Golf, as one of the most popular sports played around the world, led golf courses in the USA alone host 456 million rounds of golf annually, and see 2 million beginner players every year. It can be intimidating to the beginner, and though the best players are known for their mastery of technique, even the average player can have a good game with the right equipment. Having the right gear that matches your individual skillset gives you extra support, so you can focus on improving your game and your handicap.

Golf Balls

To the untrained eye, a golf ball can seem like one of the simplest pieces of golf equipment. It seems reasonable that players think more in-depth about their clubs, golf shoes, even sunglasses, and not the item that’s most likely to be lost on the course. However, those tiny little spheres are your game, and picking the right one can make or break your 18 holes. Of course, not all golf balls are created equal, but you don’t necessarily need to spend money on expensive, top-of-the-line balls. Although if you’re somewhat serious about your score, don’t cheap out either. One of the best strategies is to find a ball that works with your clubs and stick with it. It may take time testing out a few styles and brands, but once you find one that works remember the saying – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

Tees 

The humble tee. Professional golfers use the tees from the courses and tournaments they play in, so why should you consider using anything different? It’s for the same reason you should consider what ball you are using – your tee can and will affect your shot. This has more to do with individual ability and is more relevant if you’re a medium to a high-handicap golfer (translation: the more novice you are, the more the tee can help or hurt you). Tees come in wood and the more sustainable bamboo, as well as plastic, or you can opt for the martini tees which are designed to give you better results on your drives. Consider your tee height as well and how, depending on your skill level, it can factor into the quality of your shots.

Golf shoes

Have you ever worn the wrong shoes while traveling? Ever gotten a sore back from standing too long at work? Golf is meant to be a fun and relaxing game, but it does involve a lot of standing and walking.

Choosing the right shoes for this sport means you’ll enjoy your way through the eighteen. Yet, there are different shapes, materials, lacing methods, spiked and spineless, and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which pair is the right pair, especially because no two pairs of feet are the same. Given that visiting physical stores are limited because of the pandemic, reading the reviews and professional recommendations from RedBirdieGolf.com would be helpful, as these come from experienced players of the sport. Once again, it’s a game for mindful decision making and everything will influence your play, no matter how small, so using the insights of golf pros takes the figuring out part of your tasks. Not only can you narrow down the best shoes to best suit your individual comfort needs but you can also find a pair that will assist your play and ultimately help lower your handicap.

Sunglasses

Unless you’re playing a round of mini-putt or you’ve made it safely to the green, you’re aiming to shoot your ball between fifty and a hundred yards. Squinting off into the distance as you tee up is not the ideal way to begin taking your shot, so you should protect your eyes from UV rays whether you’ve got the ideal sunny day or a cloudy forecast. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses will not only help your comfort but will actually help your play. Golf glasses are designed to support your distance vision by minimizing distortion. It also offers greater peripheral sight, so you can get more accuracy on your shot.

Gloves

A lot of playing a good game has to go with stance and motion, and that begins with the hands. Golf is often played in the summer months, and the ideal day is a clear, dry, sunny day. However, players get out on the course in all sorts of weather and can struggle to maintain a good grip if it’s overly humid, rainy, or even from sweaty palms. The primary intention of golf gloves is to help the player maintain their grip, which ensures more accuracy in their swing. Other reasons for its usage are more related to comfort; they can provide warmth on those chillier days and protection from the development of blisters and calluses.

Golf Clubs

Likely, the first thing you thought of when you read the title of this article is golf clubs. Of course, they are the most obvious equipment, and that’s because they have a very clear and direct impact on a player’s game. However, the science goes beyond having a well-rounded 14 club golf bag that includes woods, irons, and your putter. It’s about the design of the clubs and how they work for your game.

The driver is a very powerful club and takes a lot of trial and error to master. Many golf pros will encourage beginners and high handicappers to stay away from drivers for the first year or two and instead use woods, specifically a 3 wood, as you practice and improve your posture and gestures. In terms of irons, new players are encouraged to use cavity-backed clubs (made from steel alloy), which have a larger weighted head and a greater sweet spot, as opposed to the traditional bladed clubs (made of solid iron). Especially for beginners, this allows greater control and flexibility over the shot as you’ll get a better loft.

Golf is as much about ingenuity as it is a physical skill, and choosing the right gear is a part of the sport. By putting thought into your golf accessory choices, from the seemingly menial to the obvious equipment, you will see an improvement in your game. As your game improves, you can upgrade your equipment and enjoy that it will bring a new or added challenge to your game.