Golf

Want to join in a challenging sport with time to talk, that is quietly energetic in nice surroundings?

then give golf a go - join two million UK golf-players!

Golf is a game of skill and judgement, which huge numbers of people find hugely enjoyable and absorbing. Every hole, and every course is unique, and changing wind and weather also gives endless challenges. A full round of golf takes about four miles of walking, so golf is also very good exercise.

Golf is played sociably - and has a deserved reputation for helping social networking - and competitively at club, county and international levels. At top levels, it is a popular spectator sport.

a short guide to golf and its jargon

In a ‘round’ of golf, you play each ‘hole’ on a 9 or 18 golf ‘course’, usually with 1 to 3 other golfers. You win a hole is if you hit your golf-ball from the ‘tee’ (start point) into the hole with the least number of strokes. A system of handicapping gives players of different ability an equal chance to with the overall round.

Initially you ‘drive’ or ‘tee off’ with heavier golf clubs (’woods’), aiming to get as far as possible straight along the mown ‘fairway’.

Lighter angled clubs (’irons’) then are used for shorter shots that get you over - or out of - various hazards (sand ‘bunkers’, ‘the rough’ unmown grass, hillocks, streams, ponds and ditches), and onto the short fine grass of the ‘green.

Finally a careful ‘reading’ of the slopes of the green, and a carefully judged ‘putt’ with your brass ‘putter’ will ‘sink’ your ball into the hole.

where to play

There are thousands of golf courses around the country. The older ones are mostly member owned, often with waiting lists. Membership of a golf club usually allows you to play at other clubs (their green fees will still be payable). Others are ‘pay and play’ courses run by councils or commercial companies. Nearly all need prior booking, especially at the weekend.

You can learn and practice your golf swing at the many driving ranges, hiring balls by the bucketful and more practice in a very short time than in playing a full round.

Going steadily towards the ‘amusements’ end of golf are Pitch and Putt courses - like golf but with only one iron and one putter each; putting courses, and Mini- or Crazy-golf with a tiny artifical course packed with ingenious obstacles.

golf with a disability

Some clubs allow disabled golfers to play from special electric golf buggies - and elderly players find buggies a boon too. Blind golfers play with verbal advice from a companion. Women and young golfers are encouraged.

costs

With golf equipment, annual club fees and per match ‘green fees’, golf can be fairly expensive. You can try it for much less by hiring clubs and playing on public courses. In England, the “Get into Golf” scheme (see box) offers free taster sessions.

golf: a profile

take part? just you | small group | with family
where? outside
energy/fitness level? relaxed
sociability? usually able to talk
disability access*? limited | ok with help
can be played? competitively
contact sport? non-contact
try it cost? low | moderate
play it cost? moderate

* Individual circumstances vary hugely, and this affects participation in any sport. This guide is necessarily general in nature and may not suit your situation.

starting golf?

Going to give golf a go? Good idea!

You’ll probably want to get tuition and practice before investing in equipment and membership. In England, look for free ‘Get in Golf’ tuition. Practice and tuition at public Driving Ranges can be an excellent way of learning and improving your swing, control and power.

Many people play first on the public courses - search Active Places, a database of sports facilities. Members golf clubs can be expensive to join, and expect a reasonable standard of play. If you have a friend who is a member, you may be able to play as their guest in the least crowded times.

Once you’ve decided golf is for you, you can buy your own equipment and join a club, which often have waiting lists. The club will probably have a resident golf professional offering lessons, and equipment hire. Follow the links in the ‘More Information’ box to find nearby courses, and clubs who have vacancies for new members.

Also see the links in ‘More Information’ on the right and on the getting started page.

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