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A beginner golfer practices a swing at sunrise on a South African golf course, marking the start of an exciting journey. Golf is a beloved sport in South Africa, and starting your golfing journey here can be incredibly rewarding. The country boasts over 450 golf courses – the most of any African nation– and a temperate climate that allows for play all year round.
Golf isn’t just about competition – it offers a host of benefits for beginners. Playing golf can alleviate stress and improve your mental well-being by getting you outdoors and focused on the moment. It’s also a social game: joining a round or a club is a great way to meet people and feel part of a community. On the physical side, walking an 18-hole course can burn between 300 and 600 calories, giving you exercise while you have fun. This guide will walk you through your first 90 days of golf, from picking the right equipment and taking lessons to understanding etiquette and playing your first round.
Month 1: Getting into the Swing of Things
Starting golf doesn’t mean you need the fanciest gear. In your first month, focus on getting a basic set of clubs and comfortable clothing for the course. A beginner set typically includes a driver, a wood or two, a few irons, a putter, and a golf bag – plenty to get you started. Look for clubs designed to be forgiving, which will help boost your confidence even when your swing isn’t perfect You don’t have to buy top-of-the-line balls either; begin with affordable golf balls so you won’t worry about the occasional lost ball. Equally important is the right attire: most South African courses require a collared shirt, golf shorts or trousers, and proper golf shoes (no jeans or running shoes allowed). Dressing the part not only shows respect for the game but can also help you feel more comfortable as you step onto the driving range or course for the first time.
Next, invest time in learning the fundamentals with a professional instructor. A few lessons early on will accelerate your progress significantly – you can make your initial mistakes in a safe environment with a coach, rather than on the course in front of others. A golf pro will teach you proper basics like grip, stance, and swing technique, and help you build confidence each step of the way. Between lessons, hit the driving range to practice what you’ve learned. Try to practice at least once a week, mixing in time on the putting green as well as the range In these first weeks, it’s wise to focus on your short game (putting and chipping) as much as your full swing – mastering those touch shots will pay off when you start playing rounds Remember to be patient with yourself during practice; consistency comes with time, and every golfer (even the pros) has been a beginner at some point.
As you take lessons, begin learning the rules and etiquette that come with golf. Your instructor or beginner clinics will introduce you to how the game is played – from how to keep score to where and when it’s okay to drive a golf cart. Equally important are the unwritten rules: golf etiquette. For example, you’ll be expected to keep quiet when another player is hitting and to always replace your divots (the chunks of turf you tear out with a swing) on the course. Don’t worry if it’s a lot to take in at first. Over these initial weeks you’ll gradually pick up these customs. By the end of the first month, you should feel comfortable with the basic terminology, safety tips, and courtesies that will make you a welcome golfer anywhere in South Africa.
Month 2: Building Skills and Confidence
With a month of practice under your belt, it’s time to get a taste of the golf course. In your second month, try playing on a small, beginner-friendly course before tackling a full 18 holes. Many clubs and facilities have what’s called a “mashie” course – a short 9-hole course of only par-3 holes – which is perfect for beginners to learn golf in a low-pressure setting. Head out to one of these shorter courses or play a casual 9 holes on an easy local course. Don’t worry about your score; focus on applying what you’ve learned and getting comfortable hitting off real grass and navigating around bunkers and greens. It can help to go at a quiet time (weekday afternoons, for example) or with a mentor or friend so you feel less rushed. You’ll find that each round, no matter how simple the course, teaches you something new – whether it’s judging distances or hitting with a bit of nerves.
During this phase, continue practising regularly while gradually increasing the challenge. Spend time at the range to work on any swing issues that came up on the course, and keep honing your short game – those putts and chips save strokes. You might take another lesson to fine-tune your technique now that you have some on-course experience. Also, start paying close attention to pace of play and on-course etiquette now that you’re playing actual rounds. Keep up a good pace (let faster groups play through if needed) and remember the courtesy principles: stay quiet when others are swinging and fix your pitch marks on the greens and divots in the fairway These habits will make you feel more at home on the course and earn respect from fellow golfers. By the end of the second month, you should notice your confidence growing – perhaps you’re hitting the ball more solidly and your once-daunting 100-metre shots are starting to find the target more often.
Month 3: Taking Your Game to the Course
By the third month, you’re ready to take on a full round of golf. Plan an outing to one of your local courses that’s known to be friendly to newcomers – ideally one that’s not too long or difficult. South Africa has plenty of options, from relaxed country club courses to public courses where beginners are welcome. (Many beginner-friendly courses charge modest green fees – often around R200 to R600 per round so you can enjoy a game without breaking the bank.) When you go for your first 18 holes, set yourself up for success: tee off from the forward (front) tees to make the course shorter, and play with a supportive friend if possible. Your goal now is simply to finish the round and have fun. Don’t be discouraged by a high score or a few lost balls – every new golfer goes through that. Focus on the good shots you hit and the experience of playing a beautiful course from start to finish.
As you wrap up your first 90 days, think about how far you’ve come – from picking up a club for the first time to completing full rounds of golf. At this stage, you might consider getting an official handicap (through GolfRSA’s system) by submitting a few scorecards, which will allow you to track your improvement and maybe join in some novice competitions. More importantly, keep immersing yourself in the golf community. Many clubs host beginner tournaments or social golf days that are perfect for new players Joining one can be a fun way to test your skills, meet other beginners, and enjoy the camaraderie of the sport. You might also start exploring different courses in your region to experience the variety of South African golfing – from coastal greens to Highveld fairways.
To give you some ideas, here are a few South African courses popular with beginners:
- Centurion Country Club – Welcoming environment and excellent practice areas.
- Oubaai Golf Club – Gorgeous views with a forgiving layout on the Garden Route
- Goose Valley Golf Club – Friendly staff and an accessible course design in Plettenberg Bay.
- Humewood Golf Club – Coastal links course in Gqeberha with a supportive atmosphere and manageable layout.
Finally, remember that golf is a journey – even experienced players are always learning. By completing these first 90 days, you’ve built a solid foundation for a lifetime of golf. Continue to practice, appreciate the beautiful scenery and social side of the sport, and embrace the process of improving. With each round, you’ll gain more skill and confidence. The most important part is to have fun and relish the progress you’ve made. Here’s to many enjoyable rounds ahead in your golfing adventure!