So, you have decided to join or follow the game of Kings? Good choice, while many consider golf is as a complicated sport, it is one of the easiest to follow and enjoy!
Here is a quick guide as you start this exciting journey of discovering the magic that is golf;
At The 19th Hole
The club house or the 19th hole is probably the first stop in many Golf courses and where your experience begins, when you get there;
Dress Code
While most golf clubs are lenient with the dress code, smart casual will give you an easier time, especially for men, with a collared shirt if you plan to play, preferably tucked in.
Remove your Cap as you get into the club house, it is a sign of respect to the premises, in some club houses you might be fined for not doing this.
Mobile Phones on Silent in most clubs, using your phone within the club house is prohibited and attracts a hefty fine, this also applies to the golf course…we’ll get to that later.
Guest Card? As most golf clubs operate on member basis, make a point of asking about their terms of payment, whether they issue guest cards or allow MPESA transactions before you order for food or drink. The prices at most Golf clubs are very pocket friendly by the way so order away.
Have Fun while a golf club house and its patrons might seem intimidating at first, they are one of the most chilled people to hang out with, don’t be too loud though. Watch out for the prize giving ceremonies in the evenings…here are a few phrases you’ll need to shout along to, ‘Good evening sponsor,’ ‘Good evening Captain.’ After that, just wait for the cues to laugh and clap along with everyone else. Don’t forget to network!!
At The Golf Course
So you have arrived at the club house, had a drink, something to bite, what next? Chances are there are people out on the course…let’s go watch them play, shall we?
Parts of a golf course you have probably already gone through this, but the basics are; tee box (where they start), fairway (where they aim for), the rough/hazard (where they shouldn’t be) and the green (where they should end up).
Silence this is the cardinal rule on a golf course, with a few exceptions though. Once a player hits the ball, that is your chance to shout as loud as you can, or when they sink a hole. Otherwise be very silent when a player is lining up a shot, remember the mobile phones, yes, using those here is still as bad, if not more!
Watch your step most golf courses will have foot paths around it, please stick to them, you don’t want to be caught crossing a fairway or worse…the green!
Be on the lookout a golf ball is such a small object, so as you walk the course, check where the players are, just like we were taught how to cross a road, if the coast is clear, walk on.
Don’t Worry as mentioned, a golf ball is a small object, so don’t worry if you can’t see its trajectory once it is struck (while standing behind the player or from a safe distance) the first few times, or more. Here is a tip, keep your eyes fixed a few feet above the grass around the general direction of the strike, if the player is any good, you’ll see it land.
Get ready to walk, the walking distance of an average golf course is 4KM, carry some water if you need to. Best part is you can always walk back to hole 19 once you are tired, better yet hire a golf cart!
That’s it! You are now armed with the basic dos and don’ts of the sport, if you are wondering where to start, how about at the Safaricom Golf Tour? (details on the tour)
They say Golf, like the measles, should be caught young, for, if postponed to riper years, the results may be serious…it is about to get serious, see you at the 19th!
