Birdie Whackers

GOLF EQUIPMENT: GEARING UP PROPERLY FOR GOLF

Just as in any sport, golf requires that you gear up properly to be able to adequately play the game. The list of essential equipment is not long, but without the proper golf equipment, you will not be able to play, or even learn to play the game of golf. Here is an idea of the basic golf equipment you will need to be able to learn and play golf.

For starters, this may seem simplistic, but one of the basic pieces of golf equipment is a golf ball. Not just any ball will do for golf. Golf balls are small, specially designed balls with a dimpled surface and a specific weight and size. The dimples allow the ball to reach a farther length when struck (or driven) by golf clubs.

Golf clubs, also called golf drivers, come in different varieties. This is because on a golf course you will encounter different landscapes, and different golf clubs are required to make the proper drive to maneuver the ball down the course. Depending on the landscape, either sand, grass or cement, a particular golf club will be essential to make the perfect drive. Do not let the many types of drivers or clubs intimidate or confuse you. You will pick up on which driver you need for a particular type of landscape and course conditions as you gain skill in this sport.

Professional golfers usually have a bag or two of golf clubs to cater to their golf needs. Most golf stores and sports equipment stores sell golf clubs. Some golf clubs are sold in sets while other are sold individually. Choosing clubs is a very individual choice, as there are many brands and types to select from.

To protect your golf equipment, such as your golf clubs, a golf bag and golf club covers are essential. A golf bag will, of course, hold your golf clubs together in one place and will make it easier for your caddy to bring your many golf clubs along as you play the course. Golf bags can also hold golf balls and other golf equipment like a water bottle to quench your thirst while under the sun or an extra shirt or your regular shoes. On the other hand, a golf club cover –you guessed it– covers the end of your golf club. This is to protect your golf club from unwanted scratches and dents. Dents in golf clubs can affect the drive of your golf ball and can cause your drive to go from ok to bad.  With these two types of golf equipment, you can take care of the state of your clubs and ensure the quality of your game.

One additional piece of golf equipment that you need to invest in is a great pair of golf shoes. Golf shoes are different from regular rubber soled shoes or walking shoes. Golf shoes are created to walk on greens - the type of grass or turf where the sport is played. Golf shoes usually have pointed rubber knobs or cleats on the bottom of the soles to grip the grass and sand under your feet. As a result, unnecessary shaking or moving is avoided. This is a very important point,  because shaking can cause you to miss the golf ball or to hit the golf ball in the wrong direction. If you plan to play professional golf a really great pair of golf shoes is a necessary investment to add to your equipment list. Choose a pair that is sturdy, yet comfortable enough for you to stand and walk in for long periods of time. Golf is a sport that requires walking from one hole to another or to where your ball landed (golf carts are not allowed on the greens) and thus, if your golf shoes are uncomfortable, you would have a hard time concentrating, and your game can suffer along with your feet.

A piece of golf equipment usually provided by most golf courses (aside from the golf ball) is the tee. The tee is the small nail shaped object that you push into the ground to hold your ball while you hit it at the beginning of your game. The tee is use in “teeing off” (the start of your first drive) thus the name.

The most amazing piece of golf equipment ever created (for me, that is) is the golf cart. Golf carts can take you from one hole to the other, and even though as I said earlier they are not allowed on the greens, they still lessen the burden of having to walk under the hot sun. This particular piece of golf equipment can be acquired from golf courses. Golf players usually use golf equipment such as this to give them a better and easier time playing the sport. Some even purchase their own golf carts. To learn a little more about these machines, read some trivia or to purchase accessories, you can visit Golf Carts.

Many specialty shops and sport shops offer golf equipment. The internet is also a good source of golf equipment. Second hand golf equipment is often sold online and even auctioned off on the internet, if you are on a tight budget.

There is a lot more equipment available for golfing, but this covers the basics you will need to get started. You can always add to your golf equipment list as you gain proficiency in the sport.