Heading out for your first golf round is exciting but it can also be intimidating. Between tee boxes, pace of play, and unspoken etiquette, new golfers often worry about holding others up. At Alien Pros, we’re all about helping you enjoy sports with confidence and golf is no exception.
With a little preparation and the right mindset, you can play your first round smoothly, respectfully, and without slowing anyone down. Here’s your beginner-friendly guide to doing it right.
Before You Even Arrive
Know where you’re going
Make sure you have directions, tee time confirmation, and any membership or booking details ready (screenshots in your phone help). The most reliable place to book for public play is apps like TeeOff or official club websites.
Arrive early (but not too early)
Aim for 20–30 minutes before your tee time enough to:
check in with the starter
hit a few warm-up shots at the range
find the tee box
breathe and get comfortable
No need to arrive an hour early unless you plan to practice extensively.
Bring only the basics
Here’s what you actually need:
6–10 tees
2–3 golf balls (bring extras in the bag, not your pockets)
a marker (coin or ball marker)
a glove
a towel
water
A popular beginner-friendly glove option is from the brand FootJoy WeatherSof.
At the Tee Box
Be ready to hit
When it’s your turn:
Tee your ball quickly
Take 1–2 practice swings (max)
Hit your shot
Avoid long swing rehearsals accuracy comes from routine, not overthinking.
If your shot is wild (and it will happen…)
Don’t spend minutes searching from the tee. Use this rule instead:
~30 seconds to look, then drop and go.
Golf has an official rule for this called “stroke and distance,” but as a beginner, the priority is flow. Grab another ball and drop it near where you think it landed, and play from there. No one minds a beginner’s mishit they mind a slow search party.
Moving on the Course Efficiently
Use your cart wisely
If you’re using a golf cart, always follow cart path rules:
Stay on marked paths near tee boxes and greens
Avoid cutting over restricted areas
Park to the side of the path, not blocking it
Most public and resort courses encourage carts some of the most recognizable include Pebble Beach Golf Links, but your local public course works great for a first round.
Walk like you mean it
Whether walking or riding, move with purpose between shots. While others hit, be preparing:
choose your next club
clean a ball if needed
note a quick approximate yardage using on-course markers
Take your shot when ready, not when perfect
Beginner golf is about continuous play, not perfection. “Good enough” is your friend today.
On the Green
Read the room, not the line
Skip intensive green-reading rituals. Instead:
take a quick glance at slope
align your ball
putt when it’s your turn
A beginner-friendly, iconic putter style to know about is the mallet design popularized by Odyssey 2‑Ball Putter great for alignment, but not required for play.
When you’re done putting:
Immediately:
pick up your marker
grab your ball
exit the green
jot your score at the next tee box (not while standing on the green)
What Is “Good Pace of Play”?
Most courses expect 18 holes to take about 4 hours for a full group.
As a beginner, your goal isn’t 4 hours it’s simply to keep up with the group in front of you.
If there’s a gap forming:
play “ready golf” (hit when safe, not strictly in turn)
waive faster players through if needed
stay relaxed and move at a steady rhythm
Golf Etiquette = Respect for People + the Course
Golf culture values courtesy. Practice small things like:
repairing divots when convenient (don’t hold up play)
avoiding stepping on others’ putting lines
staying quiet only during someone’s swing
cheering good shots even your own humble ones
Final Takeaway
Your first golf round isn’t about shooting low it’s about:
⛳ Being prepared
⛳ Playing continuously
⛳ Respecting others’ time
⛳ Having fun without pressure
Golfers don’t expect perfection from beginners. They expect awareness, rhythm, and a willingness to keep moving. Do that, and you’ll fit right in.