Ask anyone who’s new to golf and they will tell you it can be frustrating at first. Ten years ago at the Winged Foot Country Club, my swing and aim sucked and I couldn’t even hit the ball on the range! Mastering golf requires a lot of practice and many people make the incorrect assumption that golf is a more leisurely sport and doesn’t require a lot of effort to be good at the sport. But nothing can be farther from the truth.
Golf’s slower pace means you need to develop skill and precision. It’s simply not possible to achieve a hole in one without spending a lot of time practicing. But the question is, how long does it take to make you a good golf player?
The answer – it depends. To become proficient at golf greatly depends on what level you are in now. If you think you can start swinging with ease right on the first day, you’re wrong. It can take as long as 6 months for a complete beginner to even master the right way to hit a golf ball.
Another factor is how good you want to get at playing golf. If you want to reach pro-level then it will take years of practice. Commitment and hard work are the key to getting solid results. That said, here are some things you need to work on if you’re serious about getting good at golf:
1. Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is crucial in golf. Keep in mind that golf balls are small in size and your club needs to hit it at just the right point. So don’t feel discouraged if you frequently mess up at the start. It’s normal, and over time your coordination will get better.
2. Time Spent Practicing
In golf (as with many sports) ‘practice makes perfect.’ The more time you spend practicing, the better the improvements will be. Be sure to set aside a reasonable practice schedule and stick to it.
3. Physical Strength
While golf isn’t really high-octane in terms of energy utilization compared to other sports, physical strength is still an essential factor to be good at it. You need strength for your swing since you will want to cover the farthest distance possible.
4. Right Mindset
Psychology plays a big role in golf. Without motivation and commitment, it won’t matter how many hours you spend practicing, you won’t see significant progress. You will just get burned out or give up too quickly.
Where to Practice Golf
You have several options if you want to practice golf and it all depends on your preferences, time and budget.
1. On the Golf Course
The golf course is arguably the only place where you can have a real feel of the game. It isn’t always possible to practice on the golf course but if you get the chance, do so.
2. In a Simulator
Virtual Reality and other simulators can do wonders for you if you want to improve your game. While it doesn’t compare to the actual course, it will help you practice your swing and form, and it’s fun too.
3. At a Driving Range
If you want to practice ng in a controlled environment, a driving range is what you need. Swinging and hitting hundreds of balls will help you improve your strength, form, aim and alignment.
Mastering golf (like any skill) takes time and effort. Whether you’re new to golf or a veteran, have fun and enjoy the process!