Your 2025 Beginner’s Guide to Playing Golf in London
How to start playing golf without needless pressure, unnecessary costs, or added confusion
So you want to get into golf but don’t know where to begin?
Maybe you’re new to the sport, returning after a break, or just tired of asking your mates to play.
The good news? London is one of the easiest cities in the UK to start playing.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to playing golf in London in 2025, with zero gatekeeping, and no need to join a club.
🧱 Step 1: Understand the Basics
You don’t need to be an expert on the rules to get started.
Golf has three main formats:
Driving range – practice your swing, no pressure on scoring
Simulators – play famous courses virtually, indoors
Courses – 9 or 18 holes of real, outdoor golf
You don’t need a membership, a handicap, or your own clubs to begin. You just need somewhere to play (and someone to play with).
📍 Step 2: Know Where to Play
Public Golf Courses (No Membership Needed)
These are open to all and can be booked online:
Richmond Park Golf Course – Two 18-hole courses, beginner-friendly
Dukes Meadows (Chiswick) – 9-hole short course, very welcoming
Addington Court (Croydon) – Relaxed pace, good for learners
Fairlop Waters (Redbridge) – Affordable council-run option
Trent Park Golf Course (Oakwood) – Lush layout, friendly vibe
👉 See our full list of public golf courses in London
Golf Simulators and Driving Ranges
Perfect for getting started without the weather stress:
Pitch London (Soho, Wharf) – Play Pebble Beach on a screen
Pod Golf (Chiswick, Wandsworth, Surbiton) – Social, beginner-friendly
Golf Rooms (Chiswick) – Bookable bays with TrackMan sims
Greenwich Peninsula Driving Range – Stunning river views
Urban Golf (Farringdon) – Indoor bar-meets-golf club
👉 Explore the best golf simulators in London
🧑🤝🧑 Step 3: Find People to Play With
This is where most beginners get stuck. But it’s exactly why we built Alba.
Alba helps you:
Match with golfers near you, at your level
Join public games or post your own
Split payments easily - so no awkward chases
Build confidence through repetition
👉 Here’s how Alba helps you find your next round fast
💷 Step 4: Don’t Overspend
Beginner Golf Gear Essentials:
Trainers (instead of golf shoes)
Glove (right for lefties, left for righties)
A half set of clubs (borrow or buy second-hand online)
Polo or t-shirt (no need for full golf gear)
Most courses offer club hire if you don’t have your own.
Ball tip: Start with second-hand (lake balls) or cheap practice balls. You’ll lose a few at first.
💬 Step 5: Learn the Basics of Golf Etiquette
Golf has unspoken rules… but most of them are simple:
Be ready when it’s your turn
Don’t talk during someone’s swing
Replace divots and repair pitch marks
Let faster groups play through you
Don’t worry, most beginners make mistakes. It’s part of the process. The key is being respectful and open to learning.
👉 Here’s our guide to golf etiquette for beginners
🎯 Bonus: Set Simple Goals for Your First Year
Instead of trying to master the sport, start with:
Playing once a month
Hitting balls at a range every 2–3 weeks
Learning to make contact consistently
Meeting 2-3 new golf friends
✅ Final Thoughts
London’s golf scene is more open than ever. Whether you’re new to the city or just new to the game, you don’t need to feel intimidated.
Golf isn’t about perfection, it’s about fun. And there’s never been a better time to start.
