To so many of my friends (especially in my 20s) golf was a complete no-no. I’d try and get them to come to the range or to some of my group lessons and they simply wouldn’t have any of it. Whether that was down to the perception of the game being old fashioned, sexist, or difficult, who knows, but since we’ve all had kids, they’ve begun to see the benefits of golf to both life and even business.
Ok, I’m a golf coach, and some may say that makes it easier to get my pals hitting great shots. But here are some easy ways to introduce the non-golfing humans in your life into the game.
Talk About The Benefits
Sell golf to your friends and change the perception they might have of the game. Try and strip back any stigma and talk about the benefits of playing golf. It’s a game for a lifetime, opportunity to network in business, both mental and physical health benefits, social side, beautiful views, awesome golf fashion available these days and closeness to nature. The list goes on and on.
Location Is Everything
If you take your non-golfing friend to a members only club as their first golfing experience, then pick the club wisely. Don’t intimidate and scare them off! Opt for a golf range that gamifies the sport and really encourages FUN, with no rules and dress code. An inclusive environment where they will naturally relax rather than be fearful of being told off. A venue that paints the right picture of golf. Not the golf of then but the golf of now.
(Image credit: Katie Dawkins)
Kit Is Crucial
Make sure they can borrow some equipment that is suitable. Giving your female friend a 7-iron from the bag of a 6’5” boyfriend isn’t going to help her. Ask the range or club if you can borrow a half decent demo iron. The wrong kit can really hamper success and your mate will quickly lose interest.
Easy On The Info
The biggest thing that puts somebody off is just not being able to hit the ball. Nobody likes to suck at a sport and a very easy way to really flop at golf is to try and think about too many things. So KEEP IT SIMPLE.
Start with human movement. I’d always get them to warm up with no club, and from an athletic position I’d get them to swing their arms around their body. See how the body moves and keep tension out of it. Try to relate golf to other sports they play. For example, the setup can be relatable to how you’d get ready to return serve in tennis. Weight on the balls of the feet, tipped from the hips. The half swing can…
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