Golf is an immensely popular sport. It is enjoyed by people all over the world, from America to Saudi Arabia, and everywhere in between.
However, while it is indeed a lot of fun and very popular it is also quite a confusing, technical sport. For beginners, mastering golf can be a real challenge.
Individuals interested in taking up golf need first to learn how to play the game, memorise its rules, and buy themselves quality equipment. Rather than tackling the first two things, this post will explore what equipment beginners need to buy.
Golf Clubs
The most important tools in golfers’ arsenals are their clubs. There are many different types of clubs. Each club has its own specific use and purpose. Researching and reading more information about different types of clubs before buying any is essential. Beginners cannot buy a set until they know what each club is supposed to be used for. Using clubs for the wrong things will stunt your growth and development as a golfer. It should also be noted that if other golfers see beginners misusing clubs they are likely to intervene and offer advice, which can be embarrassing.
Storage Bag
Storage bags are another essential piece of equipment. Golfers are required to carry lots of things around with them. It is impossible to carry all of the essentials around without a bag. It is important to note, players are not required to haul a huge bag around with them on the course. Most clubs give their members access to golf carts. Golf carts can be used to travel around large courses. For smaller courses, wheelbarrows are used to carry heavy equipment bags around.
Extra Balls
Anybody who has ever stepped foot on a golf course before will know that they are like graveyards for golf balls, they can be found almost everywhere. Most of the balls that you use are going to go missing. Bringing extra balls along with you is therefore important. One thing that’s worth knowing is that branded golf balls can be very expensive but are often no better than generic ones. Buying generic balls in bulk will save you a lot of money. It makes no sense to invest in branded balls. Experts say you should carry a minimum of nine balls with you at all times.
Comfortable Shoes
Golfers spend a lot of time on their feet. Comfortable shoes are therefore essential. Wearing uncomfortable shoes could lead to the development of blisters, rashes, and skin irritation. All of these things can stunt your performance. Most golfers buy expensive branded footwear. You do not need any special shoes for golfing, however. As long as what you’re wearing is comfortable then you have nothing to worry about. You could even wear slippers onto a golf course if you wanted to. Most clubs do expect their members to arrive wearing semi-formal footwear, however. Check your club’s dress requirements before buying shoes.
Tight Gloves
Handling golf clubs can irritate the skin on the palms of your hands. Gloves are therefore another essential piece of equipment. Most golfers wear fingerless gloves. Honestly, there is no difference between fingerless and fingered gloves. Something you will learn after you have been golfing for a while is that golfers tend to be very obsessive about fashion and how they look. As long as you have gloves that stop your hands from chaffing when you handle and swing your club, you have nothing to worry about. Leather gloves are ideal because they offer a better grip.
Training Sessions
There is no point in buying expensive golfing equipment unless investment is also going to be made into improving one’s skills. Golf is a highly technical sport, as already mentioned. Becoming better at it can take months and even years in some cases. There are a variety of online courses, tutorials, and guides that beginners can take. It is also possible to attend in-person training sessions. The vast majority of golf clubs hold beginners’ classes. These classes are sometimes included in the cost of a person’s club membership.
Club Membership
Club membership is the last thing beginners need to think about investing in. It is impossible to play golf without a club membership. Most people assume golf clubs are expensive to join but this is not true. Most of them are very affordable. There are of course exclusive clubs that cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, but they tend to be frequented more by politicians, celebrities, and the social elite. Beginners do not need to worry about joining such clubs.
Golf can be a difficult sport to learn to master. However, with the right equipment and proper training, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. If equipment costs are too much, then consider buying things second-hand. As long as you buy from a reputable seller, second-hand gear will be just as good as new equipment.
