Beginner's Guide To Golf: Where To Play

After reading the first blog post of The Beginner's Guide To Golf Blog Series, you now know what to wear on the golf course. Your next question might be... "Where should I play?". Luckily, there is an abundance of golf courses all across the world. You have many options when it comes to golf courses. Keep reading to learn our suggestions on where beginners should start playing.

Short Courses

It is a good idea to start small when you're a beginner. Many golf clubs offer short courses, in addition to their 18 hole courses. Short courses are often par threes, which means these holes are typically shorter than 200 yards. SoFlorida Professional Golfer Marissa Messana says, "Short courses are the perfect stepping stones when you're getting into the game. Start from the shortest tee box possible and build your way back from there". Often short courses will not include any obstacles, like water or sand bunkers. A good beginner course will be flat and free of hazards. World Long Driver Alex Phillips says short courses are "not quite as intimidating as going to a championship course your first time out". This will give you a chance to become acclimated to golf before jumping in on 18 holes!

Public Golf Courses 

Public golf courses are the perfect place for beginners to start. Your startup costs can be high, including purchasing golf clothing and equipment, but playing at public courses can help keep your costs down. Green fees at public courses can cost anywhere from $25- $500, not including golf balls or club rentals. The stereotypes of public golf courses are typically overcrowded and overgrown but there are some gems out there with well-maintained courses and great facilities. The best public golf courses include Pebble Beach, Shadow Creek, and Pinehurst. 

Municipal Courses

Municipal courses are owned by the city in which they reside. They are very similar to public golf courses, with the exception of offering the most bang for your buck. They are often about $10 cheaper per round than public course green fees. Golfers usually shorten the name to 'muni' or 'muni course'. 

Private Golf Courses

Most private golf courses require membership at a pretty penny, but they do come with great amenities. Some of these amenities include manicured greens, uncrowded courses, organized social events, and amazing dining services. Some private golf courses allow non-members to play with members for a price. Depending on the area, green fees at private golf courses range from $75- $500 for non-members. The top private golf courses include Augusta National, Cypress Point, and Cabo Del Sol.