Have you decided to take up golfing? Perhaps it is popular with others in your office or your friends say it is a relaxing pastime. Whatever your reason, there are some basic ground rules that you should know to make your first time on the golf course a little easier. Understanding the course on which you are playing will help save a lot of hassle when you arrive, and having the right golf clubs and equipment will make it easier as well.

First, check with your playing partners to find out if someone has already reserved a tee time. If no one has done so, offer to call and make reservations. Some golf courses only require one day's notice while others will want you to call several days ahead. Once you set up the reservation, make sure that you actually arrive on time. In fact, it is often wise to get there about 30 minutes early. You can always use that time to do some practice on the driving range.

Before you hit the green, be sure to find out if the golf course you are using has a dress code. The typical dress code is a pair of khaki pants or shorts and a collared golf shirt. Golf shoes and golf gloves are usually optional but are pieces of equipment that many golfers find helpful. Just make sure you know the rules before you arrive to save yourself frustration and embarrassment.

Also, it is important to know what type of golf course you will be using because, in some cases, you will need to bring money to tip employees. If you are at most public golf courses, this will not be an issue. However, most private or even more upscale public courses will accept tips. This includes the person who brings you a cart when you arrive, the men or women who drive a beverage cart around the course, or the jockey who carries your golf clubs and equipment to and from your vehicle. Consider the price of the green fee when determining how much to tip.

In addition, it is extremely important that you pack the right equipment. You should have as many golf clubs are you will need, up to the maximum allowable, which is usually fourteen clubs. This will eliminate borrowing from others, which is typically not allowed. Be sure to pack plenty of golf balls and tees. If you are beginner, you will most likely lose a lot of balls, so it is imperative that you have plenty of extras. While you may not play by the strictest rules as you learn, you do not want to annoy those playing with you by constantly borrowing equipment from them.

Finally, it is imperative that you pay close attention to your plays on the golf course. Have your golf club ready when it is your turn, and always be prepared to play. Groups who play slow are often found as problems on the green, and it is even easier to slow others up when you are a beginner. Make use of others? turns to decide which golf club you will use and what putt you will make. If your group continues to be slower than a group that is behind you and they are being held up by your group, it is common courtesy to let them play through your group.