Your first golf lesson

Thinking about your first golf lesson but not sure what it involves? You are not alone — almost everyone who books with me asks the same questions first. So let me walk you through it, exactly as it happens. Spoiler: it is much more relaxed than you expect.

You don’t need your own clubs

Let me take away the biggest worry straight away: you do not need to buy anything to start golf. Golf schools have clubs you can use during your lesson, and I always make sure my students have the right club in their hands. Please do not buy a set before your first lessons — once you have swung a few clubs, you will know much better what suits you, and I am happy to advise you when that moment comes.

What actually happens

A first lesson is not a test, and it is not a lecture. Here is the usual shape of it:

• We start with a friendly chat. I want to know about you — have you ever hit a ball before, why golf appeals to you, what you hope to get out of it. Your goals shape everything we do.
• We build the basics: grip, stance, posture. How you hold the club and stand to the ball is the foundation of every good swing, so we take our time here. It feels a bit unusual at first — that is completely normal.
• You hit your first balls. Gentle, easy swings, usually at the driving range, where there is no rush and no audience that cares. And I promise you this: the first time you hit a ball cleanly and watch it fly, you will be smiling.

That is really it. No jargon, no pressure, no “you’re doing it wrong”. Just small steps, clear tips, and plenty of encouragement.

It’s relaxed — and genuinely fun

Some people arrive at their first lesson a little nervous. Ten minutes later, they are laughing at the range. Golf lessons are not like school; they are more like learning a fun skill with a friend who happens to know all the shortcuts.

And everyone is welcome. I teach children and adults, women and men, complete beginners and players coming back after years away. Nobody is “too old”, “too unsporty” or “too late” for golf — I have seen every one of those beliefs proven wrong on the range.

What to wear and bring

Keep it simple:

• Comfortable clothes you can move in — sporty or smart-casual is perfect.
• Clean sports shoes or trainers — no golf shoes needed for your first lessons.
• A bottle of water, and in summer a cap and sunscreen.
• Nothing else. Clubs and balls are taken care of.

If it might rain, a light jacket is handy — but honestly, for a first lesson we pick a nice moment and enjoy it.

Learning in your own language

One thing that makes a bigger difference than people expect: taking your lesson in a language that feels natural to you. When you are learning something new, you want to understand every word — not translate in your head mid-swing.

I teach in English, Dutch, Ukrainian and Russian, so whether you are a Dutch local or an expat who just arrived in Utrecht, we will understand each other perfectly from the very first minute. Many of my students are internationals, and I love that golf brings us all together.

Ready to try?

If you have read this far, a part of you already wants to stand on that driving range. Trust that feeling — every golfer I know is glad they started, and the only common regret is not starting sooner.

Booking a first lesson is easy: check my lesson prices and pick a moment that suits you — and if you are curious where your golf journey can take you afterwards, browse the golf courses near Utrecht for a little inspiration. I would love to meet you on the range!