- What should I do to start playing golf?
There are two options: you can enlist in a “First Steps in Golf” course at some golf club, or you can visit your local golf club’s driving range. The advantage of the organized course is the fact that you will gain the right skills from the beginning under the supervision of a professional teacher. And so, one step at a time:
- Chose a golf club near your location.
- Browse the club’s website to find out when the next date for a training course is, or go to the club personally to enlist. In this case you can use the opportunity to see the club firsthand and gather some initial impressions of the facilities. Don’t hesitate to have a coffee at the
clubhouse – each guest is welcome.
- Be perfectly on time and don’t be late for the start of each golf lesson – this is part of golf etiquette.
- What golf equipment do I need?
You do not need your own golf clubs in order to start playing golf, because the club you are having the training course in will provide you with such. All you need in the beginning are sports shoes and comfortable garment. If you nevertheless decide to buy your own club set, the pro shop of each golf club is offering beginners’ sets.
- What does golf equipment include?
Golf clubs
Each golfer is allowed to have up to 14 clubs in the bag. There are several kinds of clubs – woods (used for drives and long-shots), irons (for fairway play), and putter (used for putting the ball in the hole of the green).
Balls
In the beginning of your golf career you will lose many balls to water hazards, high grass, or some bush. That is why we recommend you bring enough balls when you start your game at the course. Most pro-shops offer used balls as well.
Shoes
All that beginners, training at the driving range, need is sports shoes, e.g. tennis shoes. However, when you start playing on the course you will need special golf shoes. It is important that you feel comfortable in your shoes, because you will walk seven to ten kilometers in a typical 18-hole game.
Golf bag
It is best to choose a light bag with integrated stand. You can carry it or pull it behind you on a trolley.
Marker
In order to mark the spot where your ball has fallen on the green before lifting it (so that it does not obstruct your co-player’s putting or to clean it), you will need the so-called marker. Some players use a coin, too.
Pitchfork
When approaching the green the ball often has a high trajectory and leaves a mark on the short grass where it falls (called “a pitch mark”), which obstructs other players’ putting and destroys the green’s surface. That is why the player has to use a pitchfork to repair the pitch mark.
Golf glove
In order to avoid calluses on your hands and to have a stronger grip, you will need a golf glove. Right-handers wear it on the left hand, and left-handers – on the right. When you are buying a golf glove make sure it fits you well – it should feel like a second skin on your hand.
Tees
Tees are used to position the ball higher before the drive, in order to facilitate the shot with the driver or the wood.
- After I gain some skills, what should I do to play at a golf course?
Use the phone or the Internet to find out whether your local golf club is offering “BGA Green Card” courses, which add theoretic knowledge of golf rules and golf etiquette to the practical lessons. Of course, you can also have private lessons, during which the instructor will teach you everything you need to know about the basic play and theoretical skills. Practice by training the shots, shown by the golf teacher, besides the course lessons. In the end of the course you will sit a test, for which you can prepare by reading the game’s regulations and etiquette rules. Those who successfully pass the test will receive the “BGA Green Card”.
- What is the structure of the “BGA Green Card” course?
The “BGA Green Card” course is divided into four parts:
- Theory – read the game’s regulations, or look for illustrated books, so that you can answers the multiple-choice test items.
- Course walk – you will be demonstrated and explained everything about proper behavior on the course in real-time conditions.
- Practice part – your golf teacher will show you all golf shots and you will be able to practice those under his supervision.
- Course play – during the test you will play nine holes, six of which will be evaluated. Practice-play these holes with your golf pro at least once before the test.
- What rights does the “BGA Green Card” give?
So, you have received your “BGA Green Card” thus demonstrating that you are capable of fast and safe play, and of observing the game’s rules and etiquette. You are welcome to play as a guest and a non-member player in all Bulgarian golf clubs. Guests have to pay a green fee and to book a tee time.
Some golf clubs require a specific handicap, and in order to have one at all, you have to be a member of a golf club, which is a member of the Bulgarian Golf Association.
- What should I do to become a golf club member?
It is most comfortable for you to become a member of a golf club in proximity to where you live, and this club will become your “home club”. By paying your annual membership fee, you acquire the right to play at the course and to use its training facilities. The club you are a member of is obliged to register you in the “BGA Intranet” centralized handicap system with the highest handicap of 54. In this way you will acquire the right to participate in certain tournaments and improve your handicap. With your home club member card you can play at all golf courses in Bulgaria and abroad in exchange of a green fee.
- Can I play at a golf course without being a member of any golf club?
Yes, you can, but you will have to possess a “BGA Green Card” and to pay a green fee each time, varying from 60 and 180 BGN for 18 holes, depending on the course. However, in this case it will be impossible to keep record of your handicap and you will not be allowed to participate in official tournaments.
- How can I participate in a golf tournament?
In order to participate in a tournament, you require an official handicap, recorded in the “BGA Intranet” centralized handicap system. At the BGA website you will find the annual schedule of all golf clubs in the country with their tournaments. After you decide which tournament you want to participate in, go to the website of the given club, where you will find information about the tournament’s format and its play requirements. If you meet the requirements, you may proceed with registration.
English
Български
