Learn to play golf? 10 tips for beginners

Learn to play golf? 10 tips for beginners

Are you about to retire? And do you like to be active in the open air? Then perhaps golf is the sport for you.

Let go of any preconceptions you may have and read why golfing is a really good idea. And would you like to get to know the sport better and prepare for retirement? Then our Pension in View Golf course is for you.

Golf is healthy

If you play golf, you move around a lot in the open air. Don’t be mistaken about that. Many people have the image of golfers driving around in a cart. That is a misunderstanding; you walk a lot. If you walk nine holes, you are easily two hours on your way. With each stroke, you need concentration. And during a golf swing a lot of muscles in your body are active.The benefits of golf in a row:

Golf improves your condition

Are you doing an 18 hole round of golf? You can easily walk 6 to 8 kilometres, so golf improves your condition.

Flexible muscles and joints

A good golf swing comes from your whole body. It’s all about mobility, strength and balance, and when you get the hang of it, you get flexible muscles and joints.

Concentration and strategic thinking

To be able to make the move properly, you need to have good concentration.You also need to be able to think strategically. It’s good for your brain.

Nice outside

You’re out in the open. You breathe fresh air and when the sun shines, your body produces vitamin D. You feel energetic and vital.

Good for the social contacts

You can play golf on your own, but it’s more fun to play together. It’s fun and good for your social contacts, which in turn is good for your happiness in life.

Tips for novice golfers

Want to get started with golf, but have no idea how to begin? We give you some tips:

1. Choose your favourite golf course

In the Netherlands there are about 200 golf courses. There are long and short golf courses. If you are just starting to play golf, a par-3 course is the most suitable. Such a course usually consists of nine short holes. Some par-3 courses have 18 short holes.

On golf.nl you can quickly and easily find a golf course nearby

1. Take lessons from a good golf teacher

If you want to learn to play golf, then it is smart to take lessons. But of course it must click, in terms of teaching method and personally. Follow therefore an introduction lesson or golf clinic with several golf teachers. You will know soon enough who is the best match for you.

1. Choose the membership that suits you

These days you have a choice of all kinds of memberships. Make sure your membership is large enough to allow you to practice and play, and there is an increasing choice of games: 6 holes, 9 holes, par-3 courses and pitch & pull.

1. Don’t buy your own golf clubs

If you are just starting out, it is a good idea to borrow or hire clubs for a while. You’ll know which clubs you like. Get good advice about this from your golf teacher. After a while you will be able to buy your own golf clubs, but the rules state that you can play with a maximum of 14 clubs. But especially if you are just starting to play golf, often half a set is enough for now.

1. Choose the right clothes and shoes

You really don’t have to show up on the golf course in plaid pants. On most golf courses, you can wear whatever you are comfortable with. On some courses there are dress codes, for example no short skirts and no jeans. Please pay attention to this. Choose clothes in which you can move around well. These are shoes with fixed studs or soft spikes. They give support and grip with the ground, so you have a lot of fun with them.

1. Choose the right ball

Maybe a little less important when you’re just starting out, but pick the right ball. In general, the more expensive the ball, the better it spins. And the quicker the ball stops on the green. Is there a type of ball that you perform well with? Then keep using this ball.

1. Be disciplined

If you have resolved to practice weekly, stick to it. And take the time to practice on the track as well. This is the best and fastest way to learn, and makes playing golf more and more fun.

1. Concentrate and take your time

Golf is a precision sport. So take your time. Concentrate on your golf swing. What’s going well? And what could be better? Analyze your game and learn from your mistakes.

1. Keep track of your scores

At a certain moment you will play more often, maybe even on more than one court. Then it’s good to keep track of your scores. Golf.nl has developed an app for this purpose, which immediately adjusts your handicap after a round and tells you how good you are.

1. Enjoy!

Golf courses are usually beautifully situated in nature. It is really enjoying the tranquility and space.

Golf is a wonderful hobby

Golf is a great hobby for everyone. And certainly for people who are retired. Because you keep moving, you’re in nature. Golf also has a competitive element, and once you have mastered it, you can play anywhere, at home or abroad.

Pension in sight?

If you’re about to retire and want to prepare for it, discover our Retirement in sightGolfing training course. In inspiring sessions, you and other participants will gain the insights you need to organise your new, work-free life.We alternate these sessions with golf clinics at the most beautiful golf course in the Veluwe: Golf Course Het Rijk van Nunspeet in Nunspeet. This woodland course is characterised by its unique natural beauty, with woods, ponds and reed beds, sand drifts and pines, and you will stay at the beautiful De Essenburgh castle in Hierden in the Veluwe.

Read more about the four-day Pension in sight training course

We give pension in sight training courses throughout the year, in various forms. Want to know more?Go to the
Overview of pension in sight training courses
. Or request the brochure of all our Pension in sight training courses below.