Learn to Play Golf – Top 5 Reasons
Golf is one of the most popular recreational sports in the world. Sports like football and baseball may be more popular from a spectator perspective, but those are games which are difficult to play as you get older. The same cannot be said of golf. Once you learn how to play, golf is a game that you should be able to continue to enjoy throughout much of the rest of your life. While it is known for being difficult, learning to play golf is worth the effort thanks to the many benefits you will enjoy as a recreational player.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the top five reasons why you should consider learning to play golf. It is important to note that there are really two things which you will need to invest in order to get started in this game – time, and money. From a time perspective, you are going to have to spend some time on the driving range learning the basics of the swing. Taking a few lessons is always a great idea for beginners, and you should be sure to spend some time learning the short game as well. You certainly don't need to be an advanced player to have fun out on the course, but you do need to have a basic ability to move the ball in the general direction of the target with most of your swings. Once you learn the basics, you can gradually improve over time through the experience you gather on the course.
When it comes to money, there is no getting around the fact that golf can be expensive. It doesn’t have to break the budget, however, as long as you are smart with how you get started. For instance, buying used golf clubs is a great idea for the beginner. There will be plenty of time to buy a nicer, more expensive set of clubs later on, after you have learned the basics of the game. For now, affordable used clubs will work just fine. Also, playing your first few rounds at an affordable, municipal course is a good option. Those courses will cost you less to play, and you will also be likely to encounter other golfers at your level. Playing high-end courses will not only cost you more money, but you will also find yourself playing among more experienced golfers – something you might not be ready to do just yet.
So, as long as you are willing to invest some time and a bit of money into this new hobby, you could wind up with a passion that you carry on for many years to come. Let's get on with our list of the top five reasons to pick up the game of golf.
One of the side effects of the technological revolution that we have seen in recent years is the fact that people are spending more and more time indoors. With endless entertainment options at your fingertips, it is easy to find yourself sitting on the couch watching a movie or internet video rather than getting out and doing things yourself. If you are a golfer, however, you will have a built in reason to get out in the fresh air for a few hours. Golf is played on grass, of course, so golf courses tend to be a relaxing, beautiful place to spend your time. Even if you shoot a score that rises well into the 100's, you should still be able to have a great time outdoors in nature.
This point is a particular advantage for those who sit in an office during their average work day. If you are one of the millions of people who spends eight hours a day (or more) seated in front of a computer monitor, you might come to quickly look forward to your weekend round of golf. Or, you might find that you get in the habit of sneaking out of the office late in the afternoon for a quick nine holes before the sun goes down. Working in front of a computer is just a fact of life for many people in the modern world, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to get outside when you aren't in the office. Golf is a game that will never be able to be moved indoors, so being a golfer is always going to afford you a chance to be outside for an extended period of time.
Along with the time you get to spend outside playing golf is going to come some exercise that you might not have gotten otherwise. Sure, playing a round of golf isn’t the same kind of workout as running several miles at the gym, but it is still better than sitting around all day long. If you are a golfer who chooses to walk the course, you are going to cover several miles as you play, and you may even be walking up and down hills as well. It is harder and harder to find time for physical exercise in modern life, so even the modest exercise that is provided by golf should be a welcome addition to your schedule. Of course, the physical benefits of playing golf are mostly going to be lost when you ride in a cart, so opt for walking as often as you can (as long as you don’t have a physical limitation which makes the cart a better choice).
You don’t even have to have time to fit in a full round of golf to have this hobby pull you outdoors. When you take an hour to visit the driving range, that is time that will be spent outside as well. Driving range visits are great because they not only help improve your game, but they also give you a physical activity to enjoy that is not as time consuming as a full 18-hole round. If your schedule is tight and you only get out to play golf once a month or so, making frequent trips to the range is a great way to get yourself outside while honing your skills. Players who make a habit of heading to the range on a consistent basis tend to improve far more quickly than those who only use their swing when actually on the course.
#2 – Build New Friendships – and Maintain Old Ones
Golf is, by nature, a social game. If you think about it, most of the time you spend playing a round of golf is idle time spent walking (or riding) in between shots. In a four-hour round of golf, you are only going to be actively swinging the club for maybe two or three minutes – at the most. The rest of that time is going to be spent planning your shots, looking for your ball, waiting for other groups to play, etc. While golf is a great game, it is not a fast game, meaning there is plenty of time for building relationships with the other players in your group.
First, golf is an excellent way to keep in touch with old friends. Everyone has a group of people who they don’t see as often as they used to, as it can be hard to keep up with friends during the rush of day to day life. However, if some of those friends happen to be golfers, you can easily schedule a round for the purpose of catching up (as well as having some fun on the links). Even if you only play golf with a particular friend once or twice per year, that can be enough to keep the friendship alive and well. Without golf, the bond between yourself and some of your friends may eventually be broken.
Golf is not only a great way to keep your friendships alive, but it is also a great way to build new ones with people that you meet at the course. If you join a group at your local course – such as the Men’s Club or Women’s Club – you will have a chance to meet a variety of new people who you know already share a common interest. Frequently people who meet at the golf course will wind up being friends away from golf as well, so getting started in this game is a nice way to build your social circle.
If you are a total beginner and you don’t happen to have any friends who also play golf, ask employees at your local course to keep you in mind when other groups need a ‘fourth’ to fill out their tee time. Most golf shops will be happy to put your name on a list of singles looking for a group, and you may find that you get paired up with friendly, enjoyable people who also love to spend their time out on the golf course. Golfers tend to enjoy chatting with other golfers, even if they are beginners, so it is quite easy to make friends in this way.
All golfers want to improve. The quest for lower scores is what brings most people back time and again, as you can always improve on some part of your game. Even the top players in the world are constantly striving to get better, as golf is a game that can never be mastered. Since perfection on the golf course is not going to happen anytime soon, one of the best things about picking up this game is the opportunity to continue working toward a goal for years to come.
When you first get started, you may set a relatively modest goal for yourself – such as breaking 100 for an 18-hole round. Once you check that goal off of your list, you may revise your target to a new goal of shooting a round under 90. After that, breaking the 80 barrier is a typical target. Finally, for some advanced golfers, the goal of breaking 70 will come into view. As you can see, goals in golf can develop right along with your game, so you won’t ever feel like you are done improving. Once one goal is checked off, there is always another one waiting there to be targeted.
For adults, it can be hard to find things in life that will provide goals and motivation to work on developing a skill. These kinds of opportunities abound when we are young, but they are harder and harder to come by later in life. As you settle into the routine of working your job and maintaining your family life, you might lose track of doing things to improve yourself. It always feels good to reach a goal, and playing golf gives you the chance to set and reach goals for yourself continuously. You don’t have to be a highly competitive golfer or person to be focused on reaching new goals, so consider golf as an opportunity to do just that.
Another one of the great things about golf compared to other sports is the many ways in which you can compete with others who play the game. You might have a hard time finding an adult baseball or football league to play in, but you should have no trouble at all locating some golf tournaments to enter. There are golf competitions for players of all skill levels, so you certainly don’t have to be a single-digit handicap player to compete. As long as you are willing to put yourself under a bit of pressure on the course, you can have a great time testing your skills against other golfers in your area. In addition to the fun you will have in the tournaments, these kinds of competitions can be another opportunity for goal setting. For instance, if you finish 15th in your club championship tournament one year, you could set a goal to finish in the top-10 next year.
One of the ironies of life is the fact that most people have more free time on their hands as they age, yet the hobbies they wished to pursue at an earlier time are now too physically demanding to be enjoyed. For instance, you might have wanted to run a marathon at some point in your life, but it can be hard to find time for that training schedule when you have small kids and a busy job. Once you have more spare time, your body may no longer be up for the task. This is yet another reason why golf is such a great game to pick up as soon as possible. By learning to play the game now, you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come. Hopefully, when you reach retirement age, you will be able to spend a large amount of your free time roaming the fairways with friends.
Of course, playing golf now is about more than just being able to play even more when you are older. This game has a way of becoming more and more enjoyable with each passing round, as you develop memories and stories that can be shared for generations. If you develop bonds with other golfers who you play with frequently, the memories you make on the golf course are likely to be some of your favorite memories throughout any part of life.
In this way, golf is more attractive than a hobby that you pick up for a short period of time before moving on to something else. If you are constantly switching hobbies while looking for the next best thing, you will miss out on the chance to develop those great memories that only come through time and experience. Sit around the restaurant at your local golf course for a couple hours one afternoon and you are almost sure to hear older golfers chatting about shots that were hit many years ago. As those stories are shared, and exaggerated, you are going to hear plenty of laughter as well. Just like fishing, part of the fun of the game of golf is the stories and the tall tales that carry on as the years add up.
There is no need to overcomplicate this article – at the end of the day, you should consider picking up the game of golf as a hobby because it is fun. When you get a chance to break away from your daily obligations to spend some recreational time with family or friends, you want to do something enjoyable and entertaining. Golf fits the bit nicely, as it is a great way to casually compete with others while spending time outside on beautiful courses. Whether you are able to play at a high level or you are happy just to keep the ball on the grass, everyone can find some enjoyment from this great game.
One of the many things that makes golf so much fun is the variety of ‘moments’ that can occur during a round of golf. Avid golfers often credit these moments with being what brings them back to the course time and time again. The list below contains some examples of the great kinds of moments that you can experience when you are a golfer.
- Blasting a perfect drive. There are few feelings in the game of golf, or in sports, for that matter, that can match the feeling of smashing a perfect drive right down the middle of the fairway. When you catch your tee shot just right, the ball will hang in the air for several seconds as it flies – giving you time to admire your work. Don’t look down early to pick up your tee, as you will be robbing yourself of some of the fun of this kind of shot. Watch the ball fly, see it land and bounce in the fairway, and then wish your playing partners good luck as they try to keep up with you.
- Knocking an iron shot close to the hole. While long drives are fun because they give you the chance to watch the ball fly, hitting a great iron shot is enjoyable because it sets up a chance for a birdie. In order to hit the ball close to the hole with one of your irons, you have to do a lot of things right. You need to pick the right club, judge the wind correctly, execute the swing, and have the ball stop as expected. When all of that comes together as you would like, your ball should come to rest near the hole and your putter will be asked to finish the job.
- Holing a birdie putt. Speaking of your putter, actually making that birdie putt is another great moment that you should savor. Whether the putt is from just a few feet or from all the way across the green, seeing the ball disappear might be the best feeling of all. Walking off the green with a birdie will bring your score down by a stroke relative to par, and it will also give you confidence for the rest of the round.
- Coming up clutch under pressure. Performing well under pressure on the golf course is not at all easy, but it is extremely satisfying. As you get nervous on the course, your heart rate may begin to pick up and your hands may even sweat slightly. Even while your body is noticing the pressure, your mind should be focused on executing your technique properly. With great execution, you can overcome the pressure to hit a quality shot. Performing well under pressure in golf is addictive, and you are likely to want to put yourself in more and more pressure situations just so you can see how you do.
- Learning to play golf can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, here are some top reasons why learning to play golf can be beneficial:
- Health and Fitness: Golf is a great way to stay active and improve your overall fitness. Walking on the golf course, swinging the club, and carrying or pushing a golf bag can provide cardiovascular exercise and burn calories. It also helps with strength, flexibility, and balance as you engage various muscles throughout your body during each swing.
- Outdoor Recreation: Golf is often played in beautiful outdoor settings, surrounded by nature. It allows you to spend time in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The golf course provides a peaceful and serene environment, offering a break from the stress and pressures of work or other responsibilities.
- Social Interaction: Golf is a social sport that provides an opportunity to meet new people and develop friendships. Whether you join a golf club or participate in tournaments, you'll have the chance to network and connect with fellow golfers. Golf can be played with friends, family, or colleagues, making it a great activity for building relationships and creating lasting memories.
- Mental Focus and Relaxation: Golf requires concentration and mental focus, making it a great way to challenge your mind and improve mental acuity. The strategic elements of the game, such as selecting the right club, reading the course, and planning shots, engage your problem-solving skills. Additionally, the tranquil nature of the golf course can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Lifetime Learning: Golf is a sport that you can continue to play and improve at throughout your life. There is always something new to learn, whether it's mastering different shots, understanding course management, or improving your swing technique. Golf provides ongoing opportunities for personal growth and skill development, ensuring that you never stop learning.
- Business and Networking: Golf is often regarded as a sport of business. Many important business deals and networking opportunities take place on the golf course. Being able to play golf can open doors to valuable connections and enhance your professional relationships. It provides a relaxed and informal setting to connect with colleagues, clients, and potential business partners.
- Personal Challenge and Achievement: Golf can be a challenging sport, both physically and mentally. Mastering the game requires practice, patience, and perseverance. Each round presents a new opportunity to set personal goals and achieve them. Whether it's improving your score, hitting longer drives, or sinking more putts, the sense of accomplishment when you see progress is immensely satisfying.
- Time in Nature: Golf courses are often meticulously maintained and offer a green and tranquil environment. Playing golf allows you to spend time in nature, appreciating the beauty of the landscape and the natural elements. It's a chance to disconnect from technology, enjoy the scenery, and experience a sense of serenity.
- Competitive Fun: Golf can be a competitive sport, whether you're playing against yourself, friends, or participating in tournaments. It offers the opportunity to challenge yourself and compare your skills against others. The friendly competition can add excitement and enjoyment to the game, motivating you to improve and strive for better results.
- Travel and Exploration: Golf courses can be found in various locations around the world, making it a great sport for travelers and explorers. Golf trips and vacations allow you to visit new destinations, experience different cultures, and play on stunning courses. It's a way to combine your love for golf with your passion for travel.
Overall, learning to play golf provides a wide range of benefits, from physical exercise and mental stimulation to social connections and personal achievement.
In all, golf is an easy sell. This is one of the most popular recreational sports in the world for a reason, as there are far more positives than there are negatives to speak of with regard to golf as a hobby. If you do decide to get involved in this game, there are really only two words which you need to remember – have fun!
