Above The Bay

Like with any sport, there is always a lot to learn. Golf in particular can be quite intimidating with dress codes, rules, etiquette before you’ve even hit a ball. But, don’t worry golf isn’t as daunting as it may seem.

In this blog, we explore how to get into golfing and everything you need to know to get confident on the course.

Get familiar with the basic

It may be tempting to invest in all the best gear before you’ve even set foot on a golf course, but before you do that we recommend heading to the driving range, where you should be able to hire a golf club or two and have a go. Practise gripping the club, practise your swing and finding your balance. Having a lesson with a golf teacher can help you nail this early on so you’re not having to unlearn bad habits.

At Above the Bay, you can book golf coaching with our golf professional, Nick Rogers, to help you nail the first few hits. We also have our Golf Studio which brings the latest technology to bear with the Trackman 4 Radar Tracking Technology in your golf lessons. This new tech helps you understand the dynamics of your golf swing, flight of the ball, direction and how to improve all three.

Understand the Dress Code

Unlike other sports, many golf courses have specific dress codes, both on the course and in the club house. This is typically proper golf shoes and golf clothes i.e long trousers or tailored shorts, socks and shirt with collar or roll neck.

Understand the Etiquette

There are a lot of expectations of behaviour while on the golf course, that can take a while to learn. Most of them follow common sense and you’ll pick up whilst you're on the course. But some of them include:

Make sure to stay silent while other golfers are teeing off.
Shout “Fore” if your shot is heading towards other golfers or the public.
Keep a good pace around the course, in the beginning you may find it harder to keep pace, but being mindful of golfers behind you is important.
Search for a lost ball for only 3 minutes before moving on.
Be ready to play when it’s your turn.
Have consideration for other players by not moving into people's line of shot or making unnecessary noise.

Take a look at our golf etiquette.

Start with the basics

As previously mentioned, you don’t need to invest in the best golf clubs right away, unless you want to. At Above the Bay, our team in the Pro Shop can help you find the right golf clubs for you.

However, for beginners, we recommend that the clubs needed initially are:

A pitching wedge
A 7-iron
A sand wedge
A putter
A hybrid
A club to hit off the tee on par 4s and 5s.

Other equipment you’ll need to start are:

A golf bag
Some golf balls
A golf glove
Tees
A ball marker
A towel for keeping your clubs clean
A divot tool to repair any marks on the green.

Have fun

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Learning something new can be frustrating but rewarding especially when you begin to improve.

Our club house is a great place to meet like minded golfers and enjoy a drink or bite to eat after a game or a trip to the driving range.

Why Choose a Golf Membership with Above the Bay?

Nestled above Falmouth Bay in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our golf course has stunning views of Swanpool and Maenporth beaches and fairways hugging the Cornish coastline. Our 18 hole golf course in Cornwall offers impeccably maintained fairways and greens with relaxing sea breezes and sweeping ocean views.

If you are looking to get into golf we have a number of options perfect for beginners, including, a 5 Week Beginners Class, 1-2-1 golf lessons, Get into Golf packages and of course our golf studio for hire. We also have a DNA Fitting system that helps you find the perfect golf clubs for you.

At Above The Bay, we offer a range of golf membership options to suit your circumstances and playing habits. Browse our golf membership packages below to find the perfect plan for your golfing requirements. All members get 10% off all food and beverages (excluding special promotions) in our restaurant and club house.