Learning to golf is a wonderful way to get some exercise, improve your coordination and socialize while getting some sun. If you are an intensely competitive person, you will enjoy committing your time to a sport that takes both athleticism and concentration. If you are not an intensely competitive person, you can still enjoy the company and the exercise. Golf truly has something for everyone!
What Gear to Bring
If you express your interest in golf to an avid golfer, they can give you tons of information on the best greens. Make sure you also get information on the organizations that offer:
- club rental
- time with a pro
- plenty of time on the driving range
Getting clubs of the right length from a rental shop can be a bit tricky. However, you may want to hold off on buying clubs until you have tested out a few different manufacturers and styles and are sure of where you want to make that investment.
Pay special attention to the length of the rental clubs as you get a feel for them. Long clubs can increase your distance, but they will limit your accuracy. Shorter clubs can make it easier to be accurate, but they may limit your distance. A long drive can feel great after you hit it, but not if it goes wildly off the green.
What to Wear
For your early golf outings, wear something comfortable. You will want clothing that fits fairly close to the body to avoid a loose sleeve getting in the way of your swing. You'll also want something breathable for cool comfort. Consider getting golf clothing that offers UV protection to reduce the amount of sunscreen you have to wear.
Time on the greens can expose you to sun and wind. Make sure you check out a golf apparel sale and get a hat that offers brim protection but doesn't risk your peripheral vision. You will need to see if other golfers are getting close, if there is wildlife about, or if the cart is rolling away.
Protection From Sun and Heat
Depending on where you're playing, a long golf game can get quite hot. Make sure that you always have access to:
- plenty of cool water
- a hat to protect your face and eyes
- sunscreen
Plan your golfing schedule accordingly so that you can avoid the hottest part of the afternoon unless you love time in the heat. Use a spray sunscreen that offers water resistance and keep applying it. Ask a golfing partner to spray the backs of your legs and arms, and don't forget your ears!
Budget Considerations
Once you've enjoyed some time with a pro and have found clubs that suit you, you can take your golf game in several directions. There are probably public courses in your area, or you may choose to just go to the driving range and work on your swing.
No matter what your golf goals are, improving in golf is something that takes muscle memory. You will need to spend time with your clubs in hand to develop a consistent swing. Working with your clubs will also increase your hand strength and your grip control.
Build Strength
Too much time with your golfing gear can lead to a condition known as golfer's elbow. Again, any form of exercise should be followed up by stretches. Take care to stretch your upper back, your chest, and your low back after each round of golf. Avoid focusing on just the elbow; stretching the tissue at this joint could just cause more inflammation.
Consider also working with small weights to strengthen your hands. If you notice elbow pain, you may need to slow down or stop your golfing routine for a bit while you increase strength and flexibility. All the muscles of your wrists and hands travel through a very small gap in the elbow. If this becomes inflamed, using your hands can hurt a lot and you may become clumsy when trying to grip a pencil or a coffee cup. Pay attention to this pain.
Conclusion
Golf is a great workout. Focus on being better than yesterday and avoid comparing yourself to your golfing partner or the players coming up behind you. Find other golfers who have a similar competitive style to you and head for the driving range!
