Why play golf?
There are many benefits to playing golf, whether it be hitting a few balls at the driving range or playing a full round.
- Walking the course is a good way to get some exercise and enjoy being out in the sun.
- Golf provides a great way to relieve stress and unwind.
- The game is a challenge to both mind and body.
- Golf can be a very social game and many a business deal has been completed on course!
- Anyone can play golf; male or female, young or old.
- Be careful though, it can be addictive!
Equipment:
It can be quite daunting trying to find the right equipment so don’t hesitate in going straight to your friendly Pro Shop assistant for help.
Clubs – You can have as many as 14 clubs in your bag. There are three types of clubs: woods, irons and putters.
Bag – Once you’ve got your clubs you are of course going to need somewhere to put them!
Balls – It’s probably best to adopt the mindset of ‘the more the better’ when you begin playing as some courses can be unforgiving.
Tees – The perfect drive requires the perfected tee placement so make sure you always have a few extra in your bag.
Marker – There’s no need to go all out on this one, a coin will do the trick.
Etiquette:
Etiquette plays an important part of the game of golf and established golfers and clubs can be quite particular about the way one plays so it’s best to remember the following:
- Play in turn. It’s the person who claimed the lowest score on the previous hole that tees off first. Once play has moved off the tee the person who is furthest away from the pin plays first.
- Stand in the right place. For your own safety make sure that you always stand behind and away from the person striking the ball to avoid any nasty injuries. When on the green don’t walk on the line between another player’s ball and the hole.
- Keep up with play. If you’re taking considerably longer than your playing partners (and the group behind you) on every shot you may ruffle a few feathers. There is no need to rush but don’t lag too far behind.
- Take care of the course. It takes a lot of work to keep a course in great shape so do your bit by replacing divots and raking bunkers after you’ve played out of them.
- FORE! As a beginner you’re likely to hit a fair number of shots that don’t go quite where you intended. If you strike the ball in the direction of other people, immediately - and loudly - shout ‘fore’. It’s a golfer’s way of saying ‘look out!’
Rules:
As with many sports, you don’t need to have the whole rule book memorised before you head out onto the course, but it is important to know a few key points:
- Don’t move your ball. Unless you’re on the green where you can mark your ball (usually with a coin or small marker), play the ball as it lies. Under certain circumstances if your ball is interfered with by an obstruction you can alter its positioning but its best to check with a more experienced player first.
- Leave other balls alone. While walking the course you may encounter other balls – don’t think they’re yours for the taking! Someone from another hole may have hit an errand shot and will be looking for it.
- Don’t take too long. This goes for preparing to take a shot and when looking for a lost ball.
