A women’s guide to getting started in golf

Getting into golf can feel a little daunting, especially if you have never picked up a golf club before.

To help make those initial steps into the sport feel a little easier, we spoke to Meghan Hopkins, a PGA Level 2 Professional at 3 Hammers Golf Academy who specialises in coaching female golfers, to answer some of the most pressing questions beginners often have.

From knowing what to wear to making golf fun and sociable, here’s a complete guide to getting started.

What’s the best way I can get into golf?

Go to a golf facility, not necessarily just a driving range, but somewhere that builds connections and communities within golf. The reason why I say sometimes not to go to a driving range is you may struggle to find either a bay or your own space to feel comfortable in the game. 

When should I start lessons?

The lessons do help to give long-term development, but group sessions are probably the better way to go. You get to meet other people that are in the same scenario as you, so you're not going into it as the only one who is completely new, having never done it before, and not knowing what to expect. The best way is to find a small group and start from there.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?

Definitely not. If you have your own equipment, that's great. But don't feel compelled that you must have it, because, as we know, it's not the cheapest sport when you're first getting into it.

What should I wear?

Not everyone is going to go out and buy a new wardrobe, and you don’t have to. As long as you’re not rocking up in short shorts and a crop top, you can wear what feels most comfortable for you - both clothing and footwear. 

Are women-only sessions worth it?

I've run quite a few women-only sessions and I've found that they've been quite successful in getting women into golf because coaching lessons can be a bit of a daunting environment. I have taught golfers who feel more comfortable and more understood in a women-only environment and being taught by a lady professional. 

Having that environment where there's a group of eight, 10, 12 women, can be a good thing as they've all got more in common. It's just a more relaxing setting to learn golf

How do I make golf fun and social?

The best way you can learn the basics is with games and challenges. Anyone getting into a sport, you always want to have a bit of competition. There's always a chance that you want to win something.

Doing stuff like accuracy challenges where you attempt to get the most points for a little prize at the end is great. Or chipping competitions, golf tic-tac-toe, whatever it may be, you do them at a range, you can take it to a course, or you can even give them a go at home.

Performance challenges are good, but skills challenges are great.

When should I start playing out on the golf course?

If you can, get out as soon as possible.

Find a course that's quiet and just play a couple of holes. Try to find someone to go with.

If you don’t feel comfortable hitting from the tee box yet, tee a ball up halfway down the fairway. You could also tee it up again for your second shot, just to get out there and experience it, because the thing that often scares people the most is the fear of the unknown and the fear of failure. The sooner you get out there and experience it, the better it will be.