Category: Golf FAQs

Are Golfers Allowed To Smoke?

Golfers are athletes and sportsmen that play on international and world-class levels, so it is clear they look after their health and do not take unnecessary health risks.

Media frequently ask ‘do golfers smoke?’, and they’re met with a hearty yes, to which they respond ‘should golfers smoke?’, which opens up a debate for health practices of elite-level athletes.

Golfers are allowed to smoke, but it is up to them if they choose to do it because they do not require as much stamina as other physical sports, making it acceptable for smoking to be common among golfers.

Let us explore some of the events that allow golfers to smoke without any consequences.

Can Professional Golfers Smoke on The Course?

While many golfers smoke, it is common to avoid smoking on camera and during special events and tournaments like the Open de France at Le Golf de National.

Nicolas Colsaerts was witnessed smoking on camera after winning an event, which took several years after a series of dry performances and low rankings.

He was found to be smoking during his round, which was unavoidable for the cameras not to pick up because he had climbed the rankings and was of interest to the viewers at home.

Now, the problem isn’t that people aren’t allowed to smoke, but they probably shouldn’t smoke knowing that there are individuals and fans at home watching their heroes and being highly influenced by figures they look up to.

That is undoubtedly a big responsibility for players to take on, but they don’t have to define themselves in order to meet the expectations of people they haven’t ever met.

It’s a little naïve and selfish to think that people aren’t entitled to do whatever they want with their lives, especially if it’s in front of a camera.

We project our ideals and selfish desires onto scapegoats, and then when they fail to meet our expectations, we shame them.

The PGA Tour has not disallowed smoking or chewing tobacco and certainly cannot prohibit players from engaging in such acts. Still, they stress that players should practice a bit more discretion so that it doesn’t unnecessarily complicate any situations.

Colsaerts smoking on camera led to some social media storm, which essentially stated that young viewers are likely to be easily influenced by such acts. In contrast, others maintained that since the Tour does not ban it, it shouldn’t matter.

Being under the public eye can force people to change who they are in order to appease the crowd, but maybe it isn’t that deep, and players need to be more tactful.

We’ll leave that for you to decide.

Should Smoking be Banned For The European Tour?

Darren Clarke is a famous golfer who frequently smokes and has been found to smoke at various times during the European Tour, along with other golfers.

It’s one thing to smoke when you’re off the course, but some players do not care and engage in the act while playing.

Golf is a sport with a massive following and requires golfers to be performing at high levels. Still, since it doesn’t require as much stamina as other physically demanding sports, smoking doesn’t negatively impact performance.

The only thing golfers should keep in mind is to control their public image so that young golfers do not become easily influenced by bad habits and therefore jeopardize their health.

Smoking should not be banned because it is ultimately up to individuals what they do with their health, but a certain level of discretion conveys respect for the tournaments and golfers’ public image.

Golfers also argue that smoking is a way to calm their nerves and if it helps them play better and manage their stress, who are we to scrutinize and burden them with the responsibility of how others may perceive their actions?

In this day and age, anything can offend people, and it isn’t easy to behave to appease everyone.

Enforcing strict smoking policies against golfers is not the best course of action because we must separate the sport from personal acts and choices.

It is entirely up to golfers to smoke and decide how to play the game. Public shaming should undoubtedly be banned or discouraged so that players can separate their professional lives from their personal choices.

Which PGA Players Smoke?

On many occasions, John Jacobs has been seen with a cigar in his hand while casually carrying about his day as if there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the pleasures of smoking.

Golf retains some of its individualism despite the calling for politically correct behaviors and attitudes.

The rules are somewhat lax for golfers compared to other sportspeople, which allow them to thrive and play the game according to their whims.

You cannot teach a world-class player the best courses of action to take in order to improve their game; they have coaches and have been playing the game for long enough to understand the nuances and attitudes it takes to be the very best.

It’s best to take the criticisms of armchair critics with a grain of salt and continue doing what you know to be the right course of action for yourself.

That is not to say, of course, that smoking is in any way good for you, but the distinction to be made is that it’s a personal choice, and all athletes are well aware of the health risks that come with smoking.

Other players like Jim Thorpe are also known to enjoy the occasional cigar on the driving range, and Rocca Mediate also lights a cigar from time to time.

Brad Faxon used to be a smoker but quit following his marriage, making it clear that people change when it is the right time for them, and not because someone objects to their behaviors.

Final Thoughts

To answer the questions, ‘do golfers smoke’ and ‘should golfers smoke,’ it is important to realize that smoking is a personal choice and should not be banned by golfing associations to cater to what the public deems appropriate.

Controlling others comes at a price, and the last thing you want to do is detract from the love of the game that allows golfers the liberty to be who they want to be.

Shaming is a destructive tactic for controlling others and often comes with self-repercussions, with ‘shamers’ feeding their negative behaviors and setting themselves up for mental health problems in the future.

Can Golfers Wear Sunglasses?

Undoubtedly, given the duration of a golf round (generally 4.5 hours for an 18-hole course), a golfer remains in the sun for around five times longer than a tennis round played in the same weather situation. Therefore, the perfect golfer must be equipped with a pair of glasses to protect their eyes.

However, it is not mandatory.

Whether or not golfers wear sunglasses while golfing comes down to their personal preference – there is no right or wrong answer. Some players play better when they wear sunglasses, while other players feel that they perform better on the field without them. Most will wear sunglasses when it’s really bright outside.

This is why many golfers do not prefer to wear them on the course. They believe that sunglasses interfere when it comes to depth perception and contrast. For them, having an accurate vision is more important than facing sunlight during a swing. However, protecting eyes from intense sunlight is far more important as it can lead to premature aging of the eye and other serious issues.

Here’s our explanation of why golfers should wear sunglasses when playing and whether it affects their game or not!

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What Sunlight can do to Your Eyes?

Moving around or working outdoors without wearing sunglasses can cause premature aging of the eye and lead to all sorts of problems. Therefore, it is very important to protect your eyes when playing golf and when working on a golf course, especially teachers and people on maintenance teams who spend a large part of their day outdoors.

Therefore, the perfect golfer must be equipped with a pair of golf glasses adapted to the context. They allow golfers to enjoy optimal vision, perfect protection against the sun and projections, without forgetting that they must accentuate the visual contrasts.

The Ideal is to Wear Sunglasses to Protect the Eyes

The ideal is to wear sunglasses with good quality lenses to protect the eyes from solar radiation (against UVA and UVB rays.) The ideal is to buy your glasses from an optician to get the advice of a professional. Today there are “sport” models that are particularly light and easy to wear. However, if you have trouble playing with these glasses or face issues in appreciating distances and reliefs, the right attitude is to wear the glasses between shots and take them off when hitting the ball.

Finally, for professional teachers and maintenance staff who are exposed all the time, wearing glasses should be almost permanent.

Are there Perfect Glasses for Golf?

Not really. The constraints, it is true, are numerous. Many manufacturing brands keep on evolving glasses adapted to the practice of golf. Golfers need glasses that protect against UV rays and glare while optimizing the vision of reliefs, contrasts and depths.

However, there are some factors that you must consider in good golf sunglasses. Let’s discuss them!

The Technical Characteristics of the Optimal Golf Sunglasses

Golf goggles are a quality support for achieving excellent performance. Also, their characteristics must include perfect support and an extended field of vision.

During golf games, it is essential to visualize the ball, the fringe, the rough, the fairway, the reliefs, the holes and other elements in an optimal way. Visual acuity must therefore be perfect. It is also necessary to follow the trajectory of the ball over long distances.

The models offered for golf are therefore equipped with curved lenses. This thus makes it possible to improve lateral vision, without being hindered by the frame. There are golf sunglasses with lenses extended to the temples, ensuring good protection but also maximum visual coverage. Some models even lack a central bridge. These panoramic glasses guarantee a wide field of vision without obstacles.

It is important to find a model that meets the two essential criteria: comfort and support. Golf games and tournaments can last several hours in direct sunlight, with a lot of movement. The head, in particular, has to move a lot when swinging or following the ball. Therefore, a golfer must opt for a consensus between these two elements, lightweight glasses with soft plastic or rubber pads.

Several categories of glasses are made of plastic and equipped with polycarbonate lenses. The temples must be very flexible, and a cord or a small strap can complete the set to prevent the glasses from falling on the ground. The result is an ultra-light, unbreakable and easy-to-wear sunglasses model.

Indeed, during rounds of golf, the player must be able to rely on extremely precise vision. They must visualize a series of elements at the same time. Anyone subject to a visual defect, even a very slight one, can experience a drop in performance without suitable lenses. The eyes must indeed work even more to compensate for the visual deficit. This results in significant visual fatigue and damaged eyes.

It is advisable to get our eyes checked and wear contact lenses associated with a pair of glasses without correction to benefit from good visual acuity. Another possibility is to wear prescription golf goggles equipped with lenses with the correct correction.

Finally, golfers can also choose suitable progressive lenses. In this way, they benefit from an optimal vision of near or far, whatever the distance.

Do PGA Golfers Wear Sunglasses?

More and more, we see on our television screens professional golfers wearing sunglasses. Yet very few of them wear them, preferring to wear them on the front or back of their cap.

Apart from wearers of prescription glasses (who generally use contact lenses), these players wear sunglasses to protect them from UV and allow them to see the ball better, especially during its flight towards the chosen target.

We know that big advertising contracts oblige these champions to highlight these products for which they are handsomely paid.

Rory McIlroy, for example, never wears the glasses but on the back of their cap. We even saw the great Tiger Woods wear sports glasses his last two years. Others, like Ian Poulter, wear their glasses all the time.

Conclusion

Thus, wearing or not wearing sunglasses is a golfer’s personal preference, but it is highly recommended in summers when the players spend hours in the sunlight. Wear sunglasses equipped with lenses that protect against UV and light.

Prefer a purchase from an optician who can advise you on the tint of the lenses (gray, gray-green, normal), the choice of tint is rather personal. If wearing sunglasses bothers you during play, wear them between shots and take them off only when playing.

Why Are Some Golfers Fat?

Questions like ‘why are golfers fat’ and ‘are some golfers fat’ are common after observing golf games being played by individuals who are not athletic.

Golf is a game or sport that does not require much athletic prowess, nor is there an element of serious physical exertion involved.

Many professional golfers are elite players who place high in the world ranking but are not physically fit.

Strictly speaking, you do not have to be lean or muscular in order to be a good golf player, which is why you might encounter some fat golfers from time to time.

Let us explore why golfers are fat and what that means for the sport.

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Reasons Why Some Golfers Are Fat

Golfers come in all sizes, and it does not impact their ability to play well if they are unfit or overweight.

Following Tiger Woods’ era in golfing, the golf industry put forward a body image that made it seem like all professional golfers had athletic physiques at 5% body fat to market the sport effectively.

Boo Weekley is a professional golf player who carries a fat abdomen with him wherever he goes and has been referred to as Santa Claus by ESPN.

Despite the golf industry putting forward a particular body image, the truth is that the masses are unlikely to attain such a physique just by golfing.

Most people don’t know the first thing about how to get visible abs and may spend a reasonable amount of time training their core at the gym, with little results.

To get lean, you must be following a consistent training program and making minor changes to your diet that slowly become permanent.

Some golfers are fat because they do not care about their public image and what people think or say if they consistently rank higher on the leaderboard.

With body shaming seeing a rising trend, many people may feel pressured to care about their public image, but many golfers do not care.

Golfing is more about technique and skill than physical exercise, and although golfers may be required to walk a lot if there are no caddies present to carry their supplies, it is not a requirement for the game.

New theories have emerged claiming that golfers must have comparable physiques to linebackers, which is simply ridiculous.

Besides joking around and poking some fun at fat golfers, it is important to realize that golfers do consider fitness, although they take a more conservative approach than others.

A professional golfer called Knost came out with a statement that he has a program that he follows but doesn’t go hard like others who want to appear in commercials and sell a particular body image to the masses.

Weekley said that he does some form of cardio like jogging or riding a bike for 40 to 60 minutes, followed by some yoga stretches.

People need to stop obsessing about others’ physiques and focus on their own before making snap judgments, which is easy when you’re not in the limelight.

If you critique a bodybuilder’s physique on stage day for not being dry enough or holding fat and water in love handles, that’s a valid criticism because they are being judged for being ripped.

Going out of your way to shame others whose sport doesn’t call for the same fitness level is just toxic behavior.

Certain disadvantages come with being fat, and we will cover them from different angles.

The Problem With Being Fat

Being obese can create many complications such as susceptibility to heart disease and other illnesses such as diabetes, stroke, and osteoarthritis.

It’s not in anyone’s best interest not to take their fitness seriously.

Even if golfers argue that it’s ultimately their choice because the sport does not require them to be athletic, it’s important to remember that a certain level of awareness is needed regarding the impressionability of younger audiences to mimic their heroes.

If you had to choose between being lean or obese, 10 out of 10 times, you’d lean towards (pun intended) a leaner physique.

Many people develop illnesses in their later lives as a result of obesity. In many cases, they fail to make permanent life changes to counter their condition, which speaks volumes about how hard it is to break habits that have been reinforced over decades.

Making better choices today can help you slowly wean off bad habits, which is where most people fail because they try to crash diet to get quick results, endlessly caught in the cycle of gaining and losing weight.

Eating balanced foods high in good quality micro and macronutrients result in higher energy levels, which is a blessing as we approach our mid lives.

While in some golfers’ case, they could make an argument that younger audiences can seek out other role models and it’s not their responsibility to define themselves based on others’ expectations, but if given a choice, most golfers would choose to be fit.

People are fat because they’re unwilling to put in the hard work, and in the case of professional sports players, it is the case that they should care at least a bit about how their actions might influence others.

Weight Loss For Golfers

A recent statistic shows that 7/10 golfers are categorized as overweight.

That’s disappointing when you consider that they are world-class players who don’t pay much heed to their fitness.

It sheds a negative light on golfing because it portrays that you can be a world-class sportsperson despite being fat and sometimes obese.

People start to think golfers are lazy and uninspired, and all you need to be a successful golfer is to show up every day at the course and swing your bat.

Devon Larratt, the face of the sport of arm wrestling, has gone beyond what is required of him to bring more attention to arm wrestling.

He’s linked up with bodybuilders, basketball players, strongmen, and powerlifters to spread the passion he feels for the sport of arm wrestling.

We need charismatic personalities with a deep passion for bringing more attention to spectator sports like golf.

After all, more spectators give rise to more potential golfers, inspiring waves of young enthusiasts to eagerly take up the reigns and join the sport.

It’s what separates the truly great ones from those who are just in it for themselves.

Final Thoughts

The questions ‘why are golfers fat’ and ‘are some golfers fat’ are quickly answered by looking at the current condition of the game or sport.

Golf needs new and vibrant personalities to spread the joy of golfing to skeptical individuals about deriving pleasure from the sport.

If you’re the best of the best, it’s your responsibility to engage in more selfless acts and do your duty for the betterment of your passions.

If you’re simply an amateur player with no drive or hunger, you can do what you want, but you’re unlikely to be one of the great ones who have moved past their wants and needs to do what’s right for the community.

Are Golfers Athletes?

Questions like ‘are golfers athlete’ and ‘are golfers athletic’ are frequently put forward by the media and are serious inquiries into what it takes to be a professional golfer.

Golfers are not considered athletes by many people, but they can be athletic because the sport does require physical exertion; individuals do not need to focus extensively on physical aspects such as endurance however with golfing.

Let us explore some nuances of golf and why golfers are not required to be athletes.

Are Golf Players Considered Athletes?

Athletes are individuals who have a particular skill set for physical aspects like strength, endurance, and agility.

By that definition, golfers are not required to be athletes because golf is not a physically demanding sport and falls into similar categories of physical exertion as bowling.

That’s not to say that golfers don’t spend hundreds of hours mastering their craft and that golfing isn’t strictly a sport, but there is no physical exertion involved at all.

Golfers like to compare golf to baseball, but they are not similar. Although both require individuals to swing bats, baseball players have to sprint after hitting the ball and require physical exertion.

Walking over to golf holes multiple times during a match does not constitute physical exertion because athletes do much more than just walking around.

An average football player covers a distance of 8-10 kilometers per match, which is usually in short bursts of intensity that require proper athletic performance.

To be a golfer and an athlete is a choice made by individuals who can spend time developing their physical attributes, but in order to be a golfer, you do not strictly have to be an athlete.

Tiger Woods is a legend and Hall of Famer, who is quite athletic and the face of golf, but looking at the average player, you’ll find that most golfers are not athletes, and the sport does not require them to be.

It’s not an insult to golfers if we agree that they are not athletes, but just a fact that some may find it hard to admit if their identity is based around being professional sportspeople.

Is Golf a Sport?

A sport is considered an activity that involves physical exertion and is usually played against other teams or individuals for entertainment.

Golfers can even play golf if they are injured, overweight, over 100 years of age, or not athletic.

Strictly speaking, golf is better considered a game than a sport because it is solely an activity for entertainment, without the need for physical exertion.

Games can be competitive and require skill but generally differ from the strict definition of sports, although both are played for spectators.

In terms of calorie expenditure, playing golf without a cart can burn 360 calories an hour, which is more than gymnasts burn on average.

Golfers playing 9-hole courses often strain themselves much more if there is no golfing cart and if they carry their own supplies without using a caddie.

However, burning calories is not strictly an indicator of athletic performance, which people must keep in mind when debating whether golf is considered a sport.

Not using a caddie or carrying your supplies is not required in professional tournaments and is a personal choice if people do not have an assistant or are playing by themselves.

Soccer and American football are much more physically demanding and are considered sports and burn much more calories on average than a golfer with a caddie.

Walking is not considered an aspect of golf, which is the major contributor to calories burnt.

Running on fields for other sports is a requirement, making it a part of the sport itself.

These distinctions are important and need to be made to not pointlessly argue using loose definitions of athletic performance.

That said, golfing does require muscular exertion to swing the bat, which can recruit up to 17 muscle groups at a time.

Hand-eye coordination is also a must for golfers, who must develop this skill to the point where it helps them compete against others.

Hitting long drives with a golfer’s bat is a must for the game and contributes to physical aspects such as mobility, flexibility, and strength.

Strictly speaking, golf is not a sport but a game that can be physically demanding, but not enough to warrant being a sport that requires athletic performance.

You cannot play basketball or football without breaking a sweat, but with golfing, you undoubtedly can.

Why is Golf so Mentally Challenging?

Golf is essentially a mind game requiring self-confidence, composure, and focus.

Even if your last shot was great, you do not have time to dwell on your victory but need to immediately start preparing for the next shot, which you can mess up if you let it go to your head.

If you make a horrible shot where the ball gets nowhere near the target, you have to brush it off and not let it affect your next hit.

Having excellent composure in the face of pressure, bad conditions, and inconsistent performance is what separates the real pros from the amateurs.

Not letting negative energy and emotions define you is a crucial skill that golfers need because things don’t always go the way they were intended.

Golf is also very distracting.

The weather and conditions can vary, planes may be flying overhead, and bad timing with sneezes and coughs can cause a loss of focus.

It is impossible to control the external environment, which is why golfers must remain steadfast in their attempts to control their internal states and maintain composure to finish the game without succumbing to distractions.

Final Thoughts

The age-old questions ‘are golfers athletes’ and ‘are golfers athletic’ are easily answered by distinguishing between technique and performance and games and sports.

While golfers can be athletic, they are not athletes and are not required to be one by the game’s rules.

With little to no physical exertion involved, successful golfers do not expend much energy to be the best players around.

Technique and skill are significant factors that contribute to a golfer’s success and should not be confused with athletic performance.

What Is A Good Golf Handicap?

The handicap is an index created by the USGA (United States Golf Association) and measures the potential ability of a golfer compared to that of an expert golfer. The handicap helps make matches fairer and more fun by eliminating differences in the number of shots each player makes depending on their ability. So that golfers of different levels can compete with each other.

For many golfers, a handicap provides the measurement with which they can measure their level of play against other golfers, which raises the question – what is a good golf handicap?

The official handicap ranges from 0 (excellent player) to 54 (beginner player); the lower the handicap, the better the level of the player. According to US PGA, a player with a 15 handicap is considered average. So, a handicap index of 10 or less is considered good in golf as it allows a golfer to shoot somewhere around 82. Although a good handicap is not a fixed number and can be different for different players, you’re pretty much there if your handicap is in single digits.

Still confused? Here’s our explanation of how the handicap system works and what a good handicap is!

What is a Good Handicap in Golf?

The official handicap ranges from 0 (a scratch player) to 54 (an amateur player). In golf, the handicap is your ranking, which allows you to compare yourself to other golfers. It is important to understand how a handicap is calculated, to understand what a good golf handicap is.

If you’re into golf, you must know that each field has a score –par– on which the handicap is established. If both coincide, it is said that “the handicap is under par.” Once the field par is known, you can know the player’s handicap.

The calculation of the handicap is quite simple. It is obtained from the subtraction between the number of shots you use to travel the course and the par of the course.

For example, if a player covers a course of par 72 in 82 strokes, their handicap will be 10.

Par of the Course + Golf Handicap = Stroke to Meet Game Level

72 + 10 = 82

Completing a course of par 72 in the number of strokes between 80 to 85 is considered better than average but certainly not good enough to be considered a scratch player. A handicap of 10 or less is considered good, with which you will be able to play well at all types of courses, not just your home course. Players with a handicap index of less than ten will occasionally shoot between 70 and 80 and likely play in a few tournaments from time to time.

It is also possible to have a handicap below 0, called a “Plus” handicap. The player with this handicap must add their handicap to the result at the end of the game.

It is important to mention that not all fields are the same. Some are easier, and others are really difficult. So the courses have their rating, which refers to the level of difficulty, and the player’s actual handicap is adjusted according to that difficulty level. It means that a player’s actual handicap for an easier course will not be the same on a difficult course.

Let’s discuss how you can relate your golf handicap with the course’s level of difficulty!

How to Relate the Golf Handicap with the Assessment of the Course?

We have seen that each player has their handicap, called the player’s real handicap and that each course is valued according to its difficulty. Now we have to adjust the player’s actual handicap with the difficulty level of the course.

Although it seems very complicated, it is very simple because we have to go to the clubhouse bulletin board and look for the handicap adjustment table. You will get your game handicap in that adjustment table on that course. However, you can also calculate it. The course or game handicap is calculated according to the course’s difficulty level, and you need the following information:

  • The Par of the Course on which you play your competition
  • The SSS of the course (Scratch Score Standard): It assesses the difficulty of a course for a player with a 0 handicap. If the SSS is lower than the par, the course will be considered easy and vice versa.
  • The Slope of the Course: This measures the difficulty of the course, the average being 113, a higher slope means that the course will be more difficult than the average, a lower slope means that the course will be less difficult than the average).
  • Your initial Handicap (Index): This is the “portable” and “universal” value for comparison between players, regardless of the difficulty of the terrain (the one discussed above.)

Thanks to these 4 data, you will calculate your course or game handicap.

The course handicap is the number of strokes to be deducted from the player’s result to determine his net result in the game. It is expressed in whole numbers, rounding the result if necessary and is calculated by applying the following formulas to the player’s handicap (exact handicap):

For 18 holes: Exact Handicap x (slope value / 113) + (course value – course par)

For 9 holes: Exact Handicap x (Slope Value / 226) + (Course Value – Course Par)

The RFEG grants the Field Value and the Slope.

For example, let’s say you are an 18.5 handicap player, and the course has a slope of 121. Using the above formula for 18 holes:

Course handicap = (18.5 x 121) / 113

Course handicap for the player = 19.81 = 20 strokes

Since rounding up, you would have a 20 stroke field handicap for this round. Suppose you finish the round with 100 hits. Thanks to your 20 handicap, you would have a total net score of:

Score = Total Strokes – Player Field Handicap

Score = 100 – 20 = 80 hits

Each Golf Association applies a Course Assessment system (Rating) that considers the factors that influence the difficulty of said courses. Not only is it important to have a handicap, but it is also mandatory as it acts as a golf license and is needed to go out and play any course in competitions. Official handicaps vary from country to country, so as the rules for their calculation.

When a player plays on a course, they receive a handicap adjusted to the difficulty of that course and may receive extra shots if it is a difficult course or discount them if it is an easy one. So, a handicap considered average on an easy course will be good on a difficult one. It is not a fixed number and is adjusted over time for each player as their game changes. Also, recording your results will help you track trends in your score and see if you’re improving your game.

Conclusion

We hope the above information will help you understand what a good golf handicap is. But don’t worry too much about the handicap. Many players are embarrassed or stressed to admit that they do not have a very good handicap. We advise you to focus on improving your game and making good holes, and the handicap will improve naturally. Golf is a mind sport, and the fewer distractions you have, the better.

How Do You Start Golfing?

If you ask most golfers, they will say that golf is the greatest game ever to have been invented. It’s a tall claim to make, but they do have their reasons; after all, there is something about the game beloved by millions of players worldwide. Many will point to the fact that golf is not just a game but a test of your mind and body.

It’s not only frustrating but challenging and rewarding at the same time. You can also attest that some of the biggest names in the world of sports hail from golf and have achieved international stardom by excelling at the sport. Tiger Woods is one of the first names that comes to mind whenever you talk about international sporting legends.

To put it simply, golf is a beautiful game, and if you take away all the technicalities from it, all it comes down to is putting a ball into a hole with a stick. That’s why it’s one of the oldest sports in history as well. If you’ve been intrigued by the game of golf and want to give this fabled old sport a try, you’ve come to the right place. We will be sharing everything that you need to know to start golfing.

What Should You Know Before Playing Golf?

Simply deciding that you’re going to start golfing isn’t going to help you become great at the sport or make it easier for you to play the game. Deciding you want to play golf is the easy bit; the hard bit later involves developing respect and understanding for the game. Even though golf is a fun hobby for thousands of people who enjoy it regularly, it’s also an expensive sport and can be frustrating for beginners.

Therefore, there are some things that you must keep in mind before you start golfing. Right at the top of your list should be the message that:

1. Golf Is A Hard Sport To Play

Don’t assume that hitting a small ball into a hole will be easy. Professional golfers spend hours and days on the golf course perfecting their shots, and even then, they tend to get it wrong.

Don’t expect perfection when it’s your first time on the golf course, as there isn’t any person who can hit a perfect round of golf on their first try. Golf is a sport that requires patience, and you will learn a lot about yourself and your friends when you play golf with them for the first time.

2. The Equipment Matters

Golf is one of the most expensive sports out there, and for a good reason, because golf equipment costs a lot of money. The best clubs and golf equipment don’t come cheap to compound matters, but you don’t have to spend exorbitant sums of money on golf equipment to get better at the game. You can easily find second-hand equipment from any golf shop that will help you start golfing.

You need good golf clubs to start playing the game, but that doesn’t mean you should invest in branded golf equipment when you don’t even know how to play the sport. Your friends may be rolling out their designer golf clothes and expensive equipment, but you can still beat them with a second-hand golf club while wearing your casual golf attire.

3. Learn the Rules of the Game

Before you start golfing, the first thing you must do is learn all the game rules. It’s vital that you know each rule and understands what it means before heading to the golf course. The best way to learn all the rules is to play with experienced golfers who can guide you and teach you during a round of golf.

There’s no need to let ego into the picture because playing with better and experienced players is how you will get better at your game. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions from professionals around you, as that will only help in improving your game. Everyone learns the same way, and the fastest way to learn the game’s rules is by playing with experts and taking their advice and tips.

4. Work on Your Game

Even if you know all the rules and have the best golf equipment you can afford, you won’t make much of an impression on the golf course if you don’t work on your game. Practice makes perfect, and that goes for golf as well. If you’re not practicing regularly, you shouldn’t expect to beat your buddies who play golf regularly and are putting in the hours to improve their game.

Contrary to popular belief, you can improve and work on your golf game away from the course. Watching YouTube videos and reading books will help improve your technique and teach you hidden tips and tricks. You can also read articles like the one you’re reading right now to learn more about the basics of the game and what you must do before you start golfing.

5. Have Patience

Don’t expect to become an overnight sensation or the next big thing in golf, no matter how much your buddies praise your game. It’s important to be level-headed and keep your expectations under check. You can be the best player in your mind, but when it comes down to the real deal, you don’t want to be frustrated by your lack of expertise on the golf course.

Have patience when playing the game, as you will improve gradually the more you play the game. Therefore, keep calm while playing amongst friends and keep faith in your abilities as a golf player without letting them get to your head.

Conclusion

Golf is a beautiful game, and when played in the right spirits and with the right group of people, you will have the time of your life. A round of golf doesn’t have to be competitive, as simply spending time out with your friends on the golf course can be a therapeutic experience in itself.

All you have to do is show some interest in the sport and regularly play the game, and you will soon understand why millions of people have fallen in love with golf.

What Do Caddies Do? (What Can’t They Do?)

All eyes are on the world’s top golfers when a golf tournament is held. The viewers with no knowledge in the field are unknown of the person accompanying the golfers carrying the golf clubs. This person is the caddy or cad, who goes a little unnoticed by the public and is sometimes underestimated for their work.

Caddies in golf date back to the very beginning of the sport. Never mentioned in the prize list of professional tournaments, often misunderstood, caddies have an important role to play. Have you ever wondered what do they do?

Just like golfers, caddies spend 25 to 30 weeks away from home, do training, spend their days on the course or at the driving range. Technical adviser, supporter, friend, etc., much more than a simple bag carrier, the caddy performs all these functions to allow the golfer to approach the competition in the best possible conditions.

Let’s discuss the role of caddies in detail!

What Do Caddies Do?

The caddy’s work is undervalued by people who do not know much about golf since, at first glance, it seems that this character is a kind of golfer’s personal assistant. However, nothing is further from the truth because the caddy’s job is to load the player’s golf clubs in a certain way. This is a key piece for the golfer because before making each shot, the caddy advises the player on the best shot possibility.

Caddies are very well paid at a professional level, thanks to the fact that they are very relevant and influential for players’ success in tournaments. These important golf characters come to have a close bond with golfers and become indispensable to them.

Often called shadow men, caddies are golf co-pilots that helps golfers and accompany them throughout the game. Here are some of their roles:

Golfers’ Advisers

The caddy’s main job is not just to carry the player’s golf clubs and accompany them throughout the tournament. However, caddies are much more important than they seem since they are the main advisers of golfers. It is important to have extensive knowledge about the game rules to be a professional caddy.

This important individual keeps track of the player’s shots, noting them and informing the player of their performance in the tournament. The caddy reports in detail the state of the playing field and the possible obstacles that can be achieved in each hole.

Even sometimes, caddies remind players of the rules. Most elite golfers agree that having a good caddy is extremely important to compete at the highest level.

Although caddies are seen next to the player during the game hours, their work does not start there. They arrive long before the start of the day to inspect the playing field.

Carry Golfers’ Bag and Golf Clubs

The most obvious role of the caddy is to carry the player’s bag and clubs. In addition, the caddy makes it easy to give the golfer the right club and store the one that has just been used.

Clean the Materials

Although many courses today are equipped with mechanical club and ball cleaners, it is important to provide your caddy with a golf towel so that they can clean the equipment after each use.

Measure Distances

This is a more technical function of caddies. Knowing the distance between the player (amateur or professional) and the hole is essential during each round of golf. And caddies often do this job with binoculars.

Of course, if the golfer knows the course very well or has done a survey, they will not necessarily need to measure the distance. They can spot obstacles and determine approximate distances on the green, but it’s still practical.

Raking the Sand Area

After playing in a bunker, always rake the entire ​​sand disturbed by the golfer. And although most players already do this after their shot, it is also part of the golf caddy’s job.

Replace Divots

The divot is the clod of earth that will be torn off during the golf shot from time to time.

When the player performs a divot on the fairway or in the rough, the caddy must find the piece of dirt and put it back in place.

Also, they must replace the pitches on the greens when the player does not do so.

Take Care of the Flag

Once the ball hits the green, it is the role of the golf caddy to handle the flagstick. In professional tournaments, caddies agree among themselves based on their player’s distance from the hole to remove or replace the flagstick once the hole is completed.

The Technical Role

Beyond the functions listed above, the missions of the golf caddy require above all certain technical capacities, in particular for:

  • measuring distances on the green,
  • how to approach the greens,
  • identify areas to avoid or to play in,
  • how to play on the slopes,
  • imagine scenarios depending on the wind and the weather,

All these elements will allow the golfer to improve and play with a good score.

A Playing Partner

The golf caddy is, above all, a playing partner for the golfer. We know how much pressure there is in a tournament. And we all also know that a bad blow is never pleasant.

In this case, the caddy intervenes as support! They must always remain positive throughout the tournament to calm the player and help them regain confidence.

Henry Longhurst, the famous writer and golf commentator, said that the golf caddy was a true assistant who guides the golfer, motivates them and supports them in difficult times.

After many years of working together on the greens, many golf players navigate the various courses with a golf caddy which they believe is indispensable. But at the same time, many golfers can do without caddies.

What Can’t Caddies Do?

According to USGA, caddies are not allowed to do the following in any case:

  • They must not stand on or close to the other golfer’s line of play.
  • They should not point out the other players’ Line of Play for Ball
  • While pointing out the line of play for their golfer, they must not do anything to improve the conditions concerning the stroke
  • They must not put anything, any object, anywhere on the putting green to show their golfer their line of play
  • They must not deliberately stand on or close to the line of play of the golfers or behind them. The only exception is when they want to attend the flagstick.
  • They must also not point out a site on the green when the golfer makes a stroke.
  • They must not provide any physical help to golfers to make strokes.
  • They must not reveal the next stroke to the opponent or agree with them
  • They are not allowed to replace or move the ball

Golfers are responsible for their caddies’ actions during a round but not before or after the round. The golfer gets the penalty if the caddy breaches a rule.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, caddies are very relevant to the success of elite golfers, even if sometimes they do not occupy certain attention. Every pro recognizes the importance of their caddy and celebrates each victory with them.

The caddy is the main support for the player during the game, and many times thanks to him, golfers stay focused and motivated to succeed.

Do Golfers Workout?

One of the widespread beliefs about golf is that it is a low-impact sport, with low loads and, therefore, a relatively low risk of suffering muscle injuries. This may be because a large part of the population practices it as a leisure activity, including amateurs, the elderly and other people who use it as a rehabilitation therapy, since it is also recommended for patients who have suffered joint pathologies.

This belief often begs the question: do golfers workout?

Golfers need to workout to improve their performance. The back, posture, concentration, etc. play an important role in golf practice.

In addition, the game combines multiple actions, such as walking, standing to swing and hitting the ball and one of the most important aspects for a good golf practice is to control the precision and the distance of the shot.

Considering these factors, it is clear that strength training and physical abilities greatly benefit the development of performance in golf.

Here’s our explanation of how workout helps golfers improve their performance and what exercises they include in their daily workout!

Why Do Golfers Workout?

More Performance and Fewer Injuries

In the practice of golf, as in that of any sport, it is convenient to take into account the minimization of risks. Back and shoulder injuries are all too common for practitioners of this sport. Good posture and an excellent state of joints and muscles will be of great help in prevention and, probably, in improving sports performance.

The most common injuries in golf include epicondylitis, sprains, pain in the knees, back and rotator cuff, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few. Although adopting preventive measures is important to improve performance, some of the main reasons for these injuries include lack of core strength or flexibility, insufficient warm-up, and overuse of certain muscle groups.

The evidence indicates positive relationships between the golf score and the power of the legs. Other aspects, such as high lift or grip strength with the dominant and non-dominant arm, trunk rotation speed, and general muscle strength, improve overall results in this sport. These improvements would include increased shot, ball, club, and ball speed.

Posture and Breathing

Both the postural part and, especially, the respiratory part reduce the pressures in many parts of our body, ensuring that pressure increases are managed effectively and minimize risks.

A standing person with very pronounced spinal curves bears more pressure on some parts of their intervertebral discs than if these curves are less pronounced.

Nerve structures will be excessively compressed and may be the source of problems such as sciatica, low back pain, bulges and herniated discs. As golf requires prolonged standing, these increases in disc pressure are a source of pain on too many occasions because they press on important nerve structures. Golf practice is most likely to accentuate this increase in pressure.

One of the protection mechanisms is the synergy of the muscles involved in preserving these structures through exercise. The deep stabilizing muscles provide firmness, and this synergy is necessary to have effective security in actions.

Joint Stability and Mobility

Muscle training manages to give stability to the joints. A lax shoulder musculature predisposes to destabilization that is a source of injury. The training that provides joint stability is important to avoid this problem, and strength training is essential.

Rigid joints with little mobility are highly likely to be injured in sudden or large-amplitude movements such as those necessary in the practice of golf. Little mobility implies excessive coaptation, more risk of injury and less effectiveness in the gesture. Achieving decoupling of the joints is necessary to avoid these problems and to nourish and regenerate the joints effectively.

More Swing Speed

More strength in the muscles means more power and precision in the shot and less fatigue at the end of the match. In golf, increased power translates into more shot speed. A good level of muscle training also helps prevent injuries and trauma that can affect the back.

Tone the Muscles Used in Swinging

The arms, triceps, and forearm muscles play a decisive role in a solid and controlled shot and hitting the ball with speed and precision. And to raise the club, the traps, deltoids and rhomboids are the used muscles. The oblique crunches, for example, are critical to ensuring a tight, controlled torso twist that any golfer should have. It is necessary to do a strength workout to tone the muscles used in golf swinging.

Recommended Exercises

Although many exercises are of interest for improving sports performance in golfers, let’s discuss the ones that can benefit golfers the most.

In the practice of all the exercises, breathing follows these guidelines:

  • inhale in two seconds,
  • exhale in four and
  • repeat three times,
  • after the last, try to open the ribs without air, slowly and progressively, to maintain expiratory apnea for 6 to 30 seconds, depending on your ability

Below are the exercises that improve respiratory parameters, reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and prepare the muscles for the efforts required by playing golf. The objective is to reinforce and strengthen your body’s core, the central axis, to achieve good stability, improving flexibility and the rotation capacity of the body.

  • Split Squat: The first of these exercises is a squat that will allow you to work on mobility, stability and strength in the lower body.
  • The Upside-Down or Dead Bug Exercise: This exercise is excellent for working the abdominal region and lower back. Strength is needed to effectively transfer power from the lower body to the upper body on the golf swing.
  • Chest Push-Ups: Push-ups, when done right, are a great help in golf swing work.
  • Pelvic and Hip Rotation: This exercise prepares the muscles of the trunk for a rotation movement. This will help preserve the rotation when you return to the courts.
  • Upper Body Rotation: These muscles help keep the back in a good upright position and allow the spinal column to rotate.

Both the upper and lower body must be well-toned, and above all, a good stretch before starting each round of 18 holes is essential to avoid injuries.

Conclusion

We hope the information above has answered your question, ‘Do golfers workout’? Golfers need to work out, specifically, strength exercises because it provides more strength to the specific muscles used in golf swinging, which means more power and precision in the shots, more speed and fewer injuries and trauma that can affect the back.

Do Caddies Use Rangefinders? (Do Players?)

Phil Mickelson made history in 2021 by becoming the oldest golfer to win a major golf tournament.

He also became one of the first golfers to win the tournament using a rangefinder to approximate the shot distance.

The PGA Championship in 2021 was the first major tournament that allowed using rangefinders during competition, and many people scrutinized the use of rangefinders in such tournaments.

Caddies and golf players both use rangefinders, especially in practice. Since the device came out in 1995, it has been utilized to make training more enjoyable and fast-paced, but it is still uncertain whether rangefinders will be used in all competitions in the future.

Let’s explore the importance of rangefinders in golf and their meaning for the sport.

The Importance of Rangefinders in Golf

Rangefinders are essentially used to estimate the distance between the golf ball and the pin on the golf course.

Golfing authorities decided to use rangefinders to improve the game’s pace. Still, players, caddies, and commentators received it with scrutiny and could not decide if it was a good idea or not.

It is crucial to measure the distance using a rangefinder because it allows players to choose a particular club or decide the most suitable shot type to reach the target area accurately.

Certain golfers were opposed or not too sure about the use of rangefinders in the sport because most of the measurement work is commonly carried out by the player’s caddie.

There has been a lot of advancement in golf, and technology has been used to determine how best it can assist the game of golf in making it more exciting and fast-paced.

However, we must draw a line to ensure that technology is only used to assist and improve human performance, but not to the degree that it reduces the need for human skill, which can decrease confidence.

This concept is applied to all sports, including golf.

Some of the previous research carried out by experts indicated that psychological factors play a crucial role in determining technology usage.

Reasons to Use Technology in Golf

People and golfers need a level of trust in technology before they feel comfortable enough to use it. Trust can only develop if there is belief in the benefits of technology.

For example, a professional golfer may see the benefits of a rangefinder if they see their friend using it successfully and may think of using it themselves.

Research by experts has indicated that golfers’ trust in the technology of rangefinders increases after playing only one round of golf.

Professional golfers use rangefinders during their practice and non-competition rounds to their advantage, but it is still not fully allowed in all major competitions.

Golf analysts have discovered that if players use rangefinders regularly, their trust in the technology is consistent.

A player’s self-confidence is also affected by the use of technology.

If players are confident in their golfing skills, they do not feel like they need to use rangefinders, and vice versa.

Ultimately, it boils down to a balance between self-confidence and trust in technology if the use of rangefinders is to be utilized more often in competitions.

Some external factors can also affect the use of rangefinders, such as the difficulty of carrying out a particular task or situation, which can play an important role.

Despite professional golfers being much more confident in their skills to play golf effectively, most of them, including their caddies, opted for using rangefinders at the PGA Championship.

Players influenced this decision mainly because they realized they could confirm their distance estimate between the pin and golf ball and make adjustments if their prediction was wrong.

However, it is important to note that if players and their caddies become reliant on using rangefinders to estimate the distances frequently, this could affect their overall confidence in their own ability, and rangefinders can quickly become a crutch or substitute for actual skill.

Rangefinders For Training Vs. Competition

Many professional golfers use rangefinders in their practice rounds despite not being allowed to use the technology in most competitions.

For best carryover from practice to competition, players must mimic the exact conditions in competitions to maximize transfer from training.

A worry that many people face regarding rangefinders is their overuse, making training sessions better than their actual performance in competitions.

If a professional golfer starts relying exclusively on rangefinders to estimate the distances, the skill that comes from walking off distances and being reliant on yardage books becomes underutilized and suffers in development.

Players are not recruiting the same cognitive processes for estimation in training and competition, which means that training may give them a false sense of confidence in their ability.

However, it is important to remember that this is basic knowledge for professional golfers who can choose to experiment with whatever works and reach their own conclusions.

Any golfer playing at an elite level knows more about how to improve their performance than those on the outside.

But since we are all human and prone to making mistakes, it is still likely that the adverse effects described may occur.

Using rangefinders is like a double-edged sword; there are benefits and also negatives.

Making an informed decision means being aware of all the factors and choosing a particular playing style, which can serve as an excellent self-experiment if players wish to switch things up and depart from a more traditional way of looking at things.

The current generation of golfers has adapted well to minimal technology in their games. Still, since all sports are constantly evolving, we may expect to see greater similarities between training and competition performance.

People will always use technology to modify the traditional approach to sports, and some trial and error are important before reaching permanent changes.

Rangefinders were introduced back in 1995, and Mickelson had a successful three years of professional play under his belt, during which he had successfully estimated the shot distances.

However, he made a change in recent times at the 2021 PGA tour and used the rangefinder device alongside his caddie to great effect.

Final Verdict

The recent PGA Championship has shown the world that the future of golfing using rangefinders is soon to come.

The implications of using the device are still not thoroughly researched, but you can expect the pace and performance to be greatly affected, which has the potential to change the sport as a whole.

Both caddies and professional golfers frequently use rangefinders. It is up to them whether they decide to use the device during practice, especially when training for competitions that do not allow its use.

Do Golfers Drink (Alcohol) While Playing?

Many people consider golf a social game, and some may even call themselves addicted to the sport. A few lucky ones get to call it their career, but only select talented individuals. Irrespective of what level you’re playing golf, you must be curious to know if you can play golf while drinking booze or alcohol.

Some of the best times you will have on the golf course are when there are no handicaps involved, and you’re playing for the fun of the game. You can take risks and swing freely, without worrying about any consequences or about winning or losing the game. It’s just you and your friends have a good time out on the golf course.

You must have heard stories of your buddies having a cold beer while on the golf course on a lazy Sunday, and that may have got you wondering whether golfers can drink alcohol while playing on the course. The biggest question is, should you even be playing golf while you’re drinking? If you’re thinking along the same lines, we have all the answers for you here.

Golf and Drinking (Alcohol)

Most golf courses are very lax with their rules surrounding drinking and golfing and allow golfers to drink alcohol during their rounds. However, you should know that golfing while you’re drunk will obviously mean that you won’t perform especially well. Numerous studies have shown that drinking a can or two of beer while playing golf can allow you to swing more freely, as you are less tense.

However, that also impacts your ball striking as you will lose accuracy and will not strike your ball as cleanly as you would when you are sober. There are also some etiquettes and rules surrounding drinking and golfing, and we will share some of them here with you. It will be surprising to quite a few people that there are very few rules surrounding golfing and drinking.

That’s because most golf courses don’t have any hard or fast rules for drinking on golf courses, but general manners and etiquette are still expected to be followed. You don’t need to be a genius to know that if you’re drunk on the course and are playing without your shirt or shorts, you will be escorted from the premises and may be banned from playing at the golf course ever again.

The Etiquette Around Drinking on a Golf Course

When it comes to golf, the rules and etiquettes of the game must be strictly adhered to no matter if you’re sober or inebriated. However, there are several unspoken rules of golf that most people are unaware of, which also relate to drinking on a golf course.

As most golf courses don’t have any general guidelines or rules surrounding drinking while playing golf, there are some things you must take into consideration by yourself. These include the following:

Are There Families and Children Present?

Golf is considered a family pastime for many people who will be out and about on the golf course with their children. Even though it may be legal to drink around children, it’s frowned upon to be intoxicated when families and children are present. That is especially the case if you can’t control your actions when drunk—acting weirdly around children while intoxicated or causing a ruckus in front of families, which will get you thrown off the course.

If children and families are present on the golf course, keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum and ensure that you’re acting appropriately. The families are also out to enjoy their day on the golf course, and if you ruin their entertainment through your actions, you will be held accountable.

Is There a Competition Being Held?

You may not be permitted to play while intoxicated on the golf course if a big competition is held on the field. Saturdays are the day when most grand tournaments are held, and for most golfers, it is the day they get to relax and hang out with their friends. Therefore, you need to keep your alcohol consumption to a manageable level so as not to spoil the fun for others.

Irrespective of their golfing expertise, people tend to take the sport seriously, and if you’re rowdy or drunk and causing distractions for other players, you will be asked to leave. In short, avoid drinking while playing golf at peak hours, as that is when most of the serious players will take to the course.

You can crack open a few beers with friends, but keep that for later in the day if you plan on heavy drinking.

Are You Ruining Other Golfer’s Time?

No one likes their time wasted on the golf course, and even though you may be having the time of your life, you have to account for other people as well. If you’re ruining everyone else’s fun on the golf course because you’re drinking and holding up play, no one will want you on the golf course. You may even be banned from ever playing on that green ever again.

You should know your limits while drinking and playing golf because if drinking six cans of beer on the course gets you drunk, you should limit yourself to half that amount. The aim is to have a good time and ensure that you’re not a nuisance to other players. The same goes for consuming marijuana on the golf course, and even though it is frowned upon, you should also avoid doing it while there are families and children present on the golf course.

Conclusion

Golf is a sport meant to be enjoyed by everyone but not at the cost of drinking pints of alcohol or smoking joints and ruining the experience for everybody else. Golfers are allowed to drink alcohol while playing golf, but they must remain within their limits and adhere to all the rules and etiquettes of the sport.

As a result, acting out under the influence and abusing your privilege while intoxicated will likely get you banned from the golf course.

Are Golfers Responsible For Broken Windows (Or Other Damage)?

Golf is a sport enjoyed by thousands of players, and if you have the misfortune of living on a golf course, you may be victim to thousands of errant golf balls that break your windows. Not all golfers are blessed with great ability, and most of the time, an errant shot can be struck near your home and break your windows. That’s a frustrating proposition, especially if it happens frequently.

The law states that the golfer who broke a window nor the golf course are required to pay for broken windows or damage as long as they didn’t do it on purpose and the house was built after the course was. If the golfer was playing normally and it was not their intention to cause any harm to your property, then they aren’t liable.

That seems counterintuitive afterall they were the one who broke your window or damaged your property. However is most locations the houses were built after the golf course so by building or buying the home you accepted the liability that a stray golf ball might damage your house or property. If your house was built before the golf course was then typically the golf course is liable but again, the golfer is not liable.

The golfer simply misjudged their shot and accidentally broke your window or caused other damages to your property.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

Who Should be Held Accountable?

Some people believe that all golfers should be held accountable for the damage they caused to a property regardless of how they were playing. If you broke a window, you must pay for the damages, and many golf courses have explicit rules that dictate the liabilities for causing damage to any home.

However, it is not strictly implemented, and most of the time, golfers escape any liability even if they have caused damage to the property.

There are two parties at fault here, the golfer and the golf course. There must be some institution that must pay for the damage caused to the property, but that fails to pass most of the time. So, if a golfer damages your property, it could be that no one pays for the damages. You will have to foot the bill because the golf course and the golfer could claim that they were playing normally, and it was an accident that couldn’t have been avoided.

Are Golf Courses Held Responsible for Damages?

Golf courses mainly avoid any responsibility for damages caused to the property of an individual because they build the golf course first and then the houses are built afterwards. Since those houses were built on the golf course that was already there, the builder (and subsequent owners) knew that broken windows or damaged property were a possibility and accepted that liability.

In most cases, the golf club will be liable only if they built it after the houses nearby were built. In that case the homeowner could go after the course for the damage.

How Do I Protect Golf Balls from Coming into Your Yard?

Even though it can be hard to pinpoint who has committed the damage, you can do some things to ensure that errant golf balls don’t damage your property. There are numerous ways to protect your windows from golf balls, and we will be sharing the top five methods you can employ. These include the following ways:

1. Golf Ball Screen

There are companies out there that provide golf ball screens that can be attached to the windows of your house and stop errant golf balls from breaking the windows. All you must do is erect these screens over your windows and ensure that any golf ball that comes into your yard will hit the screen rather than smash your windows.

The quality of the golf ball screen will determine the extent of the damage to your window, so ensure that you only get the best quality golf ball screens for your home.

2. Roll Down Panels

You can install roll-down panels if you don’t want a permanent solution fixed in place of your windows for errant golf balls smashing into them. These panels can be installed near your windows and protect them against errant golf balls that may fly out of the sky.

The best part about these panels is that they can be rolled down when no one is playing golf, so they won’t ruin the look and appeal of your windows and ensure that you get complete protection from errant golf balls in return.

3. Plexiglas

You can install Plexiglass windows, which are sturdier than your normal windows, and ensure no errant golf ball breaks down your window. These windows will ensure that you are not compromising the security of your home, and errant golf balls won’t be smashing into your home.

Plexiglas windows are promising because they can protect your home from golf balls that come flying into your backyard and are a suitable proposition for homes on the golf course.

4. Screen Enclosure

You can also get a small screen enclosure installed in your backyard to protect errant golf balls from landing in your backyard but will not damage your windows. These screens will ensure that the golf balls hit them instead of your windows and won’t cause substantial damage to your property in return.

The best part about these screen enclosures is that they can be erected in front of your windows and are affordable.

5. Netting

The final solution for errant golf balls breaking your windows is to install netting around your windows and in your backyard. It will collect all the errant golf balls that come the way of your home and will prevent damage to your windows and other areas of the home.

It’s a cost-effective solution to ensuring that no stray golf ball that lands in your backyard causes any harm to your windows or other areas of the home.

Conclusion

Even though the golfer who broke your window might seem to be the one who would have to pay in the event of damage that is actually not the case. The golf course will also escape liability if they can prove that the golfer was playing normally and wasn’t out to cause any harm and the home was built after the course was.

Therefore, the best solution for you is to protect your home from errant golf balls so that you’re not repeatedly replacing your broken windows and replacing things at your house from damage caused by golf balls.

Are Golf Bags Waterproof?

It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur or a pro golfer. If you play the game frequently, especially during the rainy season, you’re bound to know the trouble rain can bring.

The moisture doesn’t only affect your game but can cause unnecessary hassles for your valuables and other golfing essentials. And that’s when all you want is to keep your equipment and apparel in a waterproof golf bag to eliminate at least one worry. But wait, are golf bags waterproof, or is owning them merely wishful thinking?

Yes, there is a range of water-resistant golf bags today. They come in several sizes, styles, and qualities to accommodate your requirements and prevent your valuable golfing equipment from getting damaged from moisture.

If you’re curious about whether all golf bags are waterproof and wish to know a few recommendations for the best moisture-resistant bags, you’re on the perfect course. Stay tuned to discover the benefits of using a water-resistant golf bag and connect with the ideal bag to accommodate your golfing requirements. Let’s start reading!

Are All Golf Bags Waterproof?

As we mentioned earlier, waterproof golf bags are excessively accessible in the market. Regardless of where you live, you can find a range of water-resistant golf bags manufactured by local producers and reputable pioneers.

That being said, not every golf ball is waterproof. And if you’re specifically searching for a bag that keeps the moisture from seeping inside, you must first make sure if your chosen golf bag is moisture-proof or not.

Why Buy Waterproof Golf Bags?

If you or anyone ever thinks about whether you should buy a waterproof golf bag or not, here’s the answer: YES, OF COURSE! It’s a no-brainer that water-resistant bags are always the better alternatives. When you’re already spending money, why not go for something that offers more benefits, right? Exactly our thoughts.

Waterproof golf bags are worth every penny of your investment because of the plethora of benefits. They keep your possessions away from the water, offer you a relieving peace of mind, and are often more durable than regular bags.

Imagine playing a terrific game and creating lasting impressions. But then the skies open, and you start running for shelter, not because you’re worried about getting wet, but because you’re fretting over how the moisture can damage your precious clubs! However, having a moisture-resistant golf bag prevents all such nightmares because you simply need to pack the club into your waterproof bag while keeping calm and composed.

Apart from the golfing equipment, you can even destroy your golf bags with constant water exposure. Regardless of your efforts in keeping the bag safe and away from moisture, it will start damaging after falling victim to the rain. Eventually, you have no choice but to buy a new one.

The Best Waterproof Golf Bags To Buy

It’s common to be overwhelmed by the variety of waterproof golf bags. But there’s nothing to panic about. We’ll help you shortlist the potential candidates and offer the five best moisture-proof golf bags you can consider buying.

Cobra Ultradry Pro Stand Bag

The waterproof bag is spacious and super easy to move around. Its straps don’t feel tight and uncomfortable around your hands or on your shoulders and offer exceptional resistance to moisture.

Titleist Players 4-Plus Stadry Stand Bag

Titleist offers an excellent option for every golfer who prefers lightweight bags. The 4-Plus weighs less than 2kgs and even has seam-sealed zips. The best part: the golf bag offers eight pockets to help you organize your golfing essentials better.

Taylormade Flextech Waterproof Stand Bag

The water-resistant golf bag is ideal for golfers who love practicality with styles. With an aesthetic appearance, the bag also includes adjustable straps and six pockets to keep everything well-organized.

Big Max Aqua 8 Stand Bag

Big Max offers probably the best golf bag of recent times. Apart from its powerful moisture resistance, the bag weighs 2kg- ideally lightweight and has spacious pockets to accommodate more items.

Motocaddy Hydroflex Stand Bag

The bag provides incredible resistance to moisture, but more than that: it’s innovatively versatile and can be used as more than a golf bag. In fact, you can use it as a carry bag for regular use or even when you’re going camping.

Factors To Consider When Buying Golf Bags

Knowing the best golf bags isn’t enough to finalize your decisions. Often, you need to assess several other elements to evaluate if the best golf bag on your list is ideal for you and your requirements or not. Here are four factors you must think about when purchasing a golf bag.

Water-Resistance

This goes without saying. Always go for waterproof bags, and if a bag catches your eye, don’t buy it unless you’re sure it’s moisture-resistant or not.

Budget

Waterproof golf bags might be slightly costlier than regular bags and not always affordable for everyone. However, given their impressive benefits, spending those extra dollars is totally worth it. Still, you must check their price tags and select the best possible one you can find, given your range.

Overall Features

You must always check if the golf bag offers enough practicality or not. Is the bag lightweight big, and does it have enough pockets or breathable straps for utmost convenience? If yes, that’s one criterion met successfully!

Type Of Bag

Your preferences can vary from other golfers, and that’s alright. Therefore, you will have to determine what type of golf bag will be optimal for you: cart, staff, stand, travel, or a carry bag.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, all golf bags aren’t made to be waterproof. However, there are a lot of designs available in the market today. Water-resistant bags are the best for golf because you can use them throughout the year without damaging the material due to excessive moisture exposure.

In addition, when buying a waterproof golf bag, you must also consider a few other variables, including the strap system, dividers, spaciousness, pocket sizes, and the preferable type of bag. Deciding on such factors assists you in further narrowing down your list of potential bags to buy.

Although moisture-proof bags need more investment, this limitation gets set off by the versatile benefits and long-lasting use they promise. Therefore, we always suggest spending more today instead of paying less frequently. You’d be surprised to see how much you can save this way!

Do Golfers Run?

Golf is a sport that doesn’t require a lot of running, even though golfers have to be in top shape during a round of golf to come out on top. Many golfers condition their bodies before golf tournaments, not because they will be doing a lot of running but because there are other aspects that a golfer must perfect to be in top shape for the competition. Golfers don’t run much on the golf course, and they must walk around the 18 holes or drive in a golf cart to get to wherever their ball has landed.

Of course, there is physical exertion involved in golf, but you can’t say that golfers run a lot behind their balls. They rather stroll or walk to where their ball is and then play their next shot from that position. However, they must still be in peak physical condition to play a round of golf because the exertion on their body and torso from playing golf demands that.

So, you can say that golfers don’t run but must remain in top shape to go after their shots and play well in competition. Golfers must stay on the course for five to six hours and play in all kinds of weather conditions, so their bodies must be in peak physical condition. They won’t be doing a lot of running, but there will be plenty of walking around the golf course.

Why Don’t Golfers Run?

It may make sense to someone who has never played a round of golf that golfers can easily run after their balls after playing their shot. However, that means they will quickly run out of breath while on the golf course and wouldn’t be able to concentrate on their next shot. That will cause them more harm than good because it will entirely throw them off their game. That’s not how golf is supposed to be played, as it is a game of patience and skill.

Running after golf balls simply defeats the purpose of playing a round of golf. The golfer will be out of breath and won’t be able to concentrate on their next shot, which is why golf professionals tend to walk it out on the golf course instead of running after their shots. They have golf caddies carrying all their equipment for them, so they can concentrate on their next play while walking to the ball. It makes sense for them to do that as they don’t want to cause any strain on their bodies while walking towards their next shot.

Should Golfers Run After their Shots?

There’s a debate that golfers should run after their shots, but there aren’t many people who would agree with that. Golf has always been a sport for gentlemen, and even though you need to be in good physical condition to play the sport, running after the golf ball has never been a part of golf. Therefore, it has never been practiced, and some believe it should never become a part of the sport because there is no room for running after your golf shots.

You can easily walk towards your destination and pick up from where you left off without exerting much physical strain on your body. The length of time it takes to play a round of golf doesn’t need to be shortened, and when you’re playing 18 holes, you need all the strength and concentration you can get. Running after your shots on each hole will defeat the purpose of playing golf, which is a calm sport where you need composure to make the right shot.

You won’t be able to make the shot you wanted to make if you’re out of breath, which will happen if you’re running after the ball. That’s why it has never become a part of the sport because it’s not feasible and won’t entertain many people. The sight of golfers running on the golf course doesn’t excite many people because it’s not how the sport was meant to be played. Therefore, the argument of should golfers run after their shots never got any friction.

How to be in Peak Physical Condition for Golf?

You don’t need to run to be good at golf, but you must be in peak physical condition. That means practicing a round of golf every day and spending a good four to five hours on the golf course practicing your game. Your torso and hips should get a lot of work because they are important for your overall game, and your legs must get plenty of mileage under them.

A round of golf is no joke, and you will quickly get tired while playing under the sun, which is why practice makes perfect. You must go to the golf course every day to practice your game and get your body used to the physical conditions you will experience on the golf course. That’s the only way to perfect your golf game and be in peak physical condition for tournaments.

You should also hit the gym to generate more power in your swings, as your shoulder muscles and forearms will need a lot of work. That way, you can ensure you hit the ball hard and ensure that it travels the distance on the golf course. Going to the gym is a good way to ensure that you’re ready for the rigors of the golf course, as there will be plenty of legwork involved, and you will be using your shoulders, forearms, and hips a lot on the course.

Conclusion

You may not have to run on the golf course, but you will need to be physically able to walk all those miles. Golfers don’t have to run, but they need a lot of stamina and power to play a round of golf. Therefore, it’s best that you practice your golf game regularly and hit the gym as often as you can before the golf tournament begins so that you’re in peak physical condition.

Are Most Golfers Right Or Left Handed?

Golf is all about skill, technique, and practice. People often spend over a decade practicing their ability to become pros and take up special fitness training to prepare. There are also several opinions that being left-handed makes a person a better golfer.

But is that true? If it were true, a significant percentage of the golfers in the world would be left-handed, especially the pros. I decided to do a little digging and have written this blog to answer this question.

Therefore, the following material will provide facts and help explain whether there’s any truth to the assumption.

Are Most Golfers Right or Left Handed?

85-90% of the world’s population is right-handed, which leaves only 15-10% of left-handed people or those who are ambidextrous. Hence, it is no surprise that there is a higher percentage of right-handed golfers than left-handed golfers.

Only 5% of the PGA golfers are left-handed, with the remaining being right-handed. Therefore, there are more right-handed golfers than left-handed golfers in the world.

Does Being One or the Other Affect Skill Level?

To some extent, the left-handed and right-handed skill difference theory is based on the right-brained, left-brained theory. People like to believe that left-handed people are better at sports, among other things, and remain convinced despite the lack of scientific evidence.

Several researchers have attempted to find out if there is any truth to these theories, but they haven’t received conclusive results. Hence, there is no reason to believe that being either affects skill-level, especially when it comes to golf.

Most of the world is oriented toward right-handed people since they are in the majority. Therefore, several objects, tools, gear, etc., are made to suit their comfort and capabilities.

Such arrangements put left-handed people at a disadvantage in various aspects. Therefore, a skill difference can be present when both parties have equal benefits.

Are There Golf Clubs for Both Types of Athletes?

Yes. Although only 5% of the golfers are left-handed, most renowned club manufacturers ensure that they develop products oriented toward both athletes. And this move is not surprising.

Precision and accuracy are critical in golf, and forcing a left-handed player to play with a right-handed club can significantly affect results. Hence, it’s a good thing that manufacturers have become more conscious of such matters.

There are two elements that differ under such circumstances.

1. Club Head

The hosel in a right-handed club tilts to the right side when the clubhead is placed on a flat surface. Since the balance for the other side is opposite, the hosel tilts to the left for left-handed clubs. This design difference is the only one for all club types except for putters.

2. Putters

Putters are the only club with several design differences for right-handed and left-handed people. The difference is that putters have a tilt in their shafts that affects performance. Additionally, the grooves of the right-handed putter will be to your left if you are right-handed, and the opposite will apply to left-handers.

The grip, shafts (except for in putters), and other parts of the clubs are unaffected by whether they are made for a right or left-handed golfer.

What Are the Challenges Left-Handed Golfers Face?

If it weren’t enough that the world is naturally geared against lefties, they also face unique challenges in the sports industry. Following are some of the most common problems left-handed golfers face.

1. Instructions Are for Right-Handed People

Most instruction manuals are prepared for right-handed people. Therefore, left-handed players have to conduct the mental labor of mentally flipping each instruction before applying it to get the desired results. Sometimes, even that is not enough to work out since other factors are at play.

The extra labor means they spend more time getting their work done.

2. Few Second-Hand Options for Clubs

Premium golf clubs have exceptional performance, but they aren’t always affordable when new. Hence, several players prefer to buy second-hand clubs instead of buying them new to save some money.

Additionally, manufacturers also discontinue making older models after introducing new ones. Therefore, anyone looking for older models will also need second-hand products to get their preferred clubs.

The only problem with both scenarios is that only 5% of the golfers are left-handed. Hence, the players are barely ever lucky enough to find the items they are looking for.

3. Glove Designs Suit Right Handed Athletes

Not all gloves are made equal, and this rule applies especially to lefties who are forced to settle for the few available options instead of getting ample choices. Unfortunately, that means the gloves don’t always facilitate and support their performance, affecting their swing precision.

Such circumstances put them at a disadvantage against a right-handed opponent.

4. Most Expert Advisory Is Right Centric

Most golf pros are right-handed; therefore, their advice applies to players with the same physical trait. Given the experiential nature of golf, the lack of adequate expert knowledge is a critical disadvantage.

Players don’t just need to practice the game; they need to be specific about their practice. Misdirected efforts will never reduce the handicap and only cause additional frustration for the player.

5. People Coming Within Swing Range

Golfers have a relatively wide swing range and are required to ensure they don’t endanger anyone during gameplay. The audience is knowledgeable and stays out of this range; however, they often adjust their position according to right-handed players.

Left-handed players’ swing extends in the opposite direction, so they often have to get people out of their range before aiming.

6. The Better Skilled Assumption

There is no proof that lefties are better at sports, but that doesn’t stop people from assuming. It can be incredibly frustrating for left-handed golfers to put in the extra work only for people to assume they are naturally better at the sport.

Final Thoughts

In short, there are more right-handed golfers than there are left-handed golfers. I hope you enjoyed reading this blog and encourage you to check out the rest for more information.

Put Your Faith In The Best Golf Rangefinder To Perfect Your Game

Golfing can be a ton of fun, but it’s even better when you are prepared for the game. Gettings used to a new course can be a daunting task, but there is a device that can make it easier. If you want to be at your best, you’ll want to invest in the best golf rangefinder and learn how to use it.

Rangefinders can be terrific tools if used properly. While it won’t improve your stroke, it can help you out in a pinch to figure out where you are concerning everything else. Everyone needs a bit of assistance sometimes.

What Is a Rangefinder

Finding the best golf rangefinder won’t do you any good if you don’t know what it is in the first place. Rangefinders are devices many golfers use to practice or when they are playing by themselves. They are helpful, compact devices that mainly take the place of a caddie.

After all, unless you are playing a proper round of golf, you won’t have access to a caddie.

Rangefinders allow you to find the distance between where you are and pretty much anything on the course. You can use these to see how far a bunker is, how far you’ll need to hit the ball to get to the hole, traps, trees, water, anything. And that can be very helpful if you’re new to a course and don’t have an idea of where things are.

There will be some golfers that look at rangefinders and GPS devices as cheating. However, they can be beneficial tools to help you practice with.

Why should you use one?

These electronic devices are changing the way golf is played but does it change the game that much? The biggest question before you go out and find the best golf rangefinder is, should you even use one? That answer is entirely up to you.

Rangefinders have a ton of great benefits to them, but some more traditional golfers still prefer to go about things the old fashioned way. While there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever, rangefinders make it so you can focus more on your game and your technique and less on the monotonous bits.

In a poll from 2012, about 69 percent of golf players actively use rangefinders, while 31 percent do not. Now, that study is a bit dated, but these devices are now nearly standard issue for many golfers. So why are golfers starting to use these more and more?

The convenience and accuracy of rangefinders are their most significant appeal. You can take them out, point downrange, and have the near exact distance in seconds. It saves you from having to walk to wherever you are trying to judge or shoot and walking back to your ball.

This allows you to get on with your game and spend less time assuming or trying to do the math in your head.

Also, these devices will enable you to avoid a lot of traps and blind spots, so you don’t get stuck in one of them during your round. Not to mention, by knowing precisely what your distance is, you can select the right club to use for that situation.

How do rangefinders work?

The best rangefinder will have a lot of features and functions beyond judging distance. However, that is its primary function, and it’s also the only function that is allowed during tournaments.

A rangefinder uses a laser to judge the distance of where you are and whatever it’s pointing at. The device will shoot a laser at your target, and it will bounce back, giving an incredibly accurate distance estimate. The accuracy of these devices is so high that you can point it at just about anything and get the distance in seconds.

Some of the higher end and best golf rangefinder options will come with technology to distinguish between the flag and the trees behind it, which makes the estimate that more accurate, saving you a whole lot of hassle down the line.

Other features that no doubt the best golf rangefinder will include a focus on elevation and other factors that can affect your shot. However, each rangefinder will have different features besides the standard distance function. So if extra features are something that you are looking for, be sure to pay attention to that.

Golf Rangefinders vs. GPS

There are a handful of devices that golfers can use for both tournaments and for practicing. While rangefinders are the most straightforward option, GPS devices and smartphone apps are also available.

GPS devices and apps give you a visual representation of the course you are on, along with numbers to represent distances to some notable regions. The top-down view of the course can offer you a far more accurate reading of where things are concerning you at any point during the game.

GPS devices are also far more reliable, as they are powered by satellite images and aren’t affected by weather or shapes.

Also, many GPS products and especially smartphone apps will give you more in-depth functions like swing analysis, predictions, and suggestions. Some rangefinders may do that, but they focus much more on what’s right in front of you at the moment.

However, many golfers see a GPS and the apps as too much technology for a game that should be about your technique and overall skill. Not to mention, some courses have bans on mobile phones, as they can be more of a distraction than anything else.

Rangefinders, on the other hand, purely work with measuring distances, slope, and sometimes elevation. While GPS devices are very useful, many of their functions are not legal during tournaments. For this reason, if you want to play it safe, a rangefinder is the better choice.

Are rangefinders legal in competition golf?

If you are thinking to yourself that you may have found a way to get a leg up on the competition during an official tournament or even against your friend, think again. While rangefinders are currently legal in PGA tournaments, many of their features are not allowed in any way.

In 2017, PGA announced that they would be having a trial run for allowing players at various upcoming tournaments to compete using rangefinders. These tournaments include the Web.com Tour, the PGA Tour Latinoamerica, and the Mackenzie PGA Tour Canada. During these events, players would be allowed to use these devices to see how they impact tournament play.

However, there was some limitation on this trial run. While the distance measuring function would be allowed, any function that measures slope, elevation, or wind would not be.

Now, for all tournaments, rangefinders, GPS devices, and smartphone distance measuring apps are allowed to be used throughout the play.

However, there are a lot of things that this rule limits. The limitations include any function that was previously banned, slope, elevation, and wind, but there is a lot more now.

With advancements in technology, the rules had to adjust so everything was covered and a player couldn’t claim that a feature wasn’t included and therefore should be allowed. So, the banned features now also include coach/trainer contact during a round, swing analysis, and Plays Like or Club Suggestions.

So basically, anything that gives you suggestions or technical analysis is not allowed during league and tournament play.

However, since many of the best golf rangefinder brands have features that enable you to disable certain functions, you can still use one.

How to use a golf rangefinder

If you are brand new to the wonderful world of golf and are looking at everything you need for your set, a rangefinder will be something you’ll want to include. While they aren’t entirely necessary to play the game, it can help a lot to perfect your technique.

Knowing how far the hole is, where traps and obstacles are can help you out. Plus, if you are starting to learn how to swing and get the movements and power down, these devices can be invaluable. Also, knowing how far you can hit a ball at max power versus lower power is incredibly useful.

The best golf rangefinder will be very simple to use. They all come with a sight that you can look down to find your target. Once you find what you want to measure, press the button on the top and a laser will shoot from the device to your target and back.

Many rangefinders will also feature an LCD display in the sight or on the side of the device. Once the distance is measured, the yardage or meters will show up on one of those displays. If your rangefinder has other modes like slope and wind speed, those measurements will also show up on the same display.

They can help you build a strategy and prepare for any game, even if you aren’t allowed to use the device itself. Which also brings something else up. While rangefinders can be helpful, you shouldn’t rely 100 percent on it.

Golfers who rely too much on technology may find themselves lost when they are forced to play without it. Use it only to perfect your technique and learn a new course, but focus more on your judgment and skill. That is the best way to improve your game.

Is a golf rangefinder worth it?

If you invest in the best golf rangefinder, they can be quite instrumental.

However, they do have some limitations you should know about. Rangefinders are profoundly affected by the weather of any kind. Anything from bright sunlight to rain and even fog can throw off the accuracy or make it completely useless.

Since they judge everything using a laser, it has to rely on the laser bouncing back. Slopes, odd shapes, and targets that aren’t in direct line of sight can throw off the estimate.

So while rangefinders can be great at helping you, you may want to be careful. Using it in the wrong situation can lead to a lot of frustration.

How We Reviewed

Unfortunately, we were not able to test out every single one of the products we have here. However, the information we featured in this best golf rangefinder guide is entirely reliable and accurate. Using quality sources, including expert reviews and buyers guides, we built a guide with all the best information possible to help you.

We only feature products with a high rating on Amazon and look at customer reviews for good measure. You can be sure that if we recommend a product, it’s worth a look.

Best Golf Rangefinder

Every product we have here has a high rating on Amazon and glowing customer reviews. While some may have a higher score than others, this list is in no particular order. We recommend every item here equally and fairly.

The best golf rangefinder will be a product that fits your needs perfectly. However, remember not to rely too heavily on technology when playing. Use it sparingly and remember to improve your organic techniques as well.

Precision Golf NX7

Here is a rangefinder that is 100 percent legal for tournament play. The Precision Golf NX7 is purely a distance measuring device, without any slope measurement capabilities. This rangefinder combines the perfect balance between accuracy and durability more than many methods.

The sturdy design and rubber grip allow the device to find your target quickly and accurately. With this one, you won’t have to question whether or not it’s working, with its haptic feedback. Every time you use the laser, Precision Golf’s pulse vibration technology kicks in.

Pair that with a 400 range, 1/10-yard measurements, and tag technology, you can play with confidence. Not to mention, the scope also features 6X magnification, so you never lose your target.

The Precision Golf NX7 has a 4.4 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.

Pros

  • Tag technology
  • Durable design
  • Tournament legal
  • 1/10-yard measurement
  • Haptic feedback

Cons

  • 400-yard range

Callaway 300

The Callaway 300 is full of features that golfers will love. This rangefinder goes beyond the typical point and shoot design of many others. Here, you can not only place a pin, but you can take the measurements of multiple targets at once.

Thanks to Callaway’s Pin Acquisition Technology, or PAT, you can drop and quickly lock onto a pin from up to 300 yards away. But don’t worry, because you can view clearly up to 1,000 yards with a 6X magnification. Couple that with a one-yard, plus or minus, accuracy and you’ve got yourself one powerful little device.

If you’re often unsure about the distance to the flagstick, the Callaway 300 offers an exclusive BIRDIE feature. This delivers audible feedback in the sound of a “chirp” to confirm the range.

The Callaway 300 has a 4.6 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon. It also sports the badge for Amazon’s Choice, which makes it an excellent option for the best golf rangefinder.

Pros

  • Audible feedback
  • 300-yard pin dropping with PAT
  • 1,000-yard accuracy distance
  • Measure multiple targets at once

Cons

  • Slope feature is illegal for tournament play (you can turn it off)
  • Yard to meter button can make for inaccurate results if turned on by accident

TecTecTec VPro500

This 2019 upgrade for the VPro500 comes with all the bells and whistles. This lightweight device makes for easy and accurate distance measuring. Up to 540-yards, you can scan continuously and drop pins where you need to.

The new Pinsensor Technology provides fast measurement with 1-yard accuracy. With this feature, you can also drop pins behind each other for a convenient target overlay design. While there is no slope feature, that does make this device 100 percent legal for tournaments.

The body build of this rangefinder is very durable and weather-resistant, which allows you to use it regardless of the conditions outside.

The TecTecTec VPro500 has a 4.3 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon. Also, it has the badge for Amazon’s Choice, so you know you are getting a great product. Maybe one even worthy of being the best golf rangefinder.

Pros

  • Pinsensor technology
  • Target overlay
  • One-yard accuracy
  • No slope feature makes it tournament legal

Cons

  • No slope feature
  • Only 540-yard distance

Bozily Rangefinder

If you’re looking for a rangefinder with a bunch of extras, the Bozily rangefinder gives you just that. This rangefinder has a total of four scanning modes that you can take advantage of.

A standard distance mode is accurate up to 1,000-yards and 200 plus yards to the flag. A slop mode can show you the distance taking the slope and angle into consideration. The verticle mode gives you the height measurement of your target, which can be great to judge an obstacle in your way.

Lastly, the Bozily rangefinder features a speed mode, which measures the speed of something with a range of 20 to 300 kilometers per hour. You can also turn the slope feature off to make it tournament legal.

The Bozily rangefinder has a 4.1 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon. It also has a badge for Amazon’s Choice. All of which makes choosing this device as your best golf rangefinder a safe choice.

Pros

  • Four scan modes
  • Durable design
  • 1000-yard range
  • 1-yard accuracy

Cons

  • Some modes aren’t useful for golf

Bushnell Tour V4

Possibly the most attractive rangefinder, the Bushnell Tour V4 is perfect for those craving speeds and accuracy. With a range accurate to 400-yards and a clear visual field, this rangefinder can get you to where you need to be.

With Bushnell’s Pinseeker, you’ll never lose sight of your target. And with Jolt technology, the device will even give you a tactile confirmation once the measurement is done and is locked on the flag.

Bushnell’s claim to fame is its companion smartphone app. This app gives you the convenience of a rangefinder with the power of a GPS. The app features 3D flyovers with distances, hole layouts, and access to over 36,000 courses.

The Bushnell Tour V4 has a stellar 4.5 out of 5.0-star rating and the badge for Amazon’s Choice. This may be the best golf rangefinder for those looking for the best of both worlds.

Pros

  • Companion app
  • Attractive and durable design
  • Easy to use
  • Pinseeker with Jolt

Cons

  • No slope function
  • Short range

PeakPulse Rangefinder

This rangefinder seeks to accommodate those with vision problems with their fast focus system. Even if you wear glasses, you will be able to focus at any time and keep your vision clear easily.

The PeakPulse rangefinder is accurate from 6 to 400-yards with its pinseeker technology up to 300-yards. This pinseeker technology ensures that even if you have shaky hands, you’ll never lose sight of your target. And if you are worried about being unsure if you’ve got the lock, you’ll get a vibration to confirm.

One great feature is its power saver, which will shut off the device after eight seconds of inactivity. This allows you to save your batteries for the moments you need the most.

The PeakPulse has a 4.3 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.

Pros

  • Fast focus system
  • Pinseeker with Jolt
  • Power saver
  • Tournament legal

Cons

  • 400-yard distance
  • No slope function

TecTecTec ULT-X

If you like VPro500 but are looking for more, the ULT-X is precisely that. An upgrade over the VPro500, but with all the same base features, the ULT-X gives you everything you need and more. With their Target Lock Technology (TGT) this rangefinder quickly locks onto flags up to 450-yards.

With a more than 1,000-yard range, includes a slope feature, which you can turn off, and more. Once you lock on to your target, the device will vibrate to confirm for you. And it’s scan mode allows you to give you instant measurements one after the other.

The ULT-X may also be the most accurate rangefinder we have here. At 300-yards, it has a 0.3-yard accuracy and 0.5-yards at distances up to 600-yards. Looking further, you’ll have a one-yard accuracy up to 1000-yards.

The TectecTec ULT-X has a solid 4.5 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.

Pros

  • Incredible accuracy at varying ranges
  • TGT up to 450-yards
  • Continuous scan mode
  • A total upgrade over VPro500

Cons

  • Expensive

FORE!

Using the best golf rangefinder can be incredibly helpful to perfect your game. However, pay attention to your organic skills just as much. Many rangefinder features are not legal for tournaments or games, so you may be forced to play without one.

The best golf rangefinder will be one that suits your needs and more, but also allows you to use it during tournaments. Look at the features, ranges, and everything in between when making your choice.

Do you use a rangefinder when you play, or do you prefer one of the other methods? Let us know in the comments below!

Are All Golfers Tall?

If you are new to golf, you should know that this game will distance you from the world and engross you in a world of its own. It will divert your mind like no other. It requires utmost patience, precision, and persistence and is nothing like any other sport you’ve ever played.

It’s undoubtedly a challenging game, and to truly understand and succeed at the hobby, you need to get past all the overwhelming elements first. Beginners ask one common question: “are all golfers tall?”. The quick answer is ‘no.’ Not all golfers are tall.

Here’s a detailed discussion on how height does not matter as much because of the advancements in equipment. There are, however, pros and cons of being tall that we’ll discuss. Let’s get right into it.

Are All Golfers Tall?

No, not all golfers are tall, nor do they need to be. That’s what makes this sport stand out. No matter your height – tall or short, you can play golf to your heart’s content. Golf is not strict about the dimensions or shapes of the human body. As long as you get the technique right, you’re good. Every golfer is a beginner at some point, and they learn as they go, their height might give them an advantage, but they are no match for others if they don’t have the skill. There are strict rules, different clubs, and golf has a foreign language that needs to be understood. The rest is momentary.

Is Height Everything In Golf?

No, the height of the golfer is not the deciding factor. It does not determine how they’ll play on the grass. As you may know, Golf is a recurring sport, so it requires intense practice, and golfers who are succeeding at the sport right now have put immense effort throughout and are now consistent with their swing each time they hit the course.

Honestly, it mostly depends on the crouch you have. If you have a greater bend in your swing since your wrists will be nearer to the field, you will need a shorter club to play with. If you have a shorter height but stand up straight, you will need a longer club. It all depends on one golfer to another.

Does Height Play To Your Advantage In Golf?

This is a common misconception that the majority of the people hold. Height has very little to do with your game. While it may have some benefits, it does not guarantee a good match. Whether you are short or tall, there are different types of equipment (clubs) to help you be at your best game at all times. Longer levers create more force, and yes, it might benefit taller players, but it’s not all it’s cut out to be.

The stats indicate that tall players on the PGA Tour do not hold an advantage over shorter players. In reality, the stats meant that the shorter players had the edge over the taller golfers based on their durability and were less prone to injury.

What Are The Pros Of Being Tall?

While being tall gives you an advantage over shorter golfers to create a wider arc which results in more swing and ball speed that equates to more distance, that in no way means that shorter golfers cannot hit the ball at a longer distance. They can be even better with the right equipment and a good swing. The golf set you pick for yourself and the depth by which you learn the game matter the most. The truth is that taller players tend to face more injuries.

As a tall player, you will have a more upright swing; however, balancing your height and club is essential not to go overboard.

What Are The Cons Of Being Tall?

Tall golfers get injured easily. Their height puts more pressure on their joints, which can be very bad while playing the game for hours. Tall golfers need longer levers which are not always easy to control. Being tall will allow you to create more speed, but that does not determine how well you can handle that speed. Tall golfers need personalized clubs that will give them a more upright angle and give them a bit of an extra length on the shafts for ideal performance.

Tall people have a higher center of gravity which reduces stability. And to fight this, they have to ensure keeping a low swing and widening their stance. If they lose their balance at the end of their swing, they will have to work on their stability.

Does The Golfer’s Height Affect The Swing?

Yes, a tall golfer has a steeper swing than a short golfer. The height will work to your disadvantage if you are not careful with your swing. There are always expectations to the game, but in the case of an average golfer, a tall height, one will always have sharper swings.

Conclusion

Passionate golfers make sure they do everything right, from the clothing to the game rules. They follow it all. There is no denying that height can work to your advantage, but your skill, practice, and posture play a massive part in helping you become a pro at the game. As you move from one golf course to another, you will see different rules and techniques. It is essential to play for a good while before you start competing. Now that you know that height does not determine whether you’ll win the game or not, take out your golfing gear and get straight to the field. Happy golfing!

Don’t Let Weather Stop You From Playing Golf With The Best Rain Gear

Golf doesn’t stop just because it’s rainy outside, so why should you let that stop you from getting out on the course? Naturally, if you don’t have the right protection on, it may make for a crummy day at the range. However, if have the best golf rain gear on, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Fitting golf into a busy schedule is hard enough without having to worry about the weather. Even if a day is calling for rain but hasn’t yet, there’s a chance for a great day on the course. But if it does start to rain, you want to be sure you’re protected properly.

What Is Golf Rain Gear

When shopping for the best golf rain gear, you aren’t going to be looking at the typical raincoats that are out there. Golf rain gear is specifically designed to protect you from the rain, but to still give you a full range of motion. After all, you shouldn’t let a little rain keep you from getting your golf on.

Golf specific rain gear will have some special features that you won’t find in the general raincoat. A really nice feature may be a hideaway pocket, in which you can safely store your scorecard.

Even though a torrential downpour may turn a lot of golfers away from the course, showers and high winds are something that comes with the territory. That being said, there are plenty of sets that include full water protection. If you live in a rainy area, that may be something you’ll want to look for.

Rain gear goes beyond just a jacket. You can also invest in a full rain suit or a pair of pants to protect you as well. There are also hats, gloves, and more available if you think that kind of thing is necessary where you are.

Why is rain gear important?

If you’re an avid golfer, you know that quality golf clothes like shirts, shoes, and pants are not cheap. Some of these are made from materials that are meant to be breathable and therefore are lighter and thinner. If you get caught in the rain in lightweight clothing, you’re gunning for a cold at that point.

The best golf rain gear can not only protect you from the rain and wind, but also the cold that tends to come with it. You may love golf more than anything, but we can guarantee that you love staying warm and comfortable even more.

Use Protection

Finding the best golf rain gear can be a pain, especially when you don’t even know what to look for in the first place. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot to consider, from the material to the style and type of jackets and pants.

Depending on where you live, you may find that certain types of rain gear will serve you better than others. The same goes for certain materials. Pay attention to the weather you often find yourself in and go from there.

Types of protection

There are three types of protection that you’ll be looking at when shopping for the best golf rain gear. Some of the sets you’ll find will double or even triple up on protection to cover all bases. The three types you’ll be seeing are waterproof, rain/showerproof, and windproof.

Waterproof is kind of obvious. This protection will completely protect you from downpours or falling in a water trap. This raingear will be totally waterproof and ensure that nothing under your jacket or pants will get wet.

Goretex is the most common material in waterproof clothing.

These are the end-all, be-all of rain gear, as it offers the best amount of protection in the event of a lot of rain. However, these sets will also be pretty costly, so just be aware and prepare yourself for spending more. But given waterproof protection is second to none, it is probably worth it.

Rain and showerproof rain gear are often mislabeled as waterproof when in reality it’s not. These sets will usually be treated with Teflon rather than Goretex, which is an easy give away that it isn’t waterproof. However, for lighter spurts of rain or casual showers or mist, they will protect you enough.

Windproof also goes by another name, windbreaker. These were extremely popular back in the day and are currently coming back. However, these sets are not waterproof, but may be slightly treated with Teflon and will only shield you from heavy winds.

However, if you are in an area that is typically windy, you may find these to be invaluable.

Stay in style

When you are choosing the best golf rain gear for you, there are a few styles to check out. Depending on the amount of protection you are looking for, these will be an important part of your choice.

Jackets are the typical choice for basic rain protection and they are also the most essential. These will give you proper upper body protection in the event your golfing day gets a bit wet. However, if there ends up being a lot of rain, you may end up needing a bit more.

Short-sleeved jackets are also available for those looking to stay cool and have more freedom of movement. While these will leave your arms open, it will protect the most crucial part of your body. These are ideal for summer protection where rain showers can often lead to a lot of humidity.

Trousers offer a greater level of lower body protection and are often paired with jackets. However, many golfers have forgotten that rain trousers are a thing and usually disregard them completely. But you’ll be happy you picked up a pair if your golf day turns into a swamp.

Hats and gloves are around as well but are considerably less popular. While they do give you even more protection, they can also lead to a greater distraction. Gloves can throw off your swing and hats can limit your visibility even more than rain already has.

How We Reviewed

While we haven’t had the chance to test out every product here, we can still fully recommend them. Our products and the information we feature here are taken from highly rated Amazon products and expert reviews.

Using reliable and accurate sources, we were able to compile a list and buyers guide for the best golf rain gear.

Everything here is to help you make a quality decision. Even if that decision is not one that we feature here, this list can serve as a standard to compare against.

The Best Golf Rain Gear

In order to truly buy the best golf rain gear, there are some things you should be sure of. Rain jackets and suits should not limit your overall range of motion much. You want to be protected but still play to your regular ability.

It should also be the type of material that they advertise it to be. If it says the jacket is waterproof, then it should be made from a waterproof material like Goretex. Otherwise, keep looking for something else.

Frogg Toggs All Sport Rain Suit

Featuring both a jacket and trousers, the Frogg Toggs rain suit is the number one bestseller in its category. Available in a variety of sizes from small to triple X, as well as a ton of colors.

The jacket features classic 50 waterproof, non-woven polypropylene material that keeps you protected yet cool with its breathable fabric. It’s regular length sleeves allow for total range of motion, along with an adjustable waist for good measure.

The front of the jacket zips all the way up and features a waterproof storm flap, guttered cover, longer rear cape, and elastic sleeves.

The pants consist of T30 original polypropylene material for lightweight waterproof coverage. Adjustable leg openings and a four-panel cut make for a flexible fit and added comfort.

The Frogg Toggs All Sport rain suit has a 4.0 out of 5.0-star rating.

Pros

  • Waterproof material throughout
  • Adjustable sleeves and legs
  • Added coverage in the jacket
  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Includes jacket and pants

Cons

  • Not very attractive
  • Not slim fitting

Columbia Glennaker Lake

Columbia is a very trusted outdoor clothing brand and its Glennaker Lake rain jacket doesn’t disappoint. The 100 percent nylon material makes for a breathable feel but still provides quality coverage with its Omni-Tech fabric. The jacket features a softshell exterior and a mesh lining for better range of movement.

However, while it does say it is waterproof, many customers have mentioned that it is more water-resistant rather than waterproof. This is one example of a product using marketing language to sell a product.

However, the jacket still works well as a windbreaker with water-resistant properties. Perfect for a misty day on the course or for the occasional shower.

The Columbia Glennaker Lake rain jacket has a 4.4 out of 5.0-star rating and the badge for Amazon’s Choice.

Pros

  • Breathable and durable
  • Attractive design
  • Allows for freedom of movement
  • Retractable hood
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Columbia Watertight II

This pick is a more waterproof option over the Glennaker Lake jacket. The Columbia Watertight II features a 100 percent polyester lining for added warmth and their Omni-Tech waterproof breathable seam-sealed construction.

The jacket also features a slightly heavier nylon shell top, which will provide better rain protection but may limit some movement.

Other features include an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hemline for keeping you warm and dry against the elements. The Watertight II is a much more accurate and reliable waterproof jacket over the Glennaker. It’s also available in tons of colors and sizes.

The Columbia Watertight II has a 4.5 out of 5.0-star rating and is the bestseller in its category.

Pros

  • Heavier shell for better water protection
  • Truly waterproof
  • Breathable yet warm
  • Adjustable hood, cuffs, and hemline

Cons

  • May limit some movement

Helly Hansen Seven J

This waterproof jacket has both 100 percent polyester in the front and 100 percent polyurethane in the back. The Seven J features an anti-chafe chin guard and plenty of pockets for securely keeping anything from getting wet.

With fully seam sealing and Durable Water Repellency treatment, you’ll never have to worry about the rain while wearing this jacket. Helly Tech 2 ply fabric keeps water out and the quick-dry lining wicks away sweat, keeping you totally dry.

Breathable, windproof, waterproof, and adjustable are this jacket’s claim to fame, and it doesn’t let down.

The Helly Hansen Seven J has a 4.6 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.

Pros

  • Totally waterproof
  • Breathable, windproof, adjustable
  • Full range of movement
  • Secure pockets
  • Moisture-wicking

Cons

  • A bit more expensive than others

Swisswell Rain Suit

Another full rain suit, the Swisswell features a waterproof index of 3000 and WVP-moisture permeability of 3000. It may be the most waterproof suit we have here.

A mesh lining allows the suit to be breathable and comfortable. A 100 percent polyester shell with PU exterior totally protects you from any sort of rain.

However, Swisswell does mention that their jacket runs a bit larger than normal, so they urge you to buy accordingly.

The Swisswell rain suit has a 4.1 out of 5.0-star rating on Amazon.

Pros

  • Great waterproof index
  • Windproof
  • Breathable and comfortable
  • Jacket and trousers

Cons

  • Runs larger than normal

Stay Dry

Playing golf with your friends is all fun and games until rain hits. However, that doesn’t have to be the end of your golf outing. As long as you have the best golf rain gear, you can continue playing for the rest of the holes.

Did you ever get caught out in a rainstorm while golfing? Which rain gear do you have or plan on getting?

Do Caddies Get Paid? (Do They Make Good Money?) 

Golf is one of the most lucrative sports for the top players on the PGA Tour. Golfers at the top take home millions from a single tournament win.  

But have you ever wondered whether golf caddies get paid?

After all, caddies play a significant role in that success, so they should get paid handsomely. This means that professional golf caddies will find the sport to be quite lucrative as well. 

However, how much a caddie makes is determined by how well their golfer performs.

The average caddie on a normal course usually makes a bit more than $100 for an 18-hole round. Caddies can earn about $120 for carrying two bags through an 18 hole round. 

It can be a bit less, though, especially if you’re a beginner caddie or caddies aren’t in high demand in a certain area. 

Caddies on the PGA Tour can earn anything from $100,000 to $2 million, whereas those that work at country clubs and top-of-the-range public courses can make anywhere between $200-$1500 per week.

If you have the stomach for it and you love being on the golf course, being a golf caddy can be an incredible job. Obviously, caddies make more money if they have more experience and put in longer hours.

So if you’re interested in becoming a caddie, or maybe you just want to find out how much you’ll need to pay for a caddie, this article is for you. I’m going to dive into everything caddie-related, from the pay structure to the benefits of being and having a caddie.  

How Is A Caddie’s Pay Structured? 

Generally, caddies are paid a basic weekly wage by their golf player (if they only caddy for one person). If the caddie is working during a tournament, then they can negotiate a cut of the winnings. 

Typically PGA caddies can get 5% of the winnings; however, if the player finishes in the top 10, the amount rises to 7%. If the player wins the tournament, a caddie can get as much as 10 % of the golfer’s prize money.

Keep in mind, though, that most caddies are responsible for their own expenses, including food, travel expenses, accommodation, and so on. Although it’s pretty common to find pro players catering for their caddie’s travel expenses by taking them on their private jets.  

Usually, there is no written contract between player and caddie, and terms are made in a verbal agreement.

The pay structure that most of golf sticks to is divided into the following tiers:

● B Flight: They are usually beginner caddies and include young kids. They make around $20-25 per loop (18-holes).

● BB Flight: They are traditionally beginner or intermediate caddies. They make around $25-30 per 18-hole.

● A Flight: This is for intermediate caddies who make around $30-35 per loop.

● AA Flight: This is for intermediate to experienced caddies, and they can make around $35-50 per loop.

● Honorary Flight: They are usually experienced caddies. These caddies have been working for 4 or more years. Caddies in this tier make around $50 to $75 per bag (sometimes they will carry two bags)

● Championship Flight: These are the top client caddies who have been working for 10 or more years. They can make anywhere between $50 and 150 per bag. Usually, pro golfers pick caddies who are at this level.  

How Much Do Caddies Get Paid In Tips? 

The average caddy can expect to get paid between $25 to $40 in tips. This depends on:

● How much help you offer the golfer

● Who the golfer is

● How much experience you have

● Whether you made the golfing experience any better

It’s clear that being a caddy on the golf course can be pretty lucrative, primarily if you work hard and advance your skills and expertise.

Country Club Caddy Earnings

Being a country club caddy is a popular job for junior golfers. Unfortunately, most public golf courses do not have a caddy program. Still, country clubs do offer caddy services for their members.

While this job is mainly for junior golfers, it can be done by aspiring caddies of all ages. So anyone who wants to get their foot in the door can try this out. Country club golf caddies can make at least $30 on average as they work strictly on tips.

A large part of country club caddy earnings are from tips, but some will be paid using a fixed rate. So because of this pay structure, it’s hard to estimate just how much caddies at country clubs make. 

For example, some golf caddies can earn between $50 to $75 an hour if they work at wealthy country clubs.  

How Much Do LPGA Caddies Make?

According to an article by GolfWeek, LPGA caddies make a weekly base salary of around $1,200.

This money is usually used to cover expenses such as travel and accommodation, so sometimes caddies can find themselves in debt if the golf player does not win or finish in the top 10. 

So for LPGA caddies, they are supposed to get a cut of 7 to 8% of winnings.

For example, if a golfer wins a tournament with a $6.4 million dollar prize, the caddie should take home at least 448,000 if their cut is 7% of the total winnings. So winning tournaments is extremely important for both golfers and caddies.  

Keep in mind that the LPGA does not pay as high as the PGA, so caddies typically prefer working on the PGA if they are able to.

An LPGA caddy could easily double their salary if they work for a golfer who enjoys success on the PGA tour.  

Some pro golfers can also decide to give caddies a tip or bonus at the end of the tournament. However, caddies work as independent contractors, so they must pay self-employment taxes and healthcare costs, even if the PGA tour subsidizes these costs.

A caddie’s pay can fluctuate significantly because there are no rules on how much caddies should earn.

What Does a Caddy Do?

So now that you know how much caddies make, what exactly do they do on the golf course? 

Simply put, a caddy is a golf course attendant that is trained to carry your bag and give golf advice around the course.

Caddies have several duties that are critical to a golfer’s success. For example, a typical PGA Tour event runs from Thursday to Sunday, so the caddie’s work starts on Monday. 

They need to walk the course alone with a range finder and level to chart the greens. A caddie should also ensure yardages are correct and figure out where the golfer should land his balls.

The next day a caddie will go to the golf course with his golfer for a practice round. The pair will use the information the caddie gathered on Monday to devise a game plan for the tournament. 

The tour will start on Thursday after a pro-am event on Wednesday.

Typically there are two types of caddies that you will find, a bag caddy and a fore caddy. Both are trained to:

● Clean golf balls around the putting surface.

● Clean and organize your golf clubs

● Give you exact yardages to the front, middle, and back of the green

● Tend the flagstick

● Help you read the breaks on the green

● Give you a general knowledge of where to place your shots from hole to hole

● Rake the bunkers after use

● Repair your divots

The only difference between a fore caddy and a bag caddy is that a fore caddy doesn’t carry your bag. A fore caddy walks ahead of your group or jumps on the back of your golf cart to move around.

The overall purpose of the fore caddy is to keep up the pace of play by locating the groups’ golf balls. The majority of the top-of-the-range public courses use fore caddies so that they can keep each group moving and efficiently manage the course.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Caddy? 

If you’re thinking of becoming a caddy, you might be wondering what the benefits are aside from the money.

The advantages of caddying include:

● Discounted or free meals

● Free golf on Mondays 

● Access to influential and wealthy club members or guests

● Working less than 40 hours a week

● Building a great resume

● Great exercise (caddies walk a lot, an 18 hole round can burn around 2,000 calories.)

How Old Do You Need To Be To Become A Caddy? 

Caddies come at various ages; however, most golf courses have a minimum age requirement of 14 years old. However, there is no maximum age restriction. 

As long as you can handle the physical requirements needed on the course, you can caddy.

Final Thoughts

Caddies get paid a good amount of money.  How much they make depends on several things like experience, skills, and the type of course or tournament the golfer is playing in. 

Being a caddie is quite a promising career if you are passionate about golf and don’t mind spending most of your time on the course.

Why Do Golfers Wear One Glove? (Can They Wear Two?) 

There’s no doubt that golf is steeped in tradition, and it is unlikely that the rules will be put aside to embrace new customs. The golf glove, however, is an exception. 

Old golf pros like Ben Hogan never wore gloves, meaning that wearing one glove (or two gloves) is a relatively new custom.

This begs the question, why do golfers only wear one glove? Surely if one golf improved performance, then two gloves would do an even better job?

Golfers wear one glove on their non-dominant hand because that hand affects the swing and club most. Additionally, golfers play in various temperatures and conditions, so a glove comes in handy when their hands get sweaty, or it begins to rain because it offers more grip.

The simple answer is that wearing one glove boils down to personal preference and the role of both hands during the golf swing. 

Reasons Why Golfers Wear One Glove 

There are several reasons why golfers prefer wearing one glove, and these include:

1. The non-dominant hand generates more power

A primary reason golfers wear one glove is that the non-dominant hand generates the necessary power and speed. In contrast, the dominant hand guides the club for a smooth connection with the golf ball.

So because each hand puts different pressure levels, the non-dominant hand grips the club with a lot more pressure which can cause wear and tear or irritation on the skin and even blisters. If you’ve ever played golf and gotten blisters, the pain can be uncomfortable at best and disturbingly painful at worst.

But do all golfers wear the glove on the non-dominant hand?

Well, the majority of pros will wear a glove on their less dominant hand. Still, it’s not always the case for average, beginner, or handicapped golfers. 

Therefore, while it’s common to wear a glove on the less dominant hand, it’s not set in stone. So don’t be afraid to break from this custom should you be more comfortable wearing the glove on your dominant hand.

2. Two gloves tend to be time-consuming to remove and put back on.

For the most part, wearing two gloves for every shot can be time-consuming, and most golfers would prefer not to be bothered with it. Moreover, golfers usually take off their gloves when not in use to make them last longer. 

Additionally, it can be quite a task putting them on and taking them off.

Others argue that golf gloves are tight, and removing them constantly can be frustrating at best and distracting at worst.

3. Keeps one hand free for other things

Another reason why two gloves are not so popular is that golfers like to keep one hand free so that they have access to their mobile phone, GPS devices, tees, and balls without having to wrestle with a glove.

4. Two gloves interfere with grip

Two gloves can interfere with your grip in a couple of scenarios such as:

● Picking up and placing a tee on the ground can be especially difficult with a glove on each hand.

● Beginners who use the 10 finger/Baseball grip to hold the club might get away with using two gloves. 

But as you progress, you are likely to start using other grips such as the overlapping or interlocking golf grips to optimize your performance; this can be tricky to do because of the extra material from two gloves.

5. Lessens the feel of the golf club

It’s crucial for you to connect with the club. Keep in mind that your dominant hand should get the clubhead onto the ball at the right angle. This technique helps you connect with the sweet spot. 

In order to do this, having a good feel on the club with your bare hand is an essential element. A glove takes away some of the feelings you get on the club, which might add some strokes to your round overall.

Can You Wear Two Golf Gloves? 

I’ve discussed the reasoning behind wearing a glove on the power hand. However, you’re probably wondering whether you’d still be better off wearing a golf glove on both hands?

There are many golfers that advocate for wearing a glove on both hands. While it’s certainly not unheard of to find golfers that wear two golfers, it’s not very common. 

So why don’t the majority of golfers wear two gloves?

The problem with two gloves is that it can loosen your grip on the club and makes it hard to realize when the club is slipping in your hand. Why is this an issue? 

Without the proper grip, it’s easier to make mistakes and can lead to unpredictable golf shots. One glove provides enough grip and the right feel to hit a great golf shot.

So should you wear two golf gloves?

If you suffer from grip issues such as blisters and calluses on both hands, it might be better to use two golf gloves. While this might not be an optimal setup, and it can feel weird going from one golf glove to two, wearing two golf gloves is an excellent solution if your hands are suffering.

If you tend to get sweaty hands, it can lead to your grip becoming loose as your hands might slide when you strike the ball. This will cause your performance to deteriorate, and that’s why some golfers prefer wearing gloves to ensure a steady and secure grip each time they encounter the ball.

Additionally, because golf is an outdoor sport, you’ll be exposed to wet and rainy weather conditions. A glove is handy because, in the same way as with sweaty hands, a wet grip will cause your hands to slide and disrupt your performance.

In most cases, you’ll only need one golf glove for your less dominant hand. The purpose of the glove is to prevent the club from slipping out of your hand as you swing.  

Although bandages and sports tape can do an excellent job at avoiding blisters —  gloves provide better protection.

It is very common to see pro golfers wear two gloves on wet and rainy days so they can keep a firmer grip on their club.

Should You Wear Two Gloves At The Driving Range? 

The driving range provides a totally different atmosphere from the course, and you might be more compelled to wear two gloves. Why, you might ask?

Well, picture this; you’re on the range, and you’re letting drives rip over and over again. Soon you develop a good rhythm but fail to realize that your hands are taking a beating from the constant motion.

Because most driving range practices consist of repetitive motion, your hands will likely get blisters or irritation faster than they would at the golf course. One round at the range over the weekend can be a lot more painful than you anticipated.

The best way to get around this problem might be to wear two gloves at the driving range instead of one or none. That way, you can protect either one or both of your hands.  

How To Choose The Right Glove Size 

So now that you have a pretty good idea about the scenarios where you will want to wear one or two gloves, how do you go about picking the correct glove size?

The first step is to be aware of your hand size. An appropriate golf glove should have a bit extra room in terms of length for each finger. So while you’re shopping around, try checking for room by pinching each glove finger at the end to make sure you have enough space left over.

Avoid purchasing  “caddie” sizes unless your fingers are shorter than average persons. Additionally, if you have sensitive or delicate hands, you might want to consider using two gloves to avoid blistering.

However, if you prefer to use one glove or you want to go sans glove, but you’re wary about developing blisters, you can purchase finger tape. The tape will enhance the grip on your hands and protect your hands at the same time.  

Final Thoughts

Most golfers prefer to wear only one glove to protect the hand that grips the club the tightest from ripped skin and blistering. It’s pretty rare to find golfers who wear two gloves because it has many disadvantages such as interference with grip as well as losing the feel of the club. 

The only scenario where two gloves make sense is when you have sweaty hands, or it’s raining.  

On the other hand, while wearing one glove is becoming increasingly popular, it’s still optional. So whether you choose to play golf with no glove or with one or two, it all comes down to your personal preference. 

Just remember the pros and cons that I have talked about in this article so that you can make an informed decision.

Golf Rules – Ball Against Tree, Fence or Other Obstacles

There are several golf rules about sensitive areas where taking your shot can become awkward. These rules give you relief without imposing a penalty on your play and are applicable for three main areas; natural obstacles, ponds or other bodies of water, or man-made obstacles. 

Examples include:

• Grass, flowers, plants, fences, and trees

• When you are forced to stand in or hit your shot under circumstances that you wouldn’t normally have to face.

• Man-made immovable objects, such as fences, trash cans, cart paths, and more.

You are allowed to move your ball without having to face a penalty when it is against an obstacle. However you cannot move it more than one club length away. 

In this article, I will take a closer look at the rules for when your shot is obstructed by a tree, fence, or other obstacle and the courses of action you may have at your disposal.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

General Golf Obstacle Rules

Whenever you find that there is an obstacle that would prohibit/limit you from taking your shot. You will need to find the nearest location where you intend to take the relief to. 

According to the rules, the ball’s distance from the hole should not reduce because of the relief. You should endeavor to place the ball at the same or an increased distance.

When getting complete relief, you will need to move the ball to a position where your swing is no longer affected by the obstruction. However, the relief doesn’t mean that you will get a better shot after it. You may find that although your swing is now clear, you may have a whole tree in the way or other obstruction in front of you.

At any given point, there is only one nearest relief point possible. When choosing the relief point, place your ball no more than one club length away. You are also allowed to clean your ball if it has gotten dirty.

Golf Rules – Ball Against Tree

If you can take the swing, the golf rules suggest that you should try to play it as it lies, just like if the ball is stuck up a tree or on a rock. However, local golf course committees can also create a local rule where the players are allowed to take relief if they feel that their club won’t swing/reach.

Balls that go into tree trunks may not always be recoverable. If the ball can be seen, but not recovered or the player and observers are definite that the ball is within the tree trunk, a new ball may be placed as close to the tree as possible for the shot.

If the ball is stuck in the roots of the tree, again, the player has the choice to either play the ball as is or at least position it in a way that doesn’t hurt the tree.

It is important to note that when trying to play such shots, players must keep their safety above all else. In 2013, Sergio Garcia played a ball stuck in a tree by climbing up and dislodging it. However, he hurt himself in the process and therefore, had to withdraw a bit later.

For an unplayable ball, USGA rule 19 allows one penalty stroke and three options:

1. You can take a stroke-and-distance relief, i.e., going back to where you last played, dropping the ball within one club-length (not nearer to the hole), or the teeing area.

2. Back-on-the-line relief, i.e., you get to drop the ball within one club-length at a point (not closer to the hole) on the golf course that indicates a direct line from the hole to the spot where the ball was stuck.

3. Lateral relief, i.e., dropping the ball within two club-lengths away from where it got stuck.

To further make things easier for the players, golf rules for situations where the ball is against a tree also stipulate you can use a substitute ball – you don’t have to climb the tree to retrieve it.

Golf Rules – Ball Against Fence

If your ball gets too close to the right-hand side fence on a hole it is no longer considered to be out of bounds. Although the fence is still there, it is defined as a water hazard, hence classifying it as an immovable obstruction.

The rules for a ball stuck in or near the fence are the same as golf rules for a ball against other obstacles. 

According to the 24-2B R&A/USGA rules, you can lift the ball and drop it without incurring the penalty if the fence is obstructing your swing or your stance. Simply place the club next to the ball and move the ball away from the fence.

If you find yourself stuck behind a tree after moving the ball. Unfortunately, you don’t get to pick the ball up and move it again. You will have to lose a shot trying to get it back on track. 

Again, you also have the option of playing the ball as is.

Golf Rules – Ball Against Other Obstacles

Other obstacles may involve a wide range of things, such as:

• Sprinklers heads

• Rocks

• Electric box(es)

• Water pipes

• Posts

• Yardage markers, and other man-made objects you will typically find at a golf course.

According to the R&A/USGA Rule 24, you can pick the ball up and place it a club-length away. If the obstruction is still not out of the way, you can repeat the process, but after 2 club-lengths, you cannot move the ball. You may have to lose a shot trying to nudge the ball away from the obstruction.

Furthermore, the rules also suggest that you should first try to check if the obstruction can be removed. If the ball isn’t touching the obstruction, you can also try to continue playing.

If the obstruction is movable and the ball moves along with it or if an animal simply takes the ball away, you have the option of either starting over or placing a new ball without any penalty.

For all these obstruction golf rules, the procedure will differ based on where the ball is. If it is on the putting green, you cannot exceed the nearest point of relief, and if it takes you out of the putting green, you will need to comply.

If, however, you are in a bunker, you can use the relief rule but only if you place the ball within the bunker. If you choose to drop the ball outside, you will receive a penalty (one-stroke).

Obstructions in a golf course are a natural part of the game, and it is okay to take the relief. Just because you chose to put the ball a club-length away, it doesn’t make you a weaker player – just one who knows his/her limitations.

How Far Do Golfers Walk? (For 9 Or 18 Holes?) 

Ever wondered how far golfers walk during a standard round of 9 or 18 holes? Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world and can be lucrative for professional players. But for the average golfer, the sport is a great way to enjoy the weather and get some exercise. 

If you’re strapped for time and wondering if you can sneak in a quick 9 or 18 hole round, then this article is for you.

On average, before playing the round, you have to walk from the car park to the pro shop. Then you walk to the clubhouse, walk to the practice tee, and walk around the putting green, for example.

Once you’re off the tee, the actual walking begins. The Tee-to-Green scorecard length is the first distance you’ll have to measure, Aside from that, there are additional distances you need to cover. 

There are 18 or so return trips between your golf cart and the tee box and a further 18 to and from the fairway or green. 

If you land in a bunker, for example, you’ll find yourself walking back and forth a lot as you play the shot. And not forgetting the possibility of your playing partner losing a ball during a round, causing you to walk back and forth over an area several times. 

It all adds up.

So just how much does an average golfer walk in a round of 9 or 18 holes?

You can expect to walk anywhere between 3 and 6 miles for a 9 or 18-hole golf round if you don’t use a golf cart. If you use a golf cart you will only walk around a mile instead. 

However, keep in mind that you can walk a bit more depending on the length of the course, how often you wander off course in search of lost balls, and how much walking you do that doesn’t even involve the game (such as just walking around while other people in your party play). 

In this article I will examine how many miles it will take to walk 9 or 18 full holes on a golf course. I will also touch on other factors like the benefit of walking instead of using a cart, how long it takes and how playing golf is an excellent form of exercise.

To see some of the latest and greatest golfing gadgets currently on the market just click here.

How Do You Measure The Distance Walked In A Golf Round? 

There is so much technology in use today that makes this task so much easier than it used to be . Most smartphones come equipped with GPS technology where you can easily use an app to track how far you walk throughout the round.

However, suppose you don’t have GPS at your disposal, or you prefer to leave your phone at home. In that case, there’s another way to better estimate how far you’ll walk while playing a round of golf. 

You can use a simple calculation that translates golf course yardage into miles.

1. Distance

A standard 18-hole golf course is usually between 6,200 and 7,000 yards. If you want to calculate how many miles you walk from the first tee to the 18th tee, use the following:

● Multiply the number of yards by three (the number of feet in a yard) and divide the result by 5,280 (the number of feet in a mile).

So, for example, if you have a 6,500-yard golf course, it should equal 19,500 feet if you multiply it by three (6,500 x 3). Then divide 19,500 by 5,280, which gives you 3.69 miles.

2. Considerations

Keep in mind that not all walking takes place between the first and the 18th tee. Using the golf course yardage to estimate how far you walk during a round of golf ignores the walking you do before you start playing. For example, walking from the clubhouse to the practice tee, the walking you do from one hole to another and then to the tee box, as well as the extra walking you do while you play.

To refine your estimation, I would say that you should add a little extra to your yards-based calculations. So for the same 6,500-yard golf course, I would suggest that you add 1,000 yards to your estimate. This will increase how far you walk during a round from 3.69 miles to 4.26 miles.

3. Measurement

If this is too much math for you, it might be easier to just use a pedometer that will measure how many steps you take during a 9 or 18 hole round of golf. The pedometer helps you accurately measure how many steps you take from the moment you get out of your car. 

On average, it takes 1,000 steps to get to half a mile, so you can use this to estimate how far you walked while playing a certain course. 

How Long Should It Take The Average Golfer To Play 18 Holes? 

How long it takes to play a round of golf is dependent on several factors, for example, whether the golf course is empty, whether you are playing alone or if you’re playing in a foursome or playing in the first group out.

It also depends on if you have a golf cart or are walking the entire course. 

On average most golfers will take 3-4 hours to play 18 holes of golf. This average is affected by how many people are playing, whether you have to wait on other players, whether you use a golf cart, and more. 

So for the purposes of this question, let’s assume that you’re on an empty golf course and you’re in your foursome, playing in the first group out. Let’s also assume that you’re an average golfer( playing a 15-handicap taking around 90 shots over 18 holes), and you walk back and forth across the course.

Under these kinds of conditions (ignoring the slope and rating of the course, which have been shown to have a negligible impact on how quickly players get around), assuming a gentle walking pace of about 3 miles an hour, you would spend at least 3 hours and 45 minutes playing 18 holes.

This includes bathroom breaks, time spent looking for lost balls, time spent talking to other players, and so on.

How Long Should It Take The Average Golfer To Play 9 Holes? 

On average, it takes a foursome about 2 hours and 15 minutes to play a 9 hole round of golf when using a cart. It might take you longer if you decide to walk the whole course or if you play with a larger group. 

If you are constantly losing balls in the woods that too would cause your time to play 9 holes to go up. 

For a golf course that measures around 3250 yards with 9 holes, you can expect to walk at least 3900 steps.

How Can I Make Sure I Walk Less And Play Golf Faster? 

Sometimes you just want to squeeze in a quick game of golf in between your hectic schedule. Or maybe you just want to walk less around the golf course and make sure your game is more precise.

I put together some tips below that will help you walk less and play a faster game.

1. Call The Course In Advance To Book A Tee Time 

If you think that you can pop by the golf course and have a quick round, think again. Most golf courses usually have to pair groups of golfers to make room on the tee sheet for walk-ins. 

If you don’t want to play with strangers or you want to avoid having to wait for a later time, call the course in advance to book your own tee time.  

2. Choose The Right Time 

Calling in advance and booking your tee time might not help decrease your playtime. To ensure that you can play golf at your own speed, try to play during the afternoon. 

In my experience, this is the time that most golf courses do not have outings or leagues. 1:00-3:00 pm is the sweet spot between a course’s morning and evening leagues.

Just to be on the safe side, make sure that you call the course or book online to reserve a time during the afternoon.

3. Buy A Pull Cart

If you’re short on time, a great alternative is to purchase a pull cart. While golf can be great exercise, you might spend more time on the course. Look into investing in a pull cart; it will save you energy and time around the course. Keep in mind that you look for a pull cart with the following:

● Large wheels for easy travel

● Covering or an umbrella mount for wet weather

● A space to hold your scorecard

● A water bottle holder

4. Play Ready Golf

In essence, ready golf means that players spend less time on each hole. The following tips will help you maximize your time:

● Limit your search for a golf ball for a maximum of five minutes

● Allows others in your group to find their golf ball

● Always play your shot when you come up to your ball

● Allow faster golfers to pass your group

● Plass slower golf groups to avoid wait time

Final Thoughts

Golfers walk a considerable distance. It’s a great way to get some much-needed exercise and while also enjoying the outdoors. If you need to maximize your time on the course, use any of the tips discussed in this article. 

I hope that you can navigate your way around the course, knowing exactly how much physical effort it’s taking you to play a 9 or an 18 hole round. 

What To Buy To Start Golfing (What Equipment Do You Need?) 

Whether you are new to golf or perhaps looking to get back into the game after some time away, the first step is always to find the right equipment. This in itself can be incredibly daunting because there are so many brands with essential golf equipment on offer. 

This can be as mind-boggling as buying a new car.

As a result, it might leave you with several questions like “What are the ultimate golf must-haves?” or “Which equipment is right for you?”

So what do you need to buy to start golfing?

The best place to start is with the basics. So you’ll need a set of clubs, balls, a bag, and shoes. Keep in mind that you need several other accessories, whether you’re a new or seasoned player.

Most avid golfers can attest to just how expensive golf can be. In fact, the more you want to upgrade your skills, the more you’re likely to spend. But you don’t need to break the bank to get some excellent golfing equipment that would be more than adequate.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to buy top-of-the-line equipment, nor do you have to buy brand new stuff. 

In fact, if you’re just starting out, I would advise that you buy second-hand golf equipment. They are more forgiving of mistakes, and you’ll feel a lot better if you break or damage something  if you haven’t spent lots of money on a brand new set.

So, if you want to find out more about what you need before hitting the course, read on for our beginner’s guide to golf essentials.

Golf Clubs

It might seem like a no-brainer, but this is where new golfers should start. A complete set of new or used clubs should always include a driver, two or three woods, several irons, pitching, and/or sand wedge and putter.  

Why should you purchase a complete set of clubs? 

Well, because they match different situations. For example, you need a driver to tee off at the start, or if you’re trying to dig your ball out of the bunker, you need a sand wedge.

If you’re a beginner, it’s best to purchase individual clubs like specialty wedges or hybrid clubs once you’ve gotten better at the game.

There are several types of golf clubs that you should purchase, and I will discuss them in detail below. 

To begin your journey as a golfer, try to avoid using traditional golf clubs or blades. They have a smaller surface area, making it challenging to find the point of contact or sweet spot.

Even if you are looking at second-hand clubs, ensure that they are the newer cavity-backed clubs. They are designed to be more forgiving. 

The weight is distributed more evenly around the clubface because the sweet spot is bigger. This means as a beginner, even if you don’t quite hit the ball right, your shot won’t be too far off.  

Types of golf clubs

● Putters: these come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are mainly used for the final strokes, which take place on the putting green.

● Driver: is used during the initial stroke off the tee. These clubs are usually made from durable materials like steel or other metals. They are meant to cover a lot of distance.

● Fairway Woods: are used from the tee or to hit the ball on the fairway. They are also used to cover a lot of distance.

● Hybrids: is a cross between an iron and a wood club. The clubhead is more prominent, making it super easy to hit the ball from out of bunkers.

● Irons: are numbered golf clubs with smaller clubheads and angled faces (also called “loft”). They are suitable for shots from the fairway or tee shots on shorter holes.

● Wedges: there are several types of wedge clubs, including; pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, and lob wedge. They are usually used for shorter shots.

If you’re competing in a tournament, you’re only allowed a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag. Anything more, and you could incur a penalty.

So make sure you know which clubs you prefer to use in different situations before joining a tournament. 

Golf Balls

The next set of equipment you’ll need is, of course, the golf ball. For a beginner, purchasing a couple of boxes of golf balls to start is essential since it’s pretty likely that you’ll lose a few balls to hooks, slices, and water hazards.

There are so many types of balls on the market, including those designed to help driving distance and others designed to improve accuracy. Different types of golf balls are designed for all kinds of player abilities.

Beginners should always use a two-piece ball which is designed with a solid rubber center and surlyn cover. These balls are meant to cover the furthest distance, although they are harder to control. 

On the plus side, they are much more durable than the three-piece balls used by professionals.

If you find yourself losing golf balls at an alarming rate, consider buying second-hand balls, which tend to be way cheaper than a new set. I also recommend having at least two dozen balls for the course. 

Also, ensure that you mark the balls with a unique logo so you can identify them when playing with other people. 

For slower swings (typical of beginners), it’s best to buy one or two-piece golf balls. Once your swing has hit the mid-range or fast zone, you can upgrade to three, four, or five-piece golf balls.

Ball Markers

Ball markers are what you leave in place of your ball. This helps you know where to take your next shot from. The great news is that you can tailor-make them to suit your personality. 

For example, you can have animals, poker chips, guitar picks, and so on.

Golf Tees

Tees are an essential part of playing golf; that’s why you’ll find that every hole on a golf course features a tee box. Golf tees work by positioning the ball perfectly, giving you the best chance to make a great shot.

Tees come in several lengths and materials; however, the most common are plastic and wood. Remember to go for durability, so wood might not be such a good idea. 

Additionally, some players have reported that wooden tees increase the frequency of out-of-bounds balls.

Golf Bag

Once you have all your essential equipment, where do you keep it all? A golf bag is a much-needed important item that will store all of your needed items. 

Fortunately, there are a wide variety of golf bags on the market, ranging from budget friendly with basic amenities to top of the line with intricate designs and plenty of pockets.

If you’re just starting out, try to buy a used set of clubs that comes with the bag. It should save you some much-needed money.

Believe it or not, the type of golf bag you buy will directly influence the quality of your playing. Imagine lugging around an uncomfortable or heavy golf bag for hours over several miles. 

You’re bound to tire quickly, and this will impact the quality of your game.

So ensure that the golf bag you buy is comfortable with well-padded straps. You can take it a step further by getting a bag that is on wheels or a pull-able golf cart to wheel your clubs around. 

However, some courses might not allow you to use your wheeled bag at all or on certain days, especially if there’s been heavy rainfall.

Golf Shoes

It is no secret that the golf terrain can be rough and uneven. When you spend most of your time on your feet in a game, the shoes you pick have a significant bearing on how much you will enjoy the game.

Golf shoes should be durable, waterproof, comfortable, and stylish. While not required on all golf courses, rubber-cleated golf shoes are perhaps the best for all golfers. 

Thousands of golf specialty shops and pro shops sell all types of golf shoes.

Golf Clothes

Golf has very strict rules about the proper attire on the golf course. Players need to be well dressed and smart but bear in mind that dress codes do vary from one golf club to the next. 

Keep in mind that while jeans and a t-shirt might be acceptable on the driving range, you won’t be allowed into some clubs with the same attire.

So you’ll need a collared shirt, a pair of slacks, a skirt or shorts with short white socks and of course your golf shoes. If you want to improve your grip, you can add a glove worn on your left hand if you’re right-handed.

Golf Towels

The weather is unpredictable, and it can get hot despite your best effort to get cool. Golf towels are often overlooked when discussing golf equipment, but they are an essential part of the game.

You’ll need a towel to wipe away your sweat, clean your clubs or even dry your hands. So always having a minimum of two towels is essential. 

A wet one for cleaning balls and a dry one for drying hands is the best way to keep your two towels. 

Final Thoughts 

I have tried to cover some of the basic equipment that you need to get started with golf. We also recommend having a few other handy extras in your golf bag, like a golf pencil for keeping score and an umbrella in case it starts raining. 

The right equipment will give you the best golfing experience.

Is Golfing Hard? (To Learn Or Play?) 

So you want to play golf, but you have no idea how to start? Do you want to find out how hard it is to play? Then you’re in the right place.

I get it; playing golf can seem very daunting and complicated. There are so many rules, different clubs, and let’s not even get started on the golf lingo. 

“What are birdies, bump-and-runs, and bogeys anyway?” you might ask. 

Additionally, you will need to know what kind of clubs you need. What is the best way to practice? When do you know that you’re ready for the golf course? 

If you’ve ever watched a game of golf, it’s completely normal to feel that golf is a challenging sport. After all, if you look at it, the main goal is to hit a small ball hundreds of yards away into a small 4 ½ inch hole.

So is golfing hard to learn or play?

Truthfully golf is a combined effort of coordination, balance, speed, power, and mental capacity. So it is a difficult sport to learn. However, golf can be easy to pick up quickly if you do it the right way.

In this article I will discuss why many people consider golf a challenging sport to learn. I will also try to provide some valuable tips for beginners looking to learn how to play golf.

Is Golf Hard To Learn?

Most people consider golf hard to learn because it requires so many different physical and mental capabilities. You’ll need flexibility, mental focus, capacity, balance, speed, coordination, and power.

Because it’s an individual sport, you have no team members to rely on and boost your morale. Most of your success will be attributed to how well you can master the skills that I mentioned above. 

If you ignore or neglect any one of these areas, it could adversely affect how well you learn and play.  

How Long Does it Take To Learn To Play Golf?

You might be wondering how much time you’ll need to spend learning how to play golf. Generally, the time it takes to learn how to play golf depends on the player. 

For example, how much time you are willing to spend practicing and immersing yourself in the sport.

If you practice once a week, you can expect to advance your skills enough to play on a course within 6 to 12 months. Increase the frequency to two sessions a week, and you can reduce this time by 4 months or less. 

Of course, if you’re determined and practice every day, you can learn to play golf relatively quickly.  

Another consideration you’ll have to think about is your physical abilities. Golf is a sport, and you need to be in good physical shape. You cannot have coordination, power, balance, endurance, and flexibility without being at least a little bit fit. 

Besides, golfers walk an average of 6 miles for an 18 hole round; that’s a lot of walking.

How Long Does It Take To Get Good At Golf?

So how long will it take you to perfect your golf once you learn how to play? This depends on your goals. For some, this could mean just getting the ball off the tee box, and for others, it might be playing scratch golf.

For an 18 hole round, the average score is 100. If you want to gauge how good you’ve become at golf, try completing the round without shooting more than 100 points. 

For most people it will take multiple years of practice before they get “good” at golf. That is to get good enough to consistently score below 100. 

However to become good enough to play professionally will often take decades of practice! 

It might take you at least a year to get to this point for beginners but be prepared that it could be much longer. How good you get will depend on your physical ability and how often you practice.

What Is The Hardest Part Of Playing Golf?

The hardest part of a golf game will depend on the player. 

For example, one individual might struggle with putting on the greens. At the same time, another player might find hitting off the tee difficult. 

Typically putting takes the longest to get good at so it could be considered the hardest to master. Most people will struggle with long irons, driving, putting, chipping, and the mental game. 

Which of these is the hardest will vary from person to person 

Below I will go into a little more depth about each of these areas where beginners tend to struggle:

1. Long Irons

Long irons are a type of club that is characterized by a low loft. This feature makes it difficult for beginners to hit as they struggle to get the long irons off the ground.

2. Driving

Amateur golf players can have challenges hitting the golf ball off the tee. It’s primarily because beginners try to swing harder at tee shots and partly because it’s hard to control direction with the driver compared to other clubs.

3. Putting

Arguably putting is the most critical aspect of the game. It’s more likely that you’ll hit more putts than any other type of shot throughout the course. 

Putting requires a soft touch that takes time to master, and many beginners consider it to be the most challenging part of golf.

4. Chipping

Chipping around the green is also an aspect of golf that requires a delicate touch, which most beginners haven’t developed. Your chipping technique should be focused on getting the ball rolling as soon as possible on the greens. 

You’ll need to select a lower-lofted club and play a bump-and-run.

5. Mental Game 

There is no other sport in the world that requires the same level of mental strength that golf does. As an individual sport played at a painstakingly slow pace, it requires you to control your emotions on the golf course.

Can I Teach Myself To Play Golf?

If you have the patience and the drive then it’s possible to teach yourself how to play golf. However, your journey will be much easier if you have some help along the way. 

The great thing is that there are several options at your disposal, such as physical coaching or even online videos.

So while it’s not a rule that you should have a golf instructor, it will be a good idea to frequently use this resource if you want to learn how to play golf the right way.

What’s The Best Way To Learn Golf?

Again this depends on the individual, and methods differ from player to player. That said, none of the ways we’ve listed below will help you advance your skills if you’re not consistent with your practice sessions.

Practice is the best way to learn golf and get good at it. Once you have the proper form down and have learned the basics, spending hours practicing your drives, puts, or chips will help your golf game the most. 

No amount of learning will overtake the importance of physical practice. Why? Because golf is a technical sport and requires hours of dedicated training. 

So whichever method you choose, be sure to create a concrete practice schedule that you can stick to.

Below are a few additional ways that you can use to learn golf:

1. Online Content

The advantages of living in the digital world are numerous. One of them is the fact that there is so much online content on golf that can help you get a basic understanding of how the game works; the rules, terminology, and styles of playing.

Most of this content is instructional, meaning you can easily use the web to advance your skills. Spend as much time as you can watching videos and reading blogs that will help you improve your game.

2. Online Golf Lessons

Suppose you need a more hands-on approach specific to your playing style without paying for an in-person lesson (which tends to be expensive). In that case, I would recommend choosing an online golf lesson.

There are millions of videos online, and thousands of online instructors have created a series of courses for golf players of every level. The great thing about online golf lessons is that you can tailor-make your sessions and practice the skills you need to improve the most.

For example, one great course called Me and My Golf offers the following courses:

● Ultimate Irons

● Total Driving

● Break 100

● Break 90

● Break 80

Another great course is Complete Putting. It offers a step-by-step approach to assist you in certain aspects of your game.

3. Learn With A Friend

One of the best ways to ensure you stay committed to your goal is to learn with a friend who already knows how to play golf. Your friend can teach you all the basics you need to know and get you started. 

This should be a very comfortable and easy way to learn how to play golf.  

4. Take Lessons With Your Local Coach/ Pro

Lastly, if you have the money, you can learn to play golf by taking lessons with a local coach or pro. If you have a driving range or golf course near you, approach them to find out if they can assist you in finding a golf coach.

Just be prepared to spend at least $50 or more an hour on a coach. If this is too much for you, you can opt to have a group lesson, this will save you some money as the instructor will have a training session with 2-4 golfers. 

This should split the cost making it more affordable to hire a local pro or coach. So grab a few of your friends who are interested in learning how to play golf.

Final Thoughts 

So is golf hard to learn? Truthfully, golf can be a challenge to learn. It requires much flexibility, physical coordination, practice, and mental focus to learn the sport. 

However, as long as you do things right and are consistent with your sessions, you’ll definitely master the sport… within a few years. 

Why Is Golf So Expensive?

Golf is considered one of the most expensive sports globally, and beginners often find themselves wondering whether or not to invest in it. Golf is often referred to as a rich man’s game, and when compared to sports like basketball and soccer, it certainly does seem like it. 

When you add up equipment, course fees, and all the other costs associated with the sport, the total can be mind-boggling.

So, why is golf so expensive, and why does it cost so much to get started? More importantly, is there an affordable way to start playing the sport? 

Golf is an expensive sport because all of the equipment is expensive, using a course is expensive, and it takes a long time to master. All of these things are expensive because of the high quality of the items as well as the needed real estate to just play the game is expensive.

In this article I will go over each of these (and other items) that make it expensive and why they are as well as show you how you can get into this game without spending thousands of dollars.

Why Is Everything Needed For Golf So Expensive?

Golf is expensive because literally everything that is used for the game is specifically made for it which in turn drives up the prices of each item. Below I will go over some of the most popular items that are expensive and why they are. 

One of the reasons golf is expensive is the cost of the equipment needed for the game. In addition to golf clubs, you’ll need to purchase golf balls, bags, tees, and more.

Golf Clubs

Whether you’re playing casually or starting to become a regular golfer, you’ll have to invest in golf clubs. This is the most expensive golfing equipment you’ll buy and can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

In a standard bag of golf clubs, you’ll have 14 clubs, including the driver, woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters.

These different clubs vary in price, with inexpensive models costing less than $100 and more expensive models costing hundreds or thousands of dollars for a single golf club! 

One of the ways to save money on golf clubs is opting to buy sets instead of individual clubs. Sets allow you to get a variety of clubs for a reasonable price and are great for beginners or those just wanting to try out golf for the first time.

You don’t need to invest in individual clubs until you get the hang of the game, know your preferences, and know your clubhead speed, grip, swing speed, and more. Even then, you can invest in pre-owned single golf clubs to cut down the equipment cost.

Golf clubs also vary in price depending on the materials they’re made from. Titanium golf clubs are durable and are some of the most expensive golf clubs you can buy. Other materials like zinc, aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon graphite are more affordable than titanium but still vary in price. 

Professionals may have titanium clubs, but opting for materials like stainless steel can make your clubs much more affordable.

Since clubs are constantly being updated as new technology is put out, many golfers replace their golf clubs to keep up with the changes. Whether or not you need to do this depends on the maintenance of the clubs. 

However, according to statistics, only 7% of golfers change their clubs every year, with the majority of them (43%) opting to replace their clubs after four years and 31% replacing them every four years.

Golf Balls

Golf balls may not be expensive, but losing balls is inevitable. Whether they get waterlogged, you can’t find them, or you need to change them because they’re no longer giving you the same distance, you’ll often have to invest in new ones.

So even the cost of simple golf balls can add up over time. 

Other Equipment

Other equipment includes mandatory items like tees and additional items like golf mats, flags, divot repair tools, and golf rangefinders. All of these add to the ongoing cost of playing golf.

Courses and Maintenance

Another reason why golf is so expensive is that you need somewhere to play golf, and course fees are not cheap. Golf courses consist of several acres of land which need to be bought, the course designed and built, and the grass, sand, and water maintained. 

All of this costs money, which courses then recuperate when charging golfers.

Things like green fees are necessary because the fairways and greens need regular maintenance to ensure that the grass is at the right length and there are no weeds in the way. A single round of golf can cause you hundreds of dollars in green fees depending on the course you choose and when you go. 

For example, weekends are usually more expensive than playing during the week.

If you’re looking to save some money, try out municipal golf courses or public golf courses. These are more affordable than premium golf courses and private country clubs, which can rack up thousands of dollars in membership and other fees.

Golf Attire

Not all golf courses require specific attire for golfers, but private courses do have strict clothing rules. Even if golf attire isn’t mandatory, most golfers still prefer it because it’s comfortable and allows them to fit in. 

The clothing industry is getting more expensive, and golf’s reputation as a “prestige sport” has led to especially costly golf clothing.

Some of the basics you’ll want to buy include golf shirts, golf pants, golf shoes, and a golf hat. However, these don’t necessarily have to be the most expensive specialist golf clothing available. 

You can make golf clothing more affordable by buying inexpensive options from sporting goods stores or purchase simple polo t-shirts and pants.  

Lessons and Training

Many beginners get training with professionals so that they know how to play golf properly. To improve, you have to put in the practice, which means spending more time on lessons and green fees.

Perception

Why is golf so expensive? Part of the reason is because of the perception of golf and its reputation as a rich man’s game. This allows companies to charge higher prices for golf equipment, clothing, and accessories. 

In addition to all these costs, there are also hidden costs in food and beverage and tips for beverage cart drivers, cart attendants, and caddies.

Final Thoughts 

Golf is expensive. That’s a fact. However, so many people fail to realize that it doesn’t necessarily have to break the bank. There are some unavoidable expenses, but there are also many steps you can take to minimize your expenses and enjoy golf for the great sport that it is. 

Use these tips, so you know when to splurge and when to save, and you, too, can start golfing today.

Is Golf A Sport? (5 Reasons Why It Is) 

This might be a weird question that might not have even crossed your mind a few years ago, but yes, there is an ongoing debate that golf is not really a sport. This debate stems from the fact that some people feel that golf is not physically exerting enough to qualify as a sport.

Golf has been a common sport for several decades. The sport has its roots in a Scottish game of hitting pebbles with sticks. So it’s safe to say that golf has been in existence far longer than other sports like soccer, basketball, and football.

One of the most popular definitions of sport is an activity that involves skill and physical exertion in which a team or an individual competes against another or others. According to this definition, golf can be considered a sport even though it lacks the kind of physical exertion that most people associate sports with.    

So is Golf a sport? 

Golf is definitely a sport.  Although it does not require a test of brutal physical strength, it is highly competitive, demands some form of physical extortion and muscle use as well as mental capacity.

While it’s highly unlikely to see golfers running up and down the course drenched in sweat, Golf, like any sport, is very taxing physically. 

For example, players spend 90 minutes in a soccer game. A golf tournament can last up to four days. It’s very competitive, and many golfers will also get injured at one point during their careers.

Rather than just take my opinion on it I wanted to also give you some reasons why I feel that golf is actually a sport. I will cover 5 different reasons why I believe it is a sport in the rest of this article. 

5 Reasons Why Golf Is A Sport

Below I will give you 5 reasons why I think that golf is unquestionably a sport even if it doesn’t require visible agility, physical exertion, or endurance.

1. The Olympics Has Re-Accepted Golf As An Olympic Sport

The Olympics are one of the most extraordinary sporting events in the world. 

Golf has been accredited by the International Olympic Committee as a sport. Many high-level golfers work towards representing their country in this sport.

According to the Olympic Committee, “for a sport to be considered, it must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents and by women in no fewer than 40 countries and on three continents.” (Britannica).

Golf meets these criteria because it is played worldwide. Since golf passes the player rule and the other credentials, it shows that if the Olympics sees it as a sport, golf is definitely a legitimate sport.

Golf, which has returned to the Olympics in 2016 after more than a century’s absence, is a significant development.

2. Training For Golf Is Vigorous

Professional golfers who participate in tours have to train like never before. While back in the day, it was very uncommon to find golfers in the gym training and improving their physique, the situation has become entirely different in the last few decades.

Just take a look at Justin Thomas, who won the Dell Technologies Championship Massachusetts tournament in 2017. At that time, he weighed 150 pounds and quickly hit the driver about 350 yards off the tee. 

He was arguably more flexible than some football, tennis, or baseball players because, on top of his golfing skills, his workouts are intense.

Most golfers incorporate more vigorous training into their routine to stay on top of their game, just like most other professional athletes do.    

3. Golfers Need To Have A Strong Mental Game 

Anyone who’s played a competitive sport knows that your mental game is perhaps the most essential part of playing. The mental game is as important as being physically strong. Arguably, golf’s mental game is more complex than most sports.

It requires golfers to be more focused and have a quieter mind compared to other sports. For example, you can rely on your teammates to encourage and pick you up in team sports. 

As a solo sport, golf requires you to get yourself together quickly when things aren’t going great.

Additionally, other sports like basketball and soccer are reaction sports. This makes it a little easier for players to focus. On the other hand, golf is more about playing at the moment and allowing the body and the mind to work together to produce the desired results. 

This balance can be tough to achieve in solo sports. Golfers always need to be aware of what’s happening within their minds when they are playing. 

As the famous golfer Jack Nicklaus once said, “…golf is a game of emotion and adjustment. If you’re not aware of what’s happening to your mind and your body when you’re playing, you’ll never be able to be the very best you can be.”

For golf, mental precision is the key. Players have no one else to rely on, and they need to be able to cut off the noise and focus on their own game. 

4. Golf Involves Physical Exertion 

Just because golfers are not running up and down the golf course does not mean that the sport is not physically taxing.

Most golfers in a professional tournament can walk upwards of six miles or more each round. Of course, this is dependent on weather conditions and terrain. 

Swinging the clubs is also strenuous and requires golfers to be in shape so that fatigue doesn’t get the better of them.

One tournament can have players burning over a thousand calories each round. While professional tour players have the assistance of caddies, they are still walking considerable distances, and swinging precision clubs. 

Golfers need to be in shape to even endure a complete tournament let alone win it. 

5. Golf’s Popularity

Golf is the 10th most popular sport in the world. Over 450 million people play and follow the game around the globe. The fact that Tiger Woods can be compared to Michael Jordan or Tom Brady has solidified golf as a sport in a lot of the world’s eyes. 

It’s hard to argue that a game so popular would not be a sport.

Final Thoughts 

Golf can be considered a sport because it fits the definition. It is competitive, requires physical exertion and mental strength to compete and succeed. 

Additionally, to be in the Olympics, a sport has to be recognized and fit the credentials. Golf fits these credentials, and there should be no question. Golf is a sport. 

Does Going To The Driving Range Help? 

Beginners usually have a long way to go in advancing their golf skills. However, no matter how often you practice, you’ll hit a plateau, and your skills might start to feel stagnant. 

In order to get over the plateau, you’ll need to make a few changes, like going to the driving range.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid golf player and can only afford to go to the course a couple of times a month, the driving range might also be an option for you. 

But the jury is still out concerning whether the driving range is helpful or not.

Going to the driving range is helpful if you are using your own clubs and trying to perfect your swing or angles that you hit the ball. However a driving range won’t help you much if your putting or other parts of the game are where you struggle. 

Some people believe that going to the driving range helps develop muscle memory and could help you get better by giving you a chance to practice a short game often. The driving range could also fit better in your schedule if you’re very busy.  

On the other hand, some experts feel that going to the range is a waste of time and won’t be helpful in the long run unless specific conditions are met.

In the rest of this article I will give you a few of the pros and cons of going to the driving range to help you decide if it is worthwhile for you. 

5 Advantages Of Going To The Driving Range 

As with anything there are pros and cons to going to the driving range. Below I will give you 5 of the pros of going to a driving range. 

1. Helps To Develop Muscle Memory  

One of the significant advantages of going to the driving range is that it helps develop muscle memory. The more you make repetitive motions over and over, your body starts to remember all the necessary movements. 

For example, where to place your hands on the club  or the proper motion of your wrist.

A beginner player will significantly benefit from this type of practice. It helps improve your game and will take the strain out of learning repetitive motions on the unpredictable terrain of the golf course.  

2. Practice Makes Perfect  

The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Going to the driving range is an excellent way of improving your golf skills. 

For example, driving balls helps with your swing, stance, and follow-through. All three are crucial in the game of golf. 

If you need extra help, most driving ranges usually have a trainer available to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

3. Ability To Analyze The Distance Of Your Clubs  

Another great benefit of using the driving range is that it helps analyze the distance your golf clubs can strike the ball. 

Let’s take a look at a real-life scenario; generally, an eight or a nine iron club can send the golf ball onto the fairway. However, if you practice at the driving range, you can perfect the distance and know exactly the club to use the next time you play on an actual course. 

4. It Fits A Busy Schedule 

As I mentioned before, if you live a busy life and you want to squeeze in a practice session during the week, the driving range is the perfect solution. 

You get to enjoy the outdoors while improving your skills in a very convenient environment.

5. Helps You Practice Your Short Game  

The short game is as important as the long game. What do I mean? 

Well, the long game refers to hitting the ball from the tee box or from the green. The short game is when you’re hitting the ball close to the green.

While the most common reason people visit the driving range is to perfect their tee shots onto the fairway, it’s not the only thing you can do. Most driving ranges also have an area where you can practice your putt and chip, i.e., your short game.  

4 Disadvantages Of Going To The Driving Range 

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why going to the driving range might not be helping you to advance your golf skills like you would like. 

1. Practicing The Same Movements  

Practice might make perfect, but it’s not necessarily a good thing. Hitting the same club over and over might not set you up for a better performance on the golf course. 

Some experts have recently been talking about the difference between random and blocked practice.

What does that mean?

Blocked practice refers to when you do the same movement repeatedly during a practice session. Random practice is when your sessions are a mixture of different styles. 

For example, in a blocked practice, you’ll be hitting your 7 iron clubs at the same target. In a random practice, you would be hitting a 7 iron, then a driver club, a 3 iron, and so on.

The driving range is more of blocked practice than random practice. While it helps you get better at a particular skill and improves your immediate performance, random practice could help enable you to retain what you learn better. 

2. Aiming At The Same Target 

The driving range does not represent the conditions on a normal golf course. It’s very unlikely that you’ll hit the same shot at the same target over and over at the golf course. 

On the range, though, this seems to be what golfers do all the time.

So if it’s not something you’ll do at the course or in a golf tournament, why aim at the same target and hit the same shot over and over? It almost becomes mechanical and robs you of the chance to maximize and build on their planning of each shot during practice. 

The best way to do this is to:

● Choose different targets for each practice shot

● Pick a different club

● Or keep the same club and attempt a different flight path (fade or draw) or type or shot (partial or full swing).

This approach helps you develop your planning skills as you change your target and simulate a real golf game. Each shot on the course presents a new problem that you need to build a unique solution. 

For example, you’re going to encounter different weather conditions, and you need to be able to visualize the shot. Having a pre-shot routine will definitely help your practice sessions.

3. The Range Compromises Fluidity 

Planning how you take your shot is essential. However, when you’re on the range, it’s pretty easy to focus too much on controlling your movements. 

There’s a possibility that you’ll spend too much time focusing internally; this causes you to become mechanical and compromises your overall fluidity.

Additionally, you must remember that golf is an individual sport. It requires the player to be in control of their emotions and thoughts. 

Playing on the range interferes with your ability to focus on learning and performance. Why?  Because you’re distracted by what’s going on in your head.

4. It’s Too Easy

Practice sessions don’t always mean better learning. The best way to improve your skills is to go through challenges and struggles. 

You can only find this in conditions that induce the most errors.

The driving range is often flat, which makes practicing there a relatively easy and enjoyable process. This is very far from the conditions you’ll face on the course. 

If the range you go to is not offering non-flat lies with varying turf, for example, then it might not be helping you much at all.

An optimal driving range should be challenging for the player with targets that mimic greens and non-green targets. It should offer the player plenty of opportunities to practice different types of shots. 

The idea is to make the range as similar to an actual golf course as possible.

Final Thoughts

There are many reasons to go to the driving range if you want to practice one specific shot or if you want to strengthen your swing skills. However, as to whether going to the range is helpful in the long run, it really depends on where you are at in your golf game. 

The driving range is perfect for a quick practice session, and it won’t hurt your game. You just need to know how to use the range to your advantage and keep in mind the issues that I mentioned in this article.