New to golf? Start here.

Golf can feel a little intimidating when you’re just getting started. There are rules to learn, clubs to figure out and an entirely new vocabulary—birdies, bogeys, mulligans and more. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to be good at golf to have a great time playing it. If you’re ready to give the game a try, these three tips will help you get started—and have fun along the way.

1. Take a few lessons.
A little instruction goes a long way. Learning the basics—from how to hold a club to how to swing—can help you build confidence before heading onto the course. You don’t need to perfect every part of your game; you just need enough of a foundation to feel comfortable, make contact with the ball and enjoy the occasional great shot that keeps every golfer coming back.

2. Play in a scramble.
Scrambles are one of the most beginner-friendly ways to experience golf. Everyone hits, the group chooses the best shot and then everyone plays from that spot. There’s less pressure, more teamwork and usually plenty of laughs. Charity tournaments and community golf outings are great places to start because the focus is often just as much on having fun and meeting people as it is on the scorecard.

3. Buy all the fun things.
Is a new golf outfit going to improve your swing? Probably not. Will it make getting ready for golf more fun? Absolutely. Colorful golf balls, cute visors, a great pair of shoes, personalized accessories—and maybe a fun beverage tumbler—are all part of the experience. You don’t need the most expensive clubs when you’re starting out, but there’s no rule against looking the part while you learn.

Golf is a game you can enjoy for years—and one that’s just as much about fresh air, friendship and fun as what you write on the scorecard. So take a lesson, find a scramble, pick out an outfit you love and give it a swing.