How to play golf like a professional?
Severiano Ballesteros, José María Olazábal, Sergio García or, more recently, Jon Rahm. These are the big names in golf in Spain, but if we go to the great international figures we can mention Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods or Bobby Jones. This sport, so associated with luxury and high status, has become more and more democratised over the years and that is why SLAM International wants to teach you the keys to play golf like a pro.
What it takes to play golf
The above names are all men, as you can see, but this sport also has outstanding representatives such as Nancy López, Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa. Many of these athletes, both men and women, started playing golf because of family tradition or because of their proximity to golf courses.
Be that as it may, in order to practice this sport, one must bear in mind that it is an activity that is not as accessible as other disciplines.
The first essential material is the clubs. Each one of them has its use, so to get started it will be enough with a driver with a punch, a hybrid club, at least four irons (6, 8, Pitchin Wedge and Sand Wedge) and a putter for the final goals to the hole. Along with this, don’t forget the carry bag.
After the clubs come the balls. Here it’s time to choose the one that best suits your style of play. At first you can opt for cheaper balls, but as you become more skilled you will need sets that offer greater precision. At this point, don’t forget some tees, which are the pieces on which the balls are placed.
The third key element is clothing. In golf, etiquette dictates that you should wear trousers and a polo shirt. The trousers may be short, but always above the knees. Women may also wear a skirt or dress, but without much flaring and with culottes underneath.
As for the polo shirt or T-shirt, always tucked inside the trousers. Women can show the shoulders, but without wearing thin straps. In winter, men and women usually wear a thin jumper or a waistcoat.
Finally, it is important not to forget the glove for the hand with which you hit the ball, plain colours socks and specific shoes for this sport. As for accessories, it is a good idea to wear a cap or a visor to protect yourself from the sun when throwing a ball.
How to learn to play golf
Now that you know everything you need in terms of equipment, it’s time to learn how to play golf. Many people think that this sport is difficult, but the truth is that the only requirement to advance in it is to put interest in it.
There is no precise time frame for acquiring a sufficient level, as this depends on the abilities of each player. However, it usually takes from one to two months -with a lot of practice- to achieve a certain level of skill.
To speed up this process, as we say, you have to put interest and desire into it. In almost all golf courses you can hire the services of professionals dedicated to teaching introductory golf courses. This is the best way to know which club to choose for each shot and to acquire a good command of them at the time of execution.
From there, and when you gain confidence, you will have to pay attention to your handicap, which is the parameter that measures your level. This is the number of extra goals that each player scores over par on the course in a complete round.
The figure of a coach or instructor is key, as he or she will teach you the most effective postures to achieve success with your shots and some movements that will improve your technique. After this, you will be able to take practical tests that will be validated by the Federation and, if you wish, you can become a member by paying an annual fee that includes medical insurance.
Learn to play golf with SLAM International
From SLAM International we encourage you to cover all this process from our facilities. We have a high competition centre, an 18-hole golf course and a golf school of the highest level.
In charge of all this complex is the well-known coach Kiko Luna, who combines academic training with training in this sport. At SLAM we offer specific training areas for all types of strokes, a gym where you can work on your physical condition and even data analysis areas that will help you record your results and learning progress.
The idea is to bring together in the same space people who want to play golf as a leisure activity and other sportsmen and women who are looking to become professionals in this sport. The latter are offered the opportunity to participate in tournaments on the regional, national and international circuit and to join the Castilla y León Golf Team.
At the facilities we organise meetings to promote the sport, various events and tournaments and clinics that are meeting points for professionals and amateurs.
And, finally, we are designing what will be the first university training as a specialised golf chair.
Playing golf is an activity that attracts millions of people. You just have to find the perfect place and the right instructors, as well as equip yourself properly. SLAM International encourages you to get to know our facilities and methodology. We are sure you will be hooked.
