Summer’s here, and you know what that means, don’t you? Sunshine, outdoor barbecues and holidays. But what can you do if you just want to enjoy a quiet day? For many people, the answer to that question is golf.
It’s a stimulating and at the same time enjoyable sport that can quickly become addictive. Many people can’t wait to get a chance to swing the club once again. For some it is a hobby, for others a way of life. Some get so good at it that they think they will be the next Tiger Woods. And here we describe once how they have achieved it. Yes, you read correctly, if you work hard enough on your game, it is quite possible that you could turn your hobby into a profession.
There are two main ways to become a golf professional in the UK and other countries. One is more talent based, while the other is more academic. You will have to work hard on your game and master different methods to achieve your goal. Theory and practice are required here.
In other words, it takes more than just swinging the golf club around.
Birmingham University offers a three-year course called Applied Golf Management Studies. This is the academic path. Completing this course gives you the opportunity to achieve PGA status. Of course, this takes a lot of hard work.
You need a golf handicap of 4.4 or better (for men) or 6.4 or better for the ladies. You have to learn a lot and of course you have to spend a lot of time on the golf course.
If you are not able to participate in the course, you can of course improve your game yourself. Learn at home if you cannot go to the golf course and if you have time, go to the golf course.
Here are a few tips on how you can improve your game
Watch the pros play. Keep an eye out for the big tournaments, all the news and who the bookmakers declare the favourite. Learn from the pros. Watching the best players will naturally improve your game. You can learn a lot by watching, and there is no one better than the pros to learn from them.
Peace and concentration are of the utmost importance in golf. Focus your gaze and follow the club with your whole head until it makes contact with the ball. The power and placement of a shot starts in the head, and it must be calm and focused. You also need to get used to and adapt to the distance of your strokes. Whether short or long, you must be able to feel it as soon as you touch the ball You learn this through practical experience
Footwork is also important Many who don’t make it to the pros have amateurish footwork This means not standing on your toes, or too high on your heels It has an effect on your swing and ball contact Your swing must be consistently swung through Concentrate on your footwork at least as much as on your swing
And of course, you must not neglect your fitness You should always train your body and work on your golf game at the same time Over time, your stamina will improve and everything will become easier. You will feel less pain and as a result you will be able to play longer and improve your skills. You will need to build up a routine and stick to it, so your game will improve and at the same time your confidence and ability will increase.
Although you may love golf, it takes more than a professional club to become a professional. But if it really matters to you, then through hard work you can achieve your dream and perhaps become a professional golfer.