Ladies on the Links: How to Improve Your Golf Game as a Beginner
Learning to golf is exciting, exhilarating, and frustrating – and can be all of these things at once. What I love about golf is the opportunity to be outside, learning something new, making friends, and pushing my own limits. I’m still very much a beginner – and I’m always trying to improve my game. Tiger Woods said, “No matter how good you get, you can always get better – and that’s the exciting part.”
Sometimes I can tell that my efforts are paying off – I’m hitting the ball longer and straighter, I’m able to choose a club for a shot without asking for help, and I’m spending less time looking for a lost ball off the fairway. Other times, I feel like I’ve taken two steps back – and it can be incredibly frustrating.
Golf requires skill, patience, and practice. Staying focused as a beginner golfer is key – as well as not letting your frustrations get the best of you. Here are my thoughts on how to improve your game and take it to the next level.
Get to Know Golf Fundamentals
A good place to start is by focusing on the fundamentals. No need to learn every rule and every piece of golf – but get familiar with the basics.
Make sure you have the proper equipment. This includes golf clubs that are the right size and fit for your height, golf balls, tees, and attire and shoes that meet course requirements. You can definitely start off minimally – a few clubs are really all you need.
As you continue to learn about the game, it’s important to build your understanding of the basic rules and etiquette of golf. This includes knowing how to properly mark your ball on the green, how to “take a drop” when your ball is in a hazard, and how to show respect to your fellow players on the course (such as not talking during another person’s swing or walking on someone’s putting line).
One way to learn more about the fundamentals of golf is to join a women’s golf league. Yes, women beginner golfers can join leagues – there are many that are designed specifically for beginners, and some that pair beginner golfers with more experienced golfers. It’s a great way to meet other women who share their passion for the game and build lasting friendships. This supportive environment can be especially valuable for beginners, who may feel intimidated or uncertain when first starting out.
Whether you join a league or take it round by round, it’s always good to let those you’re playing with know that you’re new to the game, and you’re still learning. Personally, I don’t mind when another golfer explains a piece of etiquette or strategy that I don’t yet know, or shares some good information about the course we’re playing. It can be a little frustrating if someone is overly forward about critiquing my swing, etc., but it’s easy enough to say, thanks, I’m all set, if it gets to be too much.
A key part of your golf game is your swing. Understanding the fundamentals will help you get better over time. When it comes to your golf swing, keep in mind you’ll probably be working on improving it for as long as you play golf! A good start is to work with a professional, attend a golf clinic, or look up some instructional videos on YouTube. Here are a few key things to keep in mind: keep a good grip on the club, with your hands placed correctly on the handle. Check your stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed on both feet. When you swing, keep your eye on the ball and focus on making solid contact. And if you miss, don’t get upset – it’s all part of learning. Take a breath, come back to your focus, and try again. (And don’t forget to mark that stroke on your scorecard.)
Practice, Practice, Practice
If you can find the time, practice regularly, both on the course and off. This can include hitting balls at the driving range, practicing putting, and playing rounds of golf with others as you get comfortable with the game. YouTube has some great videos specifically for women beginner golfers with drills to improve your skills. Regular practice, both on and off the course, can help all golfers – women beginners like me included – to build muscle memory, improve your swing, and ultimately lead to a better game.
Consistent practice can also help women golfers develop mental toughness, which is crucial for success on the course. By practicing regularly, golfers can learn to stay focused, manage their emotions, and maintain a positive attitude, even when faced with difficult shots or challenging conditions. This mindset can translate to other areas of life, making golf a valuable tool for personal growth and development.
If you want even more support, practicing with a coach or experienced golfer can provide valuable feedback and guidance on areas that need improvement. Some courses have women’s leagues, and getting to know the women that play can be a great strategy – many are welcoming to other women golfers, even those who consider themselves to be beginners. Remember, everyone once started as a beginner!
Build Endurance and Strength
I have definitely found that the more I golf, and the more I practice, the more ‘in shape’ I feel. I’m not talking about losing weight (although, if you’re looking for that, golf can probably be part of your approach) – I just feel like I’m getting more exercise, more steps, and I’m sleeping better. If I golf consistently, I can see my skills increase, and I also start to set goals like hitting the ball farther, landing on the fairway more often, making it over a hazard, and more. Setting those goals and working toward them keeps me engaged and focused on improving my game. Golf definitely requires endurance and strength, and I’ve found that other activities that I pursue, like weight training and yoga really pay off. The pros cross-train too, and experts say that doing so can help improve your game and prevent injury.
I have especially found that yoga helps me – it makes a difference in my flexibility and balance, which are essential for a good golf swing. The stretching also feels great after I’ve played a lot of golf – it really feels like a good counterbalance to the repetitive swing movements I’m making on the course.
Keep in mind that you should add in other activities in moderation – listen to your body and take rest days when you need to. Overtraining (and even overplaying – overdoing it in terms of getting out on the course and pushing your limits) can lead to injury and set you back on your progress.
Remember, It’s Supposed to be Fun
It’s easy to get very serious about learning everything, getting better, and playing well – but don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the game! Golf can be challenging, but it’s also meant to be enjoyable. Staying focused will help you improve, but don’t be too hard on yourself if you find it takes longer than you expect, or if you have any setbacks. One of the best parts of learning to golf is the social aspect – spending time with friends, making new friends, and learning something new together.
Make sure as you learn that you are spending time with other golfers – even other women beginner golfers – who share your passion. It’s hard to make friends as an adult sometimes – I have found that through golf, it’s been really rewarding in terms of meeting new people, getting to know them, and learning together.
My new friends help me keep it all in perspective – if I’m playing terribly, or lose all my balls in a round, they will laugh with me, not at me. When I’m feeling frustrated, they remind me to take a breath and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And when I make a great shot, or really see some progress, they’re the first ones to celebrate me. I pay them back by being their support as well.
As you learn to play, it’s important to remember, golf is not just about the scorecard, it’s about the experience. When golf stays fun, you’ll be more likely to want to return, practice, and improve your game. If you make it hard on yourself, you’ll be less likely to want to stick with it. Reminding yourself to relax and enjoy yourself pays off in the long run – and as you learn, you may just end up with a lifelong golf buddy and some great memories on and off the course.
Learning to Golf & Improving Your Game is a Lifetime Pursuit
Golf can definitely be challenging – but it’s also incredibly rewarding for all golfers, and that includes women of all ages and skill levels. Staying focused and putting in time and effort to practice will help you to improve your game and enjoy all that golf has to offer.
By focusing on the fundamentals, practicing regularly, building endurance and strength, and having fun, you can enjoy the game for years to come. Whenever I go to my local course, especially if I’m earlier in the day, I see women in their late 70s and 80s who are playing a round with their friends, having fun, and hitting well. I want to be like them!
The most important takeaway I have for you is stick with it – don’t be discouraged by your struggles. Lean on your friends, and stay consistent. Remember that golf is a sport that requires patience and persistence. (As I write this, I’m thinking I’ll need to come back to this pep talk from time to time for myself.) Don’t let short-term challenges affect your long term goals – keep it fun, keep practicing, and it will pay off in the long run.
As always, I’d love to hear what you think about improving your golf game. I’ve still got a long way to go, but when I look back to where I started, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. What are your best tips for women learning to golf? What was the best advice you’ve received? Let me know in the comments below!
