Golfing is one of the most popular pastimes not just in North America, but across the globe. It’s estimated that over 60 million people golf and the sport continues to grow. The sport offers a relatively easy way to immerse yourself in nature and can offer a great workout as well. Anyone still on the fence about golfing should hear what pro golf teacher Roger Hoit has to say.

“Golfing is a great game for a lot of reasons,” saysRoger Hoit. “It’s a good way to get both physical and mental exercise. Further, it encourages focus and effort. All of which will pay off in life outside the country club.”

From a spectator’s point of view, golf might not seem as fun as say American football or hockey. However, once folks put themselves behind the tees and start swinging, many people will find that it’s an engaging and intense sport.

“Golf is a competition, both against others and yourself. Even if you golf alone, you’re constantly trying to break your own record,” notes Mr. Hoit. “Healthy competition is a great motivator for folks young and old.”

Golf has a reputation for being expensive. However, many public golf courses are quite affordable. By shopping around on the Internet, it’s also possible to find special discounts and deals that can reduce green fees substantially. The same is true for buying equipment.

“Golf can be pricey, and in general, prices have inched up over the years,” notes Mr. Hoit. “That said, if you’re willing to do a bit of research, it’s much easier to find coupons and deals today compared to twenty years ago.”

Improvements in Golf Technology Have Made the Sport More Approachable

Golf is a challenging sport. However, various advances in technology have made it more approachable, especially for those new to the sport. For example, golf clubs designed for beginners are generally more forgiving than the golf clubs people had access to say thirty years ago.

“Golf clubs today have larger sweet spots than in the past. This is especially true for beginner golf clubs,” Roger Hoit explains. “If you hit a golf ball with the sweet spot, the ball will likely travel further and straighter. So bigger sweet spots means a more forgiving swing.”

Clubs aren’t the only advance in technology either. Some golf balls are also easier for beginners to use as well.

Some beginners make the mistake of buying the equipment professionals use. In the right hands, these clubs are excellent. However, they are also very unforgiving, meaning they have a small sweet spot. Most beginners will struggle to use professional clubs well.

Beyond equipment, there are more opportunities to improve as someone new to the sport. Hiring professional golf teachers can be surprisingly affordable. These teachers will work with students, studying their swing and helping them correct it. Further, it’s possible to videotape people swinging. Then, teachers and even AI programs can review the swings to identify problems and prescribe solutions.

Ultimately, no matter how you cut it, golf is more accessible now than ever before, and that makes 2023 a great year to get into the sport.