Taster Course
A taster course is a non-binding introductory course in which you try out golf without any prior knowledge and usually without your own equipment.
The taster course is the classic entry into golf. It usually lasts one to three hours and takes place in small groups. A golf instructor shows you the basics: grip, stance, your first swings and often a few putts already. The facility provides clubs and balls; you only need comfortable clothing and sports shoes. Many facilities offer such courses at a low price or as a get-to-know-you promotion. The goal is not perfection but the feeling of whether the sport suits you.
The routine is almost the same everywhere: a short welcome at the clubhouse, then off to the driving range. You learn how to hold the club, what the stance looks like, and hit your first balls with a short iron. Afterwards it often moves on to the putting green, because putting brings a sense of achievement fastest. Some courses end with a short walk over a few practice holes. If you enjoy it, you usually move on into a course certificate course.
A typical misconception: the taster course does not make you a golfer, and it is not meant to. It replaces neither the course certificate nor regular practice. Conversely, you do not need to buy any equipment before the course — beginner sets or even expensive clubs are money thrown away at this point. It makes sense to compare several facilities straight away, because atmosphere and instructors suit you differently well. Many golf academy offers start exactly with this format.
FAQ
What do I need to bring to a taster course?
Only comfortable clothing and sports shoes — the facility provides clubs and balls. Buying your own equipment before the first course is money thrown away, because you do not yet know whether the sport suits you and which clubs fit you. Many facilities offer such courses at a low price or as a get-to-know-you promotion.
How does a taster course run?
After a short welcome you usually head to the driving range, where the golf instructor shows you grip, stance and your first swings with a short iron. The putting green is often next on the schedule, because putting brings a sense of achievement fastest. Some courses end with a short walk over a few practice holes.
Am I ready for the course after a taster course?
No, and that is not its goal either — the course is only meant to give you a feel for the sport. For a regular round on the course you need the course certificate, in which you learn technique, rules and etiquette. If you enjoyed the taster course you usually go straight into a course certificate course.