Common Mistakes When Starting Golf — And How to Avoid Them

Getting into golf is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Many beginners make mistakes that slow down their progress and affect their confidence on the course. In this article, we highlight the most frequent golf beginner mistakes and share essential golf tips for novices to help you avoid them from your very first swing.

1. Choosing the wrong equipment

One of the most common golf mistakes for beginners is playing with clubs that don’t suit your body or skill level. A cheap second-hand set might seem like a good idea, but if the grips are too thick, the shaft too stiff, or the length off, your technique will suffer.

Tip: Try different clubs before buying. Get advice from a pro and start with a beginner-friendly set.

2. Ignoring equipment care and maintenance

Many novice golfers don’t clean their clubs or balls after playing — but dirt in the grooves of your irons reduces spin and control.

Tip: Always carry a Premium Golf Club Cleaning Kit with brush, spray and microfiber towel. Clean gear equals better shots and longer equipment lifespan.

3. Focusing on power instead of technique

Many beginners try to hit the ball as hard as possible, ignoring posture, grip and alignment. This leads to poor swings, slices, hooks and frustration.

Tip: Focus on smooth, controlled swings. Practice with a 7-iron and prioritise rhythm and balance over distance.

4. Skipping warm-ups

Golf demands flexibility, control and coordination. Playing without warming up increases the risk of injury and results in poor performance in the early holes.

Tip: Take at least 10 minutes to stretch and do a few easy swings before teeing off.

5. Underestimating the short game

Most beginners love hitting the driver but barely practise putting — yet over 40% of strokes in a round come from the green.

Tip: Spend time on the putting green. Learn to read breaks, control speed and stick to a solid routine.

Final Tips for Beginner Golfers

• Be patient — golf is a game of precision and practice.
• Record your swing to check your form and alignment.
• Ask questions and watch more experienced golfers.
• Take a few lessons with a PGA pro to get a solid foundation.
• Keep your equipment clean and in top condition every round.

By following these golf tips for beginners and avoiding the most common mistakes, your learning curve will be faster and more enjoyable. Take care of your gear, build solid habits and enjoy every step of your golf journey.