Discover a relaxed, beginner friendly pathway into golf—from taster sessions to playing confidently, with no pressure to rush.
Starting golf can feel intimidating. There’s the equipment, the rules, the course itself—and the feeling that everyone else already knows what they’re doing.
The truth? Every golfer starts somewhere, and there are more beginner friendly ways into the game than ever before.
We’ve broken down a simple, no pressure pathway into golf — discover how golf fits around you, with flexible ways to start, learn, and play at your own pace.
Taking Your First Steps: Beginner Sessions and Taster Experiences
For most people, golf begins with a short beginner or taster session. These are designed specifically for newcomers, focusing on the basics in a relaxed and supportive setting.
There’s no expectation to be “good”, no previous experience required, and usually no equipment needed either. It’s simply about getting a feel for the game, hitting some balls, learning a little technique, and seeing whether golf is something you enjoy.
Getting Out on the Course (Without the Pressure)
One of the biggest milestones for beginners is stepping onto the course for the first time. This often happens through organised beginner experiences or short on-course sessions.
These experiences are carefully structured, so you’re not thrown in at the deep end! You might play a few holes, take part in simple challenges, or be guided around the course by a coach. Just as importantly, you’ll often meet other players who are new too.
Playing With Friends and Keeping It Fun
As confidence grows, many beginners start playing informally with friends or family. Lots of venues offer flexible options like paying to play a small number of holes, which makes it easier to enjoy golf without committing to a full round.
This stage is where golf becomes social—less about technique, more about being outdoors, chatting, laughing, and enjoying the experience together.
Learning More With a Professional
At some point, many beginners choose to take a few lessons with a PGA Professional. This doesn’t mean intensive coaching! Often just a handful of sessions can make a big difference.
Good coaching helps you understand your game, avoid frustration, and feel more confident when you play. Most importantly, it helps golf feel easier and more enjoyable.
Tracking Progress
While you’re taking your first steps in the game, or maybe not yet ready to join a club, there are still options for tracking your progress.
iPlay is a free score tracking option for more casual golfers who want to record their rounds and track their average score, providing a simple way to engage with the game at your own pace.
As golfers start playing more regularly, a handicap becomes a useful way to track progress. It allows players of different abilities to compete together fairly and gives a clear sense of improvement over time. iGolf offers an alternative way to gain a Handicap Index® and record scores while continuing to play casually.
Both iGolf and iPlay are accessed through the MyEG app, which is also used by club members to create a connected experience across all types of golfers.
When Joining a Club Feels Right
Joining a golf club isn’t a requirement—but when the time is right, it can be a fantastic step. Many clubs now offer introductory memberships aimed at new players, making it more affordable and less intimidating.
Clubs give you access to regular playing opportunities, social golf, and a ready-made group of people to play with. For many beginners, this is where golf really starts to feel like their game.
Making Golf Part of Your Life
There’s no final destination in golf, and that’s part of its appeal. Some people enjoy social rounds now and then, others get involved in competitions, and many simply love walking the course with their friends or family.
However your golf journey looks, the important thing is that it fits you. If you’ve been feeling unsure about where to start your journey, we hope this pathway helps you to build confidence, and enjoy the game at your own pace.
