The Essentials You Need To Raise Your Golfing Game

raising your golf game
The Essentials You Need To Raise Your Golfing Game
Photo by Steve Momot via Pexels.

When it comes to sports, there are so many new zany ones available for enthusiasts to now choose from. From ultimate frisbee (yep, you heard correctly!) to water polo, the worldwide sports scene is more innovative than ever. There are, of course, plenty of benefits to this, as it means there is quite literally a sport for everyone. But sometimes, you can’t go wrong with the classics, and many of us are more inclined to choose an old-school sport in favor of anything overly quirky. A good example of this would be golf, which is still going strong today despite being one of the oldest sports in the world.

Whether you choose to aim for professional standards or just want a bit of fun, golf is a pretty inclusive sport that almost anyone of any age can play. There are many benefits to taking it up, including increased levels of fitness, spending more time outdoors, and socializing regularly. But just like with any other sport, you’re going to need a few essentials to get started. After all, you wouldn’t head onto a golf course without your clubs any more than you would step onto an American football field without your helmet. If you’re not sure where to begin, here is a list of some of the items you may want to consider purchasing to kick off your golfing hobby – plus a few little extras to improve your experience too.

Clubs

You’ll be pleased to know that taking up golf as a hobby isn’t going to require you to remortgage your house. You can get hold of various types of golf clubs at a relatively low cost, although if you want to get a head start on your game, it could be worth looking into the best golf drivers.

Be aware, that in golf, different clubs are used for different things. Make a point of learning what clubs are used for what swing or put before you set foot on the course. After all, the last thing you want to do is try hitting a long range shot with your putter in front of a bunch of professionals! The bulk of your golf bag is likely to be made up of irons, which come in different numerical levels. Drivers are your best friend when it comes to hitting those long-range shots, and you will only ever use a putter when you are already on the green.

Golf Balls

The most loved and hated part of a golfer’s arsenal would have to be the golf balls. Obviously, you need them to play the game with, but they are those annoying things that you always seem to run out of! Of course, it is unlikely that you’re going to recover every single golf ball that you use. Some of them go missing in woodland or long grass, and you may also find that you end up shooting a few of them into the ponds on your local course. So, with that in mind, always make sure you have a hearty selection to choose from, as you’ll always need some for backup. If it helps, choose golf balls in bright, reflective colors like yellow and orange, which may help you see them better when they land on the course, and you won’t get them confused with other people’s balls. 

Glow in The Dark Golf Balls

The Right Clothing

You may not think so at first, but fashion plays a surprisingly large role in the game of golf. There are some casual golf courses where you can wear just about anything; most private clubs have strict rules with regards to what the players wear. These are for practical reasons, just as much as upholding a certain image. After all, playing in canvas shoes on a wet day and wearing restrictive skinny jeans isn’t going to do much for your game! Make sure whatever you go for is roomy enough for you to be able to ace that perfect swing. 

Chino trousers and polo shirts are common options for both men and women, as they give a nod to tradition while also being practical and pretty versatile. Ideally, make sure your trousers have fairly deep pockets so you can easily store tees and spare balls.

It is up to you how far you take this aspect of tradition with your golfing attire. Some players enjoy the fashion aspect of it and dress up with brightly printed jerkins and visors too, but that is entirely at your discretion. A good pair of shoes is also a must for golf, as in a typical game, you will walk around five miles. Visit your local sports store to purchase some specific golfing shoes; most of them are waterproof and ribbed underneath for extra grip.

The Extras

If you want to look like a pro on the course from the second you step on it, it can be a huge benefit to take some little extras with you. These are usually just the things that will make your game a little bit easier, so you have more time to enjoy the sport and the social aspect of it. One example of this is a good cart bag trolley. Of course, some people do rent golf caddies so they can easily transport their clubs and balls around the course, but the vast majority of people carry cart bags. Opt for one that is deep enough to hold even your longest clubs and one that has plenty of pockets to hold everything from golf balls to those important mid-round snacks!

It is also worth bearing in mind that during a game of golf, you will be outside for several hours in one go. We all know how unpredictable the weather can be at times, so pack a large golf umbrella, if the skies look a little bit questionable, a little bit of rain doesn’t have to ruin your fun!