Golf Made Simple
Start With The MGA
From beginners and juniors to lifelong players and champions, the MGA brings golfers together through events, programs, resources, and opportunities to enjoy the game.
Every Golfer Starts Differently
Bringing Golf to Every Ability
There’s no single path into golf. Most players build experience gradually through practice, casual play, and lessons.
Range First
Start at a driving range to get comfortable swinging and hitting the ball consistently.
Lessons + Practice
Combine instruction with practice to build fundamentals faster.
Casual Clinics & First Rounds
Participate in a clinic and play short courses as a great starting point.
Leagues & Events
Join structured play once you’re comfortable with pace and scoring.
What Is a Handicap Index®?
Your Handicap Index is a portable number that represents your demonstrated playing ability. It is based on your past scores relative to the difficulty of the courses and tees played.
A Handicap Index reflects your potential ability, not your average score
It allows fair competition across all skill levels
It allows you to track your progress as you continue to play
It becomes more useful as you play more regularly
Golf Basics
Understanding The Game
Golf can feel complex at first, but most of it comes down to a few simple ideas: how you score, how a course is played, and how players move through it.
Beginner’s Checklist
Golf 101: The Basics
Your First Time on the Golf Course
Golf Terms Explained
Par – Expected number of strokes for a hole
Birdie – One stroke under par
Bogey – One stroke over par
Fairway – Short grass between tee and green
Green – Area prepared for putting which contains the hole
Teeing Area – Where each hole begins
Stroke Play – Total strokes over a round
Match Play – Hole-by-hole competition
Rules & Etiquette
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Play Days
Fun one-day outings for golfers of all ages and abilities.
Where to Play
Courses and practice facilities near you
MGA Events
Opportunities to experience organized play
MGA Membership
Learn ways to join and start playing
