| Golf
Basics 101: by: Frank Greystone
The Popularity of Golf
has increased tremendously over the past fifty years, giving
us champions like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger
Woods, and world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta
National and the Blue Monster at Doral.
Why has golf become so
popular? It's the opportunity to be outside, to get a
good whole body workout, network with friends or business
colleagues at a leisurely pace, and to play a game that you
can never perfect.
Your scorecard, over time,
shows your improvement, which keeps you playing again and
again.
Here is a very basic lesson
in golf for the person who has no clue about the game.
Golf is played on an
eighteen-hole course; each hole has its "par", which is the
number of tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips (short
hits as you approach the green), and putts.
The par number is based on
the length and difficulty of the hole. Pars range from
3 to 6. If you get the ball in the hole in five shots
on a par five hole, you "made par." If it took you six
shots, it's called a bogie, if you made it in four, it's a
birdie.
There are usually "hazards"
of some sort on all the holes. Bodies of water, sand
traps, and trees are strategically placed to make the hole
more challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find
courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer hazards.
Each player keeps their own
score, marking the number of total number of shots for each
hole. At the end, each person adds their scores- the
lowest number is the winner.
It is important for beginner
golfers to not take themselves too seriously. It takes
a long time to get good at this game; even though the
professionals make it look so easy.
Take a lesson or two at the
onset; it will help you develop a proper swing and help you
get off to a good start. A simple swing can help cure
a slice and you will look forward to breaking 80.
Remember that it's just a
game. Have fun and look at the big picture-you're
outside and you're not at work!
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