Get into Golf

It’s never too late to start a new sport. The interest in golf continues to grow worldwide, attracting all ages from complete beginners to those wanting to improve their game and play in competitions. Whether you are a junior or a pensioner, it’s a great way to play a sport, get fit and make new friends.

Most golf clubs offer a range of taster sessions or lessons to enable people to try out the sport without having to commit to joining a club.

1) A Game for All

The Get into Golf sessions held all over the UK cater to complete beginners of any age, starting with a taster session to learn the basics then moving onto the Beginners and Improvers courses. "Golf is a game for everybody,” says Angus Hoare, PGA golf professional. "I have been running these courses for several years now with people of all ages and ability. Everyone works at their own pace, so the atmosphere is happy and relaxed. It’s great to see them at the start and get enthused with the game."

2) Make New Friends

The golf sessions bring people together from all walks of life. Everyone gets involved, usually working in pairs to complete fun exercises to learn the basics. Over time new friendships are forged and it can become a regular social activity on the course or in the clubhouse afterwards.

3) Cost

The beginners and improvers courses are usually around £25 for a five week course. This is excellent value working out at £5 per hour with a professional golf instructor. All equipment is provided so it’s not necessary to spend hundreds of pounds on a set of clubs unless you decide to progress further and think about joining a golf club and playing on a regular basis.

4) Health Benefits

Golf can help to reduce the risk of a stroke and reduce blood pressure. It’s a perfect way to enjoy fresh air while getting fit and can be significant in helping mental health by reducing stress because it’s fun too. It’s great if you want to lose a few pounds as walking and swinging the clubs can burn up to 900 calories if completing 18 holes, but if only playing 9 holes it still helps to tone the body and keep you active. Even if a buggy is required to get around the course, the exercise is still of great benefit and is a perfect way of achieving the recommended weekly exercise of around 30 minutes a day.

5) Not an Elite Sport

Golf is a game for all whatever your age, ability, or background. It’s not just for the rich and famous. Years ago it was very much male orientated but now the number of ladies playing golf has dramatically increased. Some golf clubs run woman only or men only sessions and at many clubs the ladies membership is thriving and always welcome new members.

6) Nature Lovers

For nature lovers, the golf course is one of the best places to be. With miles of open beautiful landscape, unspoilt green spaces, woodland and water features, they are a haven for a huge range of wildlife. Many courses in the UK are playing their part in nature conservation and can help protect some of the endangered species as well as the ones that are thriving in this type of environment. Numerous varieties of birds such as buzzards, red kites, moorhens and ducks will turn up on the course along with the resident squirrels, rabbits, newts and lizards. Even the occasional deer may be spotted on some courses.

7) Time

Golf doesn’t have to take over every hour of spare time for those with a busy lifestyle. The taster and beginner sessions are only one hour and for those wishing to play a full game can be around 2-4 hours if completing the whole 18 holes. Many golf courses around the country offer just 9 holes which would take around 1 ½ hours. The driving range is a quick way to get a bit of practice in as it is up to the individual how long they choose to stay.

8) Disability Friendly

It’s still possible to play with a disability. Latest surveys show that over 80,000 people with a disability are taking part in golfing activity in the UK. With buggies available for hire, many disabled people can gain access to the golf course and enjoy the game.

9) Membership

To enroll in the Get into Golf sessions, you do not have to be a member, just turn up in smart but casual clothes and suitable footwear. If you wish to progress at a later date there are many different memberships available, or just pay and play offers can be arranged.

10) Fun and Laughter

Not everyone is a budding Seve Ballesteros, but if you enjoy being out in the fresh air and meeting people, playing golf is an ideal way to have fun and get fit. Laughter and exercise go a long way in helping you to live a longer and happier lifestyle.

At age 87, pensioner Phyllis Blakemore loves to hit a few balls at her local golf course and on the driving range. "I am a little restricted by arthritis," says Phyllis. "But I am just as keen to learn and improve my golf as a younger person. It’s never too late to start but you have to know your limitations and not be too enthusiastic physically but mentally you can give it your all. It’s a great feeling when you hit a long shot or get it out of a bunker. It’s a great game, the best in my opinion."