Golf is open to all
A Sport
For Everyone
Golf brings friends and family in a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of their age, ability or background.
Ever thought about taking up golf? There are lots of ways you can get involved.
- Start as a beginner and experience the thrill of that first shot flying through the air.
- Join your local club and have fun playing your first nine holes with friends – and make new ones.
- Boost your mental and physical health in your new green space.
- Hold your nerve to celebrate breaking your handicap for the first time.
- Walk in the footsteps of the best by experiencing a famous championship venue.
Getting into golf is easy, just take a swing
Thinking about playing golf? The game is open to everyone, offering fun and health benefits regardless of your age or ability. You'll find guidance on how to easily get started - from borrowing equipment and taking lessons to practicing at a driving range. Discover where you can play, including traditional courses and popular shorter formats near you.
Golf Where You Are
The R&A has 166 affiliates that operate in 147 countries around the world to develop and sustain the sport. Most of these affiliates are the national governing bodies for golf in each respective country, some are pan-continental organisations, others represent professional golf.
They provide advice on how to get involved in the sport, and govern it where you are.
Find out more, or get in touch if you're interested in golf!
How To Play
Golf can be played throughout your lifetime and it’s easy to get started.
- You only need a few clubs to begin with – you can even borrow some.
- Join in with family and friends.
- Lessons are offered at many golf facilities. You can borrow clubs, learn the basics and give it a go.
- The local driving range is where you can practice hitting the ball.
- Progress to playing on a course near you, perhaps a short one to start with. Nine holes will only take around 90 minutes.
- Buy some (even second-hand) clubs, bag and balls and you’re all set.
Where To Play
Traditional golf is played on nine-hole and 18-hole golf courses which allows golfers of all abilities to enjoy playing with family and friends.
But, there are many forms of golf for you to experience. There are many different shorter and faster formats you can play with your family and friends, particularly if you’re new to the sport. Driving ranges, par-3 courses, pitch & putt, adventure golf, and indoor golf simulators are all great ways to enjoy playing golf as well.
There are lots of courses available and there is likely one near you. A good idea is to visit your national golf federation website, which will help you find a course that suits you!
Golf is good for you
Golf allows people to boost their mental wellbeing in a social environment. Even following your favourites by walking at golf events is good for you.
The statistics are significant:
- Golf, as a physical activity, can help prevent and treat over 40 major chronic diseases
- On a regular 18-hole course, most players will walk between four and five miles, burning up to 2,000 calories
- If you play golf for at least 150 minutes per week you are meeting WHO global exercise guidelines
