Minimum Viable Practice Time: How Carving Out Just 2-hours a Week Yields Results Over Time
"I just don't have enough time to dedicate to playing golf."
If I had a dollar for every time I've heard this from accomplished professional women, I could probably afford a membership at Augusta National. I get it—between demanding careers, family responsibilities, and the countless other commitments that fill our days, adding another activity feels impossible.
But here's what I've learned over the past few years: You don't need to find massive chunks of time to make meaningful progress in golf. You just need to be strategic about the time you do have.
Let me show you exactly how I carved out small pockets of time and still achieved the golf confidence I was seeking—without completely reorganizing my life.
Year 1: Testing the Waters (Under 20 Hours Total)
My golf journey started modestly in 2020. I got myself some hand-me-down golf clubs and ventured out to the driving range and golf course a few times. The time I dedicated to playing golf that first year was probably under 20 hours total, concentrated just in the summer months of July, August, and September.
Was I good? Absolutely not. Did I feel confident? Not even close. But I proved something important to myself: I could fit golf into my existing schedule without it taking over my life.
Year 2: Finding My Golf Support System
In 2021, I made one of the smartest decisions of my golf journey: I convinced my neighbor Amanda to take a beginner clinic series with me at Little Miami Golf Center in Newtown OH.
The series was perfectly designed for beginners like us—just four parts covering the essentials: driving, chipping, putting, and irons. Each clinic was only one hour long, and the group was small (maybe 10-15 people total).
Here's how those efficient hours were structured: The instructor would start by introducing the golf club we'd be focusing on, teaching us proper positioning relative to our body, instructing us on grip, and explaining what we should feel and look for in our swing. This foundation took about 10 minutes.
Then came the magic: 30 minutes of practice time where we could work on our own while the instructor rotated through, spending a few focused minutes of coaching with each of us. No wasted time, no standing around—just personalized instruction when we needed it most.
The final 20 minutes brought us back together as a group, where the instructor reinforced key concepts and addressed common mistakes he'd observed during the individual coaching sessions. It was like getting a private lesson within a group setting.
The beauty of this approach? Amanda and I were learning together, supporting each other, and making it a social experience rather than a solitary struggle.
Now, here's where the story gets interesting: Amanda is a saint who came with me purely to humor my interest and support me, even though she had zero desire to actually play golf. After completing the clinic series, she was honest with me: "I learned a lot, but I'm more of a tennis person. I'm not up for playing golf with you on an actual course."
And you know what? That was perfectly fine. She gave me exactly what I needed in those early stages—companionship, encouragement, and someone to share the learning experience with during those crucial foundation-building hours.
Between the clinics and playing on a par 3 course a few times by myself, my total golf time investment in Year 2 was still minimal—but the progress was noticeable.
Year 3: Finding My Golf Rhythm
By February 2022, I was ready for the next step. I had spent enough time at the driving range and putting green—I wanted to put my skills into action on the course regularly. More importantly, I knew I needed structure. A scheduled set time each week to play would keep me consistent rather than leaving it to chance.
I called our local public golf course to ask if they had a women's golf league. I'd heard of women's leagues but had never experienced one myself. I was looking for an evening weeknight nine hole league. After leaving a message with the golf pro, the women's league coordinator emailed me back a few weeks later with perfect timing: she had one woman who needed a new partner that upcoming season.
I set up a time to play with that woman, and she became my golf partner for the next three years. Every Monday night, we played golf from the first Monday in May through just after Labor Day, weather permitting.
I'll never forget that first season. The learning curve was steep, but the progress was undeniable. Each week, my partner Char and I would rotate through different twosomes. Sometimes we were paired with fairly serious golfers who taught us course management and strategy. Other times, we played with women who laughed their way through nine holes, reminding us that golf should be fun above all else.
In the fall of that year I held my first driving range meetup and formally established Queen City Links Ladies. I felt incredibly fortunate to have found such a welcoming ladies' league close to home, but I knew these opportunities were sparse. I wanted to create more chances for women to learn and enjoy golf together.
Years 4-5: The Compound Effect in Action
The next two years followed a similar pattern: once a week on Monday nights during the season (May through September), with lessons and indoor simulator practice during the cold months—still rarely more than two hours per week.
But here's where the magic of consistency became apparent. I started achieving beginner milestones that had once seemed impossible: making my first "true" double par, becoming comfortable with golf terminology, going on my first golf trip, playing my first scramble tournament.
I went from being the one watching and learning from everyone else to being the one people asked, "How did you do that?" or "Where did you get that?" (My golf cart seat cover and some of my fun ball markers always spark conversation!)
Somewhere along the way, I evolved from just tracking my score to analyzing my game—tracking greens in regulation, fairways hit, and putts per round. I got myself an official GHIN handicap and started teaching others about the handicap system.
Year 6: Leading and Learning
In 2025, life changes forced me to rearrange my golf schedule from Mondays to Wednesdays. I was heartbroken to leave my partner of three years and the Monday night league that had become such an important part of my routine.
But challenges often create opportunities. I decided to start a new women's league on Wednesdays. Organizing the league was a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding—and I learned more about golf operations and community building than I ever expected.
The "How Do You Find Time?" Question
One reaction I frequently get when I mention being a golfer is, "How do you find the time?" I'm a working mom with a full-time career, and people assume golf requires massive time blocks.
It's true that many golf weekend warriors spend four hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings. But my key was different: one weeknight evening after work. It became my way to decompress, get outside to feel the sun and grass (and sometimes rain!), and enjoy time with other women golfers.
Consistency Beats Intensity Every Time
If you're committed to consistency, it will beat out intensity every single time. One of my favorite Robin Sharma quotes captures this perfectly: "Small improvements when done consistently over time lead to astounding results."
It's so true. Sometimes we compare ourselves to ideals we see in media or people around us who embody an identity we aspire to become. We see only the result—we're not privy to the work it took to get there. But with golf, as with many things in life, small consistent actions create huge transformations.
Your Journey Doesn't Have to Look Like Everyone Else's
If you're feeling like you'll never catch up to your male colleagues who've played golf their whole lives, you're wrong. You may not have grown up playing golf, you may not have a network of friends teaching you the ropes, and you may question your physical abilities—but if you're committed to learning in small, consistent ways over time, you'll surprise yourself with the transformation you can make.
Your Minimum Viable Practice Plan
Ready to start your own golf transformation without overhauling your entire schedule? Here's your practical framework for making meaningful progress with just 2 hours per week:
Evaluate Your Golf Equipment and Level Up If Needed - You don't need the most expensive clubs to start, but having properly fitted equipment that matches your swing and skill level makes a huge difference. If you're still playing with those hand-me-down clubs from Year 1 (like I was), it might be time to invest in a basic set that's right for your height, swing speed, and goals.
Schedule Regular Driving Range Time (And Don't Forget Putting Practice) - The key word here is schedule. Put it in your calendar like any other important appointment. Whether it's 45 minutes after work on Thursday or an hour on Sunday morning, consistency beats intensity every time.
Call Around to Local Golf Courses About Women's League Opportunities - Don't wait for opportunities to find you—actively seek them out. Call the pro shops at courses within a reasonable drive from your home or office. Ask specifically about women's leagues, beginner-friendly groups, or even mixed leagues that welcome new players. Pro tip: Don't forget about indoor golf simulators! Many facilities offer leagues during the off-weather months, which means you can maintain your consistency year-round instead of starting over each spring.
Get the Right Preparation for Business Golf - Once you start building your skills and confidence, you'll want to be ready when those career-advancing golf opportunities come your way. The difference between knowing how to play golf and being prepared for professional golf settings can make or break these crucial moments.
Download my free guide: "Before You Say Yes: A Pre-Golf Event Checklist for Professional Women" to ensure you're ready to confidently accept golf invitations and make the most of every networking opportunity.
Your Next Step
Golf doesn't have to consume your life to make meaningful progress from beginner golfer through to an experienced casual player - and transform your career opportunities. With just 2 hours per week and the right approach, you can build the skills and confidence needed to say "yes" to those important golf invitations.
Start with one small step this week. Evaluate your equipment, schedule your first practice session, or make that call to the local golf course. Small improvements, done consistently over time, really do lead to astounding results.
Ready to ensure you're prepared for your next golf opportunity? [Download your free Pre-Golf Event Checklist here →]
Remember: You don't need to be a great golfer to benefit from golf networking. You just need to be prepared, confident, and consistent in your approach.
The next time someone mentions a company golf event, you could be the one eagerly saying "absolutely" instead of making excuses.
