Growing the game—it has been a mantra for years. But how do you introduce your kids, or even friends who haven’t experienced the sport, to a game that seems daunting to many? There’s a variety of considerations and ways to connect newcomers to golf, whether it is through conventional routes (hitting the course) or less traditional concepts.

1. Hit the range

The driving range is a great spot to introduce your kids or friends to the game. There’s no pressure—no double bogeys on the range—and your guests can start gaining confidence as they become comfortable. The cost is pretty low—and a lot of ranges have putting greens and short game areas you can play as part of the cost of a bucket of balls.

2. Golf’s gone casual

While a collared shirt and a certain length of shorts might still be considered part of the wardrobe at high-end private clubs, most golf courses are pretty casual these days. Sure, you can look snazzy in the latest golf apparel, but if you’re going to a public course, they likely aren’t too worried about whether you have the correct collared shirt. With kids, dress codes are even more relaxed. Golf is a sport, after all, but you don’t need a uniform to play at most places.

3. Move up

A number of years ago, a couple went to play Bandon Dunes, the famed golf resort on Oregon’s coast. Both avid golfers, the wife found the course too long, and felt there should be tees for players who didn’t hit the ball that far. Thus the “Royal Blue” tees were created, something that’s spread to Bandon’s sister course, Cabot Links in Cape Breton, NS. When you introduce a new player to the game, don’t be afraid to move up a few decks and play alongside them, or even have them tee it up in the fairway if it helps them get started. This is especially significant for kids, with some courses offering “family tees” where children can play from the middle of the fairway.

4. Be social

Don’t be worried about keeping score. For many avid players, keeping an accurate count of their score is an important part of the game. But, for many others, the joy of the game is being out with friends or family, hitting a few good shots (and some bad ones) and spending time in an incredible natural setting. In our busy lives, many families are often running in four different directions, and friends are busy with work and commitments. Golf brings you together for a couple of hours—so don’t be too concerned about that nasty double-bogey on the eighth hole.

5. Play nine or a short course

In recent years, playing nine holes is a viable alternative for many people. Those families with younger kids just starting the game will find that nine is about right—at least until their kids are into their teens. For friends, playing nine allows you to sneak in a game before or after work without demanding too much time.

Moreover, in recent years short courses—often no longer than 2,000 yards—have started to spring up. Once called “executive courses,” these shorter versions are a great place to introduce people to the game.

So what are you waiting for? Make golf a Friends & Family Sport this summer!