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Getting into golf - How?
So how do you get into golf?
Let's address some of the popular myths that hang over the game...
It's expensive - Not neccessarily, when you start learning all the equipment is usually provided. You can see if you like the game and then you can think about getting your own equipment. Check out the What? section for exactly what you might need and what it might cost.
It's exclusive - There are top end exclusive private mebers clubs that will prove very difficult to get into to but they are in the minority. There are hundreds of very relaxed, warm, junior friendly golf facilities around and as time goes on, the young golfer is becoming more welcome and increasinngly more important to clubs. They are the life-blood of many clubs as they ensure continuity of membership and they bring much needed revenues in.
It's sexist - Argh! There has been a lot said and written about the game's attitude towards the fairer sex and there are a few small instances where things have been blown out of proportion. The game of golf is for everyone and if you ask golf club committees if they would welcome some girl players they would all be very keen. Girl golfers are a very valuable asset and there are many special programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing the girl-golfer population.
That's got that out of the way, so how do you get into golf?
Location - Search the web and find your nearest golf club, but this may not be the best club for the junior golfer, you can use the following points as a guide to the junior-golfer friendliness. Check out the 'Where' section for more ideas.
PGA Professional - This must be your starting point, give the pro a ring or pop along and have a chat. It is essential that your young golfer has some golf tuition, if you manage to establish good basics at an early stage then the foundations are set.
It is also imperative that the pro likes teaching youngsters because as hard as it is to believe, not all golf coaches relish the thought of teaching younger pupils. Find out what provision there is for junior lessons and what structures are already in place, you are looking for individual lessons, junior beginner sessions or a structured coaching development programme. If the pro is able to offer a comprehensive package then it is safe to assume that the club is junior-friendly.
The Club - Have a look inside the clubhouse and find the junior notice board to see what's going on and how many events and competitions are available. Have a chat with the Captain, the Lady Captain and/or the secretary and you will get a good idea of how keen the club and its members are on having junior golfers around.
The English Golf Union have a certification process called the 'GolfMark' which establishes the junior-friendlieness of a golf facility by looking at what's available and what procedures are in place. http:///www.golfmark.org
If you live in the Gloucestershire area, check out the tuition pages of this website and the gateway to junior golf will be flung right open.
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