If you have wanted to learn how to play golf and had this on your bucket list for a while, now is the perfect time to prepare for the spring/summer season. Golf is a fun yet challenging sport that can be played by people of all genders, ages, and levels of athleticism. While your reason for wanting to start this year is personal to you, there are a few great reasons to learn how to play.

For many, the sport is about spending time with friends. It is an activity that takes time to play and goes at a pace that makes it easy for conversation. However, if you aim to meet new people, you can always head out to the club solo and let them know you would like to join a group. Others find it a way to spend time with their family and make weekend trips an activity they can enjoy together. Clubs come in all sizes, so even families can get a cart and clubs and enjoy bonding time. A round of golf also makes a great date with your spouse or someone you are getting to know. Learning a new skill together is a great way to strengthen your connection.

Golf is a great exercise and will help build endurance. It is a sport that requires a great deal of walking. If you are looking to increase your total steps this year, walking the course is a way to do so in an enjoyable way. Most courses are about a 4 – 5 mile walk. The regulatory course is typically 18 holes long and can have different lengths between each hole. The average holes are about 350 – 400 yards apart. This would make the hole a par 4. Each hole has a par that can be from 3 to 5. While a 3-par course can be more exciting as you can get to the green from the tee box, if exercise is your main goal, look for courses that include 4 or 5-par to allow for the additional steps. Even golfing one round a week can improve your sleep and lower your blood pressure.

For many people, work involves being inside, sometimes being in an office for most of the week. This provides a way to get outside and enjoy nature. Courses are beautifully manicured and have lush greenery to enjoy. They allow you to enjoy a quiet moment in nature and get a chance to get fresh air. It is proven that being in nature can reduce both anxiety and depression.

Golf is a game that you mostly play against yourself. Yes, you may play with others, and there can be a winner within your group. However, a great reason to try this sport is for the personal challenges it provides. Like all sports, it involves constant improvement of skill. When initially learning, you will need to master your grip, swing, aim, clubface control, strike the ball, pivot, and increase distance. You also need to learn the rules and etiquette of the game. These are just a few things you will need to start with! Mastering golf can be a lifelong process of constant improvement, physically and mentally challenging yourself.

It is also a fun activity to do at any level. You don’t have to be great at golfing to get enjoyment from the game. You will if you go into the game with an open mind determined to enjoy yourself. You don’t have to keep score if you don’t want to (unless you compete). One of the most amazing things about golf is the uniqueness of every course. With well over 15,000 courses in the United States, you can find a course that suits you. Many people travel around the country to experience different courses and enhance their enjoyment of the game.

This wonderful sport has something to offer almost anyone. It is a game that can help you improve your health, find new friends, make connections to the ones you have, build bonds with family, and improve your mental health. It is a game that brings challenge and discipline while being fun! Since it is a life-long game of improvement, you can set goals, train at your own pace, and use it to explore new places.

If you want to begin golfing this year but are on a budget, try looking at your local park district. Many will offer inexpensive classes for beginners. Local community colleges also offer adult enrichment programs that will offer group classes. You can also ask a friend who is an experienced golfer to help you get started or find a local course and sign up for instruction. Have fun, go to a driving range, and who knows – by this time next year, you can be better fit, healthier, have met new people, and be well on your way to entering a golf competition!

Here are a few fun accessories to get you started!

Divot Tool with Ball Marker

American Pride Ball Markers

Ball Marker Hat Clips

Golf Club Ball Marker Set

$5.99

Mark your spot on the golf green and showcase your love for the game of Golf with this special Golf Club Ball Marker Set. This...… read more