If you love watching golf and want to try your hand on the golf course, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have a good starting point. You will need to learn the basics of which clubs and balls to buy, golfing techniques, how to find the right instructor, and golf etiquette. And in this list we’re going to go through all of that with you, so keep reading!.
Choose the Right Clubs
You don’t have to fill your golf bag with its 14-club capacity. You will need a driver (with at least 10 degrees of loft), a sand wedge, a pitching wedge, a fairway wood (with at least 17 degrees of loft), a putter, a 6-iron, and an 8-iron club in the beginning. These clubs will help you get your ball flying even if you’re untrained. You may want to get used clubs for a better deal, which is available at most sporting goods stores. It’s better to go to a driving range to ask to try the clubs before purchase. Ask for a 6-iron club with a stiff-flex shaft and another with a regular-flex shaft to see which one feels more natural and choose that as a base for every club you purchase. Of course, there are other gadgets and equipment besides clubs.
Take Golf Lessons
The best way to get started is to sign up for golf lessons from the get-go. If you want to get better at golf, it’s best to cut to the chase and let a professional trainer guide you through the golf course. Take your time before you settle on the right instructor. It is better to know nothing about golf and learn the right basics than overcome bad habits that you may develop when training alone.
Practice Short Shots at Home
Although longer shots are exciting, in most golf games, 50% of your strokes will not exceed a distance of 50 yards. You will usually use your putter and wedge, which means you don’t necessarily need to do it on a golf course. You can practice these short shots at home in your backyard or living room. Don’t be frustrated if you feel too confused when you move deeper into the game. A good rule of thumb is to always review your golf fundamentals. Get your ball and posture in check and remember to take a deep breath before each swing.
Chip and Pitch Shots
There are two types of short shots on the green, which are chip and pitch shots. A chip shot is used to hit a closer hole, while a pitch shot is used to hit a longer hole. A chip shot makes the ball fly a bit off the ground before rolling till it reaches the hole. It is used when the ground is smooth and free from obstacles. The pitch shot flies much higher so that it can travel a longer distance, bouncing a few times before rolling on the ground to reach the hole. It is used when you want to carry your ball over an obstacle. Mastering these will surely make you a better golfer.
Take It Slow on the Golf Course
It is important to start slow when you play a real game on the golf course. Take the executive course first and then work your way up to the 18-hole course. The holes on the executive course are mostly less than 200 yards. Choose a time when the golf course is not too crowded so you can take your time practicing without lagging behind. Start on a 9-hole golf course and play only 3 holes in the beginning until you get used to the pace of the game.
Learn about Golf Etiquette
Try not to lag behind on the golf course because people will get frustrated while waiting on you and you won’t even be able to concentrate on your shots, and always wait for your turn as the best golfer with the top score usually plays first. You may be in charge of moving the flagstick if you are nearest to the hole. Watch out from a flying ball when somebody shouts “Fore” and make sure to yell it out if you think it may hit someone. Finally, make sure you learn how to maintain the golf course if you leave a ball mark or take a divot. You can ask for assistance from your fellow golfers and take their lead.
These above-mentioned tips serve as a starter’s guide to golf. It is ok to make mistakes at the beginning, but the important thing is to have fun in the process. Golf is a game of focus so you need to be relaxed to be able to hit those holes on the green.
