Golf - The Perfect Sport for Spring

Springtime is the perfect time to start playing golf. With the weather finally starting to warm up it’s a great sport to get into for many reasons.

Golf is unlike other popular sports around the world, such as soccer, rugby, and hockey, because you are not limited to playing competitively or professionally based on your age; you can play golf competitively almost your entire life.

Most cities and towns have a golf course and it’s a popular pastime for so many people and some combine golfing with their holiday as there are many beautiful golf courses abroad. I actually know quite a few people that started playing golf and one couple have got really involved with it and pop over to Cyprus (alright for some) to play golf; sounds like a good life to me!

Health benefits of playing golf:
Golf can be good for your health and your heart. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you'll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you pull your clubs or carry them, you'll burn even more calories each round and benefit even more. Since it’s an outdoor sport you’ll benefit from all that fresh air. If you need to lose a bit of weight you can combine golf with eating healthy foods you will lose weight and have fun at the same time whilst meeting like-minded people.

Find your nearest Golf course:
If you’re not sure where to start why not use Google search to find your nearest golf course and pop along for the day. Most have club houses that are open to both members and non-members so you can go along one lunchtime and check the place out. I’m sure the staff will be more than happy to show you around. I bet you’ll want to join.

Once you do, be sure to also check out HowDidiDo is Europe’s largest online golfing community and holds data from in excess of 53 million rounds of golf, along with the handicaps, results and scores of more than 1,300,000 UK golf club members.

Golfing shoes:
You can wear tennis shoes or running shoes (as long as they don’t damage the turf and are permitted by the golf course) although you’re best off buying proper shoes such as Puma Golf shoes. Puma first introduced their golf collection in 2004 and they have remained a popular choice with golfers ever since. They really do have some cool gear, such as Puma Ignite ProAdapt Golf Shoes that have umbrella pattern on them! You can find them over at Function 18; an online store that stocks a full range of men’s golfing gear including trousers, shirts, gloves, caps and accessories.

Golf shoes not only give vital grip due to the spiked soles which stop your feet sliding around during the golf swing. Golf shoes also have extra padding that supports the midfoot which is to give support which is particularly important when driving the ball because golfers end their stroke on the balls of their feet. The leather used to make golf shoes is flexible and comfortable for walking on a long golf course.

Clothing:
Although the weather should be warming up now it’s springtime you probably will still need something to keep you dry with those pesky April showers! Many tops and bottoms are designed to keep you warm as well as dry, while maintaining the ability to complete a full golf swing.

Golf gloves provide additional grip as you swing the club. Rain gloves and winter pairs offer extra grip in bad weather, with golf mitts providing extra warmth, wind and rain protection in more extreme conditions.
Base layers such as long sleeved thermal tops and for the warmer weather short sleeved polo style shirts.

Men’s golfing trousers are available in many different styles, colours and even pinstripe. For the more outrageous look hound tooth, tartan or bright red chinos are also acceptable!
While a cap is not essential you will want to invest in one for sun protection and to help keep the sun out of your eyes.

Do let me know in the comments section below if you play golf?