Golf is one of the most popular global sports around. Young or old, male or female, rich or poor, golf offers the same challenge and mystery as it has since the game first emerged on a windswept Scottish coast several hundred years ago.
What makes it one of the most family friendly sports is the unique handicapping system that allows a true competition between players regardless of size, strength or ability. Families can play on a course knowing that their score will be adjusted due to their handicap, giving everyone a chance of doing well.
Make sure everyone has the right equipment though. It’s no good expecting little Jenny to connect with the ball using her Dad’s big boomer of a driver, just as you wouldn’t want an athletic young guy with a fast swing swishing a graphite shaft designed for the much gentler speed of his retired Grandad.
For the youngsters new to the game, you can buy smaller clubs or simply have an old set reduced in size with new grips attached. Using the best gear you can afford will help encourage new players too. Worn or bad clubs will do nothing to give confidence or pleasure when you are trying to learn the game.
If you can afford it, once you are hooked on the game, having a professional assess your swing and style could lead to you buying clubs more suited to your game. This will only increase your chances of improving, and therefore your enjoyment of the game.
So introduce your family to the joys of hitting that little white ball through scenic countryside, enjoying the fresh air and camaraderie found out on the course. The spirit of those first golfers will never be far away as you seek to crack golf’s secret to success, and serenity.