Gifts for Women Who Are New to Golf
The best gift for a woman who is new to golf is one that helps her feel ready: instruction, a glove that fits, the small on-course basics nobody tells beginners about, and an outfit she's comfortable wearing to the range. Skip the expensive clubs for now. She'll know far more about what she likes after a season of play, and the gifts below are useful from her very first bucket of balls.
What does a beginner golfer actually need?
A new golfer needs much less than the golf aisle suggests. In her first months, she mostly needs good instruction, a few practice sessions a week, comfortable clothes and a handful of small accessories.
That's good news for you: you can give things that work no matter how her swing develops.
Before you shop, ask whether she has had a lesson yet. If not, start there.
Give her lessons or a beginner clinic first
Lessons are the single most useful gift for a new golfer. A teacher helps her build a grip, stance and swing she won't have to unlearn later, and that makes golf more fun much sooner.
There are a few ways to give instruction:
- A private lesson package. Many courses and practice facilities sell gift cards or lesson packs. Three to five sessions with the same coach usually work better than one lesson on its own.
- A group clinic. Lots of courses run beginner clinics, and some offer women-only sessions.
- A playing lesson. Once she can hit the ball reasonably well, a lesson on the course teaches pace of play, etiquette and how to get around nine holes without stress.
A golf glove that actually fits
A golf glove is a classic beginner gift because she'll wear it at every range session. It gives her a steadier hold on the grip and protects her hand while she's hitting lots of balls.
Right-handed golfers usually wear one glove on the left hand, and left-handed golfers on the right. That's the hand on top of the grip. It should feel snug, with no loose material at the fingertips. If you don't know her glove size, look at a glove she already owns or at her everyday gloves for a rough guide.
A printed glove makes the gift feel personal. The Glove It women's golf glove in Navy Clear Dot (last listed price $19.95) was listed in sizes S to XL. Browse our women's golf accessories for other prints.
The small on-course basics nobody mentions
Beginners often show up to their first round without the little things golfers use on every hole. A bundle of tees, a ball marker, a towel and a few extra balls makes a thoughtful, low-cost gift.
- Tees. She'll lose plenty at first. Durable tees like Martini Tees 5 Pack Original (last listed price $6.99) are 3-1/4 inches tall and made of a polymer blend rather than wood. Our golf tees section has other styles.
- A ball marker. On the green, golfers mark their ball before picking it up. The USGA Rules of Golf (Rule 14) say you must mark the spot before lifting a ball that will be put back, and that a coin, a tee or a purpose-made ball-marker all count. A ball marker and hat clip (last listed price $9.95) keeps one handy on her visor or cap.
- A repair tool. A small tool for fixing ball marks on the green is a nice etiquette lesson in itself. Under the Rules, players may repair ball marks and shoe damage on the putting green, as explained in Rule 13 of the Rules of Golf.
- A towel. She'll use it for wet grips, muddy balls and sweaty hands. A clip-on Glove It Sea Glass sport golf towel (last listed price $24.95) hooks onto any bag.
- A ball retriever. New golfers find the water more than they'd like. A compact golf ball retriever (last listed price $9.99) fits in a bag pocket.
If you'd rather not build the kit yourself, a curated box does it for you. The Fore Ladies Tee Box "Light" (last listed price $29.99) has been described as a box of accessories such as golf balls, towels, zip bags, shoe bags and tees.
Something comfortable to wear to the range
Many beginners worry about what to wear more than they worry about their swing. A comfortable outfit that fits a typical dress code helps her walk into the pro shop with confidence.
The safe starter combination is a collared or mock-neck top, a golf skort or golf pants, and athletic or golf shoes with soft soles. Dress codes differ from course to course, so she should check with the course before her first tee time. Our guide on what to wear to the driving range and a first golf lesson covers the details, and the women's golf dress code guide explains collars, lengths and denim rules.
If clothing feels too personal or you don't know her size, a fun shirt is an easy middle ground. The "Golf? Count Me In!" graphic tee (last listed price $19.99) suits a new golfer's enthusiasm for lessons, the range or the 19th hole. Check our women's golf size charts before you choose a size.
A way to meet other women who golf
A gift that connects her with other golfers can keep her in the game. Many women stick with golf because they find a group to learn and play with.
Look for women's leagues or nine-hole groups at local courses, which often welcome new players. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association has local chapters around the US; its stated mission, as reported by WMBF News, is to grow the game among women of all skill levels. A first-year membership or league fee can be a lovely gift for a social golfer.
Once she starts playing with a group, she may want an official handicap. The USGA explains that a new player needs to post a total of 54 holes, which can be made up of 9-hole and 18-hole scores. That's encouraging for beginners who mostly play nine.
Beginner golf gifts at a glance
| Gift | Why it helps a beginner | Need her size? | Where to look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lessons or a clinic | Builds good habits early | No | Local course or teaching pro |
| Golf glove | Steadier grip at the range | Yes | Accessories |
| Tees, ball marker, towel | Used on every hole | No | Golf tees |
| Ball retriever | Saves balls from water hazards | No | Accessories |
| Range outfit | Confidence with dress codes | Yes | Golf apparel |
| Graphic tee | Fun, low-pressure clothing gift | Yes | Graphic tees |
| Gift box | A ready-made starter kit | Sometimes | Gift boxes |
| League or group membership | People to play with | No | Local course or women's golf group |
What to skip for now
Hold off on expensive, highly personal equipment until she has played for a while. Drivers, irons and putters feel very different from player to player, and a beginner's swing changes quickly in her first year.
The same goes for premium golf balls she'll likely lose in the trees. If she's set on new clubs, a gift card for a club fitting later in the season is a better plan than guessing now. Our gift ideas for women golfers cover what to give once she has some experience.
A note on our site: product pages are a style and sizing reference, and any prices shown are last listed prices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gift for a woman just starting golf?
Lessons from a qualified teacher are the most useful gift for a brand-new golfer, because good habits early make the game more enjoyable. Pair a lesson package or group clinic with something she can unwrap, such as a golf glove in her size, a bundle of tees and a ball marker, or a small golf gift box.
Should I buy golf clubs for a beginner?
Usually not as a surprise. Club length, weight and shaft flex depend on her height, strength and swing, and her swing will change a lot in the first season. Borrowed or rented clubs are fine for lessons. If she wants her own set, give a fitting appointment or let her choose with a teacher's advice.
Which hand does a golf glove go on?
Most golfers wear one glove on the hand that sits on top of the grip. For a right-handed golfer, that's the left hand; for a left-handed golfer, it's the right hand. Before you buy, check whether she swings right- or left-handed, and look at a glove she owns for sizing.
What do beginners need in their golf bag?
Besides clubs, a beginner needs tees, a few spare balls, a ball marker, a tool to repair ball marks on the green, a towel, a glove, sunscreen and water. Our golf bag essentials checklist lists everything else worth packing for a full round.
For more ideas, see our golf stocking stuffers for women, the golf bag essentials checklist and our golf gifts for women — from the Fore Ladies Golf team.
