5 Things Beginners Must Know: Real Advice for Those Hesitating to Start Golf

Feelings Before Starting Golf

Are you feeling excited about starting golf? You might be searching for equipment while imagining yourself on a beautiful course, or perhaps feeling confused about where to begin. But that's okay. Everyone has been there. In fact, golf is not just a sport of hitting a ball. It is a game that teaches you how to control yourself and perhaps gently imparts life lessons. The importance of mental strength is greater than you might expect, and focus, patience, consistent habits, and a humble attitude all contribute to skill development—making it a truly 'deep sport.' This is why golf becomes a genuine 'lifetime sport' that you can engage with for a long time. The following are five practical and warm pieces of advice I want to share with you as you open the door to the world of golf. It may feel like a long journey, but I hope these five points will serve as your compass.

The cost of golf

When first encountering golf, it is easy to have the perception of it being an expensive hobby. This is due to images of high-priced equipment, exclusive golf courses, and international golf tours portrayed on TV. However, the reality for many golfers can be much simpler. What matters most is not grand equipment but consistency. Just doing simple warm-up exercises, utilizing practice facilities, and occasionally honing skills at a par-3 course or a screen golf facility can lead to an enjoyable golfing experience. Instead of focusing on having a wonderful driver right away, consider spending an hour at the practice range today. Starting small, but practicing steadily will bring about skill improvement and enjoyment.

The Importance of Lessons

Yes, you definitely need to take lessons. When practicing golf alone, it's difficult to recognize incorrect postures and movements on your own. Continuing to practice in that state can lead to the development of bad habits that are harder to correct. If you are just starting golf, the first three months should ideally be focused on intensive lessons. It's important to accurately grasp the basic stance and swing mechanics so that your future practice builds in the right direction. After that, it's advisable to get a 'one-point lesson' at least once a month to check your swing. If time and resources allow, consistently taking lessons once a week is also an excellent choice. Regular feedback helps correct small errors early on and accelerates skill improvement. As you become more accustomed to your swing and gain experience on the course or at a screen golf center, you can use tools like smartphones to record your swings, allowing you to assess and correct yourself. Developing the ability to self-diagnose and adjust is a crucial part of enhancing your golf skills. Golf is never a 'finished sport.' Even the swings you've learned can change depending on the situation or your condition, so you should always check and adjust. Approaching it with the mindset of a 'lifetime learning sport' is the healthiest starting point.

The Importance of Habits

What matters more than what kind of swing you make is how often you repeat that swing. A person who practices consistently for even 10 minutes a day will show a significant difference compared to someone who practices for two hours once a week. For example, creating a morning stretching routine, checking a checklist before practice, giving self-feedback after shots, and observing changes with a practice journal. When these small habits accumulate, the skills will naturally follow. Remember that in golf, 'habits create skills.' The small habit you establish today will strengthen you much more for your next round.

The Essence of Golf

At first, even learning one movement can feel overwhelming compared to the score. However, at some point in your rounds, the desire to 'play well' gradually arises. And from that moment, golf can start to feel like a source of stress. But remember, golf is fundamentally a sport 'to be enjoyed.' It's about walking in nature, having conversations with good people, and experiencing the sun and wind. That in itself is the greatest gift of golf. Especially for beginners, it's important to adopt an attitude of 'learning and enjoying' rather than the pressure of 'having to play well.' This sense of ease becomes the force that makes you love golf for a long time.

The Importance of Human Relationships

The field does not lie. Attitudes in tense situations, responses after mistakes, consideration for partners—all these reveal a person's true character. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to perfectly follow the rules at first. However, basic manners and flow must be learned. Keeping to a rhythm that suits oneself, respecting a partner's play, waiting quietly, and maintaining flow while preparing for the next shot—this entire process is another joy and meaning of golf. Rules are manners, and manners are ultimately about people. Becoming a good golfer is not much different from becoming a good person.

Concluding

If today is the first time you've picked up a golf club, you have just begun a fascinating and profound journey. There will surely be slumps and moments when you feel your limits, but every step of that process will be a valuable experience that helps you grow. I hope these five pieces of advice I share today serve as a small compass along your journey. Golf is a wonderful sport that brings ease to your life, enriches your relationships, and keeps your body and mind healthy. I sincerely wish you many enjoyable moments in your golfing life.