Early Golf – From Its Roots to Your First Swing
When you hear "early golf" you probably picture old stone clubs and windy Scottish links. The game really took off in the 1400s on the coast of St Andrews, where shepherds used anything that could hit a ball. Those humble beginnings set the rules we still follow today, so knowing a bit of history can actually improve your play.
Why early golf still matters today
Modern courses look sleek, but the core skills haven’t changed. Early golf was all about mastering the swing with simple gear, and that forces you to focus on grip, stance, and timing – the three pillars any beginner needs. By studying the way the first players tackled uneven terrain, you pick up a mindset that helps you adapt to any course.
Getting started: simple steps for beginners
First, grab a set of basic clubs. You don’t need the latest drivers; a 7‑iron, a putter, and a fairway wood are enough to practice the essential shots. Next, work on your grip. Hold the club like a handshake – not too tight, not too loose – and feel the club rest in the fingers, not the palm.
Once the grip is solid, practice the stance. Keep your feet shoulder‑width apart, knees slightly bent, and the ball positioned just ahead of your front foot for longer clubs. Swing slowly at first; a smooth, controlled motion beats a hard, erratic one every time.
After you’re comfortable with the full swing, shift focus to the short game. The early golfers spent hours chipping and putting because those shots saved the most strokes. Set up a small target on the practice green and try to land the ball within a foot of it. Consistency here will lower your scores faster than any driver upgrade.
Our article "What Makes a Good Golfer?" breaks down the mental side – stay patient, track each shot, and treat every missed putt as a learning point. Pair that with the "Golf Course Basics" guide to learn the correct name for each part of the course, from tee box to rough, and you’ll move around the layout with confidence.
Finally, play a round with a friend who knows the game. Talk through each shot, ask why they aim a certain way, and take notes. Early golf was a social pastime, and you’ll pick up more by watching others than by reading alone.
In short, early golf offers a clean blueprint: simple equipment, solid fundamentals, and a lot of practice on the short game. Follow these steps, stay curious, and you’ll see real improvement faster than you expect.
