Golf – Beginner Basics III The Long Game

The long game refers to your drives (shots off the
tee) and fairway shots; everything short of the shots
you make to get onto the green.

Each hole has a different difficulty level, different
par and distinctive hazards, so instructing you to use
your Driver on every tee would be blatantly wrong.

This is something you will learn over time playing golf

As you learn the various shots you make according to the golf
club, the placement of the golf ball and your personal
swing.

Generally speaking, the lower the club number, the
longer and lower your golf ball will go. A 4-iron shot will
travel long and low and will most likely roll, whereas
a 9-iron shot will have much more loft and go less
distance both in the air and on the ground.

The professionals on television make golf look so easy

they consistently hit the golf ball long and straight and
never miss-hit the golf ball making it dribble ten feet, or
completely miss the golf ball.

Driving is very important to the game, and many hours
spent at the driving range will help improve your
distance. Experiment with the same golf club to see what
works for you if you move the golf ball forward or backward
in your stance. Take a lesson, if possible, and learn
the proper swing from the beginning.

Mastering the long game helps you get to the green in
fewer strokes, keeping your score and frustration
level down. Remember that it takes a long time to
learn consistency and remember to have fun while learning to golf

Golf – Beginner Basics II

What to keep in your golf bag. There are many golf bags available, some designed for fashion, some for utility and some that combine both features. There are big golf bags, bigger golf bags and golf bags so big that they would keep everything I need for a long weekend vacation in one of the side pockets!

Generally speaking, you need a golf bag just large enough to hold all of your golf articles

Your clubs, extra golf balls, your glove, tees, car keys, extra pencils, ball markers, a ball retriever, sunscreen, a windbreaker and a large umbrella. It is also a good idea to have a packet of tissues, a band-aid or two, and if you play courses where insects are a problem, a can of bug repellent comes in very handy. A small pack of baby wipes come in very handy; in your bag they get warmed by the heat, so when you get sweaty or a sand trap covered you with sand, a nice warm wipe can be very refreshing. I happen to be allergic to bees, hornets and wasps, so my Epipen is an important addition to my bag. I am also hypoglycemic so I carry Lifesavers, which has to be replaced several times throughout the year because they tend to melt.

One item that doesn’t need to be in your golf bag is your cell phone.

If you must carry it, turn off the ringer as a courtesy to other players.If you must use it, be aware of others who might be taking a swing or putting their ball. Be considerate! Having these items in your golf bag should provide everything you will need, even in a minor emergency (like a blister) or a major inconvenience, like a sudden rainstorm. Having the right golf bag makes the game a great deal more fun.

Golf-Beginner Basics I

The popularity of golf has increased tremendously over
the past forty five years, giving us champions like
Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods, and
world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta
National and the Blue Monster at Doral.

Why has golf become so popular?

It’s the opportunity
to be outside, to get a good whole body workout,
network with friends or business colleagues at a
leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never
perfect.

Your scorecard, over time, shows your improvement,
which keeps you playing again and again.

Here is a very basic lesson in golf for the person who
has no clue about the game.

Golf is played on an eighteen-hole course

Each hole has its “par”, which is the number of tee shots
(drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you
approach the green), and putts.

The par number is based on the length and difficulty
of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the
ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you
“made par.” If it took you six shots, it’s called a
bogie, if you made it in four, it’s a birdie.
There are usually “hazards” of some sort on all the
holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are
strategically placed to make the hole more
challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find
courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer
hazards.

Each player keeps their own score, marking the number
of total number of shots for each hole. At the end,
each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the
winner.It is important for beginner golfers to not take
themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get
good at this game; even though the professionals make
it look so easy.

Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you
develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good
start.

Remember that it’s just a golf game. Have fun and look at
the big picture-you’re outside and you’re not at work! Enjoy your golf game