Golf has something of an unfair reputation with many people.  It’s seen as  boring or not active enough to be a proper workout. There’s also the added pressure of all the equipment.  Do you have the right clubs?  What about your shoes?  What kind of tee are you going to use?

Too frequently, the fear of standing out and looking foolish keeps people from participating in one of the worlds most accessible and challenging activities which can quickly grow into a treasured hobby. To help you get started, here are our top tips for new or interested players— you will be swinging strong in no time!

Get the right equipment

Whether it’s golf clubs, gloves or shoes, the right equipment makes all the difference in the world.

While the options for clubs vary greatly, a starter set is more than sufficient for anyone looking to get their game going.  Make sure, whatever you do, that your set includes at least a Driver, 3 Wood, 3 Hybrid, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 Irons, Pitching Wedge, Sand Wedge, and Putter.  Most of these come standard when purchasing a starter set.

For shoes, don’t overspend and don’t be swayed by brandnames.  Find something cheap and comfortable to start and let your feet tell you what kind of shoe will help you not only enjoy but optimize your game.

Truth be told, there is a plethora of equipment choices to make.  Remember to start small.  Golf is more about the form and the practice than it is about the best and newest of equipment.  Let’s be honest, your first set of gear is going to get beat up, and rightfully so.  Make the investment after you’ve put in a little time because that’s when the nuance of high-quality equipment is going to actually make an impact.

However, if you’d like a little insider tip that will improve your game and make you look like a pro: you should absolutely pick up the best golf rangefinder.  This one piece of equipment will blow your competition away.

What to wear on the course

Apr 4, 2018; Augusta, GA, USA; Rickie Fowler walks with girlfriend Allison Stokke to the 4th green during the Par 3 Contest before the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Since golf is a prestigious game, it is crucial that you look like a golfer each time you are taking swings at the ball. Golf sports ware is readily available because they are being produced by even the big names in the sportswear industry like Puma and Addidas.

When choosing your golfing clothes, you have to make sure that you consider comfort the first thing. Remember that with golf, you might have to spend hours on the sun; hence you need clothes that will allow air to circulate easily. You also want to make sure that you pick the right color so that you are always at your best when swinging.

Avoid New Balls

As a new player, you will be highly skilled at losing balls. Don’t let it get you down, it’s part of the process.  The price of new balls can quickly add up, so take advantage of the chance to stock up on second-hand balls and save yourself some serious cash.

Practice Your Putting

The driving range is popular and it is common to see people practicing hitting long-range shots for hours. While this practice can help your game it can also result in neglect of your putting. Putts will account for around 50% of your total strokes in a round. Get ahead of the competition by prioritizing this essential skill.