Taking up golf? Here’s where you can find somewhere to practice near you

Ann Cronin

Brought to you by Golf Ireland

If you’re looking to take up golf, this could be a big help…

Following on from those initial golf lessons, every new golfer needs to find somewhere nearby to practice new skills and build up experience.

But while you’re still learning the basics, you’re probably not alone if you find the idea of heading out onto the green with loads of experienced players a bit intimidating.

The good news is golf is more accessible than ever, with so many spaces around the country for beginners to practice the sport in a laid back, pressure-free environment.

So with that in mind, here’s how you can find somewhere to practice your golfing skills near you…

Golf courses

If getting outdoors, being active and meeting new pals are some of the reasons why you’re taking up golf, a golf course is the perfect spot to start learning.

There are 388 Golf Ireland registered clubs across the country, with over 200,000 registered club members, and every county has at least one golf course. So wherever you’re based, there’s sure to be one near you that you can get registered with.

Find your nearest golf club HERE.

Driving ranges

If you’re new to the sport and want a quite, low-pressure spot to practice new skills in your own time, a driving range could be ideal.

One of the best parts of practicing in a driving range is it’s suitable whatever the weather, day or night. So, if you find you only have time to practice during the dark evenings or you wish to keep up the sport during the winter time, it’s the perfect spot to meet up with some pals and practice the basics.

Find your nearest driving range HERE.

Golf simulators

Speaking of any-weather golfing activities, golf simulators are continuing to grow in popularity and have made it easier than ever to learn the basics without even setting foot on a golf course.

If you’re in and around The K Club in Kildare, Spawell Driving Range or Leopardstown Driving Range, all of these spots have TopTracer or Trackman golf simulators on site to work on your golfing skills.

Golf classes

For many beginners, one of the best places to learn the basics of golf is in the company of other beginners with support from a pro, during a course or class designed for those who are new to the sport.

That’s where Golf Ireland’s Get Into Golf Programme comes in, an introductory course for beginners looking to try out the sport. The eight week course gives women an affordable, learner-friendly environment to pick up the basics of golf, without any pressure.

The first 4 weeks of the Get Into Golf Programme are an introduction to the game off-course with a PGA Coach. Following that, participants will spend the next few weeks playing a shortened version of the game on course, alongside current members of the club.

Find a full list of clubs that run the Get Into Golf Programme here.

And if you want a sneak peek at what’s involved, we’ve teamed up with fitness and lifestyle influencer Belle Azzure, who’s taking part in the Get Into Golf Programme at the moment.

Check out her latest update in the clip below…