Golf: 5 Essentials for Every Golfer

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

June Issue 104

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www.thenewsyneighbour.com

No matter whether you are a budding professional golfer or an enthusiastic high-handicapper, there are some things that are essential for you to get the best out of your game. The five listed here will all help you to get maximum enjoyment and achievement out of your golf:

-          Take lessons: If it's good enough for the top professionals, it's good enough for you. The best golfers in the world are constantly working on their game, but even they enlist the help of qualified coaches to iron out the little faults that so easily creep in. Just ask at your local club - if they don't have a fully qualified and accredited teaching professional, they will know of one close by, and you really will notice the improvement in your game after just a few lessons. The lessons are not expensive for what you get in return.

-          Make sure your clubs fit you: The temptation to buy that shiny new set of clubs you have just seen on the television can be incredibly strong, but how do you know they will bring your scores down? The latest technology is never going to do your game any harm, but be sure you get the most out of it by taking advantage of the expert help that is readily available. Many of the large retail chains have a swing analysis suite where your action can be measured in minute detail, and even the qualified professional at your local club can do a good job of this by eye. The extra cost of having a new set of clubs fitted to you is small and it could make a very big difference to your game.

-          Always use the same balls: If you are an average golfer, it's less important what ball you use than it is to ensure that you don't chop and change. Good scoring in golf comes from consistency, which demands practice and attention to detail. If you always use the same type of ball, you have eliminated one variable. There are balls out there that will give excellent results without breaking the bank.

-          Get good quality attire: There is no doubt that some golfers can exhibit questionable taste in clothing, but there is a huge amount of high quality equipment available that looks good and is a reasonable price. Buy quality footwear - a round of golf is a four to five mile walk, even if you're not going hunting for the ball a lot - so it pays to look after your feet. Buying good quality clothing makes just as much sense. Comfortable, well fitted clothing won't distract you from the main object - hitting the ball.

-          Know your distances: This is vital to consistent scoring. Forget how far anybody else hits the ball with any given club - all that matters is how far you hit it, hopefully every time. Go to the driving range and hit plenty of shots with each club, keeping a mental note of how far the ball goes. Do bear in mind that typical range balls will not fly quite as far as the ball you would use on the course. When you get out on the course, approach every shot with the same routine. There are plenty of aids to help you know what distance is required - most courses have planners available for purchase and there are a variety of modern gadgets which will tell exactly how far you are from the hole.

Golf, for most people, is an enjoyable pastime, but everyone would like to shave a couple of shots off the handicap. Pay attention to the five simple points above and you will have every chance to do just that.

PT Corner