Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions from new golfers.
Getting started
Do I need my own golf clubs?
No. You can often borrow or rent clubs for your first lessons. Buy your own set once you have a better idea of what suits you.
More information →Can I simply try golf first?
Yes. An introductory lesson, clinic or visit to a driving range is an easy way to try golf without immediately joining a club or buying equipment.
More information →How much does it cost to start golf?
There is no fixed amount. Costs vary by venue and type of lesson. You can start small with one lesson or clinic and borrowed or rented equipment.
More information →What should I wear for my first golf lesson?
Comfortable clothing that lets you move freely and shoes with good grip are usually enough. Check whether the venue has its own clothing or footwear rules.
More information →Learning golf
Do I need golf lessons?
There is no required fixed number of lessons, but guidance from a golf professional helps you learn technique, safety and on-course behaviour correctly from the start.
More information →How many golf lessons do I need?
There is no fixed number. It depends on factors such as your sporting experience, how much you practise and your goals. Ask your golf professional when you are ready for more course experience.
More information →Which is better: private or group lessons?
Neither is always better. Private lessons provide more personal attention; group lessons are more social and often less expensive. A beginner course usually combines several parts of learning golf.
More information →When can I play on a golf course?
The golf course decides. Some short courses let you play without a handicap; others require course permission or a certain handicap. Check before you go.
More information →Course permission & handicap
What is course permission?
Course permission means you have enough playing ability and understand the expected behaviour to play the course independently. The golf course decides when you meet its requirements, and permission does not automatically give access to every other course.
More information →What is handicap 54?
For many beginners in the Netherlands, handicap 54 is the starting point of an official WHS handicap. Your handicap reflects your playing ability and changes as valid scores are processed.
More information →Do I have to get handicap 54 first?
No. Your first official handicap is calculated under the WHS from your valid score and can immediately be lower than 54.
More information →What is a qualifying score?
A qualifying score is a score that can count towards your official handicap. The round must be played under the conditions required for handicap purposes.
More information →What is a qualifying course?
A qualifying course is a golf course where the conditions allow you to play a score that can count towards your official handicap. The course must be officially rated for handicap purposes and must be in qualifying condition when you play. Check before your round whether you can play a qualifying score that day.
More information →Playing
Can I play golf without a handicap?
Yes. You do not need a handicap at driving ranges and some short or par-3 courses. Each golf course sets its own playing requirements.
More information →Can I play every golf course with handicap 54?
No. Each golf course may set its own requirements for visitors and can require a lower handicap. Check before booking.
More information →What is a green fee?
A green fee is the amount you pay to play a round or a certain number of holes when playing rights are not already included in your membership.
More information →What is the difference between a par-3, 9-hole and 18-hole course?
A par-3 or short course has shorter holes and is often more accessible to beginners. A 9-hole course has nine full holes; an 18-hole course is the traditional full round.
More information →Membership & handicap registration
Do I have to join a golf club?
Not to try golf for the first time. If you want an official handicap registered and maintained in the Netherlands, this is done through an NGF-affiliated golf club.
More information →Can I be a member of more than one golf club?
Yes. You can belong to multiple clubs. For NGF handicap registration, you have one home club.
More information →What is a home club?
Your home club is the golf club responsible for your handicap registration with the NGF. It does not have to be the course where you play most often.
More information →Do I lose my handicap or golf history if I change clubs?
No. Your handicap and golf history remain linked to your personal GSN number at the NGF when you change home club.
More information →More practical questions
How long does it take before I can play golf independently?
There is no fixed amount of time. It depends on how quickly you learn the basics, how often you practise and when you can play safely and at a reasonable pace. Your golf professional can help you judge when you are ready to play independently.
More information →Do I need to take a golf rules exam?
As part of the Dutch route towards an official handicap, you learn the main Rules of Golf and expected behaviour and complete the corresponding rules test. This helps you play safely, fairly and at a good pace.
More information →What do I need to be able to do before I get course permission?
You need enough playing ability to play safely and at a reasonable pace, and you need to understand the main standards of behaviour on the course. The golf course decides when you meet its requirements for course permission.
More information →What is the difference between course permission and handicap 54?
Course permission is permission to play independently on the course for which it is granted. An official handicap is a measure of your playing ability and is registered through an affiliated golf club. Course permission is therefore not the same as handicap 54.
More information →How do I get my first official handicap?
You learn to play golf, meet the requirements relating to course permission and golf rules, and then submit a valid qualifying score. Your first official handicap is calculated from that score under the WHS.
More information →Do I need to play 18 holes to get a handicap?
No. You do not necessarily have to play 18 holes to obtain your first official handicap. A valid 9-hole score can also be used for handicap purposes.
More information →What is the difference between handicap registration and playing rights?
Handicap registration keeps your official handicap up to date. Playing rights give you the right to play a particular golf course under that club or course’s conditions. One does not automatically give you the other.
More information →