People seem to think that to be a great golf player, you
have to invest in the aesthetics of the game – top notch shoes, branded golf
clubs, and a spotless golf cart cover to protect your golf cart. While it is
true that these are definitely “important” facets to enhancing your game, you
also need to be more conscious of two things: your golf swing and a support
system, or more specifically, a caddy.
Exercising control
rather than losing restraint is better for a swing.
Image source: World Golf |
Most players, especially beginners, think that it is always
better to exert more effort and give a swing more energy rather than holding
back. The truth is, knowing how much force to put in a swing is better than
going all the way and losing control, which usually ends up with balls landing
on sand and water traps. A controlled and smooth swing is always better than an
over-the-top one.
Of course, skills like having a great swing can be further
improved with advice from veterans and experts. An outsider's opinion is always
valuable not just to learn from their expertise, but also because they may give
input on how a swing could be improved. A player can ask an instructor to look
into his or her swing so that observations on what is done correctly and areas
for improvement can be brought up.
Speaking of which, a caddy would be very beneficial as your
main support system when in the course. Aside from taking care of everything
from your golf cart cover to your clubs, he or she should also know how to
advise you on your game. Here are some tips on finding a great caddy:
The caddy should be
ready with all the equipment all the time.
Someone running helter-skelter to fetch whatever the golfer
needs only when the time comes when they are needed is someone you must avoid.
At a moment's notice, the caddy should be able to provide balls and tees
without having to scramble a golf bag, because he already has them in his
pocket. Of course, the caddy should be ready with an umbrella, a towel and some
water for the golfer's comfort. In other words, the caddy should be at least
twoo steps ahead in thinking of the golfer's needs.
The caddy should of
course reach the tee ahead of the golfer.
The caddy should hold the bag in such a way that the golfer
could choose a club and get it out of the bag without any difficulty. With a
longer relationship, a caddy may already establish a deeper comfort level with
the golfer, gibing him the chance to know the golfer better and perhaps fork
out a club as a recommendation instead of letting the golfer choose. Of course,
it goes without saying that the caddy should hand the tee and the ball to the
golfer and not let the golfer be handed the bag for him or her to get the tee
and ball by himself or herself.