Proven time and again to be so much more than a good walk spoiled, golf is the sport of choice for millions of people all around the globe. You can head to some of the most beautiful places in the world to engage in this popular activity, but just how difficult is it really to pick up the sport and is it actually something that you should try?
Here we will take a look at how to get started playing golf, and help you decide if it could well be the sport for you.
How difficult is it to play golf?
When it comes to playing golf well, it is unfortunately pretty difficult indeed. Golf is not a sport that you can pick up in one day and instantly excel at, requiring time, effort and patience to reach a level of skill. That being said, the basics are fairly simple to understand, and you can practice each of the different skills involved in different areas until you feel competent enough to try a full game.
The driving range is a great place to get a feel for the long shots involved in the game, and there is something extremely satisfying about belting a ball as hard and far as possible. You can also practice your putting, aiming to make those last shots count as you attempt to tap the ball into the hole.
It can take a while to get the skills and confidence necessary to venture out onto the course, but you can get lessons, practice your golf swing in your spare moments, and take steps to work on your skills to get them to the right level.
Unlike many sports, while it may take longer to pick up golf than skiing, for example, you aren’t likely to fall or get injuries while learning how to play. Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, deciding exactly how and where to hit your ball so that it goes where you need it to, but it is not one that is likely to leave you with a broken leg as an amateur.
Another aspect that makes golf so tricky is the number of components involved. You have to learn about how and when to use 14 types of golf clubs, how to approach different holes on a variety of courses, account for the weather and understand that a tiny error could leave your ball in the rough or even worse.
To reach a basic competency in golf could well take years, and proper mastery many years more, but there are plenty of reasons to put in the time and take up golf as your new pastime now.
Why is golf so fun?
Golf is considered to be the greatest game around for so many people, and one of the key reasons is that it is so much fun. There is so much to enjoy about golf, and here are a few top examples to inspire your trip to the nearest course:
- Golf is fun for all the family – whether you are old or young and of any gender, golf is a game that can be played by pretty much anyone who wants to give it a go. It is an ideal game to play with family from infancy through to your 90s if you want, another good reason to put the time in to learn how to play now.
- It lets you spend time outdoors – there is really nothing better than strolling around a lush green course in the warm sunshine, taking your time and soaking in the fresh air and gorgeous views as you play. Some courses are handily located with sea views and sand, others with shimmering lakes and abundant wildlife. It truly beats spending time in a gym or stadium for the visuals on offer.
- It is competitive but also respectful – golf is a sport for those who respect good sportsmanship, generally free from dirty tactics and the tempers that can flare in most other sports. You can have a real battle against whoever you are playing to win, but also play against yourself to get the best score you can and enjoy your own victories that way.
- It’s always about the next shot – golf is an incredibly addictive game because of the highs and lows involved. You can feel on top of the world one moment, and then scuff a shot or two and end up over par in the next. Don’t be surprised if you take up golf and find that urge to improve getting stronger in you by the game.
Why is golf so expensive?
Golf can certainly feel like an expensive undertaking, particularly if you aren’t sure whether you want to dive right in and commit to playing from the start. Many people who start playing golf don’t own their own clubs and pay to play as a guest or on a day fee to get started.
If you have to rent out your clubs from the shop each time you go and play you will soon be spending far more than if you just bought a set outright, and the same goes for membership at a particular golf course. Investing in complete golf sets from the get-go is a wise choice as clubs are meant to last, and you can save on renting fees before eventually buying your own.
There is no denying that between your equipment and fees amongst other expenses, golf is not the cheapest sport to play. However, you will find that being out on the course, meeting new friends and feeling your skill level improve, you will find that it was worth every penny.
Final thoughts
Golf is not the easiest or cheapest sport to take up, requiring an initial investment in both equipment and somewhere to play, and also of your time. You cannot pick up any club and instantly become a golf pro, it takes time and dedication to get even a basic level of skill at the game, but once you have it you will never look back.
Golf is a fantastic sport for people of all ages to get involved in, and whether you are a serious competitor, a relaxed player or really do simply enjoy a good walk in a beautiful environment while giving it a go, there is plenty about golf to suit everyone.
