Am I Too Old / Unfit / Unathletic to Play Golf?
Absolutely not. Golf is genuinely one of the most accessible sports in existence. It is played by people in their 80s and 90s. It doesn't require speed, strength, or a lifetime of sport. What it does reward is patience, consistency, and a willingness to learn — all qualities that have nothing to do with age or fitness level.
If you have specific physical limitations, speak to a golf coach — most are experienced in adapting technique for different bodies. There is a version of golf that works for you.
Do I Need Lessons Before I Play?
Not strictly — but one or two lessons make a significant difference to how quickly you improve and how much you enjoy it from the start. A professional coach can spot and correct grip and stance issues in minutes that would otherwise take months of frustrating self-correction.
At minimum, we recommend a single beginner lesson before your first round. It doesn't need to be expensive — many clubs offer 30-minute introductory lessons for under $60.
How Much Does Golf Cost to Get Started?
Golf has a reputation for being expensive — and while it can be, it doesn't have to be when starting out. Here's a realistic beginner breakdown:
- Lessons: $50–$90 per hour with a club professional. Group lessons are cheaper ($25–$40 per session).
- Club hire: $20–$40 per round at most public courses. No need to buy until you're sure you love it.
- Second-hand beginner set: $150–$400 for a complete set in good condition. Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and club pro shops all carry used sets.
- New beginner set: $300–$700. Brands like Callaway, Wilson, and Cobra all make excellent women's beginner sets in this range.
- Green fees (public course): $20–$60 for 18 holes depending on the course and time of day. Twilight rounds are often excellent value.
- Club membership: $600–$2,500+ per year depending on the club. Not necessary until you're playing regularly.
💡 Our Advice
Hire clubs for your first 3–4 rounds. Once you know you love it, invest in a modest second-hand set. Upgrade when your game outgrows your equipment — which for most beginners is 12–18 months in.
On the Course
How Long Does a Round of Golf Take?
An 18-hole round typically takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours for a group of 4 players. A 9-hole round takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Twilight golf (starting late afternoon) is a popular and more affordable way to play 9 holes.
As a beginner you may feel like you're slowing things down — this is normal and it improves quickly. The main pace-of-play tip: be ready to hit when it's your turn, and pick up your ball if a hole is taking too long.
What Should I Wear?
Most golf clubs in Australia have a dress code. The standard is:
- Top: Collared shirt or polo. Sleeveless styles with a collar are fine. No crop tops or singlets.
- Bottoms: Tailored shorts (not too short), pants, skorts, or golf skirts. No denim jeans.
- Shoes: Golf shoes with soft spikes are ideal. Clean athletic shoes (no running shoes with aggressive soles) are usually acceptable for beginners.
- Hat: Sun protection is genuinely important — a wide-brimmed hat or visor is both practical and course-appropriate.
Many women find that golf fashion is actually really fun — there are beautiful, feminine, high-quality women's golf clothing brands, and it's a nice part of the whole experience.
I Keep Mishitting — Is Golf Just Not for Me?
No. Mishitting is part of golf for everyone — beginners and experienced players alike. The difference between a beginner and an experienced golfer isn't that one never mishits; it's that the experienced player mishits less often and recovers better.
If you're consistently struggling with a particular shot, it almost always comes back to a small technical issue with grip, stance, or swing path that a brief lesson will fix immediately. Don't suffer in silence — ask for help and watch things click into place.
What Is a Handicap and Do I Need One?
A golf handicap is a number representing how many shots over par you typically score. It's used to level the playing field so players of different abilities can compete fairly. For example, a player with a handicap of 20 gets 20 extra strokes subtracted from their score when competing against someone with a handicap of 5.
You don't need a handicap to play social golf or beginners' rounds. Once you're playing regularly (typically after 3 submitted scorecards), you can register for an official handicap through your club. It's free once you're a club member and opens the door to competitions and social events.
The Social Side
Will I Be Judged for Being a Beginner?
In a respectful, well-run club: absolutely not. The vast majority of golfers started exactly where you are and remember how it felt. In our programs and communities, beginners are celebrated — not just tolerated.
If you ever feel judged or unwelcome, that says something about that particular club's culture — not about you or your right to be there. Seek out women's groups, beginner days, and communities like The Good Golfer that are explicitly designed to be supportive.
Are There Golf Groups Specifically for Women?
Yes — and they are wonderful. Most golf clubs have a women's committee that organises ladies' days, social competitions, and events throughout the year. These are typically relaxed, friendly, and explicitly welcoming of new players.
Beyond club-level groups, programs like The Good Golfer are designed from the ground up for women — particularly beginners — who want a safe, encouraging, fun environment to learn and play.
How Do I Find a Good Coach?
A National Deliverer or a PGA-accredited professional at your local golf club or driving range can help. Don't be afraid to ask about their experience teaching women beginners specifically — it's a relevant question. A great beginner coach is patient, encouraging, explains things clearly, and focuses on building your confidence as much as your technique.
Ask for a recommendation from friends who play, or check the Women Get Into Golf Programs golf.org.au.
The Good Golfer
What Programs Does The Good Golfer Offer?
We offer structured programs designed for women at different stages of their golf journey:
Program 1 — Learn
For complete beginners. Covers the fundamentals — grip, stance, swing basics, course etiquette — in a warm, judgment-free group environment.
Program 2 — Build
For players who've had some experience and want to develop consistency, course management, and the confidence to play regular social rounds.
Program 3 — Play
For experienced players ready to compete socially, lower their handicap, and join a thriving community of active women golfers.
🎯 Not sure which program is right for you?
Take our free Golf Confidence Quiz — it takes 2 minutes and gives you a personalised score and program recommendation based on exactly where you are right now.
I Have a Question That Isn't Here
We'd love to hear from you. Send your question to us via the contact page and we'll get back to you personally — and we may add it to this FAQ to help other women in the same situation.
No question is too basic, too silly, or too obvious. We've heard them all and we love answering them.