More women are taking up golf than ever before — and for good reason. Golf offers fresh air, exercise, friendship, a lifelong challenge and a handicap system that lets you play on equal terms with anyone. It is a game for business and pleasure, for families and friends, for competition and for relaxation.
Yet starting golf can feel daunting. The equipment, the rules, the etiquette and the worry about holding others up can all put people off. This guide is designed to make getting started simple, enjoyable and confidence-building for women of every age and background.
Why golf is a great game for women
- Social connection. Golf creates friendships — many women find a regular group or club section becomes an important part of their life.
- Health and fitness. Walking 18 holes can mean 8 to 10 km of exercise. See is golf good exercise?.
- Lifelong sport. Golf can be played from childhood into your eighties and beyond.
- Fair competition. The handicap system and forward tees let you compete with anyone, including family members and colleagues.
- Business benefits. Golf builds professional relationships. See business golf.
- Mental wellbeing. Time outdoors and a focused mind are great for stress relief.
Step 1: Find the right way to learn
Women's beginner programmes
Many clubs and golf associations run beginner programmes designed specifically for women. They typically include:
- small-group coaching over several weeks;
- equipment provided for the early sessions;
- on-course experience with a coach or volunteer;
- a social element and a pathway into club membership or regular groups.
These programmes are relaxed, sociable and a great way to make golfing friends.
Group lessons
Mixed or women-only group lessons are affordable and fun. Learning alongside other beginners takes the pressure off.
Private lessons
One-to-one lessons offer personalised feedback and faster progress on specific issues.
Choosing a coach
Look for a qualified professional who explains clearly, encourages you and has experience teaching women and beginners. Ask about their approach and whether they offer on-course lessons. See golf lessons: how to choose an instructor.
Step 2: Choose the right equipment
Equipment designed for your height, strength and swing speed makes golf much easier to learn.
Clubs
Women's clubs are generally:
- Lighter, with lighter heads and shafts;
- Shorter than standard men's clubs;
- More flexible in the shaft (often "ladies" flex);
- Higher lofted for easier launch;
- Fitted with smaller grips.
However, there is no rule that says you must use women's clubs. Some women swing fast enough for senior or regular flex, and taller women may need longer clubs. What matters is fit, not labels. A custom club fitting or advice from your coach ensures the right specification.
A sensible starter set
| Club | Why |
|---|---|
| High-lofted driver or fairway wood (5-wood or 7-wood) | Easy launch from the tee and fairway |
| Two hybrids | Replace hard-to-hit long irons |
| 7-, 8- and 9-iron | Mid-length approach shots |
| Pitching wedge and sand wedge | Short game and bunkers |
| Putter | The club you use most |
Package sets designed for women beginners are excellent value. See how to choose golf clubs, hybrid golf clubs explained and buying golf clubs on a budget.
Shafts
Graphite shafts are lighter and absorb vibration, helping most women generate speed and play comfortably. Read our golf shaft guide to understand flex and weight.
Balls
Soft, low-compression balls help slower swing speeds launch the ball and feel solid. See how to choose the right golf ball.
Other essentials
- A lightweight stand bag or a cart bag with a trolley.
- A glove (women's sizes) for your lead hand.
- Tees, ball markers and a pitch-mark repair tool.
See essential golf accessories.
Step 3: What to wear
Women's golf clothing has never offered more choice. Comfort, freedom of movement and practicality matter most.
- Tops: collared or mock-neck polo shirts; check whether sleeveless tops are permitted at your course.
- Bottoms: golf trousers, cropped trousers, tailored shorts, skorts or skirts. Skorts — skirts with built-in shorts — are popular for comfort and practicality.
- Pockets: look for deep pockets for tees, balls and markers.
- Layers: a lightweight quarter-zip or cardigan for changeable weather.
- Shoes: women's golf shoes, spiked or spikeless. See the golf shoes guide.
- Weather gear: waterproofs for rain; sunscreen, a cap or visor and sunglasses for sunshine.
Check your course's dress code — most clubs publish it online. Read what to wear for golf for more.
Step 4: Learn the basics
Fundamentals
- Grip: hold the club in your fingers with light pressure. See how to grip a golf club.
- Set-up: athletic posture, correct ball position and aim.
- Swing: a smooth turn and balanced finish. See golf swing fundamentals.
- Short game: chipping and putting are where beginners improve fastest. See how to chip and how to putt.
Rules and etiquette
Learn the basic rules — playing the ball as it lies, what to do with a lost ball, penalty areas — and the etiquette of safety, pace of play and caring for the course. Our golf etiquette guide and golf terms guide cover the essentials.
Step 5: Build confidence on the course
Many new golfers worry about playing in front of others or holding up faster players. These steps help:
- Practise at the range and short-game area until you can make reasonable contact.
- Play a par-3 or pitch-and-putt course — shorter holes, less pressure.
- Play nine holes at a quiet time, such as a weekday afternoon.
- Play from the forward tees. They are designed to make the course fair and enjoyable.
- Set a maximum score per hole — pick up and move on when you reach it.
- Play with supportive friends, a beginners' group or a coach.
- Keep up with the group in front rather than worrying about the group behind. Let faster groups play through.
Step 6: Find your golfing community
Club ladies' sections
Many clubs have active ladies' or women's sections that run weekly competitions, social golf, matches against other clubs and events. They are often very welcoming to newcomers. See golf club membership.
Social golf groups and societies
Women's golf societies and social groups play at different courses and welcome golfers of all abilities.
Online communities
Online groups and social media communities connect women golfers for advice, encouragement and playing partners.
Golf with family and friends
Golf is a wonderful activity to share with partners, children and friends. Team formats such as scrambles make mixed-ability rounds fun for everyone. See golf formats and games explained.
Step 7: Get a handicap and try competitions
Once you play regularly, getting a handicap opens the door to competitions — from friendly club Stablefords to team matches and open events.
- Submit scores from qualifying rounds through your club or golf association.
- Your Handicap Index lets you compete fairly against golfers of all standards.
- Start with Stableford competitions, where you can pick up on bad holes.
Read the World Handicap System explained and try our handicap calculator.
Common concerns — and the reality
| Concern | Reality |
|---|---|
| "I'm not sporty." | Golf rewards timing, rhythm and patience more than strength. |
| "I'll hold people up." | Playing from forward tees, picking up and keeping pace solves this. |
| "The rules are too complicated." | You only need a handful of basic rules to start. |
| "It's too expensive." | Group lessons, used clubs, public courses and flexible memberships keep costs down. |
| "I don't know anyone who plays." | Beginner programmes and women's sections are full of people in the same position. |
| "I'm too old to start." | Many women take up golf in their forties, fifties, sixties and beyond. |
Staying healthy and playing well
- Warm up before every round. See the 10-minute pre-round warm-up.
- Strengthen and stretch — mobility and core exercises help your swing and protect your back.
- Use a trolley if carrying is tiring.
- Stay hydrated and protect your skin from the sun.
See common golf injuries for prevention tips.
Your first three months: a simple plan
| Month | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Group lessons, grip and set-up, putting and chipping | Make consistent contact |
| 2 | Full swing with mid irons and hybrids; range practice with targets | Hit the ball airborne reliably |
| 3 | Par-3 course and nine-hole rounds; basic rules and etiquette | Play nine holes comfortably |
After three months, many beginners are ready for full rounds with friends, beginner competitions or a club's new-member events.
Golf trips and weekends
Golf breaks are a great way to build skills and friendships. Women's golf weekends and coaching breaks combine lessons, play and social time, often at resorts with spas and other activities. They are ideal for building confidence on new courses in a supportive group. See how to plan the perfect golf trip.
Playing with partners and family
Golf is one of the few sports couples and families can play together on fair terms. Use forward tees, team formats such as scrambles and greensomes, and handicap strokes to make games competitive and fun. Agree in advance whether you want tips from your partner — many golfers prefer to leave coaching to the professional.
Frequently asked questions
Do women need women's golf clubs?
Not necessarily. Clubs should match your height, strength and swing speed. Many women benefit from lighter, more flexible clubs, but fit matters more than labels.
Which tees should women play from?
Choose the tees that suit your hitting distance, regardless of their colour or label. Forward tees make the course fair and enjoyable for most beginners.
How long does it take to learn golf?
With a few lessons and regular practice, most beginners can play a nine-hole round within a few months, and continue improving for years.
Is it better to learn with other women or in a mixed group?
Both work well. Many women enjoy women-only programmes for the relaxed, social atmosphere and the chance to meet future playing partners. Others are happy in mixed groups. Choose the setting where you feel most comfortable asking questions.
Do I need my own clubs to start lessons?
No. Most beginner programmes and coaches provide clubs for the first few sessions. It is wise to wait until you have had a few lessons — and some advice on sizing — before buying.
How can I practise if I am short of time?
Short, regular sessions work best: ten minutes of putting on a carpet, grip and posture practice in front of a mirror, or a small bucket at the range. Little and often builds skills faster than occasional long sessions.
The bottom line
Golf is a wonderful, lifelong game for women of every age. Start with a women's beginner programme or group lessons, use clubs fitted to your swing, dress comfortably within the dress code, learn the basics and build confidence on short courses. Find a welcoming community, get a handicap when you are ready, and enjoy the friendships, fresh air and challenge that golf offers. For a complete overview of starting out, read golf for beginners.