Have you always wanted to try your hand at swinging a golf club but never quite knew where to begin? A golf holiday for beginners is the perfect way to ease into the sport – and maybe even complete your course certification in Austria. Here’s where you’ll find tips and inspiration to get you off to a flying start.

Why now is the perfect time to start golfing

Golf is more than just a sport. It’s a unique blend of nature, movement, focus, and enjoyment. And the best part: you don’t have to be a pro to have fun! For beginners especially, a holiday is the ideal opportunity to get to know the game. No stress, no pressure – just a chance to discover whether golf might even become your new favorite hobby.  

A sampler lesson or a course-qualifying class provides the perfect foundation. In just a few days, you’ll learn not only how to grip and swing the club correctly, but also the key rules of golf, basic safety, and on-course etiquette. After that, you'll be ready to obtain course certification – and tee it up for your very first round on a real golf course!

What Exactly Is “Course Qualifying”?

Course qualifying (in Austria we use the term “Platzreife”) is essentially your driver’s license for the golf course. Without it, you’re not allowed to play on most public courses in this part of the world. But in just three to five days, a beginner-friendly course will introduce you to all the essentials for safe and fair play:

  • Golf Rules & Etiquette: What do you do if you lose a ball? How should you behave while others are teeing off? You’ll learn not only the official regulations but also the unwritten rules of the game.
  • Technique & Strategy: From grip and stance to choosing the right club, you’ll learn how to execute different shots cleanly and when to opt for power versus precision.
  • Safety on the Course: Never hit while others are in range, and keep golf carts on designated paths – safety always comes first so that everyone can enjoy the game without risk.

With these basics under your belt, you’ll be ready not only to play by the rules but also enjoy the game to the fullest.

Course Qualifying on Your Holiday: relaxed & effective  

When you are on holiday, you finally have time to try something new. So, why not golf? A golf holiday in Austria, including course certification, is easy to combine with other activities: practice on the course in the morning, then go hiking, head to the lake, or simply relax in the afternoon.  

Especially in the mountains, golfing is a memorable experience. Stunning alpine scenery, a pleasant climate, and plenty of other recreational opportunities guarantee the perfect balance between physical activity and relaxation.

An added bonus: many Austrian regions offer attractive discounts through local guest cards – including on beginner lessons and green fees. With the Murau-Murtal Guest Card or the Kitzbühel Alps Card, you’ll save significantly on your first golfing experiences. They are ideal if you’re just looking to give golf a try.

Golfers on the golf course in Ehrwald with a view of the Zugspitze

Golf for Beginners: 5 Golfing Terms You Should Know

  • Green fee: The fee you pay to play on a golf course.
  • Handicap: A number that indicates your playing level – usually quite high when you start out.
  • Tee: The small stand you place the ball on when teeing off.
  • Putt: A short stroke intended to propel the ball into the hole.
  • Birdie: When you complete a hole with one stroke less than the expected number (Par) – a definite highlight moment!

Golf Course Etiquette: No need to fear the rules

You don’t need to be a rules expert to get started – especially when you are on a golf holiday for beginners. When you complete your course qualifying in Austria, the training includes a clear and practical introduction to appropriate interactions on the golf course. You'll quickly develop a feel for the flow of play out on the fairway.

There’s one thing that matters more than anything else: consideration for others. Always keep a safe distance from the player ahead of you, stay quiet while others are taking their shots, and play at a steady pace so that no one is left waiting. It’s also part of proper etiquette to replace any divots – those small chunks of turf that get torn out of the ground as you impact the ball – and press them back into the ground. This helps maintain the course in good condition so that everyone can really enjoy their golf holiday.

Golfbag with clubs

Do I need to buy equipment up front?

Good news: you don’t need to invest in expensive gear for your first golf holiday. Most golf clubs and resorts in Austria offer rental sets, which include clubs, a bag, and sometimes even golf shoes – all ready and waiting for you on location. This is the ideal option if you are just getting your first taste of the game.

A basic set includes these different types of clubs:

  • Driver for long-distance shots
  • Ironfor medium distances
  • Wedges for approach shots, and a
  • Putter for use on the green

Rental sets usually include everything you need for your first time on the course.

As for clothing, you shouldn’t overthink that either. A sporty outfit including a polo shirt, long trousers or Bermuda shorts, and comfortable, non-slip shoes is perfectly fine. Golf shoes are helpful but not essential for beginners. If you find that golf is “your thing,” you can always invest in your own equipment later on – you will often find good deals on beginner sets or pre-owned clubs.

Ideal Accommodations for Your Golf Holiday

Planning a golf holiday that includes course qualifying in Austria? With ALPS RESORTS, you are certain to find the perfect place to stay. Your options range from cozy holiday homes and modern holiday apartments to comfortable apartment hotels. Holiday apartments are an excellent option for beginning golfers: you have full flexibility when it comes to meals, plenty of space for your golf gear, and the freedom to unwind at your own pace after an active day. Whether you're traveling as a couple, with family, or friends – there's ample space here for everyone.

Many resorts are located close to some truly stunning golf courses – or even directly on the course itself. Take the Berg & Golfresort Westendorf in Tyrol, for example: here, you’ll be staying right by the 18-hole Kitzbühel Alps Westendorf golf course and start your round without the hassle of a long commute. Breakfast with mountain views, head straight to the tee, and afterwards take a relaxing dip in the infinity pool – this is what a golf holiday should look like.

Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to complete course certification, a holiday at ALPS RESORTS offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, comfort, flexibility, and sporting variety.

Find out more, choose your dream accommodations, and book today!

Activity & wellness hotel on the golf course, with the Kitzbühel Alps in the background

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Holidays for Beginners

Photo materials (c) TV Murau - Tom Lamm, TZA - Joerg Mette, iStock - mihailomilovanovic, ALPS RESORTS

lisa gruber f9162df8

Lisa Gruber

Content Marketing bei ALPS RESORTS

Gen-Z mit einer Vorliebe fürs Schreiben und Draußensein. Lisa entdeckt für uns gerne Wanderungen und Skigebiete und gibt uns Tipps für den perfekten Urlaub.
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