To an outsider, golf may seem like an intimidating sport to learn, especially since it’s a favorite among the rich and famous. But the truth is, anybody can learn to play it and anybody can become good at it. Here are a few practical tips and advice on learning the sport:
• Learn from the experts.
Sign up for golf lessons. Golf is a precision sport and you need proper training to be good at it. Here you will know the correct way of gripping your club, the right stances to take, how to stand over your ball, how to swing, etc. You can also expand your knowledge by reading up on books and watching video tutorials online.
• Read the rules.
Hit the books and read up on the rules of the sport. You can ask your golf trainer to teach you all of the rules of the game. You can also join online forums or communities that share your same passion for golf. They will be more than willing to help you out.
• Practice at the driving range.
It’s best to practice at the driving range first before going into a gold course. Practice builds your confidence and thereby your ability to play the sport. You can practice your swings and learn about trajectory. You will also realize that different conditions can affect your shot. As they say, practice makes perfect swings.
• Buy used clubs at first.
Golf club sets are pretty expensive. You don’t need to break the bank in order to play golf. You can buy used clubs when you’re still new to the sport. This is fine and is helpful especially if you’re paying for lessons and club membership.
• Observe etiquette at the course.
Talking on a cell phone is considered rude so make sure it’s off or on silent mode. Also, avoid talking when someone is about to make a stroke. In addition, don’t cross another player’s line while they are putting. It’s good advice that if it’s your first time, bring along someone who already plays golf so that he or she can show you what you should do and how to go about playing around the course.
The bottom line is, golf is not rocket science! Anyone can play it. You only need to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and keep on practicing. More importantly, don’t forget to have fun!