Joanna James
Golfing is much more than hitting a ball with a fancy stick, and while getting a handle on the sport’s complexities can take time, the years of sophisticated enjoyment to come make it fully worth it! Here are some fail-safe hacks for beginners.
People play golf for different reasons. Whether it’s for fun, socialising, networking, or exercise, the first way to ramp up your performance is to get to know the terrain. While the rolling green slopes and scenic features of a golf course can be mesmerising, it's important to study it with a strategic eye. Having a good understanding of the course layout and various hazards like trees, streams, paths, and breaks will help you make smarter decisions and plan your shots in advance.
Before making your way to the course, hit the practice tee to get your blood flowing, lubricate your joints, and prepare your muscles for some powerful swings. This is also the perfect opportunity to engage with your companions and observe their etiquette on the course. Whether you’re out with clients or colleagues, building a solid rapport in a stimulating outdoor setting surrounded by nature-kissed beauty is much more effective than a stifling boardroom discussion. If you’re looking for a golf resort in Sri Lanka that combines panoramic views with state-of-the-art facilities, venture no further than the resorts offered by the likes of John Keells Properties.
In any sport, discipline precedes technique, and the only way to excel at the game is to be consistent and dedicated to improving yourself. Therefore, if you’re new to golf or haven’t played in a while, make sure to refresh your memory on the basic rules and lingo of the sport, from playing the ball from where it lies and teeing off from behind the markers to being aware of out-of-bounds penalties and knowing how to mark your ball’s progress on the green. You can ask more experienced players to guide you on the order of play, where to stand, and how best to putt. After you can confidently handle yourself from tee to green, then it’s time to work on your style and technique.
Your grip on the golf club has a significant impact on the effectiveness, safety, and comfort of your swing, and the key is to make sure your wrist has a wide range of movement. During practice sessions, focus on perfecting your stance, posture, and alignment toward the target instead of mindlessly taking shots. Focus on fine-tuning the mechanics of your swing by starting slow and deliberate, gradually increasing speed as you get more comfortable. Work with a qualified on-site instructor who can provide personalised feedback.
The biggest handicap to performing well on the golf green is being so hyper-focused on scoring that you forget to enjoy the moment. Feeling anxious, stressed, and insecure will tense up your muscles and lead to poor technique, which in turn can cause you to vent your frustrations on your comrades. While you’re expected to be competitive, don’t let that make you a bad sport!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
