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Welcome to the Topgolf Shop Playbook, your go-to guide for diving into the world of golf. Every golfer starts somewhere, and we’re here to help you look and feel the part on the course.
Whether you’re a seasoned player aiming to sharpen your skills or a curious newbie ready to take your first swing, this guide has you covered. Inside, you’ll find everything from the basics of golf etiquette and scoring to where to play. We break down the essentials into easy-to-digest sections, making it simple to learn the ins and outs of the game.
So, get ready to tee off! With the Topgolf Shop Playbook in your golf bag, you’ll unlock your potential and enjoy every moment.
After you check in at the clubhouse, hit some range balls, putt, stretch, and otherwise warm up – it’s time to tee off! Most conventional courses will feature 18 holes. The three different types of holes you will encounter include Par 3’s, Par 4’s, and Par 5’s.
Designed for golfers to complete in three strokes, usually reaching the green in one shot and then taking two putts for par. These are the shortest holes on the course, but they can sometimes play long, even over 200 yards to the green. You most often tee off with an iron, but you might use a wedge on short ones or hybrid or wood on longer ones, depending on your skill and shot distance.
Designed for golfers to complete in four strokes, usually reaching the green in two shots and then taking two putts for par. You will usually tee off with a driver, but short par 4’s may require a wood, hybrid, or well-placed iron shot for your first shot. Your second shot is all about getting as close to the hole as possible.
Rules state that golfers should carry no more than 14 clubs, but most beginners don’t start with that many. Pros carry 14 clubs due to their incredible skill, control, and the difficulty of shots they face in competition, where the difference of a few yards means everything. When you’re just starting, you’ll want a few key clubs to play, including a driver, fairway wood, hybrid or long iron, mid-iron, a wedge, and putter. As you play more, you’ll uncover distance or shot gaps in your bag where additional clubs will be needed.
Driver: Used most often off the tee for par 4 or par 5 holes. Provides the longest distance to get you as close as possible to the green in one swing.
Fairway Woods: Used off the tee or in the fairway. Provides distance on longer holes when used in the fairway. Can also be used off the tee on holes where a driver isn’t ideal.
Hybrids: Used off the tee or in the fairway, for more precise shots than a driver or fairway wood can manage. Hybrids are more forgiving than a 4, 5, or 6 iron and much easier to hit out of tough lies.
Irons: Used for second or third shots or tee shots on par 3 holes. Irons are all about precision and getting the ball close to the hole. Your bag will contain several irons. Remember, the higher the number, like a 9-iron, the shorter the shot; conversely, the lower the number, such as a 5-iron, the longer the shot. All irons have a different number because they go a different distance.
Wedge: Used most often near the green or in greenside bunkers to get the ball on the green or near the hole.
Putter: Used to make putts on and around the green. The putter is the only club you use on every single hole, unless you get a hole in one or chip it in.
Golf Ball: The golf ball has been around as long as the game of golf and has come in many forms. Modern balls have layers for feel, distance, control, and durability. As you start, you’ll want to be sure to carry plenty of balls so you don’t run out on the course. Be sure to mark your ball so others don’t mistake your ball for theirs, and always remember what ball you’re playing.
There are a TON of rules in golf (they fill a whole book), but these are the most important to remember as you get started.
Start The Hole From Tee Boxes: At the beginning of each hole, you’ll find tee boxes in different colors. It’s entirely up to you which one to choose—beginners may want to opt for one closer to the hole. Just be sure to start in between the markers. It is a penalty if you start in front or more than two club-lengths behind them.
Three-Minute Search Time: You only have three minutes to look for a golf ball. After that time, the ball is considered lost. Don’t feel bad, every golfer (even the pros) has been there! That’s why it’s smart to always carry more balls than you need.
Every stroke counts: Each time you take a forward movement attempting to hit the ball, it counts towards your score no matter if you hit or miss the ball. (exception when on tee box)
Golf etiquette keeps everyone happy on the course, and it’s vital for beginners to learn etiquette as they learn the game. These aren’t “rules,” but the best way to remember why they are important is that they’re all about respect for the course, other players, and the game!
Play Ready Golf: If you are ready to hit before your playing partner is, go ahead and play. This keeps the pace moving however, always be mindful not to step in front of another player while they are preparing to take their shot
Always Watch Your Golf Ball: Don’t rely on your playing partners to watch the ball flight for you. Try to intently watch the ball fly and land, so you can find it faster.
Pace of Play: Maintain a steady pace, stay aware of the group ahead and hit once they are out of your way—typically after their second shot on par 4s and 5s. Don’t wait until they’re on the green to start your hole, as this can slow down the game for everyone. Be mindful of those behind you, and let them go ahead of you as need be.
Quiet While Your Partner is Hitting: Talking is encouraged as long as you keep up pace and don’t distract your playing partner when they are hitting.
Rake the Sand Traps: Leave the sand trap the way you found it and erase footprints using the rake provided by the golf course.
Watch Out For Your Partners Line: Walk around the putting green as needed, but avoid the space between your partner’s golf ball and the hole. This space is called their “line”.
Fixing Divots: When you hit the ball and take a chunk of grass (known as a divot), remember to either replace the grass piece and press it down gently or fill the hole with sand from the bottle provided on your cart, depending on the course’s preference. This simple act helps keep the course in great shape for everyone to enjoy!
Each hole has a designated “Par” – 3, 4 or 5. If you get the ball in the hole in the designated number of shots, you have made a par!
2 shots UNDER par is an Eagle
1 shot UNDER par is a Birdie
Par
1 shot OVER par is a Bogey
2 shots OVER par is a Double Bogey
A handicap represents a player’s skill level. It helps level the playing field by allowing players of different abilities to compete fairly against each other. For example, if you have a handicap of 10, you can subtract 10 strokes from your score when playing against someone with a 0 handicap. This way, everyone has a chance to win!
Beginners: 25+
Intermediate: 16-24
Advanced: 6-15
Expert: 0-5
A good rule for beginners is to pick up your ball if you reach double the par for the hole. This helps keep the game moving.
Par 3: Max hits 6
Par 4: Max hits 8
Par 5: Max hits 10
Fat/Heavy/Chunk: Means you hit the golf shot with too much divot, causing the ball to travel shorter
Skinny/Thin: When you don’t take any divot at all and it flys very low and usually too far
Up and Down: When you hit a shot onto the green and putt once to save par (or double bogey!)
Draw: A shot that starts right of target and curves to the left back to the target (For a right-handed golfer)
Hook: A shot that starts right of target and drastically curves left of target (For a right-handed golfer)
Fade: A shot that starts left of target and curves to the right back to the target (For a right-handed golfer)
Slice: A shot that starts left of target and drastically curves right of target (For a right-handed golfer)
Gimme/Tap In: A putt that your playing partners “give you” so you don’t have to putt the ball (Typically a very short putt that everyone knows you will make)
Lip Out: When a putt hits the rim of the cup (the lip) and doesn’t go in
Mulligan: A “do-over” shot. Not a formal shot in golf, but often used during casual rounds if your group allows it
Whiff: When a golfer swings and misses the ball entirely. If your intent was to hit the golf ball, this counts as 1 shot
OB: Out of Bounds - you get a penalty stroke if you hit it here
Front 9: The first 9 holes of the round
The Turn: The point where players complete the first nine holes and before they begin the second nine
Back 9: The last 9 holes of the round
Lie: The condition of the ground surrounding your ball (ex. uphill, downhill)
Scratch: Someone who has a 0 handicap, they shoot par consistently
Fore: A warning shouted on the golf course to alert other golfers that a ball is heading in their direction
Caddy: A person who carries a golfer’s clubs, provides advice on shots, and helps with course management during a round of golf
19th Hole: A term for the clubhouse or bar where golfers relax and socialize after their round
If you want to build up confidence before you hit the course, you can visit Topgolf to play and take lessons, go to a driving range, or play a short course (often called a par 3 course) where you can work on your game in a more relaxed environment.
Topgolf
A fun, interactive golf venue where you can hit golf balls into targets. It’s a casual atmosphere and you can enjoy food and drinks while you play. You can also book a lesson with a Topgolf Coach, who can help you improve your skills and make the most of your experience.
Driving Ranges
A practice facility where you can hit golf balls into an open field. It’s a great place to work on your swing without the pressure of a course. You can buy buckets of balls on-site, no reservation is required.
Toptracer Ranges
Driving range that tracks the flight of your golf balls in real-time. It provides instant feedback on your shots displayed on interactive screens. It’s a fun way to practice, play games, and see your progress as you learn the game!
Executive / Par 3 Courses
Shorter golf courses that focus on shorter holes, typically par 3’s. These courses are casual and public, perfect for beginners, as they allow you to play a round in less time and build on course confidence.
Public Golf Courses
Public golf courses are accessible to everyone, making them an excellent choice for all golfers. You can easily book a tee time online or by calling the course, allowing you to play a full round of golf—whether it’s 9 or 18 holes, the choice is yours!
Private Golf Courses
Exclusive clubs that require a membership to play. While they often have higher fees, they provide a more personalized experience with fewer crowds.
Designed for golfers to complete in five strokes, usually reaching the green in three shots and then taking two putts for par. These are the longest holes on the course, and you will almost always want to tee off with the driver to get you as close to the green as possible. Expect to use a wood, hybrid, or long iron on your second shot to either get on the green or close enough to set up your third shot.
