Fun Games for Beginner Golfers

Golf is both a highly competitive professional sport and a recreational activity that is enjoyed by many. However, playing a full round of 18 holes, or even just nine, can be a frustrating experience for a beginner. Fortunately, there are plenty of games that are suitable for all golfers, regardless of ability.

  1. Minigolf

    • Minigolf is a scaled down version of the sport and is both a recreational activity and a competitive game. Minigolf is played on four different types of courses worldwide. Courses approved by the World Minigolf Sport Federation include Miniaturegolf, Feltgolf, Concrete and Minigolf Open Standard. The only club required is a putter and the main objective is to get the ball in the hole with as few shots as possible. Each hole typically features a different obstacle for players to navigate. There are 28 standardized obstacles; the list includes pyramids, loops, bridges, pipes and jumps.

    Pitch and Putt

    • Pitch and putt is an abbreviated version of traditional golf. As the name suggests, the aim of the game is to pitch the ball onto the green and putt the ball into the hole. The International Pitch and Putt Federation mandates that holes can be no longer than 90 meters (100 yards) and an 18-hole course may not exceed 1,200m (1,310 yards) in total. Players are allowed to carry up to three clubs, one of which must be a putter. Player must also use a tee on the teeing ground.

    Driving Range

    • A driving range is a practice area where golfers can work on the swing. It's a great place to start for beginners because it doesn't matter where you hit your ball. Driving ranges typically sell buckets of balls for just a few dollars, so you don't need to worry about a few mis-hits on the range. Just find a spot that suits you and concentrate on making solid contact, hitting straight and getting the ball airborne. It's often best to start with your wedges and short irons and build your way up to the longer irons, fairway woods and driver. Driving ranges often feature greens and distance markers, giving you targets for which you can aim.

    Sholf

    • Sholf is a game that is the product of golf and table shuffleboard. It is played on a 32-inch by 12-foot mat and is designed for players of all levels. The mat features a playing end and a scoring end -- the scoring end is divided into sections that are worth between 1 and 4 points -- and the objective is to outscore your opponent by putting your balls further into the scoring end. Players alternate shots until they have both putted each of their four balls. After the balls have been putted, the opponent of the player whose ball is closest to the end of the mat re-putts his ball that is furthest away from the scoring end. The other player then does the same. Scores are then tallied, with only the player whose ball is closest to the end of the green able to receive points.