A. The best place to learn is at a golf club. You can learn from an older relative or friend who is a keen golfer but it is well worth considering some lessons. There are professional coaching staff at most courses and lessons can cost as little as £7 for half an hour. For information about clubs see the Information page.

A. Many juniors are accepted at local golf clubs providing you are accompanied by an adult or an adult member. Some allow you to take out junior membership and run competitions and tournaments. See Join a Club for more details. If you want to try the game, but don't feel like going to a club, check out your local park to see if they have a pitch and putt course. These are usually short courses with nine holes. You can hire clubs, balls and tees when you pay for your game.

A. Golf ranges allow you to practise hitting the ball. Each range is divided into cubicles or sections. You buy a bucket of balls (and hire a club if you need to) and hit the balls from your section out onto the range. This is an open area of land that has markers on it. The markers show distances, so you can see how far you are hitting the ball. It is good fun and a good way to practise your swing. A tractor fitted with a special collection box, regularly gathers in the balls that have been hit.

A. No, not to start with. It would be expensive and its not necessary. As a beginner you can manage with 2-3 irons, a putter and a wood. Many shops sell second hand clubs. This makes starting costs much cheaper for a beginner. Woods, Irons and Putters gives you more details.

A. You don't have to join a club to play golf. There are public courses that accept non-members. However, most courses who allow juniors to play, insist that you are accompanied by an adult golfer who understands the game, and who knows about course etiquette (the rules of the course). This is important so that you don't spoil the enjoyment of other members and non-members. An alternative to a golf course, is a pitch and putt course. These are often found in parks and can be a good introduction to the game. (See the questions 'Where can I play?' above)

A. They start from around £6 - 7 for half an hour.

A. If you are a member of club, you can take part in club tournaments, providing you have a handicap. (See Join the Club). For junior golfers there are local, regional or national tournaments. The level you take part in depends on the standard of your game. Information gives you more details about the Junior National Championships for club champions