By Fred Altvater
Statistic prove that more women are beginning to play the game than ever before.
They decide to take up golf for a variety of reasons. They want to be able to play golf with their husbands, or friends. Maybe they are nearing retirement and are looking for an outdoor activity. They may want their children to learn the game and want to be able to join them on the golf course, as well.
Over the years I have had the pleasure of teaching many women to swing a golf club and I have two important tips I would like to share with any woman trying to decide to give it a try.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously
Everyone that swings a golf club was a beginner at some point. Women, as a general rule, are very conscious of their surroundings and who may be watching them.
The basics of golf can be taught to anyone, it just takes a little time with a qualified instructor.
If you are worried about what another golfer two fairways over, or down the range is thinking about your golf swing, you won’t be able to improve, or enjoy the game.
The absolute truth is that the other guy, or girl is just as worried about what you are thinking about their ability, or lack thereof, to be too concerned about you.
Just concentrate on your swing and don’t worry about the other guy.
- Don’t quit when the going gets tough
Golf is not an easy game to learn. Even women, who were athletes in high school, experience difficulty learning the correct swing and mastering the ability to consistently get the ball airborne.
Grip, Stance, Ball Position, Posture and Alignment are the five basic keys to achieving a successful golf swing. I have found over the years, that if a student can focus and master these five simple basics, the game gets much easier.
Every golfer alive has topped, sliced, chopped and whiffed shots. I have played the game for well over 50 years and my wife will confirm that I still occasionally top a shot, or chunk a chip shot.
It Happens. Get over it.
The point is, don’t quit at the first sign of adversity. Golf like life is about the next shot. You have to forget about the last shot and focus entirely on the next one.
Golf is the greatest game ever created by man. It is played outdoors on a beautifully-manicured landscape. It is an excellent physical exercise, as well as a social one. Playing a round of golf with friends and having a chat in the 19th hole about birdies lost and bogies made makes for an enjoyable day.
Don’t be afraid to GET OUT THERE and PLAY GOLF!
