Last updated on March 9th, 2022 at 11:00 pm
There are many misconceptions about golf. The most prevalent one tends to be that it’s a sport favored exclusively by rich people. And sure, it is the pastime of choice for many successful figures, from Justin Timberlake to Barack Obama. But in reality, it’s much less exclusive than you may have been led to believe.
As an accessible physical activity for all ages, there are so many benefits of playing golf – even for families with small children. Yes, you read that right. Golf is a sport that can be played from as early as age two, while formal instruction usually starts between ages five and six.
Now, as for it being an expensive hobby, that’s false as well. Sure, there are some fees involved with getting started. But you don’t have to go out and spend thousands of dollars on equipment and club memberships. And you certainly don’t have to do any of that if you’re just testing the waters.
So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to spend some time in nature doing some light physical activity, golf might be the perfect choice for you and your kids.
The Benefits of Playing Golf
As with any moderate-intensity physical activity that involves spending time outside, you get a lot from taking up golf.
Not only is it a good way to keep moving, but it also actively works the muscles in the upper body, as well as the core and glutes. It’s also an excellent way for kids to develop full-body coordination, which can then help them excel in other sports.
Then there’s the fact that golf is typically played outdoors in a setting that promotes vitamin D synthesis. This micronutrient boosts immune function and ensures proper bone health in kids and adults.
It’s also not a bad thing to remember that spending time in natural light supports normal melatonin function, helping you and your kids get a good night’s sleep.
Finally, golf offers the perfect opportunity to socialize. If you wish, you can make it a family-only affair. Or bring a couple of buddies along, and turn it into an opportunity for your kids to develop social skills, de-stress, and make friends.
The Costs Associated with Golfing
Now, to get all the benefits of playing golf, you will incur some expense. Yes, you can choose to get the absolute best equipment, but that’s not recommended if you’ve never played before (or if you’re still at a beginner level).
Clubs
The first thing you’ll need is a set of golf clubs. Beginners sets start at around $200, but you can also buy a higher-quality second-hand set for the same price.
The same goes for golf balls. You’d be surprised by how many people shell out thousands of bucks on sports equipment, then barely use it at all.
Clothing
As for apparel, you’ll need a polo shirt (which you probably already own), a pair of slacks or shorts, and sports sneakers.
If you find that you like golfing enough to stick with it, you can invest in a pair of golf shoes and a few pieces of clothing made specifically for the sport. But those are definitely not necessary at the beginning.
Green Fees and Carts
As for getting around the course, the cheapest way to do it is to carry your own clubs.
You can also choose to rent a pushcart or even buy your own golf cart if you find that golf is the right hobby for you and your family. If you do go that route, know that you will have to invest in regular maintenance, which means purchasing more than just tires every few years. Fortunately, you can save considerably on all parts and accessories by choosing the right supplier.
Finally, there’s the cost of paying for green fees, which can range anywhere from $20 to $100.
Generally, if you’re looking for an affordable golf game, it’s a good idea to look for less popular times to play. Alternatively, just head to the driving range to practice your swing for as little as a few bucks.
In Closing
As you can see, the benefits of playing golf are numerous for both adults and kids alike. So, if you’re looking for an affordable golf game or to get your family into the sport for not a lot of money, you can definitely make that happen, even with a smaller budget.
Of course, if you or your kids do stick with it, you can expect higher expenses for premium gear. But, depending on how fast you learn, you have at least a few years before you have to spend anything more than a couple hundred dollars.
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