Starting golf and want an official Golf Australia handicap? You’re in the right place. At The Golf Collective (TGC) we help brand-new golfers learn the basics, play real rounds, and get their Golf ID set up—without the overwhelm.
Where to play (Perth & across Australia)
- Public & short courses – beginner-friendly, relaxed pace, shorter holes.
- Driving ranges & practice facilities – groove contact before your first tee time.
- Par-3 and twilight rounds – cheaper green fees, less pressure for first timers.
Pro tip: Call ahead and ask for a beginner-friendly tee time (late morning or twilight).
What gear do I actually need?
You don’t need a tour setup on day one. A simple beginner golf set is plenty:
- Driver (optional early days), a few irons (5, 7, 9), wedge, putter
- Comfortable shoes, a handful of tees, and affordable golf balls
Not ready to buy? Hire clubs from the course or borrow a set. When you’re ready, chat to a PGA Professional or a local store (e.g., Golfbox) for honest advice and a quick fit.
Basic rules & beginner etiquette (keep it fun)
Yes, golf has rules—but your early rounds should be about learning and enjoying it.
- Be safe (shout “Fore!” if a ball might hit someone).
- Keep moving (pick up if a hole gets messy—totally fine in social golf).
- Look after the course (replace divots, repair pitch marks, rake bunkers).
- Relax the scoring at the start—don’t stress if you don’t finish every hole.
How scoring works (super simple)
Grab a scorecard and pencil before you tee off, then write down your strokes per hole.
When you’re ready to level up, try:
- Stableford (beginner-friendly favourite)
- Stroke play (total shots for the round)
- Match play (hole-by-hole against a mate)
Golf talk—decoded
- Par: Expected shots for a hole
- Birdie / Eagle / Albatross: 1 / 2 / 3 under par
- Bogey / Double: 1 / 2 over par
- Slice / Hook: Curves right / left (for right-handers)
- Bunker: Sand trap designed to humble us all
- Chip / Pitch: Short low shot / higher soft-landing shot near the green
- Dogleg: Hole that bends left or right
- Fore!: Warning call for stray shots
- Handicap Index: Your official Golf Australia measure of ability—used to level the field
How to get your Golf ID and an official handicap
- Join an authorised club (like The Golf Collective) to be set up with your Golf ID (the modern replacement for the old GOLF Link number).
- Submit initial scoring rounds (9- or 18-hole scores from real rounds). We’ll show you the simplest way to record valid scores on day one.
- Keep submitting scores whenever you play; your Handicap Index updates automatically.
With TGC, we handle the admin, show you how to log scores properly, and answer all the “am I doing this right?” questions so you can just play.
Should I get a lesson first?
If you’re brand new, a PGA Professional lesson on grip, stance and ball position can save months of frustration. One session goes a long way.
Quick FAQs for new golfers
- Do I need my own clubs to get a handicap? No—hire or borrow to start.
- How fast can I be handicapped? As soon as your initial scores are processed.
- Nervous about competitions? Start with social golf, then try Stableford.
Ready to start?
If you’re in Perth/WA (or anywhere in Australia) and want your Golf ID and handicap, we’ll help you:
- Create/confirm your Golf ID
- Record proper 9- or 18-hole scores
- Understand formats, rules and etiquette—without feeling out of place
The Golf Collective exists for everyday golfers—learn, play, improve, and get officially handicapped with genuine support (no salesy rubbish, just real help).