Most people have probably heard of golf and know what it is, but how well do you actually know golf? How difficult is it to become a good player? What are the exact degrees that you need to study? How much does it cost to play golf regularly? Are there any scholarships available for those interested in golf? Do you need to get a golf license to play golf? If so, how does one go about getting one?
These are just some of the many questions that you might have about golf. Luckily, we have the answers to all of your questions right here, so continue reading to find out more about golf and how to play it.
Table of Contents
What Is Golf?
Golf, or ‘golfer’ as it is sometimes inaccurately called, is a sport in which players use clubs to hit a ball into the other end of the field of play. There are four clubs in particular that you need to know about:
- the driver
- the metalwood
- the putter
- the sand wedge
The driver is the longest and probably most important club in your bag. This club is like the quarterback of the football team because it determines how far the other three can go. A good driver can reach almost every part of the golf course, allowing you to take advantage of every hole. A powerful driver can even be used to launch the ball into the air, like a grand slam in baseball. However, overuse of the driver can lead to knee problems for some golfers.
The Basics Of Golf Clubs
Golf clubs are made out of wood or metal, depending on the type of shot you need to make. The metal ones are generally lighter than the wooden ones, which makes them ideal for long shots and smooth greens, while the wooden ones are better for controlling the ball on rough terrain and when pulling off some amazing shots.
The head of the golf club is the part that connects to the shaft. You need to look for a club head that is composed of two important elements: loft and lie. Loft is how steep the face of the club is, while the lie measures how far the center of the club head is from the ground, or the face. A low-lofted club will behave more like a pitchfork, while a high-lofted one will more like a spear.
What Is The Difference In Loft And Lie?
The loft of a golf club measures how much the face of the club is inclined upwards. Think of the lofts of a rifle, where the greater the number the higher the muzzle velocity, or a shotgun with the great elevation angle. In the same way, the loft of a golf club influences how far the ball will travel when hit. A low-lofted club will throw the ball far and accurately, while a high-lofted one will keep the ball closer to the ground, resulting in a loss of distance.
The lie of a golf club measures how far the center of the club head is from the ground. The lower the number, the straighter and farther the ball will fly when hit. You should always look for a club that is in balance, where the head is composed of the same size along the entire length of the shaft. This will make sure that the club doesn’t twist unintentionally as you swing it, resulting in bad shots.
The Importance Of Grip
Believe it or not, the way you hold the stick of a golf club has a lot to do with the shot you make. If you are holding the grip too close to your body, the ball will fly higher and farther, but also more wild and inaccurately. If you are holding it too far from your body, the shot will be lower and more controlled, but also a bit shorter. On a right side-handed shot, you would hold the club like a baseball bat, with your fingers wrapping around the grip and the knuckle of your non-throwing arm underneath, near your stomach. This way, when you swing the club, your whole body will follow the arc of the ball, improving your accuracy and making the shot more fun.
Types Of Shots
You have four types of shots that you can make with a golf club. The first is the drive, which is the shot you make when you start your golfing adventure. This is usually the longest of the four shots, so you’ll need a good driver to do it well. The second one is the approach shot, which you make when you are close to the hole. This is the shot you need to control, so you can either pitch the ball perfectly or let it go wild and hope that something good happens. The third one is the putt, which you make when you’re almost at the hole. This is the most important of the four shots because you’ll need some good putting to finish the game. The last one is the chip shot, which you make when you’re close to the green. This is the shot you want to save for last because it’s the one that gives you the opportunity to show off your skill.
Now that you know the basics of golf and the four clubs necessary to play it, it’s time to learn how to play golf. First, you need to make sure that you have all the required equipment. You will need a golf ball, for obvious reasons, and you will also need clubs or a mallet, depending on the type of shot you choose to make. If you are playing with other people, you will also need bags where you can place your equipment in, and you should look for ones that are large enough to hold all of your golfing essentials. Once you have all of this, it’s time to play! Good luck out there on the golf course.