Golf is a wonderful game to share with a partner. It gives you hours outdoors together, a shared hobby, holidays with a purpose and a lifetime of friendly competition. But it can also test a relationship: different abilities, unwanted coaching and competitive streaks can turn a relaxing round into a tense one. With the right approach, golf can be one of the best things you do together.
Getting a partner started
Let someone else teach
Teaching your partner may feel helpful, but it often leads to frustration on both sides. Book lessons with a coach, a beginners' course or a group clinic. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor.
Start somewhere relaxed
- The driving range. Read first time at the driving range.
- Short courses and pitch-and-putt. Read par-3 and short courses.
- Golf entertainment venues for a fun introduction. Read golf entertainment venues.
The right equipment
Clubs that fit make learning much easier. Read women's golf clubs and buying golf clubs on a budget.
Playing with different abilities
- Play from different tees to balance distance. Read which tees should I play?.
- Use handicaps to make matches fair. Read the World Handicap System explained.
- Pick up when a hole isn't going well in a casual round.
- Focus on your own game, not your partner's.
Formats for couples
| Format | How it works | Why couples like it |
|---|---|---|
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | Partners share one ball, taking alternate shots | A real team effort |
| Greensomes | Both tee off, choose the best drive, then alternate shots | Less pressure than foursomes |
| Scramble | Both play every shot from the best position | Fun and forgiving |
| Fourball (better ball) | Each plays their own ball; the better score counts | Both play every shot |
| Mixed competitions | Club events for couples or mixed pairs | Social and competitive |
Read golf formats and games explained and golf scramble strategy.
Golden rules for golfing couples
- No uninvited coaching. If your partner wants a tip, they'll ask.
- Celebrate good shots, and stay quiet about bad ones.
- Keep the pace relaxed but keep up with play. Read pace of play.
- Don't keep score on each other unless you both want to.
- Laugh at the bad bounces.
- Sometimes play separately, with your own friends, too.
Etiquette when playing as a couple
- Respect other groups: couples sometimes join strangers to make up a four.
- Keep disagreements off the course.
- Look after the course together: pitch marks, divots and bunkers. Read golf etiquette 101.
Golf trips for couples
Golf holidays work brilliantly for couples, especially at resorts with something for both partners if only one plays as much.
- Choose destinations with golf, spas, beaches and culture. Read how to choose a golf resort.
- Mix golf days with other activities.
- Book lessons at the resort for the less experienced partner.
- Travel with other couples for group golf and social evenings.
Read how to plan a golf trip.
Social golf for couples
- Mixed club competitions and social evenings.
- Couples' golf societies. Read how to start a golf society.
- Charity golf days often welcome couples. Read how to organise a golf day.
Frequently asked questions
Should I teach my partner to play golf?
It's usually better to let a coach teach them. You can then enjoy practising and playing together.
What is the best golf format for couples?
Greensomes and scrambles are popular because both partners contribute and pressure is low.
How can we play together with different handicaps?
Use different tees, handicap allowances and team formats such as scrambles or greensomes.
Are golf holidays good for couples?
Yes, especially at resorts with activities for both partners and lessons for beginners.
The bottom line
Golf can be a great shared hobby for couples, as long as you keep it fun. Let a coach do the teaching, choose formats and tees that suit both of you, celebrate good shots and avoid unwanted advice. Add golf trips and social events, and the game will bring you plenty of happy hours together. For more on social golf, read how to find golf partners.