Golf can make for a fascinating hobby. It is good exercise as one game involves at least three to four hours of walking in fresh, open air. It enlivens and invigorates you, and is less stressful than most racquet sports.
Age perspective
One of the best things about golf is that this is a sport you can play even when you are much, much older. Mr Iqbal Singh Duggal played golf unit the ripoe old age of 92. It provided him with an extremely satisfying hobby to the end of his days, and kept him busy from the time he retired. He didn't have to look around for things to do to fill his time. Thanks to golf, he already had an established routine. Every morning after breakfast he would go to the club, play a few rounds of golf, have a light lunch at the club with his friends, and return home early in the evening to be with his family.
When I compare him to my grandfather who sits at home the entire day watching television, reading books and laying guilt trips on everyone that they don't visit him enough, I know who I would rather be like in my old age!
Expenses
The downside about golf is that it can be expensive, but many swear that the expenses are well worth the joy. Fortunately in India, a game of golf is a lot more affordable than it is in other parts of the world, and is well worth taking it up as a sport.
Social Sport
Golf is a very social sport, and a person can make a lot of friends and business contacts during this game. Plenty business deals have been struck on the golf course. Jobs have been offered and partnerships have been formed. Rarely do people feel as passionate about a sport as they do about golf. Some golf enthusiasts wouldn't mind flying out to play golf on a course in another city or even another country, depending on their financial status of course! They compare golf courses the way another person would compare countries. A hobby this fulfilling contributes so much to the joy of life.
Driving Range
If you don't have the money now, you can always find out about using a driving range from where you can practice golf shots. You don't need to hire a caddy or a coach, and you don't need an entire set of golf clubs. You can hire golf balls and a club at the driving range for a fairly nominal charge, and start practicing. Once you have got the hang of hitting the ball, you can start getting more serious about the game. If you are new to the game, you do need to have someone who can play with you, who can show you how to hold the club, your footwork, and help you with your stroke.
Coaching
You don't need to hire an expensive coach if you want to learn the game. You could even arrange for a good caddy to coach you. Most caddies are very good players, and they charge you something like Rs. 100 an hour. This works out to be reasonable, especially if you find another friend to learn golf with you. Then the two of you can share the caddy and other golfing fees.
