If you know how to play golf, you probably know how to tee off. Technically. But everyone knows the first shot from the tee is the most challenging in any round of golf. That’s because it’s also the first moment you’re exposed to the course and its many intricacies. You see, each hole has unique challenges that require different strategy and execution to conquer them successfully. A bad drive can lead to a nasty second shot, but with a bit of preparation, some expert advice and a few helpful tricks, you’ll be on your way to becoming a pro golfer in no time. Here are some tips on how to start playing golf like a pro:
Use a 2-stroke rule
The single most important thing you can do to start your game tee off on the right foot is know what the 2-stroke rule is. Every golf course is different and has its own set of rules, but in general, a golfer has two shots to get down from the tee box to the green. This can seem like a lot of leeway, but it’s important to remember that those two shots are going to include your drive, your shot to the green and then an approach shot to the pin. If you’re playing with a partner, you’ll want to keep them in mind, too.
If you’re on the first tee off and you hit a super hard drive, you might take your partner out. That’s worth two strokes. Be mindful of how hard you hit the ball and where you land.
Don’t be afraid to lay up
If you’re not used to playing golf with other people, you may mistakenly assume that you need to hit every drive as far as you can. This is not always the best strategy, however, because if you hit it too far, you’ll be well out of bounds, taking a penalty stroke and losing distance on your next shot. If you’re playing a par-3 hole and are between 80 and 100 yards from the tee off, consider laying up.
This is a strategic shot where you hit the ball short of the green. This will leave you in a better position to hit the green with your second shot, probably with fewer strokes than if you try to hit it as far as you can. If you’re playing a par-4 hole, you can be a bit more aggressive with your drive, but don’t get too reckless.
Watch your speed
Speed is important to golfers of all levels. A golfer’s speed is measured in miles per hour, or the speed with which a ball travels from the tee to the green. It’s important to keep an eye on your speed because if you’re hitting the ball too hard, you’re going to lose distance and have an extremely difficult second shot. This is true for par-3 holes and par-4 holes alike. Generally, you want to hit the ball between 35 miles per hour and 45 miles per hour, depending on your club. If you’re just starting, you may want to err on the side of caution and hit the ball slower. You can always add speed as you get more comfortable.
Know where to hit it
If you’ve ever hit a tee off and found yourself looking at a completely different hole, you know how important it is to know where to hit the ball. This can be challenging, especially if you’re just starting out and are unfamiliar with the course or the yardage.
There are a few tricks that can help you with tee off, though. You can ask an employee at the pro shop or front desk to find out where to hit the ball based on your skill level. Or, you can use an app like Golfshot (which we’ll talk more about in a bit). Whatever you do, don’t just guess. This will only cause you to lose more shots and become frustrated and discouraged.
Bring the right equipment
This isn’t a fun fact about how to start playing golf and tee off like a pro, but it’s incredibly important. Golf is a game that requires a ton of specialized equipment, from the clubs to the balls, tees, bags and more. It can be overwhelming for a beginner, but it’s important to get the right gear. Golf balls are different from other types of balls because they don’t bounce as well. The best golf balls out there are made of a material called Surlyn. These are the only type of balls worth buying.
Don’t cheap out and buy a bag of 100 $1 golf balls. You’ll regret it. If you’re just starting out, a beginner set is a good place to start. It will come with a few clubs, balls, tees and a bag to hold it all. You can then build your gear as you get more serious about the game. Clubs are one of the most important pieces of equipment and you’ll want to make sure you’re comfortable with the set you choose.
Clubs can be expensive, but there are plenty of used clubs out there for a fraction of the price of new ones.
Conclusion : Tee Off
The best golfers in the world don’t become the best golfers in the world overnight. They practice, they hone their skills and they get better every single day. It’s not about how you start; it’s about how you finish. That being said, it’s important to know how to start a game of golf like a pro.
From keeping an eye on your club speed to knowing what type of ball to hit and bringing the right equipment, there are a lot of tips and tricks that can help you get a leg up on the competition.
