Anyone Can Easily Get Into Golfing In Malaysia. Here Are 7 Practical Ways To Start

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But if you take a closer look, you'll find that this couldn't be further from the truth.

In Malaysia, golf is starting to shed its air of exclusivity and become more accessible for everyone regardless of age or background.

One of the best ways to get into golf is by taking lessons from a professional. Many golf clubs and academies in Malaysia offer beginner classes tailored for both children and adults.

Coaches will walk you through everything from the proper swing technique to basic golf etiquette. For instance, the MST Golf Academy offers various beginner packages, allowing you to ease into the game without feeling overwhelmed.

If you're not quite ready to head to a full course, starting at a driving range or virtual golf centre is a great alternative. 

Driving ranges are relatively affordable (some start at RM9 per session) and allow you to focus on perfecting your swing without the pressure of playing an entire round.

For something even more engaging, virtual golf centres are a fantastic option. While they may be a little higher on the price scale, these high-tech facilities simulate real golf courses, offering an immersive experience without ever stepping foot on a green.

One of the most popular spots for this in Malaysia is MST Golf Arena in The Gardens Mall. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to improve your skills, their simulators allow you to practice on world-renowned courses while tracking your performance.

Visiting a golf course for the first time can be an intimidating experience. But it doesn't have to be this way.

While the bigger and more expansive courses may be perfect for experienced players, you can still find smaller courses in Malaysia with lower prices, fewer holes, and more manageable terrain for novices.

For example, The Club by M in Bandar Utama has a small nine-hole course that can be completed within a relatively short time. With affordable fees starting from RM50 per person, the course features flat, open fairways that are easy to navigate, making it perfect for those just starting out.

Other options include:

- Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam (KGPA), which offers a nine-hole course (starting at RM108.90 per person) that's perfect for beginners

- Bukit Kemuning Golf & Country Club, which has a forgiving layout and fees starting at RM133.

- Impian Golf & Country Club, which also has a nine-hole course for shorter games, starting at RM100 per person.

There are apps specifically designed to help beginners get into golf. Apps like Golfshot or Hole19 provide tutorials, help track your progress, and offer insights on how to improve your skills.

If you need to easily book a course or find new friends to play with, you can try Deemples, which lets you connect with other golfers looking for a game in Malaysia.

When your process of finding courses and gathering friends becomes streamlined, you'll find it much easier to keep up your interest in the game.

You don't need to spend a fortune on golf equipment as a beginner. There are plenty of affordable starter sets available at sporting goods stores or online.

Alternatively, many golf courses and driving ranges offer equipment rentals, so you can give the game a try before deciding whether to invest in your own set. This is a great option for kids who may just be exploring the sport and aren't ready for a long-term commitment yet.

For youngsters who have a knack in golf, enrolling in a junior development programme can be a game-changer. 

Many golf clubs in Malaysia offer structured programmes designed to nurture young talent and teach the fundamentals of the game in a supportive environment. 

Such programmes not only teach technique but also focus on sportsmanship, strategy, and mental resilience — all valuable skills on and off the course.

If you're new to any sport, the first thing you should know is how it works and the proper way to behave when playing.

This naturally applies to golf, and it will only take no more than a few spare moments of your time to brush up on the rules and customs that are observed when visiting a golf course.

For starters, here are a few simple rules to follow:

- Learn the special rules of individual golf courses
- Respect the course dress code if there is one
- Don't walk across other players' putting lines
- Maintain silence when others take their shots
- Move at a reasonable pace between your shots so you don't make others wait
- Repair ball marks and divots for every shot you take
- Use a rake to smooth out your footprints after taking a shot in a bunker  

After getting familiar with the options above, children and teens who feel like getting serious about the sport should begin considering joining a proper golf development programme.

The Toyota Tour Elite Junior Programme, led by MST Golf Academy's head coach Chris Marrs, is one such programme that's helping to develop the next wave of Malaysian golfers.

The programme is part of Toyota’s effort to provide opportunities to junior golfers across the country and help them make their way into the professional circuit. Apart from the Elite Junior Programme, Toyota has also offered free junior clinics for talents as young as six years old, where they can learn from seasoned pros and receive hands-on advice,

So far, the Toyota Elite Junior Programme has worked to bring in top young golfing talents and put them on the road to becoming top-level professionals, and has so far already produced impressive results, with its participants winning tournaments and representing Malaysia at international events​.

Here are some of the programme's most promising youngsters:

- Joshua Lim (15) is referred to as “DeChambeau” for his powerful shots and impressive swing effort, has made the most progress among the boys. He recently won a silver medal at the Lion City Cup in Singapore and regularly scores under par, with the lowest score of 69.

- Alya Afza (18) is the most experienced player among the squad, with a personal best score of 66. Known for her bubbly personality, she is also highly educated, bringing a well-rounded approach
to the game.

- Aiden Tai Roberts (15) has followed in the footsteps of his professional golfer father and has made significant strides, securing two victories in the Sports Excel league since joining the programme.

- Amberly Zaira (15) has been observed as the one who has shown the most improvement within the programme. Despite being timid and needing more self-belief, her progress is undeniable.

This includes technical and physical training, psychological development, and on-course performance. With 13 tournament victories and multiple national team members emerging from the 2023 cohort, the programme has shown its ability to groom future champions​.

For juniors who want to go all-in with golf, the Toyota Tour Elite Junior Programme provides a structured, supportive environment where they can thrive under the guidance of top coaches. 

This is a chance for Malaysia's young talents to follow in the footsteps of past graduates, such as Wan Hasnul Daniel, who has now turned professional and competes regularly on the Toyota Tour​.