Beginner Guide to Golf – How to Get Your Golf ID & Handicap in Australia (Beginner’s Guide)

The Golf Collective
October 2, 2025

Ready to get started? Join us today and let’s hit the course together sometime! Whether you’re looking to get an official handicap for the first time or wanting to improve your existing one, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Golf is a game for everyone, and with a handicap, you can fairly compete against one another, regardless of skill level.

So come on, let’s play golf and enjoy the beautiful courses Australia has to offer!

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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).

Golf is a game of skill, strategy, and precision. For players of different abilities, competing fairly can be a challenge without a standardized system. That’s where the golf handicap comes in, ensuring a level playing field for all golfers, from beginners to professionals. In this guide, we’ll dive into why having a handicap is beneficial and answer essential questions like what should my handicap be, how long does it take to get a handicap, and more.

What is a Golf Handicap?

A golf handicap is a numerical measure that represents a golfer’s potential skill level. It helps players of different abilities compete fairly, by adjusting the number of strokes a golfer is allowed to take. In essence, the lower the handicap, the better the player.

For example, if Golfer A has a handicap of 5 and Golfer B has a handicap of 15, Golfer B will receive additional strokes to even out the competition, making it fair for both players.

Encourages Goal-Setting and Personal Challenges

For many golfers, lowering their handicap is a key goal. This system encourages players to focus on improving specific areas of their game and set personal goals. As you see your handicap drop, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that drives you to keep practising and improving your skills.

Facilitates Tournament Participation

Many tournaments require participants to have an official handicap. Without one, you might miss out on a wide range of opportunities to compete in organised events at local clubs, amateur competitions, or even larger tournaments. Having a handicap ensures you’re eligible for these events and that you can compete fairly.

Supports Strategic Course Management

Knowing your handicap also allows you to make smarter decisions on the course. Players with higher handicaps might focus on playing conservatively, while lower handicap golfers can take more risks. By integrating your handicap into your strategy, you’ll improve your overall performance and learn to manage the course more effectively.

What Should My Handicap Be?

One of the most common questions new golfers ask is, what should my handicap be? For beginners, it’s typical to start with a high handicap, such as 20-36 for men or 20-40 for women. As you gain experience and improve, your handicap will decrease.

For an average golfer, handicaps usually range between 10-20. Experienced players often have handicaps under 10, and professionals typically play with a handicap close to zero or even in the “plus” range. The goal is to keep improving your game and lowering your handicap over time.

What Are Professional’s Handicaps?

How Long Does It Take to Get a Handicap?

A common query from new players is, how long does it take to get a handicap? Getting an official handicap typically requires submitting scores from 3 to 5 rounds of golf. These scores are used to calculate your handicap based on your performance and the difficulty of the courses you’ve played.

Once you’ve established a handicap, it will be updated as you play more rounds and submit additional scores. It’s essential to keep tracking your scores regularly to maintain an accurate handicap.

At The Golf Collective to establish a handicap, you’ll need to complete 54 holes. You can achieve this by playing three 18-hole rounds, six 9-hole rounds, or a combination of both. Ensure your scores are verified by a playing partner and submitted according to our straightforward guidelines. Be sure to keep your scorecard for each round.

How The Golf Collective Can Benefit You

You can submit all of the rounds you play, not just at your ‘home course’. You can play at any course recognized for handicapping, and your scores will still be valid. Our system allows you to enjoy golf wherever you choose while ensuring your handicap stays accurate and up to date.

Unlike clubs that rely on manual scorecards, our mobile scoring system offers a convenient, paperless solution for submitting your scores. This allows for quicker handicap updates and provides a more streamlined, modern golfing experience.

At The Golf Collective, you can enjoy a social round anytime, anywhere, and still have it count toward your handicap. Our flexible system lets you play on your schedule while keeping your handicap accurate and up to date.