Balls Out Basics: Everything You Need for Your First Round

First Tee Jitters? Here's Your Rookie Round Checklist!

Welcome to the exciting world of golf, rookie! Before you head out for your first round, let's make sure you're prepared. At Balls Out Golf, we want your first time to be memorable (in a good way). Here's everything you need to know and bring:

What to Bring:

Golf Clubs:

  • Driver
  • Irons (5-9)
  • Pitching wedge
  • Sand wedge
  • Putter

(Don't have a set yet? Check out our Grip & Rip Beginner Set!)

Golf Balls:

At least a dozen (Trust us, you'll need 'em)

(Our Grip & Rip 1.0 Balls are perfect for beginners)

Tees:

A handful of various lengths

Ball Markers: 

Any small, flat object will do

Divot Tool:

To repair any damage on the green

Golf Glove:

Helps with grip and prevents blisters

(Try our "Firm Grip" Gloves for maximum comfort)

Golf Bag:

To carry all your stuff

What to Wear:

  • Collared shirt 
  • Khakis or golf shorts (No jeans!)
  • Golf shoes or sneakers
  • Hat or visor
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to Know:

Basic Rules:

  • Don't move your ball unless the rules allow it
  • Play the ball as it lies
  • Don't touch the line of your putt

Etiquette: 

  • Be quiet when others are hitting
  • Don't step on other players' putting lines 
  • Repair your divots and ball marks
  • Keep up with the group in front of you

Scoring:

  • Par: The number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take
  • Bogey: One stroke over par
  • Double Bogey: Two strokes over par

Just focus on having fun, not your score!

Lingo:

  • Fore: Yell this if your ball is heading towards people
  • Mulligan: A do-over shot (not officially allowed, but common among beginners) 
  • Gimme: A putt so close it's given to you (your playing partners will let you know)

Course Navigation:

  • Tee box: Where you start each hole
  • Fairway: The short grass between tee and green
  • Rough: The longer grass beside the fairway
  • Green: The closely mown area around the hole
  • Hazards: Water, sand, or other obstacles

Remember:

  • Relax and have fun!
  • Don't take it too seriously
  • It's okay to pick up your ball if you're holding up play
  • Celebrate your good shots, laugh off the bad ones

Most importantly, remember that every golfer was a beginner once. Don't be afraid to let your playing partners know it's your first time - most golfers are happy to help newcomers!

Need any last-minute gear? Check out our Balls Out Golf collection designed specifically for beginners like you. We've got everything you need to grip it and rip it!

Now go out there and have a ball! (Pun absolutely intended)