1. Must-Have Equipment & Accessories
- Clubs: Start with a half-set, typically including a driver, a few irons, and a putter—enough to cover most situations without overwhelming you.blog.ncga.org
- Balls, Tees, and Tools: Bring durable golf balls, at least 10 tees (ideally around 2.5 inches tall for driver use), a ball marker, and a divot repair tool.Performance GolfGolf Trip Junkie
- Glove & Towel: A golf glove on your non-dominant hand helps with grip and comfort, while a towel keeps your clubs and balls clean and dry.Golf Trip JunkiePerformance Golf+1
- Comfort & Essentials: Pack water, snacks, band-aids, sunscreen, and extras like a mobile phone or first-aid items for a smooth round.Performance Golf+1Ship Sticks
2. Appropriate Clothing & Footwear
- Shirts: Wear a tucked-in collared polo—short or long-sleeved depending on weather. Avoid T-shirts or sports jerseys.Golf SidekickMyGolfSpyGolf Trip Junkie
- Bottoms: Choose shorts or pants with belt loops; drawstrings, denim, or athletic shorts are not acceptable.Golf SidekickGolf Trip JunkieMyGolfSpy
- Shoes: Opt for soft-spiked or spikeless golf shoes. Avoid steel spikes—they’re outdated and often disallowed.Golf Trip JunkieWikipedia
- Performance Fabrics: Favor stretchy, moisture-wicking materials that allow freedom of movement and keep you comfortable.Golf House
- Sun & Weather Gear: Bring a hat or sunglasses, sunscreen, and if needed, light outerwear like a sweater or rain jacket.MyGolfSpyGolf Shot Apparelupstategolfrx.com
3. Scoring & Game Fundamentals
- Beginner-Friendly Sets: Clubs designed with lightweight graphite shafts, large sweet spots, and high forgiveness are ideal. Many package sets offer convenience and good value.Golf Monthly+2Golf Monthly+2New York Post
- Simple Hacks: Castle-style tees are a budget-friendly trick to help improve strike consistency due to uniform ball height.The Scottish Sun
4. Golf Etiquette You Should Know
- Course Care: Always repair your divots, pitch marks, and rake bunkers to keep the course in good condition.Wikipedia
- Pace of Play: Play “ready golf”—be prepared, limit excess practice swings, and let faster groups play through if they catch up.Wikipediaupstategolfrx.com
- Respect on the Green: Keep quiet during others’ shots, avoid stepping on putting lines, and mark your ball when needed.Wikipedia
- Dress Codes Vary: Always check the course’s dress code. Generally, collared shirts and proper shorts/pants are standard, while jeans or athletic wear may be restricted.MyGolfSpyupstategolfrx.com
- Group Conduct: Keep a light walk pace, no running. Safety first—wait for others to finish swings before playing.Wikipedia
5. Beginner Checklist at a Glance
| Category | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Half-set of clubs, balls, tees, ball marker, divot tool, glove, towel |
| Comfort Items | Water, snacks, sunscreen, basic first aid |
| Apparel | Collared polo, tailored shorts/pants, golf shoes, sun/weather protection |
| Game Fundamentals | Beginner-friendly clubs, castle tees for consistency |
| Etiquette | Repair course, keep pace, quiet/respectful play, note dress code expectations |
Final Thoughts
Starting your golf journey thoughtfully sets the foundation for success and enjoyment. Equip yourself with the right gear, dress smart, and embrace golf’s etiquette—this mix ensures your rounds are smooth, respectful, and enjoyable.