Learning How To Golf
If you are looking for a low-impact sport to help you stay active and healthy, you should consider learning how to golf. The sport is not just for business executives making deals as they play at luxury golf courses or fanatic Tiger Woods wannabees. Golf is not hard on your body like running or other aerobic activities but it is still a moderately intense activity that can help you lose calories and increase your metabolic rate. If you need some direction in beginning your journey the following primer provides you with some basic information and tips on becoming a competent golfer.
Get the Right Equipment
If you have fears that you will not be able to afford good quality golf equipment likes clubs and a sturdy bag, put those apprehensions aside. You do not need to purchase a full set of clubs in order to learn how to golf and play on a regular basis. A full golf set includes 13 clubs. Golf courses generally limit you to a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. When you are a beginner you only need three clubs: a driver, a putter and a sand wedge.
A driver, also called a 1 wood, is a distance club for hitting long shots. The putter is what you see golfers use for the very last shot when they are very close to the hole. A sand wedge helps you with precision, has a wide wedge and can enable you to hit the ball out of a patch of sand.
Once you begin taking lessons, ask your instructor for suggestions on what types of clubs you can add to those three. Many golf club brands offer hybrid products that are great for helping beginners get the ball airborne with good control and precision.
You may salivate at the beautifully embossed leather bags you see carried by professionals and wealthy golf enthusiasts. However, you can get the same protection for your clubs that those opulent bags provide at a much cheaper price point. Furthermore, if you are going to be carrying your own equipment around, you will be better off purchasing a bag made of lightweight, durable and water resistant materials such as polyester and nylon blends.
Make sure that the bag has a comfortable shoulder strap, a sturdy stand and plenty of zippered pockets for your accessories.
Keep these ideas in mind as you look through that wares of golf equipment vendors like The Golf Guys.
Sign Up For Lessons
There is no dearth of instructional materials for learning how to golf. Any well-stocked general bookstore will have plenty of books on the topic. Plus, there are tons of videos and apps for beginners. It may be helpful to pick up a basic beginner's guide to golf and invest in an app but nothing will be more helpful than actually taking lessons from an expert.
If you want to meet new people and save money, sign up for group lessons instead of individual instruction. For the most economical lessons, contact your local municipal golf course for their rates. In addition, colleges as well as city parks and recreation departments may also provide affordable lessons.
Practice, Practice, Practice
There is no point in investing in golf equipment and taking lessons if you do not practice. Plus, practicing is a great way to get out of the house, enjoy nice weather and supplement your exercise regimen.
Your local municipal golf course will once again be your budget savior as it will provide you with affordable tee times. Plus, you may not be able to reserve tee times on private courses at country clubs that are members-only if you do not join the club or know a member.
When you travel, bring your clubs on the trip. Ask your hotel's concierge about special rates on tee times for out-of-towners at luxury golf courses in the area. Many hotels partner with resort-style golf courses to provide lodgers with special rates.
Overall, if you want to make sure that golfing provides you with enough exercise to keep pounds off, resist the urge to rent a golf cart and instead walk around the course. This is also another way for you to save money.
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