Golf now ranks as one of the most popular sports around, thanks to Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Watson, and Rory McIlroy.
These renowned, award-winning athletes have made playing golf cool, fascinating, and exciting.
But aside from being a cool, competitive sport, golf offers a variety of health benefits that getting into it is something you should consider doing.
Playing golf helps you stay fit, maintain a healthy weight, and have better muscle tone. Since it is an outdoor sport, you can experience relief from stress whenever you are out in the heart of nature.
Gearing Up for Golf
If you have recently developed an interest in golf and want to master the game, heading to a sports equipment store in Qatar should be your first order of business.
By buying your own gear and equipment, you will be in a better position to know the ins and outs of golfing and mastering this sport.
As a beginner, below are the most important basic golf equipment and accessories you need to purchase:
1. Golf Clubs
Without clubs, you won’t be able to do anything except walk around at a golf course.
Because of this reason, prioritize purchasing a set of quality golf clubs.
There are six primary types of golf clubs. These are:
- Drivers
- Irons
- Hybrids
- Woods
- Wedges
- Putters
Each of these clubs is designed to be used for different purposes.
Drivers, for instance, are used for getting the ball as far as possible towards the green. These are usually the longest and have the biggest head of any club.
Additionally, the driver is often the most expensive club since it is considered the most important golf equipment.
The main job of irons is to send the ball onto the green, from where it can be putted. A putter, on the other hand, is used to hit the ball into the cup on every hole.
As a beginner, you will do well to get a complete set, which comprises 12 to 14 clubs, and a golf bag. Also, since you are buying your first set of equipment, it is best to get them from a sports shop with sales staff knowledgeable in golf.
You can also ask your friends, colleagues, or relatives who are already playing golf for their recommendations regarding golf sets that will serve you well as you get into this sport.
Lastly, don’t forget to read and heed the reviews online about golf club sets recommended for beginners.
2. Golf Bag
Most of the time, a complete set of golf clubs already comes with a bag. However, you still have the option to get another one if you prefer to do so.
Carry and cart bags are the most popular types of golf bags used by beginners.
If you want a light bag that you can easily lug around as you navigate the golf course, opt for a carry bag. These are lightweight and have legs, allowing them to remain standing when you need to stop and hit the ball. They also have enough pockets where you can store balls, tees, and a few other small things.
To make sure you are getting the right carry bag, test its straps thoroughly before buying it. It should be durable yet feel comfortable on your shoulders and can be adjusted to fit your body.
If you are sure you will ride in a cart as you go around the golf course, you will do well to get a cart bag. This type is larger than carry bags and has more space and pockets for golf balls and all your essentials.
3. Golf Balls and Tees
Although golf balls may look the same at first glance, there are different types that are designed to suit players based on their skills.
For beginners, the most suitable are two-piece balls with a solid rubber center and Surlyn cover. They have better control and a softer feel yet more durable than the three-piece types used by professionals.
Since this type of ball is easier to control, you are less likely to lose them every time you practice your swings or play a round.
For tees, it is best to buy plastic ones since they do not break easily and, thus, can last longer.
4. Shirts and Pants
Being new to the world of golf is not an excuse for wearing the wrong outfit when you practice your swings or play a round. You need to put on the proper apparel to hone your skills.
The best shirt to wear when playing golf is one that is made of light, breathable material. It should also be loose enough to give you freedom of movement and allow you to swing your club easily.
As a rule, these shirts should have collars.
For bottoms, aside from buying specially designed golf pants and shorts, you won’t go wrong with opting for light and airy pants or shorts made of khaki and similar materials.
Regardless of which clothes you choose, ensure your pants or shorts are not too tight as well.
5. Golf Shoes
Golf shoes are designed in a way to give you traction, which will help you maintain your form and balance as you swing.
Golf shoes also prevent you from slipping and sliding on the greens, especially when the grass is wet.
When shopping for your first pair of golf shoes, put them on and walk around a bit to check if you are comfortable wearing them.
Additionally, practice swinging while wearing them to ensure your feet won’t be sliding around inside each shoe. Also, check your footwear if they have a good grip or cleats.
6. Accessories
Finally, there are a few other gears or accessories that can help you develop and improve your golfing skills. These include:
- A glove or two (for both hands), which can help you strengthen your grip, regulate the temperature of your hands, and prevent them from developing blisters.
A pair of sunglasses or eyeglasses in Qatar designed for outdoor wear, to shield your eyes from glare and the harsh effects of UV rays.
- Flat cap, baseball cap, or visor for additional protection against the sun.
When you have all these golfing equipment and gear, you can pass the beginner stage and be a better golfer in a shorter span of time.
AUTHOR BIO:
Hisham Elzubeir is the Marketing Manager at Doha Festival City, the largest entertainment, fashion, dining and shopping destination in Qatar. The mall has more than 400 international and local brands, including some of the most anticipated names, many of which made their Qatar debut, such as Harvey Nichols, Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl’s, Dior Beauty Boutique, ACE and IKEA. Hisham brings over 15 years of international expertise to the communications team at Doha Festival City.
