Golf like any other sporting discipline has many myths concerning various aspects of the sport such as its origin and gameplay. These myths have been very discouraging and held many potential people from taking up the game. It’s important for any prospective golfer to realize that these myths are just misconceptions that have been perpetuated throughout the golf industry for many years. The myths relate to coaching, golf swing, and overall gameplay. Below are 5 hilarious golf myths that shouldn’t discourage you from taking up the game.
#1. Playing Golf takes the whole day
This is a very common funny myth that has been around for ages. However, like any other sport or hobby, playing golf shouldn’t take the whole day. Instead, golf can take approximately two hours and can be customized to fit your busy lifestyle. A round of golf takes involves 18 holes and takes around four hours. However, the holes can be reduced to 9 which just takes 2 hours to complete and conveniently fits into your busy schedule. The 9-hole golfing system is legal and conforms with the Rules of Golf and the handicap system.
#2. Golf is an expensive game.
Most wannabe golfers think that golf is an expensive undertaking only for the rich. However, golf does not need to be an expensive game, and you can spend as little or as much as you can to obtain the best golf gloves, golf shoes and other equipment and clothing. New golf clubs and a bag can cost as little as $300 dollars, or you can buy a second-hand set for as little as 70 dollars on eBay. Additionally, you can join beginner golfing clubs with flexible membership where you earn points (golf credits) whenever you play and redeem them for golfing equipment, clothes or cash depending on the value of the points. Therefore, you don’t need to shy away from playing golf due to cost concerns.
#3. Golf is only played by men
Golf has for a long time been thought to be only played by men attributed to the major golf events such as the US Open only featuring men. However, golf is a game for all irrespective of gender. In fact, golf is the only sport in which men and women can compete due to a unique handicap system which enables people of different abilities to compete together. Golf brings people together, therefore, contributing to a great social life for both men and women alike. Additionally, golf clubs across the globe have implemented strict measures aimed at preventing gender discrimination. Great women golf players include Laura Davies, Paula Creamer, Annika Sorenstam among many others. Golf is good for women as it puts them in perfect tonic for health and happiness and contributes to their general well-being.
#4. Golf is a stuffy game and does not one fit
Most people consider golf as a stuffy game and does not really contributes to overall individual fitness. This misconception came into the limelight during the Victorian age where people men wore heavy clothing with a tie and women where restricted from accessing golf clubs. However, golf changed with a new generation of players, new rules and playing formats. Modern golf enables one to keep fit with by allowing you to burn calories, lower cholesterol levels and significantly reduces the risk of heart attack. Research has shown that you walk for approximately 5 miles while playing a round of golf burning 900 calories. Therefore, golf isn’t a stuffy game and helps you stay fit and healthy.
#5. You must be a member of a golf club to play golf
While most golf club requires membership, you may still learn to play golf without necessarily being a member of the club. All you have to do to start playing golf is to join a golf program where you access beginner courses and start playing golf as a hobby or professionally. Most golfers in the US are not members of a golf club, but they play golf whenever they want. You just have to book a session. Nevertheless, being a member of a golf club comes at a cost, but you are able to access numerous social and playing benefits such as being able to compete professionally and participating in multiple golf events to widen your golfing experience.
To conclude, golf has numerous myths which are not usually accurate and often misleads prospective golfers let alone discourage them. The myths range from playing, practicing, coaching, origin and so much more. As a beginner golfer, you should always be quick to ignore such myths as they are usually false and end up discouraging from golfing.