Anyone with a penchant for golf will know that it’s not just about looking the part while you play, but possessing the appropriate skills on the course to ensure success with every round completed. Having said that, it doesn’t hurt to harness the professional look with the best equipment and clothing in the hopes of embodying an expert golfer and taking the confidence onto the course in the hopes of seeing a successful outcome.
Whether you’ve been playing golf for a while and you’re looking to up-level your skills or you’re fairly new to the game and fancy taking on the much-loved sport, we’ve got some tips that will help you succeed in stretching your golfing abilities. From making sure that you have the very best equipment to hand to getting some expert coaching to taking your polished skills to some of the finest courses in the world, we’ve got you covered.
The best set of golf clubs
Any keen golfer knows that owning a decent set of clubs can instantly improve their game, that’s not to say it’ll take you straight to pro level, but if you’re currently stuck with a set that has seen better days, then it might be time to invest in new clubs. Properly fitted clubs can made a positive difference to your performance ensuring they match your body and swing to improve distance, control and accuracy with every shot.
Brands like Calloway, Cobra, TaylorMade, Srixon and Titleist are some of the best out there and are favoured by the golfing greats, so be sure to shop around to find the ideal fit for your needs. ClubTech Golf, Melbourne’s leading golf shop, sells a range of equipment from the biggest brands, making for a great place to start your search for the perfect clubs.
Dressing for the part
When heading out to play a round of golf, it’s important to be comfortable, but also respect the dress code of the golf course that you’re playing at and some don’t mind more casual attire, while others will require players to wear more traditional golf wear.
General etiquette surrounding golf attire includes no denim, T-shirts, vests, athletic style sports shorts, clothing with holes or anything too revealing. So what can you wear? For men, a collared shirt – a short-sleeved golf polo, for example – with long, smart trousers or above the knee shorts are the typical fit, while ladies can opt for a collared polo shirt with trousers, skirt, shorts, or a golf dress. When it comes to footwear, it’s important to wear, at the very least, trainers with good sole treads, but golf shoes will be more appropriate for play. Some courses discourage spiked shoes as they can damage the playing surface, but a good alternative is shoes with shorter spikes.
Get some expert coaching
Now that you’re suited and booted appropriately, it’s time to start working on your game, and one of the best ways to do this is to get yourself some expert coaching. Whatever level you’re currently sitting at, you’ll be able to find a professional golf instructor to help you improve your skills. Their job is to help you become a better golfer, so they will work with you on the correct posture and swinging techniques, giving you feedback as you go, creating a training plan for you and can also recommend what equipment will be best suited to you.
Practise your game
The next step is to put your coaching to the test and to continue to hone your skills both on and off the course, and there are a range of ways in which you can do this. Head to your local driving range to work on your swing and the putting green for some all-weather practise or opt for at-home training aids like a putting mat, cage and net with a target, or golf swing trainer. Don’t be afraid to factor in some regular drills to your daily routine, too – there are some excellent tips out there from the very best to keep you on top of your game.
The best courses to visit
Once you’re feeling confident enough to take your new-found skills to the course, why not make it your mission to seek out some of the best golf courses in the world and play a round on them? From the likes of Royal Melbourne’s West Course to Scotland’s St Andrews to Real Club Valderrama in Spain, Golf Digest lists the world’s 100 greatest golf courses, making for the perfect inspiration for your next dedicated golfing trip.
