Five things you should know about golf

Golf is a craze, a sensation, and in some cases an obsession. If you've always wondered why the sport is so popular and your curiosity has swelled to the point that you're ready to head for the golf course right away, here are five things you should know about the game.

Golf can be played by yourself if not with your friends. If you are just starting out, make sure that the people you plan to play with are aware that you are a beginner. And if you are playing too slowly (which is bound to happen if you're just starting out!), do not hesitate in allowing other groups to play through. After all, this game is both mentally and physically challenging. You might also want to invest time in learning through observation. Remember, it is perfectly okay to indulge in analysis as you watch others play before going for your own practice and applying what you've learnt. Once you start playing, you will also discover that the game allows you to indulge in self-analysis. Playing by yourself can be a lot of fun – you will discover your own desire to improve and compete with yourself. It can also be an exercise in concentration to boot. Yes, golf meditation is possible. To take it a step further, we can even let you in on a secret: Golf is also a healer of sorts!

There are physical benefits to golf, including aerobic exercise from walking, better flexibility, improved fine motor skills, improved depth perception, and improved coordination. For a long time, golf was wrongly considered a less than physically challenging sport. But today, the game is inspiring yoga and Pilates workouts. According to experts, you can get the most out of a round of golf if you walk the course, the length of which could measure about five miles, depending on the course you're playing. Walking surely improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and allows you to burn a moderate amount of calories. And if you carry your clubs, you can also get an upper body workout. Besides, hitting the ball can actually improve your hand-eye coordination, and this, as you know, can be useful in many other areas.

There are ways to save money, although golf can be expensive. You may want to consider renting your clubs or purchasing used ones that are in good condition. You can also find an inexpensive public golf course or driving range. A golf guide that lists the best courses and rates them should be able to help you here. Additionally, you should consider calling the pro shop at a golf course and asking them to cut you a deal. Golf experts say that there is strength in numbers, especially during downtime, so try taking your friends along. Finally, you should think about playing in the late afternoon or during the week rather than weekends when greens fees are much higher. However, you should not save on some equipment, such as best golf stand bags.

Golf lessons are a good idea, given that the learning curve with golf can be pretty steep and therefore frustration levels can run very high. You might want to consider taking group or individual lessons; at a reasonable price. Golf lessons will not only increase your confidence on the golf course, but if you eventually plan on joining professional golfers on a PGA Tour, lessons are indispensable, as you very well know.

All golf courses are not considered equal. There exist many differences in the game that change with respect to the golf course where it is played. As for the physical benefits of golf, you may be able to walk some courses without difficulty, but walking the more hilly courses will probably result in your enjoyment going downhill (as you try walking uphill!). It's important to educate yourself about the ins and outs, and ups and downs of the golf course you want to try. And if you are unsure of your stamina, get a golf cart!