Every experienced golfer has made mistakes but, if you’re just taking up the game, you don’t have to make the same ones. Here are nine rookie mistakes that sabotage new golfers plus a few ways to fix them so you can start off on the right foot.
Taking too much advice
One of the first things I learned as a young teaching professional was to be careful how much advice I delivered to each golfer I worked with. In the beginning, I was excited to find the dozen or so swing faults players had and I wanted to let them know all at once.
However, I very quickly realized that one problem at a time is really all any golfer should deal with.
As a beginner, everyone will want to give you advice and, before you know it, you can have 20 to 30 swing tips rattling around inside your head at the same time.
Don’t do this to yourself.
Pick a swing coach, a good player or a single YouTube instructor and follow their method and advice.
Believing lessons are only for “serious” players
Waiting to get better before you sign up for lessons is a mistake. Good instructors will tailor their information to your level and every single lesson can help you gain the fundamentals you need to fully enjoy the game and reach your potential.
It’s never too early to start lessons and learn to avoid bad habits.
Practice on the range before playing the course
I get it. The whole point of becoming a golfer is to get to the course and enjoy yourself. However, if you get to the course too quickly without learning the basics on the range, it gets ugly.
On the golf course, there is more pressure. You have to keep up with the pace of play while you’re hunting for your ball, whiffing a couple of shots, three-putting, etc. Instead of fun, the experience can be intimidating. It may even make you give up the game.
Don’t schedule your first tee time until you can hit the ball with some consistency.
For some golfers, this takes a few range sessions. For others, it takes a few weeks.
Buying junk golf balls
As a new player, you are going to lose golf balls. Just accept it. Don’t purchase cheap beat-up or refurbished golf balls as these are just going to make your start in the game that much more difficult.
Look at our golf ball testing and some reviews about the quality of the ball you play. You don’t need the most expensive ball but the data shows that playing with the right golf ball matters.
Ignoring the putter
Compared to a driver, when you look at your ability to hit a putt and make contact with the ball, I guess you could say putting is easy.
However, sinking putts, getting the ball close to the hole and not walking away from every green with a three- or four-putt is much more difficult. Get a putting training aid that makes practice more enjoyable. It will pay off in the long run.
Some options include:
- The Putting Arc
- Putting Stick
- EyeLine Golf Putting Alignment Mirror
- HackMotion
- Wellputt 8′ Essential Putting Mat
Playing garage sale golf clubs
For most of my junior golf career, I played with hand-me-down, cut-down and donated clubs. I don’t believe beginner golfers need a $3,000 set of golf clubs.
However, I believe playing with equipment that matches your athletic ability, strengths and weaknesses is smart.
Get clubs with the right flex and length, even if they are used. Also, make sure the clubs are at least somewhat forgiving. Don’t even try to hit those ancient blade-style irons. Game-improvement and super game-improvement irons and woods will help make the learning process more enjoyable.
Skipping the warm-ups
Hitting the first tee or even the driving range without warming up is a mistake. Spend a few minutes stretching and taking easy swings. Not only will this help you play better golf but it will reduce your risk of injury.
Getting too frustrated too fast
Golf can be a humbling sport regardless of your ability. Even the best athletes in the game hit poor shots from time to time. If you are getting into the sport, set realistic expectations. Small wins like a good putt, a chip that goes up in the air and a straight drive are all good things to hang on to.
Start tracking things like how many two-putts you have or how many times you hit a fairway. Focus on the positive, not the negative.
Carrying too many accessories
There are so many golf accessories that you can invest in and, as a beginner golfer, it’s hard to know which ones make sense.
Invest in things like:
- A good pair of waterproof golf shoes
- A golf glove
- A great towel
- Tees
- A basic divot repair tool
- Sunscreen or sun protection of some kind
- Distance measuring device (rangefinder or GPS app)
Final thoughts
Every golfer starts as a rookie. The key to working your way out of that category as quickly as possible include learning from seasoned players and instructors and practicing regularly. Avoid these rookie mistakes and you’ll be well on your way.
Mike
1 year ago
The playing the wrong clubs item is especially relevant to kids, especially girls (I see girls because they tend to be physically weaker than boys as they go into their teens). The worst thing you can do is take an old set in the garage and cut it down an inch. That only makes that steel shaft stiffer.
Saw this with my neighbor’s boy. Parents thought they got a great deal at Play it again Sports, got him a 20-year-old iron set with worn out grips for $100. All it did was completely frustrate him and he ended up quitting the game.