Golf Lesson: The Health Benefits of Golf
Believe it or not, golf is actually good for your health. Even the United States Golf Association thinks so; they also advise that you should walk the golf course and try to avoid – as much as possible – riding golf carts.
Although riding golf carts is the most convenient way to get yourself from one hole to the next, it will actually be good for your body if you walk your legs along the greens. Doing so pumps your heart, circulates the blood all over your body, and is a good and fun way of exercising.
David Fay from the United States Golf Association also thinks that the most pleasurable way to play golf is by walking. Riding carts, he said, should as much as possible be stopped now.
Walking is a good form of exercise. It is the most basic and easy program of getting fit which almost anyone could do. Simply put, walking is good for you.
Although some believe that walking the golf course is a very unhealthy thing to do because of the nature of the game – the start and stop process of golf playing. In actuality though, there have been scientific studies as well as evidence of people actually telling their personal experiences on the positive effects of walking through a game of golf.
In Sweden in particular, there are researchers who discovered that walking through a game of golf equals to about forty to seventy percent of intense workout in an aerobics class. This is assuming that about eighteen holes were played.
In another study by a cardiologist named Edward Palank, golfers who walked were found to be in a better state of health because the level of bad cholesterol in their body decreased. Meanwhile, the level of their good cholesterol was steady. Those golfers who settled to ride their way across the golf course on golf carts, however, did not show these same positive health results.
Also, according to Golf Science International, 4 hours of golf playing was found to be comparable to attending a 45 minute fitness class.
Another golf association, specifically the Northern Ohio Golf Association, stated that when a golfer walks across a course, it is roughly equivalent to walking for 3 to 4 miles. This included walking around hills, over greens and tees.
Not convinced yet? Maybe you should try doing the following activities and see, as well as feel, the difference for yourself.
During a round of golf, try to walk along alternating holes so that by the end of your round of golf you should be able to have walked through a total of nine holes.
If you’re feeling not up to it yet as fully as you should, that is okay. Maybe you could try walking on a set of nines while you can ride the other set.
If you have a golf partner and he or she insists that you ride along with him or her, make sure that you only ride on the path of the cart.  You can then walk down to the fairway towards your ball and then your partner could bring the golf cart up.
Are you convinced yet? If not, try to look at it this way. If your health is not good enough for you to settle to walk those legs and pump that good old heart of yours, then at least take pity and be considerate of the damage that golf carts do to fairways.
Believe it or not, golf carts do create damage around sand traps and around the greens. Even if carts are not supposed to ride along these areas, sometimes though, depending on who is behind the golf cart’s wheel, they still at times do.
For the sake of the greens, go walk! Because of advances in technology, there are now grasses that are able to grow on areas that they originally are not supposed to grow on at all. As a result of this, golf courses look as amazing as they were before. Unfortunately, these same golf courses are as subject to a lot of wear and tear as well.
Driving a golf cart along these beautiful greens subjects them to unnecessary damage. So now that you know, it would not hurt you to consider walking along, across, over, or through those greens now would it?
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Golf Shoes Buying Tips
How to find the golf shoe that is right for you
It all depends on your feet. Basically, golf shoe or not, shoes must be comfortable to wear and should fit well. Also, the shoes should fit your budget as well as your lifestyle.
Out with the old
Old golf shoes have those spikes that are made out of metal. These types of foot wear are no longer allowed on the golf greens. Throw them out and get a new pair of great golf shoes. Current makers of golf shoes use spikes that are soft and made of plastic.
Brand it or not
The brand is not as important compared to fit, comfort and style. You may have the shoes that Tiger Woods wears but that doesn’t mean you’ll play like him if you wear the brand of shoes he wears. Be realistic. If you prefer the slip-on golf shoes rather than the ones that you’ve to tie, go and get those. It is your opinion and preference that counts more than anything else. Listen to what your feet are telling you.
Why are they on sale?
Golf shoes are different and unique. Though you could simply settle for any shoe that fits or any shoe that looks good because they fit your budget, this should not be the only consideration. Take this as an example, a golfer once bought a pair of golf shoes simply because they were on sale. Lo and behold when the golfer tried it on the actual greens, he found out that it was a pain to the feet and very difficult to keep on as well as to tie.
So please don’t forget to try it out first. Your feet would know better and then let your wallet speak after your feet have decided on the shoes. Walk around the store with the shoes you are intent to purchase. Make sure though that you also try on other pairs.
Know your real golf self
However, if you don’t play golf very much, it is best that you purchase the kind of shoes that just as well do not cost as much. But if you are a devoted golfer, shoes that are waterproof are the best option. These shoes are good for walking as well as sloshing along the greens. But if you are a golfer that is not so serious in playing and you enjoy the walking over the hills, around trees and tees more than playing or putting, then going waterproof may not be an option for you.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Golf Shops
Golf is a game that one can learn easily if one has enough determination and can invest in the right equipment. Beginners or professionals in the sport of golf should always use the best that is available which can be purchased from a reputable store and the best place to get it is in golf specialty shop. Places like these have everything from golf clubs, to shoes, to balls and clothes which are the essentials when one is an enthusiast of walking the green.
If one is not sure where to find one, that person can check the local directory or go online since there are many websites that offer brand new and second equipment that a person who is just a beginner or an expert can choose from and buy. All it takes is putting it in ones shopping basket, giving some credit card details then after a few days, it will be delivered so the person can bring it to the club and start having fun.
Should the person still have a hard time in looking for a specialty shop, one can ask people for directions on how to get there. Some of these places can be a bit more expensive than others so before buying anything, one should check out the other stores and look for bargains before making any decisions.
There are many brands in the sport of golf and if the person has a hard time picking a certain item, one can ask the assistance of the sales person who will be able to tell which are the best selling items and the benefits and features of each.
Having the right set of clubs is the determining factor which will tell whether a person will do well in a tournament or not. Since this is very important, one should take the time to feel the grip of each model available first in the store so one will be able to choose the right set that the person can use and will feel comfortable with when playing in the green.
Playing golf is being with nature. It makes one get up early in the morning while the sun is not out yet and enjoying the game in the company of people from work or with friends. By having the right equipment on hand, it will make the person enjoy the game which provides a great escape from the pressures of the city.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Equipment for Golf
Golf is a game one can learn in no time. One way to become good in this game is to have enough determination and patience, and knowing which club to use and how to putt properly. This activity is very affordable and should that person want to get serious at it, one can easily join some tournaments then perhaps proceed on to the big leagues.
People who want to start playing the game will easily get the hang of it by just watching how others swing and putt the ball into the holes. The first thing that one needs is some equipment such as the different types of clubs, the proper shoes and the ball.
The most expensive thing that a person has to use money on is the clubs. The price depends on the brand the person wants to buy but since one is just a beginner, that is the least of the worries. If that person isn’t sure yet whether to invest in brand new equipment, then that person can either borrow from the club which rents this out to players or buy one that is second hand.
Used equipment can be purchased at the golf club or at specialty stores. This can also be seen on the Internet and ordered online. Some players who have played for some time may also want to sell the used one for a brand new one so it just takes some time to look around and get the best deal to start playing the game.
When everything is ready, one can start by working with friends who do know how to play or hire an instructor to teach the basics. The first putt can be practiced on driving ranges then when one gets good at it, on the actual course itself.
Playing golf early in the morning with people from work or friends is just one of the many forms of relaxation people can do these days. It is a time for bonding and a great escape from the pressures of the city.
Nobody can become an excellent golfer overnight. This will take a lot of practice. There are some public and private golf courses to choose from. Such facilities offer 18 hole and 36 hole courses and can be found by searching the web or by checking the local directory. This is usually advertised so it is kind of impossible to miss.
It doesn’t really matter if one wins or loses being in the golf course and playing the game. It is all about having fun.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Golf Ball Buying Tips
Having as much as 5,000 patented designs approved since the 1990’s, the golf ball is the most skillfully designed ball in the world of sports.
Because of its advanced technology, choosing a golf ball is a baffling decision for golf players.
Because there are several types of golfers, ball manufacturers have created several kinds of balls that if correctly matched to the player’s game, they can boost enjoyment and at the same time a possibility for par.
Structure of a golf ball:
- Two-piece golf balls are recognized for their “distance”, and players describe them as distance balls. These balls are made up of harder, strong and a cover resistant to cuts. The compact inner center is made from a variety of materials. The harder the material of the inner core, the further the ball will travel. However, two-piece balls lack the capacity to manage the ball because it has limited spin amounts.
- Three-piece golf balls are constructed for feel and spin. These are made up of a softer coat or cover (Balata) with compact inner core and extra layer of fabric between the cover and the core that “softens” the blow or impact of the head of the club against the golf ball. This provides improved feel and spin, but loss of durability and distance.
- Multi-layer golf balls are also known as “all purpose balls”. These balls are made up of a durable, soft cover that is separated by many very thin layers which are made up of a variety of materials and an improved inner core, resulting in a ball that gives better all around execution.
How to buying the best ball for you:
- Beginners or high handicap players will require distance and are likely to “mis-hit” the golf ball, must choose a two-piece golf ball with Surlyn coat or cover because it is durable, affordable and has “distance” characteristics.
- Mid handicap golfers can play with a three-piece ball with Elastomer or Balata softer cover to give more feel and spin. Since these balls offer faster “swing speeds”, they will not suffer distance loss.
- Low handicap players should use a multi-layered ball. Because advance golf players have the quickest “swing speeds”, they will achieve extra distance and feel and spin benefits.
Like any equipment in golf, discovering the perfect or right golf ball for your play style will entail a lot of trial or testing. Just keep on playing, keep on testing those balls; in no time, you will find the most perfect one for you.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Golf Bag Buying Tips
A golf bag is an essential equipment that one uses to transport all golf accessories such as golf balls, golf clubs, markers, tees and even umbrellas and towels.
Golf bags have no influence whatsoever on the result of the game, however, they can greatly affect the players game by way of offering comfort as the player makes his round through the course.
As to how much load in your gear you are carrying and if you are carrying the bag by yourself or using a golf cart or the help of a caddie, can help you decide which bag is for you.
When planning on riding the golf cart on your rounds, then whether the bag is heavy or not does not matter. But if your plan is to walk, then a lighter bag that will be carried along easily is essential.
Types of golf bags:
1. Carry Bags. The smallest type, and are basically made from plastic, nylon and other materials. As these bags are constructed to accommodate the essentials such as the golf clubs, a few small golf accessories and balls they are the right choice for the golfer who favors to carry his own bag.
2. Cart Bags. Are a lot smaller in size compared to staff bags, but are comparatively bulky and unmanageable for the golfer alone, without the caddy’s help. These bags are constructed for use on golf carts; they have lesser pockets and storage capacity.
3. Staff bags. These are the largest types of golf bags. They can accommodate a complete fourteen set of golf clubs and typically have many side pockets for other golf tools and equipment that one wishes to take along. Almost all professional golfers prefer the staff bags as they can hold a lot of equipment and since their caddy carries the bag for them, weight is never a problem.
A good staff bag is one made of quality leather or materials that are of high quality and are expensive.
How to choosing the right bag for you:
- Take into account the price and your budget. How much you can afford can determine what kind of bag as well as what materials they are made of; the more expensive it is, the more complex the features of the bag. Keep in mind however, that the bag is not used directly in your game; golf shoes, clubs and balls are more significant than the bag.
- Features. Know what type of features you need in your bag and what equipment you need to put in the bag. You might consider a bag that can stand alone to make it easier to take out your golf clubs during your game. You might also consider bringing an umbrella along, so you need a bag with a slot for your umbrella. However, if you are the type to carry only the basic gears, then you might want to consider a simple and light bag that can accommodate just the basics.
3 Tips on Buying Your Own Clubs
Golf is a very addicting game mainly because you’re both relaxed and also in a competitive mood. You’re having fun, shooting at your own slow pace and now you’ve decided to start taking the game seriously. You want to improve your game, do things correctly. First thing you have to do is buy clubs. Here are some tips when buying golf clubs.
Create Your Own Club
Clubs can be custom-fitted according to your needs. One thing to remember is that it’s all about measurements. You should know your height and the length from your wrist to the floor. Average players stand 5 feet 2 inches high and have wrist-to-floor measurements of about 34 inches. They will use the standard length of a club. Consult your club dealer about it if you’re taller or shorter than that or if your wrist-to-floor measurement is not of average proportions.
You should also let someone test your swing speed. Regular male swing speed is about 75-84 mph and will need a 5 or 6 iron. Regular female swing speed is slower, around 60 mph. A 3 iron or wood would be best suited to help you.
Remember that all players should use standard golf clubs unless you are obviously shorter or taller than an average player. Standard measurements give an average player more distance and accuracy.
Maintain Your Clubs
Buying your golf clubs does not end there. Proper maintenance is required on your clubs. You should try to re-grip it from time to time. This is to prevent your clubs from becoming loose. This will help you from buying again and again because your clubs are worn out.
Choosing the Right Shafts
Should you use steel or graphite shafts? The thing to remember is that steel shafts are heavier than the graphite ones. Men in their mid 50’s or younger are advised to use steel and just go to graphite once their swing speed has slowed. Women of all ages are advised to use graphite for its lighter weight to compensate for their slower swing speed.
Just remember that golf equipment also have their measurements. Ignorance of this has led many golfers to believe that the more expensive the golf club is, the better they will play. It’s more about how comfortable you are with your clubs and the way you regularly maintain them that matters.
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