Starting Golf & Development

To embark on your journey in golf, there are two primary avenues to consider. Firstly, you can enroll in a “First Steps in Golf” course offered by a local golf club. Alternatively, you can begin by visiting your nearest golf club’s driving range or indoor facility in your city. Each option offers unique advantages:

1. Enroll in a “First Steps in Golf” Course: Participating in an organized course offers the benefit of learning essential skills right from the outset under the guidance of a professional instructor. Here’s how to proceed:

• Identify a golf club near your location that offers beginner courses.

• Visit the club’s website to check for upcoming course dates, or personally visit the club to enroll. While there, take the opportunity to explore the club’s facilities and get a feel for the environment. Feel free to enjoy a cup of coffee at the clubhouse; all guests are warmly welcomed.

• Ensure punctuality for each lesson. Being on time demonstrates respect for the game and adherence to golf etiquette.

2. Visit the Driving Range or an Indoor Facility: If you prefer a more casual introduction to the sport, visiting the driving range or an indoor simulator is an excellent option. Here’s how to get started:

• Locate a driving range or indoor simulator nearby. All golf clubs have their own driving ranges open to the public.

• Gather your equipment; typically, all you’ll need is a set of clubs and comfortable shoes, which can often be rented at the range if you don’t have your own.

• Begin practicing your swings and getting a feel for the mechanics of the game. While at the range, observe other golfers to pick up tips and techniques. Always follow the safety instructions.

Additionally, juniors between 8 and 14 years old can contact us to start with the BGA program, designed specifically to introduce young players to the fundamentals of golf in a fun and supportive environment.

Regardless of which option you choose, remember that patience and dedication are key to improving your golf skills over time. Enjoy the journey of learning this rewarding sport!

When starting to play golf, you don’t necessarily need your own set of golf clubs, as the club where you’re taking your lessons or course will typically provide them. What you’ll need initially are sports shoes and suitable clothing. However, if you choose to invest in your own set of clubs, most golf club pro shops offer beginner-friendly sets tailored to your needs.

Golf clubs: Each golfer can carry up to 14 clubs in their bag, including woods for long shots, irons for fairway play, and a putter for putting the ball into the hole on the green.

Balls: Especially as a beginner, you may lose balls to water penalty areas, high grass, or bushes. It’s advisable to bring plenty of balls when starting your game. Many pro shops offer both new and used balls.

Shoes: While beginners practicing at the driving range can use sports shoes like trainers, playing on the course requires specialized golf shoes. Comfort is crucial, considering you’ll typically walk seven to ten kilometers during an 18-hole game.

Golf bag: Opt for a lightweight bag with an integrated stand for convenience. You can carry it or use a trolley to pull it behind you.

Marker: To mark the spot where your ball lands on the green before lifting it (to avoid obstructing other players’ putting or to clean it), you’ll need a marker. Some players use coins for this purpose as well.

Pitchfork: When the ball lands on the green, it often leaves a mark called a “pitch mark.” Repairing this mark with a pitchfork is essential to maintain the green’s surface and prevent interference with other players’ putting.

Golf glove: A golf glove helps prevent calluses and provides a stronger grip. Right-handed players wear it on the left hand, while left-handed players wear it on the right. Ensure a proper fit when purchasing a golf glove; it should feel like a second skin on your hand.

Tees: Tees are used to elevate the ball before a drive, making it easier to strike with the driver or wood clubs.

Once you’ve gained some skills, here’s what you should do to play at a golf course:

• Check for Green Card Courses: Utilize phone or internet resources to determine if your local golf club offers ” Green Card” courses. These courses supplement practical lessons with theoretical knowledge of golf rules and etiquette. With this certification, you are welcome to play as a guest and non-member player at all Bulgarian golf clubs. However, guests are typically required to pay a green fee and book a tee time in advance.

• Consider Private Lessons: Alternatively, you can opt for private lessons where an instructor will comprehensively teach you both basic gameplay and theoretical skills. Practice the shots demonstrated by the golf teacher in addition to the course lessons. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy playing golf at the course while adhering to the sport’s rules and etiquette.

To obtain a handicap in golf, follow these steps:

1. Join a Golf Club: You need to become a member of a golf club affiliated with the governing golf association in your country, in this case, the Bulgarian Golf Association (BGA). After joining a club, you need to take the BGA affiliation membership, which provides you with various benefits in addition to the handicap. 
2. Play and Submit Scores: Start playing rounds of golf at your club and keep track of your scores for each round. Make sure to play at least the minimum number of holes required for a round to be considered for handicap purposes, typically 9 or 18 holes.
3. Submit Scorecards: After each round, submit your scorecard to the club’s handicap committee or designated official. They will enter your scores into the club’s handicap system.
4. Establish a Handicap Index: Over time, as you submit more scores, your club will calculate your handicap index based on your best scores and the course rating/slope of the courses you’ve played. This index reflects your potential ability as a golfer.
5. Maintain Your Handicap: Continue to play regularly and submit your scores to keep your handicap current. Your handicap will be adjusted periodically based on your recent scores to reflect your current level of play accurately.
6. Understand Handicap System: Familiarize yourself with the World Handicap System. This system ensures fair competition among golfers of differing abilities by adjusting players’ scores relative to the difficulty of the course.

By following these steps and actively participating in golfing activities at your club, you can obtain and maintain a handicap, allowing you to compete in tournaments and enjoy fair and competitive play with other golfers.