Rough time on the greens
Learning golf may take you in unexpected directions, finds.
THERE’S amighty high chance you’ve already heard of golf. The popular sport, which originated in 15th century Scotland, sees players thwack and navigate balls down a perfectly manicured fairway, aroundman-made bunkers and natural hazards to reach a hole in the fewest number of strokes.
Having already been through a full golf fitness assessment, tried my hand at frisbee golf, shot for distance during longrange golf, and chipped a football through a foot golf course, it’s time to visit the sport’s original form: club and ball golf. As discovered during long-range golf, the biggest dilemma for this onewould be striking the ball in a straight line.
The venue was Canterbury’s Kaiapoi Golf Club, an 18-hole course featuring several short three to four-par rounds and, in this instance, a brutal prevailing wind.
To begin hole one, a long, meaty club was selected to land as close as possible to the green. The club’s hole recommendation suggested that a tee shot must not go left and should stay below the hole. My first attempt sliced hard left into a fellow player’s end game on the 18th.
The next strike had the distance, but veered to the left just shy of the sand trap. Another two chips and two putts saw me finish the first hole just two strokes over par – what they The game of golf combines mental strategy and technique with low-impact physical movement when walking after your ball – you can particularly cover a lot of ground when slicing the ball in to uncharted territory. Carrying a set of clubs adds another physical element, and repeat visits may eventually pay off with improved strength across the upper body. All that, plus the benefits that comewith breathing fresh air and spending time in the great outdoors. Caution should be taken when in the presence of players swinging golf clubs. It’s etiquette to keep off the course and out of sight when another player is preparing to strike. And while you could go out and hit balls, it’s recommended you seek guidance from a professional to avoid any unnecessary strains or injuries. Gloves can also be worn to reduce the impact of strikes and rubbing from the club. Water and sun protection are key. golf.co.nz.