Rubber Jonny

So I was chatting to a mate last night who simply doesn’t see the point of ‘chasing a little ball around a field’ as he put it. I also get comments like - ‘Oh my god, you play golf…in your checked trousers?’

So this article is about why I play golf, why it’s addictive and what you can do if you want to take up golf or just want to know a bit more about it.

When you first start playing golf, it’s pretty rubbish to be honest as you can barely hit the golf ball off the damn tee which is why so many people don’t get on with it. The trouble is, that they go down to a driving range with a mate who shows them the ropes and tells them what they should be doing. This is where the trouble starts. Usually, the mate doesn’t really know himself and so passes on all the things he/she is doingwrong making that new golfers life a misery as they will go on playing like this forever propbably.

The trick is to get some lessons, it’s the only way. You can get a set of six lessons to start you off from around £120 which I tell you is well worth the money I can tell you. A few weeks down the line and you’ll be able to hit it and start going round a golf course.

Golf is difficult though and you’re not going to be a pro straight away, that’s what makes it such a great game. Anyone can pick up a tennis racket and hit the ball over the net, anyone can kick a football in the right general direction but golf is different and it’s that that makes it so rewarding.

Like anything, to get good at golf takes practice. If you don’t play at least once or twice a week, don’t expect to get very good at it, it won’t happen. Even in the winter months you need to keep it up. Just head down the driving range and hit a few balls a couple of times a week. It doesn’t take long.

The other piece of advice is to use the internet. There’s tons of free information out there these days to answer any of your golf questions. Or free golf video tip sites that you can go through.  If you have an iPhone you can play the videos right there at the driving range so you don’t forget. Excellent!

Golf has a really straight laced, dowdy image and I for one, am tryingto break down these barriers to bring more people into the sport. It’s not as stuck-up as might think although some are, granted.  You just need to dress smart-ish and not be a piss-artist when you’re on the course. It’s pretty simple stuff, if you’re crap, let the guy behind you go through so he’s not there all day. If you take a big divot out of the course, then put it back.  As tempting as it is to shout “Oh fu**ingboll*x” after a duff shot, don’t.  That’s about it really, nothing too bad there.

As far as the checked trousers go, well you can wear them if you want to but you don’t have to look like a tit to play golf. Trousers and a t-shirt with a collar is just fine. 

So if you want to take it up, the best bet is to join a nine hole course to start with and get playing. One good summer of playing like it’s going out of fashion will “grove your golf swing” in, then next time you play, you should always have the basic knowledge you need to have a decent game.

Don’t expect it to come overnight though, it won’t and don’t get too frustrated either, it’s just a game. 

Clubs will cost you anything from £70 with a bag and everything you need to £5,000 if you want to spend that much so get out there and get started, it’s a bloody great game when you get into it and if you want any advice, ask me.

This is where you could be on a Saturday morning..ahh!

Rubber Jon Golf