Playing golf for the first time? Here's all you need to know.
Playing golf can seem very simple or very difficult. The truth is that it is not a complicated sport, but it requires a good knowledge of the basic concepts, rules of the game, tricks, what is the most appropriate clothing... So let's start with the basic information you need to know to start on the road to becoming a golf expert.
What does the sport consist of? Putting balls into holes, you might think. Well, yes, but there's a story to it. You have to put the ball into each hole using different types of clubs depending on distance and position, but taking as few shots as possible.
In a game, it is normal to play at least 18 consecutive holes. It is a good sport to keep in shape and at the same time have a great time with the other players.
The course A common course normally has 18 holes numbered consecutively and different from each other, although there may be fewer holes with a minimum of 9.
The holes are on the greens, are circular in shape and are covered on the inside with a metal cover. The lower end of the flag is placed inside them.
The tee-off is the place where golfers start play on each of the holes. Between the tee and the green is the space called the fairway. The fairways have obstacles that make it difficult for the ball to reach the hole.
If you want to play this sport, you will find public courses, where you don't need to become a member and you only pay for the course, and private courses, where you will have to become a member to enjoy their services.
The clubs To play golf you need a series of clubs (four 'woods' and ten irons) and each of them is for a different purpose. We say 'woods' because, although they are called woods, they are not made of that material, but of titanium or steel.
Depending on the material, they reach different distances and are used for different purposes:
Woods, the clubs for long distances that achieve maximum power. They are used for the longest shots, such as the moment of teeing off, the start. They are the most complicated to learn to use, so patience is required as it takes time. Iron, recommended for medium distance and total control, so it is advisable to use them in the most complicated situations, such as high grass. Wedges, for shorter distances. Whenever you are closer to the green we recommend you use them, as well as to get the ball out of the sand traps called bunkers. Hybrids, the easiest to use: handy and light, which try to improve the experience of the previous ones. Putter, the club for the final star shots. This club is used to push the ball onto the green. It is the club with the greatest variety of models (be careful, it may take you an hour to decide between them all), you will be amazed when you look for it! What we recommend if your goal is to start or learn to play golf, is to borrow a club, rent one, look for a second hand one... Any option that does not commit you to invest in a new one. This way you can first check if it is worth buying a brand new one, and with just one you can start.
Afterwards, you will already have many people you know and professionals who will be able to advise you on which model to buy, as there are different types, sizes and models and they have to be chosen based on your physical build.
Clothing You only need to wear comfortable clothes. Of course, golf shoes and gloves. But bear in mind that depending on the course or club you are going to and its etiquette, you may need to wear something specific. The best thing to do is to find out by phone or when you go to register.
The lessons It is always advisable to have a professional who can teach you the basic strokes, rules, tricks, terminology?
Also, the professional will make it possible for you to obtain a handicap. This is one of the most characteristic elements of the sport, which applies to amateur players. The handicap consists of the strokes of advantage that a player can have depending on his level of play, so that all the people in the field can play in the same tournament with equal conditions. In addition to the professional's assessment of your national handicap, you will have to pass a simple test on the basic rules of golf.
With all this you already have a first idea of how to play golf and you can start practising with ease. But be sure to watch a lot of videos with examples and use a lot of golf vocabulary if you don't want to get lost in conversation. Let's get going!
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