Beginner Golf Tips: What I Wish I Knew Before I Started

(Or, How to Avoid Wasting Two Years Fixing Bad Habits Like I Did.)

The Frustrating Start We All Go Through

When I started playing golf, I was clueless. I had a perma-slice that I didnʼt know how to fix. I bought cheap, ill-fitting clubs that made everything harder. And worst of all, I spent years reinforcing bad habits—habits that later took actual lessons and tons of practice to undo.

I wish I had access to the right clubs, techniques, and training aids when I was younger. It would have saved me from frustration, confusion, and probably a few broken tees (and egos).

Thatʼs why I started Grady Golf—to help beginners start on the right path, rather than stumbling blindly like I did.

Now that I know better, hereʼs what I would tell my younger self—and anyone just starting out.

Step 1: Set Realistic Expectations (Golf is Hard, But Thatʼs Okay)

Golf isnʼt something you master in a few weeks. If youʼre new, your first 90 days should focus on learning how to hit the ball cleanly and consistently—not chasing distance or expecting perfect shots.

Hereʼs a better way to structure your early golf journey:

• First Month (Days 1-30): Learn grip, stance, posture, and basic swing mechanics. Focus on making solid contact over hitting far.

• Second Month (Days 31-60): Start hitting irons consistently, work on chipping & putting, and understand club selection (Hint: You donʼt need 14 clubs).

• Third Month (Days 61-90): Introduce the driver, learn to hit from different lies, and play a Par 3 course or simulator round before thinking about a full course.

By Day 90, you should feel comfortable enough to play a casual round with friends—not to break records, just to have fun.

Step 2: What I Wish I Knew Before I Started

(And What Will Save You Years of Frustration.)

1. Get the Right Equipment (You Donʼt Need a Full Set Yet)

• Most beginners buy random clubs or take hand-me-downs that donʼt fit them. Donʼt make that mistake.

• You only need a 5-iron, 7-iron, a pitching wedge, a putter, and maybe a Driver to start.

• Game-improvement irons (bigger sweet spots, more forgiveness) are your friend—avoid tiny "blade" irons.

2. Fix Your Grip, Stance, and Posture First

• If your grip is off, everything else will be a struggle.

• Your stance should be balanced, athletic, and comfortable—not rigid.

• Learning the right posture early prevents bad habits that take years to fix.

3. Forget the Driver (For Now). Start with a 7-Iron.

• The driver is fun, but itʼs the hardest club to hit. If you start with it, youʼll just

• reinforce bad habits.

• The 7-iron is your best friend—if you can hit it well, other clubs will be easier.

• Focus on making solid contact rather than hitting it far.

4. Putting and Chipping Matter More Than Your Full Swing

• Youʼll take more putts than full swings in a round—so get good at them.

• Learn basic chipping—itʼs the easiest way to shave strokes off your game.

5. Practice Smart, Not Just Hard

• You donʼt need to hit 500 balls at the range. Quality beats quantity.

• Use drills that teach fundamentals instead of just blindly swinging.

• Play with better golfers—youʼll learn faster.

Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Have Fun, and Enjoy the Journey

Golf is hard at first, but if you start with the right fundamentals, youʼll progress much faster and enjoy the game more.

The worst thing you can do is rush into bad habits and spend years unlearning them (trust me, Iʼve been there).

Now go out, enjoy the process, and start your journey on the right path.

(And remember—nobody is judging your swing except you. GG and Have Fun.)

Next Up: Grip, Stance, and Posture—The Foundation of a Great Swing

Now that you know what to focus on, letʼs dive deeper into the key fundamentals.