Golf is a tremendous and unique sport, in that you can pick it up at any age or ability, and on top of that, it’s a sport you can enjoy playing for almost all of your life! However, learning the game for a beginner can be intimidating, frustrating, and discouraging.

Learning the game on a golf simulator at XGolf is a fantastic way to learn the game and improve your swing without the pressure of actually getting out on the course before you’re ready. At XGolf and the best golf simulator in the world, you don’t have to worry about the pace of play and there are real-time metrics that you can get on an actual course or driving range without expensive tracking equipment.

At the XGolf Denver golf simulator, you can practice year-round — no matter the weather — play courses from around the world, and even sign up for golf lessons from a PGA professional!

If you’re a golf beginner or even picking up a club for the very first time, read these top 10 tips to help you make the most of your development.

Equipment Essentials

1. Try Before You Buy

Purchasing golf clubs can be a steep investment upfront. However, choosing the correct set from the start will save you money and headache in the long run. Choose wisely, and this could be the only set you ever use.

Stick to a set of clubs with cavity backs instead of traditional bladed clubs. These club heads are weighted and more forgiving, with a larger sweet spot for better odds at an accurate shot. You’ll want that margin of error. Other things to consider are shaft stiffness, club length, and comfortability with the grips. A knowledgeable golf shop pro should be able to match you to the correct set and allow you to try before you buy!

2. Opt For More Loft

Developing the mechanics of your swing will take time and repetition. Lots of repetition. Getting the ball airborne is a common struggle for beginners, so let the club do most of the work by opting for more lofted clubs than the alternative. Extra loft generally results in reduced sidespin, and consequently, straighter shots. Hitting straight is your best friend.

3. Pick the Right Ball

These days, there are so many choices when selecting a golf ball. Every company that makes balls has different types and levels. Generally, as a beginner, it doesn’t matter significantly which ball technology you pick as your game isn’t advanced enough to seize full advantage of the ball’s design. More importantly, the price should be the No. 1 factor.

You’re going to lose plenty of balls throughout your golfing career, especially as a beginner when your shots are less consistent and prone to finding water, trees, and any other number of potential hazards. So stick with a ball built for straight flight and buy ones with a cost point around $20 for a dozen.

Learn and Practice

4. Take Lessons

Frankly, golf is never more frustrating than at the very beginning. While it may look easy, there are endless variables that create a poor swing and results. Best to develop correct habits under the sound guidance of an expert, who knows exactly what they’re looking at and is qualified to give constructive criticism and advice.

It’s important to remember that as a new golfer you are building the foundation for your game years beyond now. Not only will lessons make that base firm to build on top of, but you’ll also save yourself the headache of correcting poor habits in the future.

5. Build A Range Routine

The practice range really boils down to two types of golfers: Those who are just hacking at balls for something to do and a player trying to improve elements of their game which can translate to the course. You want to be in the latter category. Tempting as it is to go to the range and find out just how far you can hammer the ball, you must resist the urge.

Take time to stretch before addressing the ball and always begin with your shorter clubs (wedges) and work your way up to the driver. Shorter clubs are easier to hit and control, plus they will help settle your tempo and mechanics for the longer clubs later on, which are much harder to strike consistently. Your focus should be consistent ball striking, hitting each club the distance appropriate for you, and a straight ball flight.

6. Don’t Forget the Chipping/Putting Green

At least half your strokes every round come within 50 yards of the green and on the putting surface. Don’t expect to excel around the greens without practice. Make good use of the practice greens so learn how to read lines on putts and routinely using the same pace to control the speed of your stroke with the putter.

Starting on the practice greens is a great idea to slowly break in your body to the golf motions. Learn to hit the chip shots you’ll need on the course from all lies, not just perfect ones. The last thing you want is to end up in the sand during your round and have no clue how to get out. That can double your strokes for the hole quickly.

7. If Nothing Else, Stick to the Basics

As much as all golfers would love to make steady improvement every single time out on the range or from round to round, golf simply doesn’t work that way. There will be good days and there will be bad days, certainly at the beginning. But don’t get discouraged.

When all else fails, stick to your basics and keep reinforcing them. Your grip, proper setup, and posture. Eventually, your body will learn the movements and you’ll have to think less. If the driver just isn’t working out one day, stick with your irons and wedges until they gain consistency, which in turn will get your mind into a positive place when you pluck the driver from the bag next time.

Hit the Course

8. Start Small

Remaining honest with yourself and your ability can never hurt you. There is very little to be gained by playing rounds before you’re truly ready. There’s no shame in sticking to the range until your consistency increases. Then start on par 3 (often called “executive”) courses, which have only short holes. Stick with 9-hole rounds and learn how to play the shots required of an actual round.

Keeping the game within your level — while gradually pushing yourself into more challenging objectives — will keep the game fun and with a sense of accomplishment. The first time you can par a hole out on the course is a moment you’ll never forget and is just another step closer to birdie and beyond.

9. Keep It Short

Every golf course is designed to be played by different ages, styles, and abilities. Length is the best defense a course has against elite players, but that doesn’t mean beginners should afford the golf course the same courtesy.

Play from the tee box that allows you to be challenged and grow, but that isn’t beyond your skillset. Most courses have uniform colors to designate ability/gender. Red tees are meant for women, golf for older golfers, then white for amateurs, blue for more advanced amateurs, and finally black tees for elite and professional players.

10. Stay at Your Pace

One of the great aspects of the game of golf is the social element. You’ll rarely if ever, play by yourself. Whether you play with friends or complete strangers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of rushing yourself to play at your group’s pace or ability.

Rushing yourself will only end with poor results, so stay within yourself and take a reasonable amount of time you need to hit every shot. And at XGolf Denver, you don’t have to worry about playing slowly and affecting the pace of play for the groups behind yours — because there aren’t any!

Book Your Tee Time Today!

XGolf Denver offers an unparalleled level of accuracy and realism to any other golf simulator out there. We use a system of cameras, infrared laser, impact sensors, and advanced gaming software to create a virtual golfing experience, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

Plus, with XGolf, there is no waiting around for the group in front of you to finish a hole, you can order food and beverages that come right to you, and you can play the world’s best courses right here in Denver.

Book your tee time at XGolf Denver today and check out the best golf simulator in the world for yourself!