Golf can feel intimidating when you’re new… or even when you’ve been playing for a while. There’s a lot of jargon and a lot of opinions floating around the internet.
So we did what we do best: filtered out the noise and answered the most Googled golf questions in a way that actually makes sense. No gatekeeping. Just the basics, explained Sierra Madre style.
Let’s get into it.
1. What Is the Proper Golf Stance and Grip?
Stance:
Feet shoulder-width apart. Soft knees. Athletic, not stiff. You want to look ready to move - not like you’re waiting for a bus.
Grip:
Your lead hand goes on top. Hold the club in your fingers, not your palm. The “V” between your thumb and index finger should point down the middle of the grip (neutral = no drama).
And remember: we don’t strangle the club. We guide it. Think of holding a bird - secure enough so it doesn’t fly away, gentle enough that it’s comfy.
2. What Are the 3 Ps of Power in Golf?
Pressure. Pivot. Pull. That’s the formula.
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Pressure: Build a strong base. Your legs are your friends.
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Pivot: Rotate your body - don’t sway. Imagine turning inside a phone booth without hitting the walls.
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Pull: Start the downswing with your body, not your hands.
Power should feel fluid, not forced.
3. How Can I Stop Slicing My Driver?
A slice usually means an open clubface combined with an outside-to-in swing path.
Try this:
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Strengthen your grip slightly (right-handed golfers: rotate your top hand clockwise until you see one extra knuckle)
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Swing more inside-to-out - imagine hitting the inside part of the ball
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Slow it down. Control > chaos.
We hit draws, not distress signals.
4. What Is a Birdie, Bogey, and Mulligan?
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Birdie (-1): One under par. A mic-drop moment.
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Bogey (+1): One over par. Not ideal, but we move on.
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Mulligan: A do-over. Named after a man who wanted one.
Golf is classy. And petty.
👉 Want a deeper breakdown of scoring?
Golf Scoring 101: No Confusion, Just Vibes.
5. If I’m Not Ready for a Full Set, Which Clubs Should I Prioritize?
If you’re starting with just one club, go with an 8-iron. It’s friendly, versatile, and forgiving.
If you’re building a starter set, aim for this 5-club miracle mix:
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Driver
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5-iron
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8-iron
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Wedge
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Putter
Next stop: full set.
Reminder: 14 clubs max. No hoarding. Curated > cluttered.
👉 Still keeping it simple?
One Club Wonder: One Club Is All It Takes.
6. What Irons or Driver Should I Buy?
Buy for your swing - not your situationship.
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Game-improvement irons if you’re newer
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Driver loft between 10.5-12° works well for most women
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Get fitted if you can
Confidence starts with clubs that love you back.
7. What Is the 90-Degree Rule in Golf?
Stay on the cart path.
Drive straight to your ball at a 90° angle.
Then go straight back to the path.
Rinse. Repeat.
Protect the course. Respect the greens.
👉 More on playing nice out there:
Golf Etiquette 101.
8. Why Are There 18 Holes in Golf?
It was standardized in the 1700s at St Andrews (the OG golf course). They reduced the course from 22 holes to 18… and the rest of the world said, “bet.”
Tradition. Legacy. Iconic behavior.
9. How Do You Keep Score and What Is a Handicap?
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Score: Total strokes per hole. Lower is hotter.
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Handicap: Your scoring average adjusted to par, so players of different skill levels can compete fairly.
We love inclusive dominance.
10. Why Do Golfers Shout “Fore!”?
It’s a warning shout that means: Incoming!
The term comes from old Scottish roots - possibly “forecaddie.”
Modern translation: Protect your face, babe.
The Takeaway
Golf doesn’t have to be confusing, intimidating, or overly serious. Once you’ve got the basics down, the rest comes with time, reps, and a little confidence. Be curious, swing freely, and remember... everyone starts somewhere.
Just getting started?
Read Starting Out: How To Give Golf A Swing before your first round.