A Beginner's Guide to Golf and the Post-COVID Golf Boom

Let’s explore how to start up your golfing journey and the remarkable growth of golf in the post-COVID era, a time where us 3 founders also started. If you've been itching to get out and about there's no better way to do it than by hitting the greens (or more often than not, the browns in the UK with mud replacing any greenery!). Golf is the ultimate game of skill, style, and a whole lot of swag. And who better to guide you through this exciting journey than your pals at Garuda Golf!

Getting Started: A Crash Course in Golf

Choose the Right Gear: The first step is acquiring the basic equipment. Don't worry about having a full set of clubs initially or even brand new clubs. There are loads of second hand sets that can be bought on eBay, your local golf store or even a charity shop. The other option is you could borrow your mates, like you did their shirt and just don't give it back? Invest in comfortable golf shoes with good grip and consider grabbing some stylish clothes to help you feel the part. I think we may know somewhere you can get these from….(link to our shop page)

Learn the Basics: Before you hit the course, familiarise yourself with some basic golf terms and etiquette. Know your way around tees, fairways, and greens. Understanding common golf etiquette will ensure you don't become the laughingstock of the clubhouse and give your fellow golfers plenty to laugh about over beers at the 19th! Whilst the aim is always to have fun, respect cannot be ignored, as in any facet of life.

Take a Lesson: Consider taking a lesson from a golf professional. They can teach you the fundamentals of a good swing, proper grip, and essential techniques. You might even make a friend - ooooo golf pro friend! We know a guy…the name’s Cameron, Andrew Cameron he has a license to swing.😎

Practice, Practice, Practice: The driving range is your mid-week escape. Spend time practising your swing and honing your skills. Don't be discouraged by the hundreds of shanks, misses or slices – every golfer started somewhere, and improvement comes with time and practice. Oh - check out our driving range tees made to keep you swinging in style. Because why blend in when you can stand out, right?

Start with Par 3 Courses: Par 3 courses are excellent for beginners. These shorter courses allow you to practise your shots without the pressure of long distances and remember, drive for show, putt for dough🤑. It's a fantastic way to build confidence before tackling bigger courses. Sometimes smaller is better…

The Post-COVID Golf Boom:

The COVID-19 pandemic had an unexpected impact on the world of golf. As people sought outdoor activities and safe recreational options i.e. not drugs, golf experienced a surge in popularity. Here's why the post-COVID era is an excellent time for beginners to join the golf community:

Increased Accessibility: Golf courses have adapted to the surge in demand by making the game more accessible. Many courses offer flexible membership options, affordable rates for beginners, and beginner-friendly facilities such as driving ranges and putting greens. It's not easy but don’t be intimidated by other golfers. Everyone is there focusing on their own game, they aren't worried about yours!

Emphasis on Health and Well-being: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being. Golf, with its outdoor setting, provides a perfect escape while promoting exercise and chinwags. 

Many newcomers are finding golf to be a refreshing and health-conscious choice - unless you have too many beers, then you’ve just erased those 13,000 steps! 

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Social Connection: Golf is inherently a social sport. With the need for outdoor activities, more people are turning to golf to enjoy the game with friends and family. The golf course becomes a place not only for friendly competition but also for both building and re-building lasting connections. It’s also 100x better than Padel 😀. 

Adaptive Technology: The golf industry has embraced technology to enhance the game for beginners. From user-friendly mobile apps for tee time bookings to advanced golf simulators for practice, technology is making it easier than ever for new golfers to immerse themselves in the sport.

As you embark on your golf journey, remember that it's not just a game; it's an experience. Enjoy the learning process, relish the fresh air, and savour the joy of hitting that perfect shot. The post-COVID golf boom has created a welcoming environment for beginners, making it an ideal time to take up the sport. So, grab your clubs, head to the course, and discover the countless joys that golf has to offer.

Welcome to the Garuda Golf community - Ready. Relax. Play.🏌️