If you are starting out with golf, after you get your clubs and balls, the next thing you should be looking at is getting a good pair of golf shoes. If you think you can stroll into the golf course with a pair of tennis or basketball shoes, you will soon find out that most of the golf clubs won’t allow you to enter the course with anything other that a good pair of golf shoes. You should check with them even before you’re first visit to make sure you show up properly equipped.
They do that to protect the grass from being harmed by inappropriate shoes. But beyond that, it’s your best interest to get a pair of great golf shoes to begin with.
You see, the heart of the game is the swing, and in order to get a great golf swing you need to be standing properly. You simply can’t get the best swing if you’re shoes are sliding and don’t have a proper grip in the ground. Take into account the fact that you’ll be hitting the ball on all kinds of slopes and angles, as the golf course is “natural” and not necessarily a plain. Golf shoes are especially designed to provide you with a great ground grip while you swing.
You can find golf shoes with soft spikes as well as hard spikes. The soft spikes are in many cases the ones that are preferred by the golf club, as they don’t hard the grass, and you can use them in the club area, too. The hard spikes shoes may provide better traction, but in mast cases they are less comfortable. These should be left for pro’s (maybe you’ll be one of them one day).
Choosing your golf shoes is as easy as going to a golf equipment store or even going online and ordering it via the Internet. Golf shoes used to have a very boring look, but in the last years golf shoes manufacturers have gone a long way to improve their look and make them much more appealing to the eye.
Before you choose your shoes, ask yourself - are you going to walk the course or are you going to use a cart? It you’re going to walk, make sure your new pair of golf shoes are comfortable. You are going to walk a few hours with them, so make sure you won’t need a stretcher at the end of the game. If you are going to use the cart, you can go for a pair that looks good, even if it’s less comfortable.
Joe
If you have made up your mind to start playing the game of golf, after you’ve gotten the balls and club, the next item you would want to look at getting is a pair of good golf shoes. Aside from the fact that most golf clubs have a strict policy when it comes to golf attire and golf shoes are one of the items that they regulate, you will soon find you will face an uphill task when it comes to walking around the golf course in tennis shoes or basketball shoes.
Not only will you feel uncomfortable walking those long distances with those type of shoes you will also see that the golf clubs will not allow you in simply because those kind of shoes will do damage to the grass.
But for all aspiring golfers the swing like all experienced golfers know is at the heart of the game and that is one skill you want to master and perfect. In order to get the best swing you have to be standing properly without sliding around which will happen in any other type of shoe apart from golf shoes. Golf shoes were specifically designed to prevent this. So to avoid hitting the ball off target you will want to get golf shoes as there are the perfect fit for the natural design of a golf course.
Golf shoes can come in hard spikes as well as soft spikes. The most preferred types are the soft spiked golf shoes and this is because they don’t do a lot of damage to the grass and they can be worn around the club house. The advantage of the hard spikes is that they provide more traction but at the same time they are not as comfortable as their soft spiked version.
Golf shoes can be found in golf equipment stores as well as in online stores where you can order from the internet. In the past golf shoes had a boring and plain look, but recently thankfully golf shoe manufacturers have taken steps to revamp their plain looks and made them more appealing.
One important question to ask oneself before making the choice of golf shoes is whether you will be walking the golf course or you will be using the golf cart. If you choose to walk it is good to remember to make sure your golf shoes are comfortable. You will be walking at least a couple of hours in them and you don’t want foot pain at the end of the game. If you choose to instead use a golf cart you can pick a pair that are less comfortable but look good.
Vernon
The Basics
1. Golf Shirt
At a minimum, your golf shirt should have a collar and be clean and pressed. Choose a fabric that breathes easily, like cotton, and a fit that allows you to comfortably move through a full swing. Don’t wear a shirt that is so tight it restricts your mobility.
2. Trousers or Shorts
Trousers should have belt loops and be belted. Shorts are acceptable on the golf course, but choose shorts that are an appropriate length. Also, always test your swing in a new pair of golf pants. You want to have a full range of comfortable motion.
How you dress on the course reflects on you and your attitude toward other players. Never wear jeans, cut-off shorts, sandals or old t-shirts on the course. These will be view as disrespectful of the game and your fellow players.
3. Hat
A hat is invaluable on the course. It keeps the sun out of your eyes, prevents sunburn and helps to keep your head cool. Any clean hat, free from inappropriate slogans will be acceptable on the golf course.
3. Golf Shoes
Most courses will only allow golfers with proper golf shoes on their course. Pick a golf shoe that fits comfortably. To ward off blisters, try breaking them in at home first before you venture off on a long game; and don’t forget to pack a pair of street shoes to wear after your golf round. Some players like waterproof, Gore-tex shoes, which are great for wet climates.
For more inclement weather golf-wear tips, keep reading.
4. Light Jacket
Most golfers like to carry a lightweight jacket in case the weather turns chilly. Choose a compact, portable jacket (usually hip length) that will keep you warm if the sun clouds over or a little bit of drizzle starts.
For a fully waterproof jacket, opt for Gore-Tex. For something that’s water resistant, but a little lighter, choose a Teflon-treated fabric.
5. Heavier Rain Gear
First, you should never golf in a major storm, particularly if there’s thunder and lightning. Your gear and clubs can act like a lightning rod and pose a serious danger. However, if you find yourself in a light rain storm and want to play through, there are gear options available, such as full pant and jacket suits.
The most common material used in these suits is Gore-tex, which ideally should keep you dry and allow your skin to breathe naturally. A vinyl fishermen’s coat won’t do this.
Finally, always opt for clothing that’s clean and in good shape. Golf is traditionally considered a “gentleman’s sport.” It may seem old-fashioned, but how you dress during your round of gold is a reflection of how you view the sport, the course and your fellow players.
Brandon