A Par-fect Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Your First Golf Equipment
Did you know that golf was invented in Scotland? Scots started playing it in 1457 and even banned it 3 times between 1457 and 1744 because, according to the government’s beliefs, it interfered with military training. However, it soon began spreading all over the world, and nowadays, it’s one of the most popular and appreciated sports in the world. It’s not an easy one as well. It requires a lot of skill, precision, and of course, the proper equipment.
Golf Balls
As a beginner, you may not be fully familiar with the golf gear you need to get you started. One of the most important pieces is the balls. There are several different types and to figure out which one you need, you should learn more about their structure first. You should buy golf balls for enhanced performance and better game results.
The golf ball has 3 main components, core, layer and cover. The core is made of compressed and moulded rubber. This is the part that retains the energy and gives the ball launch power, it directs its accuracy and influences the speed. The layers around the core can be made of either rubber or plastic. They protect the ball from moisture and influence the ball’s feel, speed and spin.
The cover is the final layer and it’s made of urethane or Surlyn. The latter is cheaper and will give the ball more distance but there will be less spin. Urethane on the other hand will give the ball more spin which means more accuracy and control. This makes urethane a more expensive ball option.
You must have noticed that golf balls have dimples. They’re there to improve its aerodynamics by reducing its drag. They make the ball fly smoothly through the air. Not every ball has the same number of dimples, they can vary from 300 to 500. Different manufacturers have different ball designs that can vary in the dimples’ size, depth and alignment.
There are several types of golf balls. The first one is distance balls. They’re made to reduce drag. Thanks to their increased speed, you’ll be able to hit long drives. The second type is the control balls. Their priority are control and accuracy. They have great spin control and exceptional feel. The third type is the soft balls which are the number one choice of golfers whose priority is control and precision.
At the end of the day, choosing the balls is all about your personal preferences and experience level. Beginners will work best with two-piece distance balls. Intermediate players should consider a mid-compression ball that will give them distance and control. Advanced golfers can work with any ball but prefer multi-piece balls.
Clubs
A good golf club is paramount. This piece of gear will highly influence your performance and results on the course. The first thing you should know is that there are 4 types of clubs. Woods are made of wood and are made for long-distance shots. Irons are made of iron, are very versatile and good for shots in the green.
Wedges are good clubs when you want to make short shots in the green. And putters are for putting on the green. They can have different putting styles and come in many shapes and sizes. As a beginner, look for a club with a shorter shaft and a larger clubface. This way you’ll get a bigger chance at hitting the ball and practicing your golfing techniques.
One important element that influences how the club feels is the shaft. There are three different types of shaft flexibility, or “flex,” including standard, stiff, and very stiff. The shaft can be made of graphite or steel. Graphite is lighter and will give you more swing speed and steel feels stiffer.
Before you buy the club or buy golf balls, test them out. Most stores have indoor green spaces where you can do this. They’re not a one-size-fits-all item and not every club will work for you. Don’t rush, take your time and ask questions. Look for some advice from your golfer friends or store staff.
Golf Bags
Tour Staff Bags
If you have someone to carry your bag around or you have a very strong back, you can go with a tour bag. These bags look great but are very heavy and bulky. They will suit you if you don’t have a lot of gear because they don’t have ample storage space. They’re mainly used by professionals who need to show off their sponsors and brands.
Cart Bags
Cart bags are full-size bags with ample storage for all your gear. They’re made to fit on the back of a pushcart or a powered golf cart. They weigh between 2 and 9 kilos and will take up more space than stand or carry bags. They usually have one strap with a sleeve or a tie down. Cart bags have pockets with zippers at the front and club dividers for neat club organisation.
Stand Bags
If you’re a player who likes to carry their bag around the course, you should get a stand bag. It has a stand mechanism so you won’t have to bend all the time. They’re very versatile and have an ergonomic design, double shoulder straps and a padded back. Find golf balls for sale, and stack the stand bag with them.
Carry Bags
These bags are very lightweight and compact. They’re made to carry the essentials and are easy to store because they’re foldable. They have one big pocket, a few smaller ones and a hookup for a towel. Overall, a great choice when you need to save on storage or run a few quick swings before going to work.
Buggie
Push and Pull Trolleys
These trolleys are manually powered and the main difference between them is the wheels. Pull ones have 2 wheels, and push trolleys have 3 wheels. Push trolleys are more popular because they’re easier to control and won’t tire your muscles as much. Some of them have brakes, larger wheels for grassy fields and smooth bearings.
Electric Trolleys
Electric trolleys are battery-operated. You can control them with a remote or a speed dial. Even though they’re more expensive, electric trolleys are a great investment because they won’t tire your muscles and you’ll move easily on the course. They’re great if you’re playing on a hilly course because they’ll save you some energy. Plus, they come with some awesome features like GPS locators, phone holders and shot measurements.