Here’s what to Know Before you Tee Off a Guide for First-Time Golfers

Yes, you will need to book ahead if you are going for a session. While some golf courses give you the chance to book over the phone there are also many a KL or Johor golf course the likes of the The Els Club Malaysia that give you the chance of booking online as well. It is very important to know that your 'tee time' is the time when you actually start hitting or playing and not the time that you check in to the course. Thus, you need to make sure that you get there at least 30 minutes prior to your tee time, so that you have plenty of time to properly check in and sort out the necessities.

This is one of the most frequently asked questions among first time golfers and after all, you need to look good while teeing off right? The first thing to do would be to check if the golf course you're going to has a specific dress code. Usually, khaki pants and a collared shirt would be ideal golfing attire for men while the ladies can choose to wear pants or skorts (a combination of skirt/ short) along with a collared or polo shirt. In the usual case, jeans and fitness pants are a strict no. Golfing shoes are absolutely necessary and make sure the ones you buy have non-metal cleats and soft spikes as many golf courses have banned visitors from wearing metal spikes. If you are in doubt as to what to wear, simply call the golf course beforehand and consult them.

Using the correct equipment ensures a most satisfactory session of golf, as they help you follow the etiquette and rules of the sport. According to golfing rules, you cannot have more than 14 clubs in your golf bag, however you can have less than 14. Begin with a driver, a sand wedge, a putter and then add an 8-iron, a 6-iron and either a hybrid or a fairway wood.

Though you can't' have extra clubs, you can have extra tees and balls. When you begin to play golf you will realise that golfing ball are one of the most disappearing objects in the world! So make sure you are equipped with plenty of them.

When you know how to drive one! Learn the rules and regulations first before you go speeding off the course for the first tee. Many of these golf courses have specially designed cart paths that provide a designated route across the golf course. Thus, you need to check if its ok to drive off these paths, before heading over to the course. Usually, these golf courses have stated their rules on the scorecard, first tee or posted in the clubhouse; so it will be easier for you to refer them.