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Getting into golf - Why?
There are many reasons why a youngster might want to begin playing golf and even more reasons why a parent might want their youngster(s) to get started. Some of them might be obvious but many others are less obvious but just as important.
Fun - Everything about golf is fun and challenging. Starting to play, learning all the shots and getting out on the course is all great fun, but it's only the beginning. The next step is to join the club, get a handicap and then think about improving, at this point all thoughts turn to competitions and trophies.
Variety - No two rounds of golf are ever the same, the weather changes, your game progresses and you seldom find yourself in exactly the same postion after every shot. You change location for each shot, you change clubs regularly and you can even play various shots with the same clubs.
All of this applies if you play the same course day in and day out, it's also great fun to visit other courses and pit your wits against a new layout.
Excitement - The 'Tiger' factor is something that golf commentators talk about and its effect cannot be inderestimated. Golf is now a 'COOL' game for youngsters to play, thanks to Tiger and many other dynamic young players, both male and female who ply their skills on the world's tours.
Tournaments such as the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Open Championship and the U.S. Masters all generate huge excitement and enthusiasm and encourage the interest in thousands of potential tour stars.
Competiton - There are so many different types of golf competition and they're all great fun. You can play individually or in teams, you can represent yourself, your club, county or even country and it's all part of the great game. One of the best things about golf is the handicap system, which means that everyone is equal according to their handicap. This means golf can span the generations and the sexes like no other game, all players of all abilities can play with or against each other and have a great time.
Fitness - Golf is a surprisingly energetic game, you can actually require the same amount of food and fluid for a round of golf as you would need if you were to run 7 kilometres. You have a 3 - 5 mile walk up hills and down and you have to take your shots and practice swings as well as carrying several kilos of equipment. This all helps to burn calories and if you want to maintain a high standard of play, you will need to be fit, healthy, strong, flexible and mentally alert.
Friends - The game of golf is great for getting to meet new people and making new friends, it is a brilliant way of widen your social circle. When you play golf with someone else, you are in their company for quite a few hours and it's easy to make friendships that can often last a lifetime.
Personal development - You will grow as a person by simply playing golf, the nature of the game demands self-governance and honesty. The referee in golf is yourself and you must have the character to be able to call foul on yourself if you accidently move the ball or break some other rule.
You will learn other disciplines like, sportsmanship, self-disciplne and integrity as you learn to control your temper and your attitudes towards others. The game of golf develops social etiquette and good manners, you help your competitors look for their ball when they stray off the fairway. You take your cap off and shake hands before and after the game and wish them the best of luck out on the course.
As you learn the game and become a better player you will benefit in many different areas, such as...
Self confidence
Self esteem
A sense of pride linked to the rewards and recognition you will achieve
A sense of achievement
Personal responsibilty
Time keeping
Nummeracy
Family - Golf is the ultimate family sport where every member of the family can play, enjoy and compete against each other. A 7 year old can go out on the course with their 70 year old Grandparent and have a wonderful time. The family can go on holiday and play golf at some fabulous resorts around the world. This is real quality time.
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