I’m beginning to really love this series. It brings back so many memories from my first experiences, and I find myself wishing I could have had something like this when I started….but I didn’t, so this for all you new players out there for your first time golfing.

Here is the situation, you have never played a single round in your life. Maybe you have been to a driving range a few times or are the local putt putt champion but low and behold a friend, colleague, etc, sends you the invite. “We are going out Friday morning to play. Wanna join?”

So what now? You said yes. You found a pair of acceptable shorts, your go-to polo shirt, some comfy running shoes, and probably a six-pack of your favorite lager. But now what?

I have called our resident Golf 101 Professor, Jake Hutt, to add some flavor.

Your first time golfing: 5 tips

1: Have zero expectations

YES, it may look easy and it’s not. And during your first round, even the 20 handicappers will look like Tiger because they can hit out on the grass 99% of the time. But its day 1. So expect nothing beyond a beer buzz, a good tan, and some laughs. That’s it. If you are a human with common sense, those three things should satisfy.

2: Hitting the sweet spot once is the goal

If you are the Type A person and just must accomplish something, try and make solid contact with any club ONE time. That’s it. If you accomplish that, hold onto the feeling and try and do it twice next time out. Simple right? Problem is most of go out and expect a Hogan Esque ball-striking performance…even Hogan didn’t expect a Hogan-esque performance. Let’s just keep our heads on planet earth, shall we?

3. Have fun around the greens (chipping/putting)

If you are going to play around at all, do it around the greens. Try to hit some chips and pitches. Chunk some, skull some, who cares. It is the one time that hitting it close to the hole may actually occur without the hand of luck getting involved. It’s also a good area to play some games with your more seasoned playing partners, you may get waxed but if you must compete, the short shots are where you may have a chance.

4. Watch the best players in the group and see what they do

If you do happen to get a good player in your group, WATCH what they do. A good player, in this case, is someone who is making pars and bogeys. No need to ask a bunch of questions or study their action, watch how they get around. Where do they hit it, how do they calm the nerves, what is their routine before a shot, what is their golf rhythm. All things all players should do regardless.

5. Have FUN!

Self-explanatory. It’s a game, y’all—a hard but-oh-so satisfying one. So enjoy the whole thing, even the struggle. Golf is beautiful, don’t frustrate yourself out of a life of magic on day one.