Jackson Reid
Golf has been deemed an essential business in some states, allowing courses to operate with motorized carts and food and retail services. This classification has sparked mixed reactions, as golf is not traditionally considered essential like hospitals and other vital facilities. However, the sport offers physical and mental health benefits, emphasizing precision, strategy, and consistency. Golf courses provide an opportunity for individuals to engage in outdoor activity while maintaining social distancing and avoiding physical contact. The decision to classify golf as essential reflects a thoughtful approach to reopening the economy, allowing businesses to resume operations and people to return to work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Golf as an essential business | Golf courses are considered "essential" businesses in some places and can operate with motorized carts. |
| Golf as an essential sport | Golf is a sport of precision, strategy, and consistency that requires dedication and regular practice to improve. |
| Essential golf skills | Short game skills, long game skills, putting skills, physical fitness, and course management skills are all essential to succeed in golf. |
| Essential golf goals | Setting goals for improvement, creating a practice schedule, monitoring progress, and celebrating successes are essential for achieving golf greatness. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses as essential businesses
Golf courses have been deemed essential in some states during the pandemic, but this is a highly debated topic. In states like Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin, golf courses were allowed to remain open, with precautions in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, in other states like New York and Ohio, many golf courses were ordered to close. The decision to keep golf courses open during lockdowns depends on various factors, including the local government's interpretation of "essential," the economic impact of the golf industry in the state, and the ability to implement safety measures.
Golf courses can be considered essential businesses for several reasons. Firstly, golf is a sport that naturally lends itself to social distancing. Golfers typically operate in open spaces and use their own equipment, reducing the risk of virus transmission. This makes it safer compared to indoor sports or activities that require close contact. Additionally, golf is a significant economic driver in many states. For example, in Ohio, the golf industry is worth $2 billion and employs approximately 68,000 people. Keeping golf courses open helps sustain this industry and provides jobs for many people.
Furthermore, golf courses offer mental and physical health benefits to the community. During the pandemic, when people were confined to their homes, golf provided an opportunity for individuals to get fresh air, exercise, and enjoy nature. It also served as an outlet to manage anxiety and stress during a challenging time. These health benefits were recognized by some state governments, contributing to the decision to keep golf courses operational.
Another aspect of golf courses being essential is their role in fostering business relationships and networking. Golf is often associated with affluence and exclusivity, attracting high-profile individuals and business leaders. It provides a unique platform for professionals to interact, build relationships, and even close deals in a relaxed and calm environment. Many companies recognize the value of golf in team-building, client interaction, and brand promotion, further emphasizing its importance as an essential business enabler.
However, it is important to acknowledge the opposing viewpoint. Some people argue that golf is not essential in the same way that hospitals and other critical facilities are. While golf may provide recreational and economic benefits, it is not a necessity for survival or the functioning of society. The term "essential" in the context of businesses during the pandemic primarily refers to services that are indispensable, and golf may not fall squarely into that category for everyone.
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Golf equipment essentials
Golf Clubs
Golf clubs are an essential part of the game, and beginners should consider having a mix of irons and woods in their bag. Irons are made of metal and are used within 200 yards of the green, while woods, despite their name, are also made of metal and are used for longer-distance shots. A 3-wood, for example, is commonly used as a driver. Golf champ Joey Sindelar recommends that beginners start with a half or two-thirds set, including 3, 5, 7, and 9-irons, and 3 and 5-wood clubs.
Golf Balls
Having plenty of golf balls is essential, as they can easily get lost or damaged during a game. It is always good to have a generous supply, especially when practising or playing on challenging courses.
Golf Shoes
Golf shoes are designed to improve traction and stability on the course. They provide a firm grip on varying terrain and help golfers maintain balance during their swing.
Golf Bag
A golf bag is essential for carrying your clubs and other equipment. It allows you to transport your gear conveniently and keeps everything organised.
Golf Rain Gear
Golf rain jackets and umbrellas are essential to protect you and your equipment from unexpected showers. Name-brand rain jackets are recommended for their innovation, offering 100% waterproofing without restricting your swing. Extra-large umbrellas are also useful for shielding you and your clubs from the wind.
These are just a few of the essential equipment items for the game of golf. Depending on the player's skill level, preferences, and playing conditions, there are also various other accessories that can enhance the golfing experience.
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Golf clubs for beginners
Golf clubs are normally bought individually, except for irons, which come as a set. However, golf package sets include every club you need to get straight out on the course, and many include a golf bag, too.
When you’re just starting out, you don’t necessarily need a full set of clubs. 7-time PGA Tour Champion Joey Sindelar suggests starting out with a half set or a two-thirds set, starting with 3, 5, 7, and 9-irons and 3 and 5-wood clubs.
For many beginner golfers, forgiveness is the most important factor to look for in a new driver. This is because less skilled golfers lack the accuracy of more proficient players and are more prone to off-center strikes and cutting across the ball, leading to inconsistent ball trajectories. Therefore, beginners should look for one of the most forgiving drivers that are easy to launch and help to straighten out offline shots.
The TaylorMade RBZ SpeedLite package set offers beginners a chance to own premium clubs from one of golf’s leading brands at a fraction of the cost of a full TaylorMade set. This comprehensive 13-piece set includes everything a beginner needs to start playing. The 460cc titanium-head driver features advanced aerodynamic shaping to promote faster swing speeds, while the fairway wood incorporates SpeedPocket face technology for enhanced performance. Although these woods are highly forgiving, they perform about 5% below TaylorMade’s latest drivers – a difference that’s likely negligible for most beginners.
The Cobra Fly XL complete set is another great option for beginners, offering exceptional quality from driver to putter. This set is designed to grow with you as you progress to an intermediate level, providing excellent value for money. The 10.5º driver features a large clubface and a low center of gravity, delivering impressive forgiveness and distance.
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Golf as a non-essential business
Golf courses were deemed non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, with public and private courses mandated to close in April 2020. This caused confusion and frustration for many small businesses, with some mandates deemed unclear or contradictory.
In the case of golf, the closure of courses was not a blanket ban, but rather a set of restrictions. Golfers were required to walk the course and carry their own bags or use a pull cart, and only essential personnel, such as groundskeepers and security, were allowed on the course.
The designation of "essential" businesses during the pandemic was outlined by the federal Department of Homeland Security, which included agriculture, construction, and energy. While golf may not be considered as crucial as these industries, it is still a valuable source of physical and mental exercise, and a way to connect with others while maintaining social distance.
In June 2020, Empire State Development announced that golf courses could be considered "essential" businesses and could operate with motorized carts, food, and retail services, subject to regional restrictions. This decision allowed golf courses to reopen and provided a sense of normalcy and enjoyment for many people during a challenging time.
While the term "essential" may not fully apply to golf in the same way as it does to healthcare or other vital services, the game provides physical and mental health benefits and a sense of community for many people.
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Golf essentials for winter
Golf is a year-round sport, and for those who brave the winter weather, the right gear is essential to enhance performance and enrich the golfing experience. Here are some must-have items for golfers to stay warm, dry, and comfortable during the winter months:
Clothing
It is important to layer up with the right clothing to keep warm without compromising mobility. A base layer of thermal, skin-tight garments is ideal as it provides warmth without being bulky. A mid-layer, such as a jumper or a top, can be added for extra warmth, with the option to remove it if it gets too warm. A turtleneck is a versatile piece that provides an extra layer of warmth around the neck and chest and can be worn alone or under a jacket or sweater.
Waterproofs are essential to staying dry, and modern waterproof garments are designed to allow a full range of motion for a golf swing. Waterproof trousers or pants are a must, protecting your clothing from mud and rain. Look for trousers with fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm and ankles that are easy to slide on and off. A matching waterproof jacket is also a good idea, and a woolly hat or beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm. Gloves are another essential, helping you maintain grip and warmth, with all-weather gloves being a good option to handle wet conditions.
Footwear
Footwear is crucial during winter golf. A decent pair of waterproof golf shoes with replaceable spikes will provide optimal grip on slippery surfaces and keep your feet dry. For extremely cold conditions, golf boots are a good option to keep your feet warm and dry.
Accessories
A pair of winter wheels for your trolley can be helpful when it gets muddy. It is also worth investing in a waterproof golf bag or a rain cover for your bag to protect your gear. To keep warm, hand warmers are a good idea, and a flask of hot coffee will also do the trick, keeping your hands and body warm.
Equipment
During the winter, the golf course can become wet and boggy, so it is a good idea to adjust the loft of your driver to make the ball fly further. If the ground is hard from frost, you can experiment with lowering the loft to get more run.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf courses in some states, such as New York, are considered "essential" businesses and can operate with motorized carts.
Some essential items to keep in a golf bag for beginners include golf clubs, golf balls, tees, a ball marker, a divot repair tool, an extra glove, a towel, and an umbrella.
Beginners need anywhere from 7 to 10 golf clubs to start. A complete set of 14 clubs is not necessary as beginners may not be able to take full advantage of the different clubs.
