The Benefits of Playing Golf

Golf has been a sport in the United States since the late 1800s, with 20-30 million people playing each year. As with most sports, golf provides an opportunity to exercise, engage in friendly competition, and work on improving skills. Here are some additional benefits of playing golf.

1. Golf can help you stay active. Golf provides an opportunity for gentle exercise at any age. Walking the course is an excellent way to get up your heart rate and improve your fitness. 
2. Golf can improve your social life. Golf is a social sport, so playing can help you meet new people and make new friends. It’s also a fun reason to get together with your current friends.
3. Golf can be good for your business. It’s not just in the movies that business relationships develop on the golf course. The sport provides opportunities to network with other business people, make new contacts, and grow your business. Being able to say “yes” to business golf outings may even boost your career. 
4. Golf is a fun family activity. As a sport enjoyed at all ages, golf is an enjoyable activity across generations. Kids, parents, and grandparents can enjoy golfing together. 
5. Golf can improve your mental health. Playing golf can help reduce stress and improve your mood. The fresh air and peaceful surroundings can clear your mind and provide a sense of calm. 

All About the Clubs

Knowing which clubs to buy and where to get them can be challenging. We recommend starting with the basics and adding on as you get more into the sport. Check online to see if you can find used clubs or borrow some from a friend while learning. In addition to clubs, you’ll need balls, tees, and a golf bag. 

At a minimum, start with a driver, an iron, a putter, and a sand wedge. Each is designed to hit the ball a different distance. The driver, which hits the ball furthest, will typically be the most expensive club. It’s worth visiting a pro shop or sports store for guidance before purchasing a driver. Golf Monthly’s Best Drivers for Beginners reviews clubs ranging from $200 to $600 that offer the forgiveness you’ll want as a new player. 

It may be challenging to find a driver that works well for you, but it’s worth trying. And, you can certainly find adequate individual irons for mid-range shots, putters, and sand wedges at used sports stores, yard sales, and online. Often, you’ll find whole sets, including a bag. If you have kids just getting started, check with local programs to see if they provide loaner clubs for beginners. You can also search for courses that offer club rentals, such as Willow Metropark. 

Learning to Swing and Putt

Like starting any sport, there is a beginner’s learning curve when you first start playing golf. It is rare that someone naturally knows how to hit the ball correctly without lessons and practice. So, set yourself up for success by learning from experienced players and bringing along a bit of patience.

It’s an excellent idea to take at least a few lessons from a professional or friend who has been golfing for a while. They’ll show you how to stand, swing, and hit the ball. First Tee teaches kids to play golf throughout the country, with several locations in the local area. 

YouTube is another helpful resource for gaining access to professionals and instructors. Search for beginner golf lessons on channels like Golf with Aimee, Meandmygolf, or New Nine Golf. 

To get the basics down, visit a local driving range to practice your swings and hits without worrying about aiming and obstacles such as trees, sandpits, or other golfers. Locally, Huron Meadows, Indian Springs, Lake Erie, Stony Creek, and Willow Metroparks have driving ranges. Many also have putting greens for working on your short game. Once you are ready to hit the greens, Par 3 courses like Lake St. Clair Metropark are ideal for beginners with shorter distances.

The Rules of Golf

For beginners, the rules of golf can seem complicated. Plus, you should also follow golf etiquette. Find the entire Rules of Golf guide on the USGA website to learn the game’s fundamentals. The general idea is that “golf is played in a round of 18 (or fewer) holes on a course by striking a ball with a club. Each hole starts with a stroke from the teeing area and ends when the ball is holed on the putting green.”  

The guidebook reviews rules for out-of-bound hits, marking where the ball lands, when players should take their turns, and more. Additionally, players “are expected to play in the spirit of the game,” including following rules, being honest, showing consideration for other players, and taking care of the course. Here again, it is helpful to have a friend or instructor show you the ropes.

Ready to hit the green? Follow these tips and discover why golf is one of America’s favorite outdoor activities!

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This content is brought to you by Metroparks. One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The Metroparks are open 365 days a year and encompass 25,000 acres of nature and recreational facilities. Each year more than 1.5 million people engage with the Metroparks to enjoy amenities such as picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, disc golf, cross country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and a diversity of outdoor programs and special events. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.