Getting Started

So you want to play folk golf, eh? Where do you begin?

Here are a few quick thoughts:

• Where to get clubs. You can find cheap clubs just about anywhere. Walk into any Goodwill or Salvation Army and you’ll find golf clubs languishing in a dusty corner of the shop. Garage sales, eBay, and Facebook “Buy Nothing” groups are also good spots to find them.

• What clubs to get. All courses require you to have a putter (so you don’t tear up the putting greens), so you gotta start with that. If you just want one other club, a 9 iron is versatile. If you want two, maybe a 9 and a 5? Ask your local golfer friends for tips.

• What next. Go out in your yard and try to swing the club! Don’t overthink your grip—holding it baseball-bat style is totally fine. No need to do a big whooshy movement like you see the pros doing, either. Just pull it back a little ways and see if you can swing through the point you’re looking at. (Pick out a blade of grass or a twig to aim for.)

After you’ve done the above, you’re probably ready to go to a driving range and try to actually hit some balls. That’s all stuff you should do before you go out to play 9 holes. What else would you like to know? Drop us a line or leave a comment. :)

xo rg & kk