My first hour at the range
Two buckets of balls, one or two borrowed clubs, and this guide. Easy goals, so you leave wanting to come back.
Before every practice swing, look around you: nobody within two club lengths. These tips help you get started; they do not replace a lesson with the club pro.
The grip
Before hitting, we learn to hold the club. No need to squeeze hard: like a tube of toothpaste you don't want to empty.
- Left hand on top, at the end of the grip (for a right-hander): looking down, you should see 2 or 3 knuckles of this hand, with the thumb slightly right of the middle of the grip.
- Right hand just below, touching the left: its palm covers the left thumb.
- The two "V"s formed between thumb and index finger point to your right shoulder.
- First set the clubhead flat behind the ball, face pointing at the target, then place your hands.
Well done, step completed!
Small swings
Half swing: the hands go up to hip height, no higher. We're looking for contact, not distance.
- Ball in the middle of your stance.
- Watch the back of the ball until after impact.
- The club brushes the grass or mat, like a broom.
Well done, step completed!
The 3 keys to the swing
Now we lengthen the swing. Just three ideas, not one more.
- Posture: straight back tilted towards the ball, soft knees, hips back.
- Rotation: the shoulders turn, your back ends up facing the target.
- Balance: finish on your front foot, belly facing the target, and hold the pose.
Well done, step completed!
Aim at a target
Choose the nearest flag or sign. Align your feet parallel to the ball-target line, like railway tracks.
- Lay a club on the ground along your feet to check.
- Look at the target, then the ball, then hit.
- Distance doesn't matter: we only judge direction.
Well done, step completed!
The 10-ball challenge
Ten last balls. 1 point per ball that gets airborne, 2 points if it starts towards your target. Note your score: next time, you'll try to beat it.
Your beginner badges
So, did you enjoy it?
Be honest: we'll adapt what comes next.
Your plan to take up golf
- This weekA glove and session 2A golf glove (10 to 20 €) prevents blisters and gives a better grip. Come back for the "short game and putting" session.
- After 2 or 3 sessionsA few lessons and good shoesA package of 3 to 5 lessons with the club pro. Golf shoes, or flat-soled trainers to begin with.
- After a monthYour second-hand half setA 7-iron, a 9-iron or PW, a hybrid and a putter are enough. See "Smart kit" for the right models.
- After 2 or 3 monthsYour first courseA pitch & putt or a compact course, then your green card with the club. From there, the Greennote notebook takes over to track your progress.
No problem: redo the first hour whenever you like, your record is waiting. Most golfers got hooked at the second or third session.
See session 2Thanks for trying! If the urge comes back, golf can also be played just for fun, with friends, on a pitch & putt.
Come back for session 2, and ask the club about its beginner packages: 3 to 5 lessons with a pro save months.
Create my free account See the next sessionsComing soon: film your swing with your iPhone, and Greennote draws your stick figure to show you what to correct.