Diving into Equipment: The Ins and Outs of Everything You Need to Know to Excel At Your First Few Rounds of Golf

The world of golf can sometimes come across as a little intimidating, especially if you're only getting into the sport and still feel very much like a novice.

Understanding the rules and course guidelines is hard enough but finding the correct equipment to simply get you out on the course can also prove rather trying. Therefore, it is crucial for you, as a beginner, to take some time to research the items you'd like to invest in. There are many parts to a golf game, ranging from the shoes you need to the clubs that get that Scheffler swing out of you.

Now, you can't expect miracles. Golf is very much a game of practice and patience, two characteristics you need to adopt regarding the time you take to invest in suitable pieces for your game. This article aims to shed light on some of the most important dos and don'ts regarding the equipment you should look at, it's as good a place to start as any.

Speak to the Expert

The best thing you can do, before truly investing in equipment is speak to a professional. Now, don't get it wrong. An expert is not a professional player. You shouldn't seek out what McIlory or Rahm use, they're in their own league and will most likely need something that can truly withstand a good beating. Those kinds of players are performing at the top level, which is most likely not something you're aiming for, which also means that you do not need the highly advanced equipment that they do. However, if you do want to get in on the action, you could always place a bet on the Sportsbook US Open that they're playing in, just to get a taste of the thrill they experience. But beyond that, what you need, as a beginner, is something far less demanding and also most likely something that falls within your budget more. Therefore, you should visit your local golf shop, speak to someone who has been working there for a long time, actively take in what they're saying, ask all the questions you have in your mind (even if they feel silly) and only then should you consider investing in beginner-friendly equipment.

You Can Start With Previously Owned Goods

Golf can sometimes feel like a rather hefty sport, budget-wise, as there are many bits and bobs that you need. As a beginner, you don't need the most amazing items, the only thing you really want to do is take a few practice shots and see if you even like the game or if you can see yourself moving forward with the sport. Therefore, the best thing for you to do is to invest in previously owned goods. It's a great way to get some quality products but often at a quarter of the price. It's also great because the grip and the clubs are usually worn in already, which makes playing slightly easier. You just need to be careful about what you buy that has been previously owned, clubs and golf bags are absolutely fine but when it comes to shoes or gloves, anything that includes more personal hygiene, is most likely something you should purchase brand new, just to be safe.

Give It A Swing Before Making the Commitment

Just as with every other piece of equipment you'd invest in, you should always take the items you're interested in for a test drive before really going for it. If you are visiting your local golf shop, you will most likely see a nice fairway or putting area somewhere nearby or even attached to the golf shop. Speak to the sales assistant and mention your interest in the items but tell them that for you to properly commit, you first need to give the clubs a go in real life. Almost every sales assistant will completely understand this.

Avoid Buying Lower-Class Items

As important as staying on budget and avoiding what the pros use, because that would just be overkill, is, you should still invest in quality goods. Do not get carried away with the price and then try to come in as low as possible. It is a bad idea to invest in a brand-new set that is made either by some no-name company or worse yet, by a fake copycat. It is far better to use that exact same investment and rather purchase something previously owned but at least from a reputable company. Certain golf brands such as Callaway, TaylorMade and Titleist are brands that are reputable and that you can trust. So when researching items, try to stick to these three. Although they are on the pricier side, they also come with quality. Walking tens of miles or km in poorly made golf shoes will only do your game a disservice, as would using clubs that are not built with the correct aerodynamics in mind. Therefore, choose wisely when it comes to quality.

Don't Let Your Eyes Do the Choosing

Another thing you must truly try to avoid is letting the visuals of the equipment have an impact on your choice. Although certain items can look a little nicer than others, you must choose the item that performs well. There is little sense in investing in a golf bag that looks stylish but doesn't sit on your shoulders well or doesn't have great quality wheels. The equipment you invest in regarding golf should look pleasing but mainly, function impeccably. The functionality of items should always outweigh the looks of things. Don't forget that whilst this might just be a hobby for you, it is actually a sport. Therefore, you must invest in items that elevate your game and don't just look great.

A Hole in One

As you can see, there are many layers to this game called golf and although it is a fascinating sport and one that continues to climb in popularity, for beginners, it can also be a rather daunting space. If you are starting the game of golf, don't forget to speak to people who know the game well, so that they may advise you. Don't get over-confident and invest in the first thing you see, rather try a few clubs and see which ones work best for you, the same goes for the shoes or even the cap you get. Also, try to not succumb to the pressures of getting everything brand new, there is nothing wrong with previously owned items, as long as you've inspected them well. Choose wisely, do your research and other than that, don't forget to have fun on the course.