1. Before going to the course
Start here: Golf Equipment Checklist
- Golf clubs (up to 14) & caddy bag
- Golf shoes & shoe case
- Golf wear (including a change of clothes)
- Boston bag
- Rainwear
- Balls (plenty → aim for 15 or more)
- Tea (two types: short and long)
- Gloves (it's convenient to have 2-3 pairs)
- Green marker
- Green Fork
- Score Counter
Important clothing choices for playing golf
❶We recommend wearing a hat or visor to protect yourself from the heat and prevent injuries.
Please remove your hat or visor when you are indoors, such as in a restaurant.
❷ Wear a sports shirt with sleeves and a collar.
Tuck your shirt into your pants.
❸Shorts (or skirts for women) are also acceptable, but long pants are recommended at first.
(It is also useful for preventing insect bites, etc.)
❹ You must wear golf shoes at the golf course.
This kind of outfit is a no-no...
Jeans, tracksuits, revealing clothing, extremely casual clothing
Some courses have a dress code that requires wearing a jacket. For details, we recommend checking the course's website or calling them directly beforehand.
Before your first time on the course... let's go to the driving range.
Before you start practicing...
Golf is one of the few ball games in which you hit a stationary ball.
It might seem easier to hit a stationary ball than a moving one, but you often miss the ball more than you think.
On a real golf course, you'll be playing in a natural environment, including the condition of the grass and the slopes of the terrain.
First, try out different clubs at home.
The putter, in particular, is arguably the only club you can practice with at home, so starting with the putter might be a good idea...
Using a grip-shaped training aid sold in stores can help you develop a proper grip.
Grip is everything!
The term "grip" has two meanings: "the part of the club you hold" and "the way you hold the club."
This time, I'll explain grip in the sense of "how to hold the club."
If you're gripping the golf club incorrectly, you won't improve much no matter how much you practice.
When you touch your clubs at home, make it a habit to practice the "correct grip." The first step to improving your golf game is the "correct grip."
Time to practice at the training ground!
The next most important thing for improving your game is your stance, or "address."
The key point to remember is to "position yourself accurately relative to the target." As shown in the picture, position yourself so that the lines of both your shoulders (blue lines) and your feet (pink lines) are parallel to the line connecting the target and the ball (black line).
You might not understand at first, so it's helpful to have someone watch you from behind at the practice range, or to film you from behind with a smartphone or similar device.
Another shortcut to improvement is practicing with experienced players. You'll inevitably encounter many things you don't understand as you continue playing golf.
When you're in that situation, don't hesitate to ask around. Of course, feel free to talk to NIKI GOLF staff as well. You might get some helpful hints...
By the way... there are no specific rules about what you must wear at the practice range, but we recommend wearing comfortable sportswear that you can sweat in and sneakers or other athletic clothing that provides good support for your feet when swinging, rather than sandals.
Also, while a golf bag is fine for taking your clubs to the practice range, I recommend buying a club case that can hold 5-6 clubs.
