Golf

Enjoy golf? Yes it's true! This is a sport that does need a little skill (a lot if you want to get serious), but if you go with a group of friends, you really need none what so ever, just a good sense of humor.

Many people, who have tried golf, may have found it frustrating. And it can be, trying to get that little white ball off the ground and into a hole the size of a plughole is difficult. It must be impossible! But it's not. This was probably my most hated sport in the entire world that is until someone took the time to teach me to swing a club. When I actually managed to hit that little ball, I discovered the rush you can get playing golf (yes, RUSH). I now own a half set of graphite clubs.

What are the benefits?

To play nine holes (which is what most people play if they aren't too serious about the game takes 1 ½- 2 hours), as long as you don't hire carts, that pretty much means you'll be on your feet walking for that time. So all in all it's a pretty good aerobic work out. You'll be working off fat as you walk, and strengthening your arms, back and waist as you swing the club (and you don't even need to hit the ball). In fact it is more beneficial to miss the ball if you want to strengthen these areas! If you don't get too serious about the game, the walk itself is very relaxing, especially if you live in a city, as you get to enjoy the soothing green surroundings that most golf courses have to offer.

What you need

· A sense of humor (that can last for about 1-2 hours).
· If you really want to hit that ball, a lesson wouldn't go astray. You can usually book these at your local public golf course.
· Clubs. Now the good thing is that you don't need to run off and buy a set of golf clubs (as they will set you back a few hundred dollars plus). Most, if not all public golf courses have golf clubs to hire for around $15-20.
· Fun friends. This is so you can all laugh at each other.
· A golf course. The price can range from each course, but nine holes costs between $12-25. It's best to ring the golf course before you go and book for a specific time to 'hit off'. It's a good idea if you let them know you are beginners, as they will leave some time between you and the next lot of players to come through.

Tips

· Go to the toilet BEFORE you leave the clubhouse.
· Remember to carry fluids.
· Take sunscreen, and don't forget insect repellant (if it's summer) as those flies can wreck the whole day.
· Find out about golf etiquette. The basic rules are, to be polite when playing (that means no swearing at other players).
· Wear neat casual clothes, and appropriate footwear (clothing rules will depend on club to club). Just don't turn up in a leather jacket and high heels. Runners, shorts and a T-shirt should be fine.
· If there are players behind you waiting for you to finish each hole, let them play through (that means offer to let them pass your group), and no this is not pushing in, it's how it works on the course.
· If you hit a ball and don't know where it went, but looked like it was heading for someone's head, yell "four!" If you hear the word "four" being shouted, please, place your hands over your head, You may now have worked out what "four" means, and it can be quite serious if you get a golf ball in the head.

Now you know what to do, why not have a go? Oh, and one more important thing, it really impresses guys. If you say you play golf they seem to look at you from a different perspective, and are much more interested in getting to know you! I think it's because they think it's a guy's game, so when a girl plays they are curious as to what kind of girl you are.