Tips For Women Golfers: Building Confidence & Finding Your Community

As a lifelong golfer, I know how empowering it feels to step onto the course with confidence—but I also know how intimidating it can be. I’ve been playing since I was three years old, growing up in a golf-obsessed family—my mom, dad, and sister all played professionally. My mom, Suzy Whaley, made history as the first woman to serve as president of the PGA of America. I played Division I golf at Quinnipiac University, where I captained the team for 3 years and helped the program to its first-ever conference championship. 

Having been surrounded by the game my entire life, I’ve learned the tips, tricks, and mindset shifts that build confidence—especially in a sport that can often feel male-dominated. Today, I work as a Senior Business Manager at Callaway Golf and serve on the Callaway Women’s Golf Council. I’m passionate about helping more women feel welcome on the course—whether you're brand new to golf or looking to sharpen your skills. I created this guide to help all women find supportive spaces to practice, grow, and connect with a community that shares in their golf journey.

Table of Contents: 

• Step 1: Start with the Putting Green 
• Step 2: Moving to the Driving Range 
• Step 3: Making Practice Fun 
• Step 4: Preparing to Play on the Course 
• Step 5: Playing with Confidence 
• Step 6: Finding Your Golf Community

Step 1: Start with the Putting Green 

If you're nervous about heading straight to the driving range, starting small on the putting green is a great way to build confidence. The putting green is a low-pressure environment where you can focus on a key skill that makes up nearly half of your total strokes during a round. 

Find a Public Course with a Putting Green 

• Most public golf courses have designated putting practice areas with various slopes and speeds that simulate real on-course conditions. Use of these greens is typically free, but it’s always a good idea to check the course’s website or call the pro shop to confirm. 
• Public courses are often welcoming to beginners, and you'll likely see others practicing there. Don’t feel self-conscious if you’re new—many golfers are focused on their own game and won’t judge you. 
• All you need is your putter and a few golf balls to get started. If you don’t have a putter yet, many courses have rentals available for a small fee. 
• Start by choosing a hole on the practice green that isn’t already in use. Begin with short putts (3-6 feet) to help build confidence in making those crucial short putts on the course. These putts can feel nerve-wracking, but practice will make them feel more manageable. 
• Move on to longer putts (20+ feet) next. Practicing lag putting helps ensure you can get the ball close to the hole, setting you up for an easy two-putt during a round. Be mindful of others using the green, but feel free to practice at any of the holes that are available for all golfers. 
• You can also use training tools like a putting mirror or putting gates to enhance your practice on the green. These tools help with alignment and stroke consistency, which are crucial for developing accuracy with your putts. The putting mirror, for example, ensures your eyes are positioned correctly over the ball, while the gates challenge you to maintain a straight, controlled stroke. 
• Take note of how other women and golfers of all skill levels set up for their putts. Proper etiquette involves avoiding someone’s line of play while they are preparing for their shot. 
• If you see another woman practicing alone, consider introducing yourself. It’s always helpful to have a practice buddy, and you might make a new golf friend! 
• Take a moment to watch golfers on the driving range as well. Observing others can help ease your nerves—everyone hits imperfect shots! You’ll quickly realize that even the most experienced golfers miss or hit errant shots, which will boost your confidence to get out there yourself. 

Step 2: Moving to the Driving Range 

Once you’re comfortable with putting, head to the driving range to start building confidence with full swings. Remember, you don’t need to do both activities in the same session—feel free to focus on putting one day and full swings the next. Golf is about finding what feels right for you, and there’s no rush to tackle everything at once. 

Getting Range Balls 

• Most golf courses sell range balls at the pro shop. Head inside and ask for a bucket of balls. The cost typically depends on the bucket size, so if you're new to the range, you might want to start with a smaller bucket. 
• Some golf courses, especially high-end ones, offer complimentary range balls, so it’s always worth asking the pro shop staff before you purchase. 
• Many courses have ball dispenser machines at the range, which require a code or specific coin, provided by the pro shop. If you have questions, the staff can help you. 
• If you're using a dispenser, remember to place an empty bucket underneath it before dispensing your balls to avoid spills or mess. 

Finding Your Spot & Setting Up 

• Choose an open hitting bay where you have enough space to swing comfortably. If the range is busy, be mindful of others using adjacent bays. Ensure your clubs are placed far enough away from you to avoid hitting them, but not in others’ way. 
• Take a moment to stretch and warm up before hitting shots. Focus on shoulder and hip rotations to help prepare your muscles and avoid injury. 

Practicing with Purpose 

• Start with a shorter club, such as a pitching wedge, before gradually working your way to longer clubs. This helps you build confidence and focus on technique before distance. 
• Hit 5-10 shots per club to get a feel for which clubs you’re comfortable with and which ones need more attention. 
• Focus on rhythm and consistency rather than just hitting the ball as far as possible. Smooth, controlled swings will yield better results. 
• If you have access to a launch monitor, use it to track your shots and measure the distances you’re hitting with each club. Knowing your exact distances for each club is crucial for on-course play, as it allows you to make more accurate club selections and improve your decision-making during a round. Seeing your progress can also provide a real confidence boost! 
• Use alignment sticks or even a golf club placed on the ground to ensure proper aim. This will give you a visual guide to straighten your stance and improve your accuracy. For irons and wedges, aim for a flag or marker on the range. For woods and drivers, pick two spots and aim to land the ball between them, simulating a fairway. 

Step 3: Making Practice Fun 

Golf practice doesn’t have to be tedious—it should be fun! Here are some ideas to keep it engaging and enjoyable: 

• Mini-Games: Challenge yourself by setting targets. For instance, aim to land balls within a certain distance or try to hit the target three times in a row. These challenges can keep your practice sessions exciting and rewarding. 
• Topgolf or Toptracer Ranges: These ranges make learning and golf fun. They offer games that track your performance and encourage friendly competition.
• Music & Social Practice Sessions: Some driving ranges allow music, creating a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect environment to practice and bring friends along for a social experience. 
• Practice with a Friend: Practicing with another woman can make the experience feel more relaxed and less intimidating. It’s also a great way to motivate each other and enjoy the process together. 

Step 4: Preparing to Play on the Course 

Booking a tee time and showing up for a round might feel overwhelming at first, but with some preparation, you can make it a stress-free experience. 

Types of Golf Courses:

• Public & Resort Courses: Open to everyone, though resort courses may prioritize guests of the resort. 
• Private Courses: Require membership or an invitation from a member. If you’re unsure, look online for bookable tee times or call the course directly. 
• Some women’s leagues have partnerships with private courses and allow non-members to join certain events or special rounds. 
• Beginners often enjoy par-3 courses or playing just 9 holes instead of 18. These offer a relaxed environment and shorter playtime, helping ease you into the game without feeling rushed. 
• Walking is a great workout, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are carrying a heavier bag, a cart may be a better option for you. 
• Renting a push cart is a great way to walk without the added burden of carrying your clubs, reducing fatigue during the round. 
• Arrive 30-60 minutes early to check in, warm up, and get comfortable. Arriving with time to spare helps avoid feeling rushed and allows you to relax before the round. 
• Ensure you have your balls, tees, and a glove. You also may want a hat to keep the sun out of your eyes while hitting. A towel is also useful for cleaning the ball and golf clubs to ensure the best contact. 
• Use the putting green and driving range to get comfortable before the round. A few practice putts will help you gauge green speed, as every course can be different. 
• Bring a small snack and a water bottle to stay hydrated and energized during the round.
• Consider bringing a ball marker or a small coin to mark your spot on the putting green.  

Step 5: Playing with Confidence 

Choosing Tees: 

• Golf courses typically offer multiple tee options, often color-coded, with each set corresponding to a different distance. Forward tees, for example, are positioned closer to the green, which means less distance and a more approachable experience for beginners. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with different tees to find the right balance of challenge and enjoyment. 
• To decide which tees are best for you, look at the total course distance for each tee. This will give you a sense of how much distance you’ll be covering over the full round. If you’re looking for a greater challenge, try a set of tees with a longer total distance. If you're aiming to build confidence and enjoy the round more, the forward tees might be the better option. 
• When playing with a group of mixed-skill players, choose the tees that will offer the best chance for success and enjoyment, not necessarily the tees that others choose. Your decision should enhance your experience, so don’t feel pressured to pick longer tees just to match the group. 

Playing with Others & Pace of Play: 

• Women often feel nervous about booking a tee time and playing with strangers, but it’s important to remember that most golfers are focused on their own game and not judging yours. 
• The most important aspect to keep in mind is pace of play. If you can’t keep up with your group, it may cause frustration for others. To help maintain the flow of the game, here are some tips: 
• If you're at double the par (e.g., on a par-4, you've hit 8 shots and haven’t yet reached the hole), pick up your ball and move on to the next hole. This helps keep the game moving and reduces stress. 
• Don’t spend too much time looking for lost balls. Stay in sync with your group’s pace, and if needed, drop a new ball to keep things going.

Step 6: Finding Your Golf Community 

Women golfers thrive when they have a supportive community. Here’s how to connect with others: 

Join Golf Leagues 

• Many leagues cater to golfers of all skill levels. These leagues are great opportunities to meet others who enjoy the game at your pace.
• Many golf courses and driving ranges offer lessons specifically for women, either individually or in group settings. This is a great way to get personalized tips, build confidence, and meet other women who are beginners like you. Consider reaching out to instructors who offer specialized clinics for women. 
• There are local women’s golf events, groups, and meetups. Many of these online platforms host virtual events and golf challenges that you can participate in, no matter where you are. 
• Some golf courses offer social golf events like a Nine & Dine or other relaxed, non-competitive leagues. These events often provide a friendly, supportive atmosphere where the focus is on fun rather than competition. They are perfect for meeting other women golfers and enjoying the game in a low-pressure setting. 

Final Thoughts 

Golf is a journey, not a destination. Every round, every practice session, and every swing is an opportunity for growth. Whether you're just starting or have been playing for a while, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience. Confidence builds over time, so be patient with yourself and recognize that each experience on the course is helping you become a more confident and capable golfer.

Golf is also about community. Don’t be afraid to seek out others who can support and inspire you. Whether it’s fellow women golfers, a coach, or just someone who shares your love of the game, the connections you make can enhance your experience and help you stay motivated. 

It’s okay to have good days and bad days—what matters is that you’re out there, building confidence, learning from each experience, and having fun along the way.