In this post, how to learn golf for beginners, we have touched on just about everything you will need to think about when taking up this great game. If you’re really serious, then you will need to ask yourself a few questions first to make sure that you won’t be simply wasting your time.
Questions like, what is your reason to play golf? Is it for work or social reasons, or will it be just for fun? Do you want to play with friends or workmates or even have a round or two with the boss? Or just to join in with your friends who are already playing the game.
How much effort and time will you be prepared to put in? Remember a round of golf will take about four hours or so to complete as it’s a game that you simply can’t rush. But remember that, the more you’re out there playing the better you’ll get.
Also, how much money do you have to spend on your new-found hobby? Although some people are renowned for spending a fortune on the latest golfing gadget, it really doesn’t have to be expensive in the scale of things.
Other important topics we will cover are, training lessons that will show you the proper way to play the game, as well as how to use the various clubs properly. And you know what they say about practice. If you’re not striving to be perfect, then you surely will be wanting to play the best you can.
As with any sport you need to know the rules, but with golf you will also need to be familiar with the etiquette of the sport as well. Being fit enough to play any sport is essential although, to play golf you don’t have to be super fit as you would have to be with many other sports such as tennis. Fit enough to swing a club and walk about 7000 yards or so would be OK.
Finally, we will go over some of the lingo used in golf and the scoring terms used. After all, it’s highly unlikely that you will be hitting par on every hole on the course. So, you will need to understand when you have made birdie and bogey etc. as well as what to do when someone suggests that you play a little bump-and-run as an example.
Training Lessons Will Help The Novice – But Which Kind of Training
Anyone wondering whether to take up playing golf may well be asking, is golf a complicated game? Or even asking, is golf hard to play? So, a quick answer is that it is not a complicated game, in fact it’s just as simple as knocking the ball into the hole in as little strokes as possible. Do that for all 18 holes on the course and you will have just played a round of golf. OK there are rules to follow as in in any sport but there is nothing complicated in learning these rules which are mostly common sense.
As for the other question, is golf hard to play? Yes, golf can be hard to play if you don’t have some training to get you started. Golf can be frustrating when first learning but well worth it once you have mastered the basics.
There are a great number of both male and females taking up the game every year ranging from young kids to those taking up the game at 60 and over. What you need to understand is that golf is great fun even when just starting out. It’s great to see your handicap drop weekly when you are hitting the sweet spot with the proper golf swing.
One important benefit applicable to those about to take up playing golf is that, so far, they will not have picked up any bad habits. Learning to play golf the right way will pay big dividends for the rest of your golfing days. Just going out and playing without proper instructions will make it more difficult to mold your swing into the proper fashion.
Training lessons about how to learn golf for beginners can come in many forms. Mainly finding an instructor at your local golf course or driving range will help you to develop the right habits. With this professional help your game is sure to improve.
Although professional help would be the ideal situation it is also the most expensive method. It’s not everyone who will have the means to pay for these individual lessons or indeed the time.
Other methods, which are certainly less costly, include purchasing some good quality golf books or video lessons. Books have always been a popular choice, although today, step-by-step training provided by videos are much easier to follow.
A book I recommend is the Golf All-in-One For Dummies. Like this post, it goes into a lot of the aspects about golf that the beginner will find useful. You can get all the details about the book here and where you will have the option to look inside to see it for yourself.
At sites such as lesson In Golf members can watch tutorial courses suited to those just starting out. Lessons to revisit before a game perhaps or to watch again a particular lesson to help fix problems you were having while out on the course.
Once you become a bit more experienced you can move up to the more advanced training specializing in driving and putting. These training videos have been created by a golf touring pro who has trained many other successful golfers. His training helps beginners develop a consistent swing which is key in playing golf well. Choosing the right teacher, no matter what training method you choose is also an important factor.
A book I recommend is the Golf All-in-One For Dummies. Like this post, it goes into a lot of the aspects about golf that the beginner will find useful. You can get all the details about the book here.
When you go there, take the opportunity to use the option to look inside to see it for yourself everything that the book covers. You will be surprised just how much detail you will see
At sites such as lesson In Golf members can watch tutorial courses suited to those just starting out. Lessons to revisit before a game perhaps or to watch again a particular lesson to help fix problems you were having while out on the course.
Once you become a bit more experienced you can move up to the more advanced training specializing in driving and putting. These training videos have been created by a golf touring pro who has trained many other successful golfers. His training helps beginners develop a consistent swing which is key in playing golf well. Choosing the right teacher, no matter what training method you choose is also an important factor.
Clubs and Other Equipment Golfers Will Need
Following on from the previous chapter, hopefully, you have had a look around the different training options and decided which method will suit you best.
If so, then it’s time to get yourself kitted out with some clubs to be able to play the game. And probably more important at this early stage in your training, is clubs that are suitable for taking to the practice range.
If you have friends or family who play golf, check with them first if they have any spare sets that would suit you. You won’t even require a full set of clubs at this stage. What clubs I would suggest you start to use when beginning are a selection of woods. A driver and 3 wood would do to get started, those and a 5, 7, 9 irons, a pitching wedge and sand wedge as well as a putter.
The different clubs mentioned will be enough to allow you to play from anywhere on the course. The drivers used today have huge heads compared to what we used in the past and are much more forgiving especially so for anyone just starting out learning the game.
The golf club loft on the irons mentioned will increase as the numbers get higher. The angle on the 5 and 7 irons for example will be much less than on the 9 iron, wedge and sand iron. The shaft of the clubs will also get smaller the higher the club number is.
The 3 wood will take a bit more getting used to when hitting it off the fairway but will be an option for using from the tee. For example, the driver may give you too much distance and see you going through the green. Or you may want to land short of some hazard and the 3 wood would ensure that. You will still have your irons for playing on the fairway until you start feeling confident enough to use the 3 wood on the fairway.
If you have managed to borrow some clubs, no doubt as you improve and are serious about continuing you might want to buy your own equipment.
I would suggest caution and not go mad buying the most expensive, newest driver being advertised all over the marketplace. Nor would I suggest buying the top brand-named irons with all the latest score cutting features. Unless you have plenty of spare cash then ignore this advice, go ahead and treat yourself.
What I am really saying is, that it would be better to invest money in your training lessons rather than splash out on a fancy set of clubs. What you need to do to be able play well, is to make consistent shots and that only comes with training, playing and plenty of practice.
If the irons, you have borrowed are the older type of blades then a cheap starter set of cavity back irons could be fair investment. Keep your eye out for any golf club deals locally in your area.
Other Golf Accessories You Will Require?
A golf bag of course is essential although a trolley would only be essential if you didn’t want to carry your clubs. Both can be borrowed and purchased if need be.
Another essential is to have half a dozen or so golf balls in the bag. If the courses, you intend using have lots of deep rough and water hazards then you will probably need a few more than the half a dozen. To keep costs down if you find you are losing to many balls is to buy lake balls.
Most will be fine to use until you feel you are good enough to keep the ball on the fairways and out of trouble. Don’t be tempted to play with range balls from the driving range. They are not designed to play well out on the fairways and will do nothing for your game.
Other accessories include a glove to use when driving and hitting the ball on the fairway. The extra grip provided could make a difference and for not a lot of money.
Shoes designed for playing golf will keep your feet from slipping from under you. Staying steady while making your swing is beneficial in making good ball contact.
Unless you’re playing in desert conditions you might want to get yourself some lightweight waterproofs and an umbrella.
Practice Is Essential for Anyone Learning to Play Golf
Training is important yes but practicing what you have learned is every bit as important. The practice range is where you will find facilities for all your needs.
So how do you practice? There are many who on arriving at the range will buy a bucket of balls and belt half of them straight away with the driver. To me, the best range routine is to start with the pitching irons. Just play short chips and pitches while concentrating on obtaining good clean contact with the ball and building accuracy.
Having the ability to play good short shots around the green will give you some great opportunities to save par or even make game winning birdies. In fact, I would suggest that knowing how to chip in golf for beginners should be a big priority in any practice routine.
As a matter of fact, one of the early lessons in the video training course mentioned earlier drums the idea of swinging the 7-iron form L shape to L shape without even hitting a ball. Just a simple little exercise but it trains the mind the proper sequence when hitting these short hits around the green.
I would then move up to hitting with the other irons just to limber up a bit more before I hit a driver. Don’t bother to tee up the ball as you should just hit an iron off the ground. There is nothing clever about teeing up when playing irons at the driving range. You will have to hit it clean from the ground when playing your game without being able to it tee up.
Practicing Using the Driver Off the Tee at the Range
Now it’s time to finally hit a driver off the tee. The thing is, do not try to empty the bucket as quickly as you can.
Remember your training routine and put it into practice.
Have you griped the club as you were taught?
Is your body set up OK?
Now take the club back on the correct line and back down to meet the ball with a good straight follow through, Finish with the body facing the target and your arms extended.
Are you happy with the result?
If not, have you noted what you have missed out on or what you done wrong? If so, then correct it with the next drive. Keep correcting until you get it right with the number of balls you have left in that bucket.
If you find you are unable to correct things, your next stage is to get back to your training videos or whatever your chosen form of training is to find out where you’re going wrong.
Can you see the sense in this method? Just hitting balls for the sake of it is pretty pointless and indeed you might as well just have stayed at home.
If there is an area to practice putting, then spend a little time on there before leaving for home. The more you go through these practice routines the better you will become. Putting, like your short game can be responsible for winning games.
Testing All You’ve Learned Out on the Golf Course
Some folks can feel embarrassed when playing as a beginner. But not you!
You have followed your training and practiced what you learned out at the range!
You are ready for the golf course and no; you won’t feel embarrassed, as you are now an experienced beginner.
Which courses do you feel are right for you to play? Probably it would be best to stay away from the more challenging ones in your area. They might prove too difficult at this stage in your progress. Look for the shorter versions, as the last thing you want while playing as a beginner is to overstretch yourself and become disheartened.
You may be wondering how many holes to play when starting out to play the game. When you are out having a round by yourself then you can really suit yourself. If things are not going as well as they should be, and it does happen, there is no problem with walking off.
If are playing badly and perhaps holding other players up, there is no problem with keeping yourself at a limited number of strokes per hole. Just pick the ball up and go to the next tee.
Another thing is that if you are failing to get the ball airborne then some more visits to the driving range might be in order.
Stick with the regime. Keep going through the training, put it into practice and get back out on the course every chance you get. If there is an organized outing coming of at your local club, ask if it’s possible for you to join in with them.
Discover More About How to Learn Golf for Beginners by Playing the Game
Having gone through your practice routines at the range and you haven’t managed to get out on the course yet, I’m sure by now you will be itching to get out and play with some friends. Giving you the opportunities to test your skills against others.
The other players in your playing group will more than likely have their handicap and they will allocate you with one which will be high to get you started as a beginner.
It’s more than likely you will be first on the tee to drive off. So be prepared for this.
It can be a daunting moment for many, whether there is a starter there to see you teeing off or not. Just slow down and remember the basic technique of the golf swing sequence and your training routine.
The proper grip, proper ball position and alignment, a good setup and posture. All these points you will have learned and put into practice on the range. So, forget about everyone round about you and concentrate solely on these points.
Begin Hitting Clean Drives Off the Tee
Don’t attempt to knock the skin off the ball. Slow down, distance is not the most important thing at this stage. A good clean contact with the golf ball and keeping it on the fairway is way more important.
Topping the golf ball can be a common problem when learning to play, although your training will have gone through how high to tee the ball up. Just remember to hit a driver off the teeing area with a high tee, lower for the 3 wood and low for any irons you will be teeing off with. Also remember to have the ball about level with the inside of your left heel when you hit a driver. Opposite of course for those who play left-handed.
When using the driver, different skills are needed from using the irons. A far larger arc is required due to the longer club being used which needs to be taken into account. And especially with the experienced players, more power is used to project the golf ball further down the fairways.
When you feel in the correct position take the club back slowly to begin with then winding up to bring the club back down and following through after contact with the ball.
Starting the backswing by taking the club back slowly is really important. That and keeping your head down and still are probably the only parts of the swing that you will be able to control, as the swing occurs to fast to be able to control anything else.
How to Hit Irons Off the Ground
To strike irons sweetly, the club needs to come down onto the ball before contacting the ground. Ideally the club head should contact the ball just a little below the center of the club. This area is known as the sweet spot. But providing you have aligned yourself properly, with the club head on target hitting the ball with the club dead center should provide a pretty good result. Perhaps it won’t travel so far but will be heading towards the target.
When you have quite a distance to go to the green don’t automatically pull out a 3-iron or a 4-iron. Instead try out the 3 wood with a slow deliberate swing. The long irons such as the 3 and 4 irons take a bit of getting used to.
If you took my advice above regarding practicing your short game, then that practice will really pay off now when out playing the course. Every player needs to know how to play short shots, when it’s best to play a chip and when best to play the pitch.
Chips are played around the green when there are no heavy grass, bunkers or other hazards such as water in front of you. The chip is a great short shot when you can visualize the ball being chipped along the fairway and running onto the green towards the pin. The pitch shot on the other hand is played high in the air over bunkers, long grass and over water etc. The ball should ideally land close to the pin leaving a short putt.
Did I Just Mention Bunker?
Moans and groans are often heard when the ball runs into a bunker. The reason is of course, the difficulty most golfers experience trying to get out of a bunker. Fairway bunkers are bad enough, although some can be less deep and can be easier to get the ball out of.
On the other hand, most of the greenside bunkers are deep and steep and can be the devil to pitch the ball out.
Many a great score card has been ruined and torn up when a player has landed into too many bunkers. I have seen players take 3, 5, 7 and even more swings, attempting to get out a bunker.
If you are not very good at playing from bunkers, then simply take the easiest route out providing there is no other hazard that you could land into.
Often this is out of the side of the bunker. OK you will drop a shot or maybe two, but you could well make up those on other holes. You will still be in the game with a pretty decent score card.
And use the sand wedge which is the club designed for the job. Don’t be tempted to use other irons such as the 7-iron or even the 9-iron trying to get a bit more distance.
Remember you’re a beginner just learning how to play golf. So, wait until you have a bit more experience before using other clubs in bunker play.
Sometimes Beginners Can Be Natural Putters
I have seen other beginners just like yourself learning to play golf, surprise everyone by playing some great putts.
I think that they may have a natural ability to judge pace well and are able to aim the putter face square on the correct path to the hole.
And yes, even while being able to read whether the ball will break to the left or right.
Some of these same players I have watched play pool and snooker and again they possess that same touch.
For others who don’t possess the natural ability there is some work to be done and that involves plenty of practice. To me it is the only way to get that feel for distance better.
We need to roll the ball at least up to the hole or even slightly past to give the ball a chance of dropping into the hole. Anything short is a guaranteed shot dropped. We also need to read the putt and align the club face to allow for any breaks we can see.
Putting is a very important part of the game and if you can putt well you will finish up with some pretty decent scores. The skilled putter will often rescue par on a hole after playing a wayward drive or a dropped shot while being caught in a bunker or water hazard. It is a game on its own and well worth all the practice you put into it.
Beginners Need to Brush Up on The Rules
All sports have rules and golf is no exception. A good many of these rules have been in place for a very long time and a few changes have been made recently. The rules have stood the test of time and are the basics of the game. Rules are meant to be obeyed, so even as a beginner it’s your responsibility to grasp at least the basic rules and obey them.
These days with the internet being so readily available the rules of golf are so easy to find. Spend some of your time browsing them at the following websites.
First is the R$A in Scotland. The second is the USGA in United States
The rules are far to numerous to list on here although we will cover a few of the more common ones as examples.
Warning Players in Front of a Wayward Shot
This one, most folk are aware of but still worth explaining. When a wayward shot has been played and going towards other players on the course, a warning shout of “FORE” needs to be shouted out loud and clear by the player or playing companions.
“FORE LEFT” or “FORE RIGHT” can also be shouted out to further help those in front and in danger.
Know Which Tees You Will Be Playing On
As a beginner no doubt you will be playing from the forward tees. Don’t think little of yourself for playing these tees as there is a very good reason for this. The back tees are for tournaments on the course and you will need to hit the ball good long distances from them.
Let’s look at the scenario of a water hazard, deep heather or a row of bunkers stretching about 220 yards from the men’s back tee, that need to be cleared before you can catch the fairway.
You will have to be able to drive the ball all 220 yards and more to clear the hazard. Now if your normal drives are between 150 yards and 200 yards then your game of golf is going to become a little bit difficult.
Apart from losing to many balls into the hazard you will be holding up play for those behind you in that hole and any other subsequent holes requiring a long drive.
So, the forward tees are designed to keep the game flowing as well as give everybody the chance to play the course. More important is the fact, they help to stop the less experienced from becoming disheartened.
Play the Ball as it Lies
The fundamentals of golf are to play the ball as it lies. Which means, apart from finding yourself with an easy shot sitting nicely on the fairway, you are also expected to play your shot if in a bunker, behind a tree, in shrub or among rocks. With the bunker shot you’re not allowed to ground the club and if you do you must accept penalties.
Finding yourself in the other situations such as in water, behind a tree, in shrub or among rocks if you choose to deem your ball unplayable and need to lift and drop, again that is penalized. If you find your ball has landed in water which is shallow you could play this shot without penalty, same as chipping out from behind a tree.
Even the Novice Needs to Have Golf Etiquette
Wondering what you need to know regarding etiquette in golf? Just think about it, as the same as having consideration for others. Which are simply good manners towards others and is in fact, the very way we ourselves would like to be treated.
It is always good etiquette to show up if you have arranged a game. And early enough to book in and do what you need to do before making for the first tee. Let’s take a quick look at a selection of other points of etiquette.
Etiquette Information Regarding Other Players
Tips on etiquette while out playing with other players.
When Teeing Off
When teeing off, stand alongside the playing persons back so that you don’t come into the player’s vision. Don’t stand behind unless asked to do so, to keep an eye on the ball. Especially when the sun is low in the sky and shining in the players eye.
Who Tees Off First?
The player who wins the previous hole tees off first. If no one wins, the order remains the same as before. If you choose to make it ready golf, then anyone could tee off first.
Awareness on the Course
Be aware of the other players around you. Don’t distract players by moving around and be quiet when they are about to take their shot.
Etiquette on the Greens
When on the green, be aware of other players putting line and make sure not to walk on it. When your opponent is putting keep yourself out of the line of sight while remaining still. Mark your ball position and move it out of the way to leave a clear path for playing partners to putt.
Know Which Ball is Yours
You can do this before the start of play by marking it with your own preferred marks for easy recognition.
Slow Play
Try to keep up with the speed of those playing in front without having to hurry too much. It can be difficult for 4 players to keep up with just 2 players playing in front. If you find you’re playing to slow then allow the next set of players to play through if you are holding them back.
Finish with a Handshake
When finished your game, shake hands with your opponents and any playing partners in the group. And don’t forget to congratulate any players who won.
Etiquette Information Regarding the Course
Golf courses can take a bit of a beating when they get busy and during extreme weather conditions. The course managers and staff are there to look after what the weather will throw at the course, but it’s up to us the players, to do our bit to help keep it in a good condition.
Golf Cart Use
Most golf courses have their own suggested use regarding golf carts, which should be respected at all times. These could include, “Keep Carts on Paths Provided”. Others may allow carts on the fairways but to be kept well clear of the greens.
Often if the course is very wet, they may not even allow carts to be used at all, mostly when paths are not provided.
Divot Repairs
Repair divots marks after your shot by either picking up the divot and placing it back in place and treading on it. Or use divot mix if provided.
Pitch Mark Repair
Often high-pitched balls will leave indentations on the green. As soon as you walk onto the green repair the mark with a repair tool. The proper method to repair is: Push the repair tool into the grass behind the pitch mark and gently push the grass towards the center. Keep going around the pitch mark until you have closed the grass up and the mark has been repaired. Finally tap down on the repaired area with the bottom of your club, job done..
Bunker Repair
After playing from bunkers always use the rake provided to leave the bunker as you found it. No player behind you will wish to play a shot from the big deep footprints of any previous players. Rake from the high side of the bunker to the shallow side.
Playing Games Will Keep You Fit
Playing golf is a great method for keeping yourself fit and in trim, although as a beginner you may not have noticed this yet. But is it not great, to be enjoying yourself while keeping fit? Probably you never took up golf just to get into shape. So, you can look at it as a bonus.
What should you do, walk carrying your clubs, walk pulling a trolley or ride a cart? The answer is, only you will know best. How fit are you at present? Are you fit enough to carry a set of clubs especially in very hot conditions? One day you may want to use a trolley the next, you may want to use a cart.
There are those who will only walk and carry clubs during a round and others who always use a trolley no matter what the conditions. The type of course can also be a deciding factor. If hilly, then it’s probably not the best idea carrying clubs especially for the older players.
I have played on some where carts are compulsory due to the terrain and the distances between the last green played on and the next tee area on the next hole.
As mentioned earlier it is a good idea to turn up early for a round. This will allow you to go through an exercise routine involving some stretches.
Playing in The Elements For 4 Hours or So
Proper clothing and footwear should be worn when playing in wet conditions. Being wet and chilled for 4 hours can take its toll. Be prepared with clothing that will do the job of keeping you relatively dry at least. Shoes need to be stout and made to keep the water out.
An umbrella should be used to keep most of the rain off you as well as help keep clubs dry. Providing it is not blowing a gale of course or you may never see it again. A towel will be handy to keep hands and grips dry.
It goes without saying that that on hot sunny days, sun protection should be applied prior to going out to play, especially so for the fairer skinned among us. Nowadays we are better educated to the dangers of being out in hot sunshine for long periods.
Choose lighter clothes to wear to let some air into you. The same goes for footwear. Today golf shoes can look more like a pair of sneakers. Although they do have soles with grips to keep you steady while swinging the clubs.
What to Eat and Drink During a Round
It’s a good idea to have a decent meal before going out to play a game. Drinking is more important than eating especially so in hot weather. Drink water between holes, just a sip is fine. There is no need for gulping large amounts. Sips will be sufficient for preventing dehydration.
I personally have never been one to have a pack of sandwiches at the ready when required. Although I have played a game or two with those that wouldn’t be without them.
A cereal bar or two would be sufficient for me although a banana if you preferred would help boost energy for coming back down the later holes.
You as beginner will discover you own food needs, as it seems that we are not all the same. Some people require topped up with more energy than others.
Keep Your Cool
Finally, as far as keeping fit with golf is concerned, keep the cool. It is so easy to let yourself get worked up when playing badly. Remember you’re out playing for some fun. So, don’t let a few wayward hits rob you of the fun you should be having.
You may be out playing to help keep you fit. But how on earth will blowing a gasket and getting yourself into a right tizzy help keep you fit. Heart damage seems to be the only possible result.
When you play a bad shot, forget about it right away. It will not help you with the next one you have to take when dwelling on previous bad ones. Concentrate only on that next one you are about to play.
Beginners Need to Get the Hang of the Lingo Used in Golf
If you do not understand the lingo used in golf how are you going to understand what others are talking about. Simple terms like a hook, a slice and a flier need to be understood.
The Rough
The rough on the golf course is what borders both sides of the fairway and consists of grass that has been allowed to grow wild. It is an area to be avoided if possible. Many strokes are dropped when attempting to play from heavy rough. Often the rough will vary, with a strip of short rough being closest to the fairway and the deeper rough further out.
Playing a shot from the short rough will a whole lot easier than playing from the heavy rough.
A Weekend Golfer
The term weekend golfer refers to someone who will go out to play a game only once or twice a week. This will cover the biggest majority of casual players who have other commitments such as work. Yourself as a beginner could be classed as such unless you’re out playing a lot every week.
A Hook and a Slice
Some are easy to remember such as the hook, the ball goes left and with the slice the ball goes right, for a right-handed player. The opposite for anyone playing left-handed.
A Flier
The flier is the result of a ball being struck without the expected backspin. Instead of dropping from height with the backspin which will make the ball draw up, it just flies straight out much further past the intended target before coming to a halt.
A Bump-and-Run
When you bump-and-run the ball, you are playing a shot that is on the fairway some way of the green and bump it just short of the green and let it run up towards the pin.
Scratch Golfer
A player with a zero handicap.
Hitting Fat
Hitting the ground well before contacting the ball resulting in the ball scuttling along the ground.
Draw
Often played by good golfers intentionally to make the ball curve left.
Fringe
Shorter mown area of grass that encircles the green and separates the green from the fairway.
Gimme
In friendly matches a gimme is a putt that others in the playing group agree would not be missed by the player.
Stroke Play
The winner is the player who plays the course in the lowest number of strokes.
Scoring Terms Used In Golf
What Does Shooting Par Mean
Shooting PAR, is making PAR for that particular hole. i.e., Playing 4 shots on a par 4 hole and playing 3 shots on a par 3 hole. Knowing what par means will help you understand the following terms better.
An Ace or Hole-in-One
An ace is when the golfer has a hole-in-one. i.e., Hits one shot from the tee and it goes straight into the hole generally on a par 3.
An Albatross or Double Eagle
An albatross also named a double eagle, is when a player holes out 3 SHOTS UNDER PAR for the hole. i.e., Plays 2 on a par 5 hole. This needs to be a huge drive followed by a superb second shot which goes in the hole.
An Eagle
Scoring an eagle is when the player plays 2 STROKES UNDER the recognized PAR for that hole. i.e., Plays only 3 shots on a par 5 hole..
A Birdie
A birdie is when a player shoots 1 STROKE UNDER PAR on any hole. i.e., Plays 3 strokes on a par 4 hole.
A Bogey
Is when the player scores 1 STROKE OVER PAR at any hole. i.e., Has 5 hits on a par 4 hole.
A Double Bogey
As you would expect is playing 2 STROKES OVER PAR on a hole. i.e., Plays 6 strokes on a par 4 hole.
And so on. The lingo is not particular difficult to master and you will pick it up as you go along. The more conversations, training books you read and training videos you watch, the more these golfing terms will become familiar to you.
Summery
We have covered a good number of topics regarding how to learn golf for beginners. These have been designed to give anyone just starting out to play golf, a better understanding of the game. There is so much to take in, so hopefully I have covered most of your questions you might have.
With everything here in one place, if you come back looking for information on any of the topics covered, just click on the Table of Contents button near the top. A drop-down menu will appear giving you the opportunity to click on any particular topic that interests you. Or pick up where you left off during the last visit.
One last thing. You have chosen a great sport to take part in. If you don’t have any friends playing golf at the moment, you’re sure to meet up with some fine new friends who will welcome you as a beginner.