on How-To Tips

The article is a visual guide to repairing the mark your ball makes when it lands with some oomph on the green and explains why this small action is surprisingly important. The players behind you will thank you for doing this.

Pay special attention to: “How Do I Repair a Ball Mark Correctly?” This step-by-step outline will have you repairing marks with such skill that the maintenance guys and gals will practically cheer when they see you.

“I Wish I Knew…”

Eager to further help you along your journey into the world of golf, I surveyed a few of my experienced female golfer friends and asked them what they wish they knew when they first swung a club and this is what they wanted to share:

1. The first few times you play a round, go with an experienced golfer you feel comfortable with. This person can help you with your swing, remind you of golf etiquette and rules, help monitor your pace-of-play, and even be a good ‘best-ball’ partner if you’re still very new to the game.
2. The club face has to be open for the ball to go in the air. Don’t try and help it up.
3. Think less. Golf is a mental game but I found a clear mind helps me play better: too many thoughts floating around means there are too many distractions that can come between me and a good swing. Find a way to focus and shake off any bad holes because they happen to everyone.
4. No one on the course cares about your shot or is watching it as closely as your insecurities think they are.
5. Remember your golf etiquette and pace-of-play. As long as the game moves down the fairway, no one cares how poorly you might play.
6. Most importantly, golf balls and clubs hurt if you get hit. Be aware of your surroundings and play safe.

Learn more with SWSCD

Interested in learning more about other sports?  SeeWhatSheCanDo can help you do just that. We invite you to check out the links below.

Auto Racing: The ultimate women's guide to auto racing: Insights from champion racer Amanda Balson

Curling: Must-have tips and resources for beginners to high performance curlers

Cycling: Mountain bike racing: From the perspective of a newbie

Dance: Beginner tips for aspiring adult dancers

Dodgeball: You’ve played the game. Meet the sport

Dragon Boat Racing: A great way to experience the spirit of teamwork

Fencing: En-garde: The three weapons of fencing

Fitness: The New Barre in Town: The workout that’s as fun as it is effective

Ice Hockey: Give sledge hockey a try: A guide to a hockey player’s first time in the sled and Learn to play hockey: Its never too late

Ice Skating: Learn to skate – it’s never too late! 

Martial Arts: This is how we really ‘roll’: busting myths and learning the (fun!) truth about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Outdoor Adventure: How to get started with rock climbing

Ringette: Diary of a ringette first-timer. Why you should give it a try

Rugby: Rugby 101: A quick start guide – Part 1, Rugby 101: A quick start guide – Part 2 and A few reasons why your daughter should give rugby a try

Softball: It's all about the pitching: The three types of softball

Synchronized Swimming: Synchronized Swimming: From Tryouts to Competition Day

SeeWhatSheCanDo

Check out our Athlete Advisor, your online business directory for all things golf in your community. Explore, rate and review clubs, local community offerings and businesses that help you do your thing.

Just learning? Already have some memories out on the course? Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned golfer you can share your highlights in the Comments below, directly on our Discover blog, or by using #seewhatshecando on social media and inspire others to get active. 

Find or start your own active events or group at our SWSCD Hub and improve your strength, energy levels, and overall health.