Golf is a sport grounded in specific attire, etiquette, rules, and in many cases, instances of enduring mythos. For those who do not play or understand golf, many of its key aspects have fallen victim to a variety of misconceptions and untruths — many of which are maddening to the initiated.
Here are a three of golf’s most common myths, as well as explanations for why they are mostly incorrect.
Golf is expensive
Just like a lot of sports (and equipment-based passions in general) golf is an endeavor that is as expensive as you would like to make it. As far as equipment, golf certainly does not have to put a dent in your bank account. As Getintogolf.org observes, “there are playing options, equipment and clothing to suit every budget.” The idea is finding a financial comfort zone that reflects just how much you are willing to invest in strengthening your technique overall knowledge of the sport.
Additionally, some aspiring golfers shy away from bettering themselves through fear that they will eventually be forced to join an expensive golf club or program. In reality, you do not need to be a member of an expensive or otherwise prestigious club to remain involved — there are many courses that are both affordable and accessible to a variety of skill levels.
Golf takes forever
A single round of golf can certainly take a while, depending on a variety of factors including the playing speed of your party, the condition of the weather, and the number of golfers playing on a course at a given time.
However, contrary to popular belief, golf does not take all day to play. A normal round of golf can take just an hour or two, depending on how many holes you play and how fast you play. When stacked up to a lot of other hobbies and pastimes (going to the movies, working out in the gym), this time range is nothing out of the ordinary. Just like golf’s financial side, the sport is what you make it, and it can take as long as you would like it to be.
Golf requires a lack of movement
Many non-golfers seem to assume that a proper golf swing entails being almost entirely motionless, aside from your arms. This notion could not be any further from the truth. A quick look at any professional golfer in action will reveal that swinging involves movement of the head, legs, torso, and shoulders (and it does not necessarily stop there). The art of swinging is one heavily rooted in technique, controlled approach, and focus, but that does not mean that the actual action is any less involved in terms of your physical movement.
