It’s getting warmer, and that itch to get out and play some golf is resonating with players. That’s because golf is fun, it’s good exercise, and because golf is the most popular traditional game in the world for new players.
While a typical round of golf can often run several hours, nearly 10 million people played exclusively off-course in the past year. And while a lot of that was at your dad’s old driving range (think of the movie Tin Cup), the market has changed. It’s been upgraded.
Playing Golf Off-Course
There’s nothing like a day on your favorite course. But when you can’t find the time, a driving range can help you get the feel again. River’s Edge Golf Course offers everything you need to improve your game from equipment and facilities to lessons.
The practice facility has a large putting surface to work on your short stroke, and plenty of space for chipping practice. Nearby, the driving range features all grass tees and plenty of targets.
World Handicap System
Many golfers join a local or national organization to track their scores for each round. Those scores provide a handicap or an average number of strokes under/over par. Unfortunately, with so many groups keeping score, they sometimes lack uniformity.
The six existing national and international handicap systems work together to try and provide consistency and portability. But the 2020 World Handicap System (WHS) aims to bring them together to reduce challenges golfers sometimes find while playing in handicap events. The new system should reduce these issues and give all players more consistent handicaps. Look for it soon.
New Apparel
Golf apparel needs to allow you ease-of-swing to be practical. And not surprisingly, new manufacturers are taking a shot at golfers. Under Armour has seen tremendous growth and introduced a women’s golf clothing line that has grown to over $1 billion in sales.
New on the scene is Foray Golf, which offers lady golfers a collection of sleek polos, skirts and bright floral designs that stand out on the course.
Techniques and Equipment
Each year manufacturers introduce expanded club lines, new precision golf balls, and names like Titleist, TaylorMade, and Ping lead the pack. But there’s more equipment than ever to help with your game from simple rangefinders from Nikon, Caddy Tek and Bushnell, to shot tracking systems from Arccos, Game Golf Live and Shot Scope V2.
You can even use Flight Scope X3 to film and track your tempo, swing path, and more. And, with their mobile apps, you can take your game with you and analyze your play at home on your computer. Then, you can take your new swing and ideas to your club pro and take your game to a higher level.