how to enjoy playing golf

1. Work on improving your lie. When you are having a recreational round of golf, there is no way you should be playing the strict rules of golf.
2. Playing different games is one of the ways to enjoy golf more. Instead of playing the same match with your buddies, compete in categories other than score.
3. Play with friends more. This is probably an obvious point, but it needs to be mentioned nonetheless. ...
4. Don’t play the blue tees. Unless you are at least a 10 handicap or lower, why bother making the golf course even harder than it has to be.
5. If it is your honor, take it. You just birdie the hardest (or easiest) hole on the golf course, it’s your tee, you earned it, take it.
Lower your expectations. If you are an average golfer you play golf twice per week if you’re lucky, on top of that, you don’t practice as much as you ...
It is just a game! Keep reminding yourself, “It’s just a game, it’s just a game…” Golf can become so consuming that you take every shot as a life ...

Full Answer

Why do people play golf?

People play golf for various reasons. Some play because it is rewarding, challenging, calming, and even frustrating at the same time, while others play it because it takes their bodies and minds through the ultimate test of perseverance. Some also play the game mainly for recreational purposes and for meeting other like-minded people.

How to play golf for beginners?

1. Start small: Golf is hard enough without needing eight shots just to get to the green. Start on a par 3 or... 2. Play three holes: In a way, golf its own kind of an endurance sport, and you need to build yourself up to playing 18... 3. Choose the right course: Don't start on Bethpage Black, or ...

What makes a good golf outing?

Maintain a sense of humor: This is probably the most critical element of playing in a golf outing. Enjoy the pressure and challenge of hitting golf shots that are counted towards a prize, but remember, these are casual events and no one cares if you play poorly.

What makes a good golf swing?

A key component to making an efficient, powerful and correct golf swing is having a body that's able to do it. Strong hip muscles, flexible hamstrings and a stable back are just a few reasons why tour pros are tour pros and most of the rest of us are, well, not.

How can I have fun to play golf?

12 Ways to Have More Fun on the Golf CoursePlay a game. Yes, we are aware that golf is a great game in and of itself. ... Leave some clubs at home. ... Scratch the stroke play – match is where it's at. ... Make up your own rules. ... Crank the tunes. ... Put a little cash on it. ... Tee it forward. ... Play fewer holes.More items...•

How do I relax and enjoy golf?

Now, without further ado, here's what you need to do to relax while golfing.Chew Gum. There have been a number of studies done on the effects of chewing gum on the brain. ... Take Deep Breaths. The next thing you can do to calm your nerves is to take some deep breaths. ... Visualize Success. ... Live in the Moment. ... Get Excited.

How do I get motivated to play golf?

Tips for Motivating Yourself To Improve in GolfBreak Your Goal Into Parts. Formulating goals is a valuable method for improving in golf, but if your objectives are too lofty, they might seem impossible to reach. ... Get Inspiration From the Pros. ... Golf With Those Around Your Level.

How do you make golf fun for beginners?

To kick off a new year, I want to present five recommendations you can use to inject more fun into your golfing experience.Walk the Course. Walking during a round of golf is the way the game is meant to be played. ... Play 9-Holes. ... Don't Keep Score. ... Use Fewer Clubs. ... Tee it Forward. ... The Takeaway.

How do I get over my fear of golf?

Many golfers freeze when facing this lie, too worried they can't get it out. To overcome that fear, focus on the process to hit this shot. You want to grab a wedge, open its face so it's pointing skyward, and grip it as tightly as you can.

Why do I get so nervous playing golf?

1. Stay loose and focus on swing tempo. When you're playing a round and start to feel nervous, everything becomes quicker and you tighten up without even realizing it. This tightness causes tension in your muscles, which causes you to hit the golf ball poorly.

Why is motivation important in golf?

Motivation is the cornerstone of athletic excellence. Every golfer will, at some point, go through bouts when motivation is lacking. Without motivation, bumps in the road become roadblocks. Think of times when you dealt with a lack of motivation…

How do psychologists motivate athletes?

Motivating Young AthletesMonitor your feedback to athletes. Let athletes know what they do well as well as what needs improvement (e.g., good hustle, nice effort, good catch, way to be in the right place). ... Individualize athlete feedback. Respond to mistakes based on the athlete's current ability. ... Encourage teamwork.

Why is golf so hard?

Golf is so hard because of the number of moving pieces that are involved with a round of golf. Each time you head out to play, you will have to deal with physical issues related to your golf swing, mental issues related to the way you think, and environmental issues caused by the golf course conditions and weather.

How far should a beginner hit a golf ball?

A 9-iron should hit a golf ball 80 to 90 yards for a beginner, 125 to 135 yards for an average player and 135 to 145 yards for a professional player. For each number that the iron decreases, add about 10 to 15 yards to the distance.

How do I get better at golf at home?

10 ways to improve your golf game from home this off-seasonImprove your grip. Boring? ... Perfect your posture in the mirror. ... Boost your swing speed. ... Get flexible. ... Putt indoors. ... Practice with alignment aids. ... Chip indoors. ... Upgrade your equipment.More items...•

How to get better at golf swing?

Start out by hitting one of your wedges or short irons, warming up your golf muscles with half-swings. Then increase the length and speed of your swings, and move on to your middle irons. Work your way up to the driver, and after you hit some balls with it, go back to a short iron or wedge.

What to eat before a round of golf?

The best foods to eat for a round of golf are lean protein (such as chicken or turkey) and complex carbohydrates (such as all-bran cereal or a banana). You should eat before the round and again at the turn, or on the back nine, to maintain energy and concentration. And drink lots and lots of water.

How many pages are there in the rules of golf?

Yes, it's true, the Rules of Golf is 182 pages long and understanding many of the game's 34 rules is important. But don't worry. Most golfers, including those guys who turned their noses up at playing with a newcomer like you, have very little knowledge of how to play the game correctly.

How to reduce swelling after a round?

In the morning, apply heat (a warm shower will help) or heat wraps and consider taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin or naproxen sodium before playing.

Who said there's golf and then there's tournament golf and neither one resembles the other?

Part 9: Outings. The legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones once said, "There's golf and then there's tournament golf, and neither one resembles the other.". If you're signed up to play in an organized golf event or outing for the first time, don't let those words unnerve you.

Can you play from another hole?

It's (mostly) OK to play from another hole : If your shot lands in another fairway, you can play the ball as it lies as long as that fairway is not designated as out of bounds (white stakes or lines). If you don't see white stakes or lines, you can play back to the hole you're playing.

Can golf make you think too much?

When in doubt, go back to basics: Golf can really get you thinking too much. There's a lot of information out there, and the most mind-numbing part can be the instruction. When you're a new golfer, you can't help but read it and watch it, but too much can be, well, too much.

Why do golfers use a swing thought?

Golfers use a swing thought to help them improve their golf. If you have the wrong thing in your mind as you swing the club, the result can be a disaster for your game. Here are some swing thoughts that you do not want going through your head.

What does "drive for show putt for dough" mean?

You've probably heard the saying, "Drive for show, putt for dough." It is true that your putting makes a big difference in your score. Here is my advice for improving that part of your game.

What is the par score for a golfer?

Since par is usually around 76, if you are 80 years old and get a score of 80 that's really good. If you are 56 and get a score of 56, that's fabulous. Shooting your age often happens as the golfer gets to be more senior.

How to avoid a bad swing?

Choose carefully based on the conditions, then have confidence when you swing. Keep your head steady, don't lift up, swing smoothly: Multiple swing thoughts distract and result in a poor swing.

How to not lose your temper on golf course?

Golf can make you crazy. One moment you hit the greatest shot ever and the next moment you're hunting your ball in the woods. Here are ways to keep calm and not lose your temper on the golf course. Keep reminding yourself, "It's just a game, it's just a game...".

What is the enemy of golf swing?

Tension is the enemy of a good golf swing. Focusing on anger and problems is guaranteed to ruin the rest of your game. Once you get really angry, you won't be able to make a decent hit for the rest of the round. Don't sweat the small stuff.

What is a good handicap for a scratch golfer?

A golfer with a handicap of 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 is quite an accomplished golfer. Of course, even better is to be a scratch golfer with 0 handicap. Few achieve that, so we strive to whittle down our handicap to a single digit.

How to make a gate in golf?

Another of my favorite drills is to use two tees to form a gate. Place one tee outside the toe, another outside the heel, and swing the clubhead through it without hitting either of the tees. Start with smaller, slower swings until you groove that center contact. Once you do, gradually build-up speed. 3.

How to play golf better?

Have a pre-shot routine. Playing your best golf often comes from getting into a good groove with your swing and your routine. Once you define this routine, you should repeat it and keep repeating it . This focus and willingness to repeat your same routine will help you have continued success and remain calm.

How to make golf swing easier?

It makes golf so much easier. When it comes to your posture: You want to bend at the hips and let your hands hang below your shoulders, with a slight knee flex. Good posture will help improve your overall contact, and the two things together are the foundation of every swing. 2.

What does it mean to miss the ball straight?

Missing the ball straight is a result of a good set up, aiming well and being in balance at your finish. They don’t need to be perfectly straight, and they may not be the prettiest shots (like a slight chunk, or a thinned iron). But as long as they’re in play, you can score. 10. Have a pre-shot routine.

Can I play golf more often?

Yes, it's possible to play your best golf more often. Here's how. Getty Images. It happens once in a while. You play really well, and leave the course feeling thrilled. But I’ve played nearly my entire life and I can promise you you’ll have more disappointing rounds than satisfying ones.

Do all golf rounds have high and low moments?

Almost all rounds of golf have high and low moments. It is a matter of keeping the low moments to a minimum and knowing how to get through these with the least amount of damage. A competent short game is a must as well as a good attitude. Never give up learning, trying to improve, and doing your best on every shot.

Can you eliminate three putts?

Eliminate three-putts. You’ll never be able to eliminate three-putting entirely , but your best golf almost always coincides with good putting and distance control. The ability to read greens well and control distance takes good technique and practice — but it also takes preparation.

What do you need to know about golf?

It is also not a bad idea to know a few of golf’s basic rules: Familiarize yourself with the official way to drop a ball, to take relief from an unplayable lie, what to do if your ball is out of bounds and what to do if you hit your ball into a hazard.

How to putt golf?

A good, basic putting posture is to bow from your hips, have your eyes over the ball and your arms hanging below your shoulders. After that, remember that your back stroke length controls distance .

How many golf balls should I have in my bag?

Beginner golfers need to be prepared with the necessary tools that you’ll use on the course. You should plan on having six to 12 golf balls in your bag, a golf glove (if you wear one) and tees and a ball marker in your pocket and ready to go. Being ready to go when it’s your turn to hit is an important part of golf.

What is the hardest shot to hit in golf?

Sand shots are some of the hardest for beginner golfers. And like we talked about earlier: Remember that to hit the ball up, you need to hit the ground. This means overriding any instinct you have to lifting the ball up, and commit to hitting the sand instead.

How to get a ball in the air?

The basic concept is that in order to get the ball in the air, you need to hit the ground. Get into good posture, bending from the hips, and feel like your extending both arms into the ground during your swing, like you’re throwing a ball (as you see me demonstrating below).

Do you need to hit a chip to play golf?

Be able to hit a basic golf chip. As a beginner, you need to be able to hit a basic chip, This shot doesn’t need to be perfect and as a newer golfer, I would not expect you to have perfect distance control. Your goal is to have a go-to shot when you’re close to the green.

Can you use a hybrid golf club over a fairway wood?

Once you tee off and your ball is on the ground in the fairway, new golfers may have a comfort level with one club over the other — you may prefer your hybrid over a fairway wood, for instance.

New and less experienced golfers worry too much about what others think

This worrying takes away from the enjoyment you should be experiencing out on the golf course.

How much enjoyment should you get out of the game of golf?

We play golf regularly with people we know and others that we have met and become good friends with. That being said, many of us are also very competitive.

With all that said, where you are playing and who you are playing with determines how much of the golf rules you should be prepared to follow

You might find yourself playing in a group with one or more “Rules Sticklers” that have played for many years and have very low handicaps ( meaning they got really good) and they will check-in and do their absolute best to make sure you and your group approach the game with the same passionate fervor they do and follow the orders of the USGA.

Playing by the rules can still be fun!

How closely you follow the rules really depends on what type of golfer you are, who you are playing with, and the type of golf game you are playing.

Playing on Saturdays during our fall through Spring season

When I play with a group of ladies on Saturdays, and we are at the first tee we decide what type of FUN game we will play and if a player can take a mulligan or if the course is in bad condition whether you can move your ball onto grass vs dirt to allow you to get a good result. Making it what? FUN! Making you do what? COME BACK!

The goal is to make the game of golf more appealing, enjoyable, fun and faster to play

Time- by helping them learn pace, playing quickly so that a round lasts no longer than 4 hours for a foursome.

When or whether, a golfer should stop playing the game of golf?

Before writing this, I took a look around the internet myself to see if there were any useful articles somewhere else but to my mind – finding such suggestions as ‘when it’s not fun anymore’ or ‘when you can’t make 3 birdies in a row’ didn’t seem very helpful.

Is whether you are getting any enjoyment from the game at all

Which is something that I’m going to take a closer look at in How to decide whether you should give up playing golf – part two.