Getting Started with Golf: What to Expect & How to Use This Guide

As a quick refresher, Iʼm Grady—your friendly, self-taught golf guide. Iʼm not a PGA pro, and I donʼt pretend to be one. I learned the game by watching YouTube, hitting thousands of range balls, and making every mistake possible so you donʼt have to. My job here isnʼt to replace a professional coach—itʼs to help you get started in a structured, approachable way so that when you do take lessons, youʼll actually know whatʼs going on.

Thereʼs a lot of golf content out there, and while thatʼs great, it can also be overwhelming. This guide is meant to cut through the noise and give you a step- by-step roadmap to follow during your first 90 days of learning golf.

Hereʼs what youʼll find:

• Curated YouTube Videos - The best instructional videos from top golf instructors, categorized by skill level and learning style (directive vs. analogy- based).

• Practice Plan - A structured 30-60-90 day learning approach that helps you develop skills in a logical sequence.

• Community Learning - If you find something that clicks for you, share it! Golf is better when we learn together.

Letʼs set some realistic expectations: Golf is hard—but thatʼs what makes it fun. Nobody is good when they start, and thatʼs okay. The goal isnʼt to be great right away; itʼs to make steady progress and enjoy the learning process.

Hereʼs a rough timeline of what to expect:

• First few weeks: Youʼll probably struggle to hit the ball cleanly. Thatʼs normal.

• 1-2 months in: Youʼll start making more consistent contact and understanding your swing mechanics.

• 3 months in: You should be comfortable enough to play a Par 3 course or a round in an indoor simulator.

Many new golfers think they need to jump straight into an 18-hole round, but thatʼs like trying to run a marathon before jogging a mile. Instead, hereʼs what I recommend:

• Step 1: Driving Range - Spend time getting comfortable with your clubs and making solid contact.

• Step 2: Indoor Simulator (Optional) - Great for feedback and testing different clubs.

• Step 3: Par 3 Course -A shorter course that focuses on iron play, chipping, and putting—without the frustration of long drives.

By focusing on these stepping stones, youʼll build confidence and skills before tackling a full-length course.

Life is busy, and golf takes time. Thatʼs why weʼre making this process realistic and achievable. You donʼt need to practice every day to improve, but you should try to practice consistently.

A sample schedule could look like this:

• 1-2 days per week at the range

• Weekend Par 3 course or simulator session

• 5-10 minutes of grip & stance drills at home

The key is consistency over intensity. Even if you only practice a couple of times a week, youʼll make steady progress.