You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to enjoy a swing around the course, but golf is a more refined sport than most. Rules, etiquette and a whole new language of buzzwords can seem intimidating. Read on for tips on how to dominate the green.
Learn The Lingo
Par, Eagle, Albatross – the vocabulary of golf can be super confusing. Take time to research all the important terms in golf otherwise you won’t have a clue what you’re doing, how many points you’re scoring and whether you’re winning! Check out this Golf Glossary for a complete run down, from beginners’ basics to professional’s terms. Once you’ve got a grip on the essentials you’ll be ready to put some physical work into practise.
Become Club Confident
If you know anyone who is into golf you’ll know that clubs are a very big deal. Your most basic bag should include a putter, a driver, a wedge and an iron – but don’t break the bank before you start. Get an understanding of what works for you by testing some at a local sports store. Clubs are personal and you’ll want to play around before committing to a big purchase. The same goes for golf balls; stay away from the high-end brands until you’re a little more experienced, you don’t want to spend $50 on balls that you will immediately lose!
Study Your Shots
Explore what sort of shot you should be taking and when. A chip shot heads into the air, staying low rolls across the ground (think how you’d hit a ball on a crazy golf course) whereas a pitch will arc in the air and should land near the hole without much rolling. Although each hit is for short distances you’ll want to understand which will get you the best result. Check out YouTube to learn the difference between a drive and a putt and you’ll be ready to take the next step.
Get Yourself Some Beginners Golf Lessons
The best way to become a pro, is to learn from a pro. There are a ton of golf clubs out there offering beginners golf lessons that are well worth investing in. Beginners lessons will help you master the fundamentals such your swing, the power of your strike and perfect posture. Even professional golfers use lessons to improve their game.
Keep Your Cool
Golf can be a minefield and it’s impossible to know everything at once. Ignore the club chatter and triumphs of your friends who have been playing the game for years. Move at a pace that is comfortable for you and try not to get tied up in other people’s opinions. Use your instincts and trust your coach to avoid being overwhelmed.
Practise Makes Perfect
The main thing to remember is keep on swinging! Like any sport, the more you work at it, the better you’ll become. Get membership to a local club, hit up a driving range or whack a few balls around your garden (just be careful of any windows!) Before you know it, you’ll be below par and ready to excel on the course.
Go on, get your golf shoes on, and get out there! If golfing’s really not your thing then check out these fun sporting activities or sound off some suggestions in the comments below!
*collaborative post
