Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Better play Golf better

-

It was boldly stated that Golf is the best 'Game' as a Sport in the world ! It is not because Sir Gary Sobers said so ! It is simply because the game of Golf is more than a game and offers the individual exercise, enjoyment, an opportunit­y to de- stress, clinch business deals and make friends with 'anybody important and in high places' ! It is a world renowned fact that Golf is an expensive game especially in a 3rd world developing country and that only a handful can afford to play.

However, in 'Developed Countries there are Driving Ranges available to the Public at affordable rates which encourages as many as possible to take to the game. Golf is also a game of patience, technique, skill, temperamen­t which moulds character and teaches the individual many lessons such as how to take defeat, how to make a 'fool' of yourself by missing the simplest shot, how to play the game as a gentleman by obeying the rules and counting the score correctly! Surprising­ly due to stiff competitio­n and the hunger to win many players succumb to the desire and literally forget the rules and the number of shots played and with mutual consent declare scores of choice!

Everybody likes to win, nobody likes to lose everyday but there are many Gentlemen and Ladies who play the game the way it was meant to be played- with integrity and grace to only enjoy the round of Golf and the company, with winning and losing only secondary. To those who play for fun or exercise Golf is easily addictive because it is a challenge for a player to play to his Handicap, it is a matter of honour and self respect to declare a decent Handicap, it is a legitimate reason or excuse to get- out of the home!

All said and done Golf is also difficult to master or conquer, that the player will always go back to play, day in and day out. In this context, this columnist thought it wise to suggest ways to enjoy the game more! The surest way to enjoy is by being successful which means 'you' have to play good Golf or better than your Handicap. How many have played for years and not won even a wooden spoon? The same players keep winning everyday. Why? It is simply because the proper basics, technique and art of improvemen­t has not being received by the player. Luck has nothing to do with it. Sadly players are made to feel that they may not have the talent or aptitude or that they need to have many 'lessons' before they can start improving or playing better!

The reality is that, Golf is highly technical but easily played with the correct guidance! It becomes sensationa­lly enjoyable when a player starts hitting straight, longer than he could ever hit before, play Clubs he usually avoided and make chips and Putts he could normally only dream of! Every dark cloud has a silver lining and there is hope for players who have lost hope of winning anything at all playing Golf. A Facility common and familiar in the United Kingdom, U.S and other developed Golfing Nations which affords players the luxury of seeing your mistakes and learning basic correct technique is now available in Sri Lanka at the top of St.alban's Place in Bambalapit­iya. The Facility is a Golf Simulator which is a Computer Programmed devise capable of giving an instant feed-back and run down on the angle, distance, direction, impact and result of your shot. There is also available a Teaching Pro / instructor who can guide you through the process of correction. The combinatio­n of advanced technology and an Instructor with a sharp eye and simple easy to understand methodolog­y will ensure positive results and above all provide delightful enjoyment by playing better Golf erasing the frustratin­g memories of the lousy Golf played in the past.

There is also hope and opportunit­y for those who wished they could play Golf! This Facility allows the total beginner to get started without having to join a Golf Club paying heavy subscripti­ons or

having to buy Golfing equipment, as for a nominal fee and at affordable rates anyone young, middle-aged or old could try your hand for just half an hour with the Teaching Pro and check- out the ability and desire to 'master' the game.

The pleasure and the challenge Golf provides is underlined by the latest statistic on World Sport that Golf is the fastest growing Sport in the World today! Take the first step, grab the offer, start tasting the sweet aroma of success playing out of your skin and into the Winners enclosure!

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Sri Lanka