Golf is often portrayed as a serious, competitive sport where precision, focus, and skill are paramount. Yet, for many seasoned players, one of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects of the game lies in sharing it with beginners. Beginners bring a refreshing sense of carefree enthusiasm to the course, reminding us all of the simple joy of the game: hitting a small ball into a tiny hole with a club. While golf can certainly be a serious pursuit for those aiming to improve or compete, beginners offer a unique perspective that can reinvigorate even the most seasoned player.
Whether you’re an experienced golfer or someone just beginning to explore the game, the experience of playing with a beginner can offer valuable lessons. For the seasoned player, it provides an opportunity to not only teach but also to reflect on their own game and approach. The interaction is mutually beneficial—beginners can learn from the knowledge and expertise of their more experienced counterparts, while experienced golfers can regain a sense of fun and appreciation for the sport’s simplicity.
Why On Earth Would You Golf With Beginners?
Playing with beginners offers an opportunity to reconnect with the basics of golf. For beginners, the game may feel daunting, filled with complex techniques and difficult challenges. However, their approach to golf often emphasizes the enjoyment of the game itself, rather than obsessing over swing mechanics or scorecards. This lighthearted perspective can remind experienced players that golf is, at its core, a game to be enjoyed.
It’s not just about the scores; it’s about sharing moments on the course, building camaraderie, and encouraging one another. Beginner golfers often have a thirst for knowledge, and offering your guidance not only helps them improve but can also serve to solidify your own understanding of the game. When explaining concepts like grip, stance, and swing, you may find yourself rediscovering why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. You know, basic golf etiquette.
Team Formats for Everyone’s Sanity
One of the most effective ways to integrate beginners into your round is by choosing a team format. Formats like Scramble, Wolf, or even Alternate Shot can provide the perfect setting for beginners to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. In a Scramble, for example, players take turns hitting shots, but only the best shot is selected, minimizing the pressure on the beginner while still giving them a chance to contribute. Similarly, Alternate Shot allows players to alternate turns hitting the ball, reducing the number of shots a beginner is required to take.
These formats take the focus off of individual performance and place it on team collaboration. This creates a low-pressure environment where beginners can learn and feel supported. At the same time, it gives more experienced players a fun challenge to help their teammates succeed. As an experienced golfer, you’ll find yourself raising your game to compensate for your partner’s needs, which is a great way to practice under pressure and strengthen your own skills.
Patience and Handling Common Beginner Mistakes
Playing with beginners isn’t without its challenges. One common scenario is when a player overestimates their ability, resulting in slower play as they take extra time lining up their shots, only to top the ball a few feet forward—or worse, miss entirely. While these moments can be frustrating, patience is essential. Everyone starts somewhere, and learning to manage these situations is part of fostering a positive environment for beginners.
If you find yourself in this situation, offer gentle guidance. Suggest that they pick up their ball and take a short break if they’re struggling to maintain the pace of play. This allows them to avoid unnecessary frustration and embarrassment, and it helps keep the game moving smoothly. Golf is a mental game as much as a physical one, and providing a positive, supportive atmosphere is vital to a beginner’s enjoyment and continued interest in the sport.
In some cases, if a beginner continues to delay the game, a marshal may need to step in to ensure the round moves along at a steady pace. However, this should always be handled tactfully to ensure the beginner doesn’t feel singled out. And new players can also learn some of the basics of green reading if you have the time to share your insight.
Teaching and Learning: The Benefits for Both Parties
One of the most rewarding aspects of golfing with beginners is the opportunity to teach. Beginners often ask questions about every aspect of the game, from the basics of a proper stance to the nuances of course management. These questions can prompt seasoned golfers to revisit the fundamentals, rethinking their approach to the game and perhaps realizing that even after years of play, there is always more to learn.
Moreover, beginners often bring a fresh perspective to the game that can be just as enlightening for experienced golfers. They may not be bogged down by old habits or preconceived notions, and this open-mindedness can encourage creativity and flexibility. In fact, you may find that you learn new ways to approach certain aspects of the game simply by observing how a beginner handles different challenges.
Additionally, the act of teaching can reinforce your own skills. Explaining complex concepts or giving advice helps solidify your own understanding, making you a better player in the process. It’s a two-way street—while beginners gain new skills and insights, so too do the more experienced players. So should you ditch the new guy and just play through? Maybe. Maybe not.
Ultimately, the goal of golfing with beginners is not just to help them improve, but to share the joy of the game. The experience of playing with a beginner is about building relationships, having fun, and learning from each other. Golf is as much a social activity as it is a sport, and it’s meant to be enjoyed in good company.
Inviting a beginner to join you on the course is a chance to introduce them to the game in a positive, enjoyable way. It’s an opportunity to encourage a new golfer, share your passion for the sport, and perhaps rekindle your own love for it. The more inclusive and supportive we are as golfers, the more likely we are to cultivate a thriving, welcoming community for players of all skill levels.
So the next time you head to the course, consider inviting a beginner to join you. Not only will you be helping them grow as golfers, but you’ll also be reminded of the simple pleasure that golf can bring. After all, it’s not just about the scorecard—it’s about the experience. And in the end, that’s what truly matters.
Related Reading: Unexpected Golf Etiquette Rules for Beginners
Clint is PGA-certified and was a Head Teaching Professional at one of Toronto's busiest golf academies. He was also featured on Canada's National Golf TV program, "Score Golf Canada," twice. He graduated with a degree in Golf Management from the College of the Desert in California and studied under Callaway's co-founder, Tony Manzoni. He has a handicap index of 6.2 and spends the winters near Oaxaca, Mexico, where he plays twice a month at the Club de Golf Vista Hermosa. He's written over 100 articles at GolfSpan since 2021. You can connect with Clint at LinkedIn, FB, his website, or Clintcpga@gmail.com.