Haven't played golf in a few years? Here's how to get back into it

This article is for you who want to get back into golf again. Depending on how long ago it was since you played, there can be different scenarios for how you get going with your golf again.

What you need to get started playing on the vast majority of courses again is primarily:

• Green Card (hcp 54 or lower)
• Membership in a golf club

All of this is registered digitally in the Swedish Golf Federation's IT system (also known as GIT), which also means you get a Golf ID — or that your existing Golf ID is reactivated.

How the Golf ID system works

A Golf ID works like a "personal number" or "membership number" within golf and is unique to you as an individual. It consists of the first six digits of your personal identity number plus three additional random digits (example of a Golf ID: 841222-005).

The Golf ID gives you the ability to log in to the Swedish Golf Federation's Min Golf (mingolf.se) to, for example, book tee times. It's also linked to any membership in a golf club. Provided you previously received a Golf ID, it will still be there, even if you've taken a break from golf or become a member of a different golf club.

If you stopped playing later than 2004, you most likely have a Golf ID that's still in GIT. When you resume golf you'll get help with restoring it.

If you also had an hcp of 54 or lower (which means you have a Green Card), you don't need to retake any tests or anything similar — it's enough to become a member of a golf club and your Golf ID and hcp will be activated again. You're then ready to play again according to the regulations.

That said, it can of course be useful to take some form of refresher course to be able to enjoy golf in the best possible way.

If you also need to get a Green Card

Have you previously only played golf on Pay & Play courses, without having a Golf ID and Green Card? In that case you need to get a Green Card according to the current rules in order to play on other courses. The same applies if you stopped playing golf before 2004 (when Golf ID was introduced), or after 2004 without completing all the steps required to obtain the Green Card.

You can then choose to take an in-person Green Card course at a golf club or our digital Green Card course.

Common questions and answers about getting back into golf

What is a Golf ID?

A Golf ID works like a "personal number" within golf and is used to make the administration more manageable. A Golf ID is created automatically when you are registered in GIT (golf's IT system). You can have a Golf ID without having a Green Card. When you've met the criteria/requirements for the Green Card level, a registration to hcp 54 or lower takes place, along with activation of the Green Card on your Golf ID.

How do I find my Golf ID?

If you have a Golf ID but need help finding it, contact the club you intend to become a member of and they can help you further.

What is a Green Card?

Green Card = hcp 54, i.e. you have a Golf ID with a registered starting hcp of 54. The Green Card is golf's equivalent of a driver's licence in traffic. Together with an active membership in a golf club you can, for a fee (green fee), play on many of the golf courses in Sweden. The requirements for obtaining hcp 54 exist so that you feel safe and comfortable on the course when it comes to the game itself, golf etiquette and the rules. It's also a guarantee that every player meets the basic requirements for safe, enjoyable and fair golf. To get a Green Card you can, for example, take a traditional in-person course or take it digitally via Golf4u.se. Regardless of which method, you get the same rights.