My Journey Learning Golf in Singapore: A Beginner’s Guide 

Learning golf in Singapore can be an exciting adventure, especially when you're starting from scratch. Here's my experience, which might help if you are looking to pick up this popular sport in Singapore!

Getting Started: The First Lesson

I always wondered why so many people around me loved golf, but never felt motivated enough to try it myself. So when my friend D asked if I wanted to try it out I immediately went yes! We began our golfing journey at GolfX in GWC, where a female instructor taught us the basics of the golf swing. It was a trial class that you can pay for one single class, and if you like it you can buy a package. If you don’t like it and want to try another instructor that’s also an option.

Key Takeaway: Starting with a professional lesson is crucial for beginners to learn proper techniques from the outset.

Acquiring Equipment: The 7 Iron

Our instructor recommended getting a 7 iron for practice. We found nearly new TaylorMade 7 irons at Far East Plaza for about 100 SGD each. While not the cheapest option, we were quite happy with it as our first club!

Pro Tip: Second-hand clubs can be a cost-effective way for beginners to get quality equipment without breaking the bank. You can get much cheaper clubs

(DM me via Instagram (golfgirlsg) for recommended places to buy second hand club in Singapore!)

Practice Makes Progress: Marina Bay Driving Range

After the first trial lesson, we started practicing at Marina Bay driving range. Despite feeling a bit foolish at first, we persevered. (This is the benefit of having friends doing it together as its less boring and less embarrassing in your head!) After Marina Bay driving range closed, we moved to Keppel instead for practices.

Amateur Coaching and Professional Coaching

A friend suggested we take lessons from her husband, an amateur golfer who had successfully taught his wife. We had two lessons with him at Keppel driving range, which proved invaluable. He patiently explained the theory behind different postures and their effects on our swing.

But then Keppel was becoming strict on no non-resident coach coaching so we had stopped the lessons with him.

During one practice session at Keppel, a resident coach offered some tips to D ( I think he saw her struggling ). We ended up taking lessons package from him as after a few practices sessions we realize its needed to get a professional coach and a package in order to really learn.

Also, we liked outdoors vs indoor simulators.

Our Current Training: 10-Lesson Package

We're now on a 10-lesson package with a professional coach at Keppel. The two-person lesson format offers several benefits:

-       Practice time while the coach helps the other person

-       Less pressure and more efficient learning

-       Cost-effective

The package also includes two hours at the 9-hole course at Mandai if you want to. It’s great because on the course is very different from driving range, plus the coach can tell you basic manners/rules etc.

(DM me via Instagram (golfgirlsg) if you want recommendations for Keppel coaches.)

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Mandai

Seven lessons in, we're excited about the prospect of playing at Mandai's 9-hole course.

Conclusion

Learning golf in Singapore has been a fun and relaxing experience. We also loved going to the outdoors every weekend – practice or class at driving range, and then lunch at the club restaurant (food is quite good there).  

For anyone considering taking up golf in Singapore, remember that patience, consistent practice, and the right guidance are key to improving your game. And, if possible, get a friend to do it together!

(IG: golfgirlsg)