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Golf,
the game of a lifetime everywhere in the world!
Many
people think that the game of golf is for the rich, 'upperty', corporate executives etc.. Well, this statement was true
30 years ago.
At that time playing tennis was also hard to come by. This is however no
longer the case today! There are many public practice ranges today as
compare to the one and only at East Coast of the island 25 years ago. Golf
is the 'in-thing' and talk about at present! There is an enormous demand for golf ranges. In Singapore, there are approximately 13 practice
ranges open to the public.
Today you can see a complete new generation of golfers enjoying the
swing of a lifetime. IT savvy, TV media stars, civil servants, armed
forces personnel, hair stylists, insurance salesmen, car-salesmen are
swinging the golf balls away. The most amazing revolution is the number of
ladies and children golfers growing year by year.
What
make golf so popular and fun?
The extravagant highlight of this special game is the enormous beauty
of golf courses. Golf is played in the open field we call the fairway
starting from tee and ending on the putting green. You can play in the
morning to enjoy the cool and fresh air; in the afternoon if you like
the sunshine; in the evening to experience the tranquility. Every
fairway is landscaped and designed characteristically different.
Some of the most beautiful holiday resort in the world has been made
more attractive by over laying with the exquisiteness of a finely
manicured golf course. Be it by the ocean, in the mountains, among sparking
lakes and streams, or over rolling plains and farmlands, the beauty
of golf is truly breathtaking. The challenge of these varied terrains
is never ending. The scenic design and the lush greeneries can be so
beautiful in some great golf courses that you will long to go back to
play again. No other game provide such an outstanding environment.
Every golf course is different and no two golf courses are alike. Most
golfers likes to play on as many courses as they possibly can to enjoy
the unique design and architecture, especially the signature golf holes.
Golf enthusiastic will even travel to the neighboring countries to experience
the courses and some will go as far as China and Australia to experience
the “air condition-like” weather which you can never experience
in Singapore. Who and where you play with also account for the golf
outing satisfaction. The individual crazes and fantasies are endless….
The golf swing is the most amazing physical expression of a golfer.
To some golfers it can be the most recreational but to other is almost
like a very laborious workout. The swing requires a golfer to move the
proper group of muscles in the body in perfect co-ordination. To the
advance golfers they will tell you an efficient swing require a good
mind-set. To the social golfers they may tell you that it is easier
to get a Bachelor in Science degree than a perfect golf swing. The opinions
are endless. The problem is not just how you swing the golf club on
the golf ball but more on how you
can swing consistently all the time to propel the golf ball to your
target.
Where
can I get started to learn the golf swing?
The sure productive route to attain the essential fundamental of a golf
swing is to see a qualified teaching professional. Golf teaching
professionals are available in most practice ranges. They conduct clinic
classes for small and big group, individual classes as well as special personalized
lessons and training programs.
Group classes
are beneficial for friends that would like to start up together.
Individual lessons and personalized lessons are one-to-one coaching for
those who want personal attention. Choosing the type of class is
dependent on individual's personality preference. It is also wise to
find out more details about the lessons and level of instructions before sign up.
How
would I know which is the best Golf Professional to start with?
First, you need to start with a professional that can communicate with
you at your level. Therefore you must assess him or her when meeting
up for a brief presentation of the lessons that you will be going through.
Some may like the instructors to be more introvert, other may prefer
them to be extrovert. This is very subjective. Do ask about his career
and professional records. Some may ask their golfing friends for their
experiences and opinions while others may want to see the professional
teaching hands-on in a class. Most importantly find one that you think
you will be most comfortable with the capability. Good teaching professionals
possess high passion, dedication and commitment in their work.
How
much do I have to pay for learning the golf swing?
Group classes can cost as much as S$400 to S$1,000 per person depending
on group size, lesson contents and which golf teaching professional you choose
to start with. The difference in the cost for the group package will
also depend on the number of lessons (there are 6-lesson to 10-lesson
per program). The duration for each lesson is 30-minute or 45-minute.
Individual and personalized lessons can cost from
S$90 to S$150 per lesson. Most golf instructors will encourage the
potential golfer to sign up for 6 to 10 lessons for starters or/and
beginners of individual lessons to acquire to full knowledge of the
golf swing techniques. Choose one that you feel is value for money. It is not necessary
that more lessons in a program and package is better – it is the
instructional quality of each lesson that counts!
When
can I start playing on the golf course?
A golf course
designed for competition is approximately 5,000 to 6,500 meters
and a flight of 4 golfers will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to complete
a social game. In order to play a game of golf on the golf course for
the first time,
the golfer would be required to achieve a certain skill in the swing. The basic
skill the golfer must possess is to be able to hit and airborne the
ball toward the target. The distance of the golf ball traveled is secondary. This basic skill
requirement is known as swing “Proficiency”. A golfer needs
to attain a "Proficiency Certificate" in order to play on the golf course. As many golfers
are playing on the course, and in order to ensure that all golfers
are enjoying their game, it is therefore imperative that each and every golfer
possess this swing proficiency. This is to ensure that no one golfer will be likely
to slow down the game, thereby causing other golfers not being able to finish
their game on the course in time. Moreover, if a golfer is hitting the
ball everywhere, it may endanger other golfers on the course. In some
golf courses producing a Proficiency Certificate and Handicap Card
(official golf playing skill) is mandatory prior
to playing.
Where can I take a Proficiency Certificate?
In Singapore, there are practice ranges and golf courses that conducts
the 'Proficiency Test'
for the
golf beginners. Upon
passing this test, a Proficiency Certificate (PC)
Card will be issued to the individual. The Proficiency Test would
also require the golfer to know the
etiquette and rules of the game. Etiquette is the long established procedures
and
customs about
 the game is played. Other aspects of
the game’s
etiquette are courtesy, safety, responsibilities, consideration for
other golfers and care for the golf course. A golfer must exhibit the
swing consistency and know how to behave and conduct oneself orderly on the
golf course. The test may require the
golfer to play a few holes to
prove their competency. This certificate can usually be used where it
issued. The Executive
Golf Course, a public golf driving ranges conducts this Proficiency Test.
Some golf courses require golfers to produce PC Card before
playing on the golf course.
On the contrary there are also many resorts with golf courses in the world
and especially in the neighboring countries that are open to walk-in
public for them to enjoy a game of golf. These golf courses does not
require golfers to produce a PC Card or the Handicap Card (official
golf playing skill).
Golf Attire
It is mandatory that all golfers are properly
dressed for their game in all golf courses. The basic attires are, collared T-shirt with pants or shorts
within 3 inches of the knee, and golf shoes with socking. Ladies may
allow skirts within 3 inches of the knee.
Always dress well, look good
and feel good for your practice and play.
At
Asian Golf Centre we provide: golf lessons and special
personalized training for starters/beginners to acquire the proficient
golf swing techniques and game requirement; for golfers who are seeking for
skills and game improvement; and preparing golfers who are looking forward to take
their Proficiency Certificate (PC) and Handicap Card
tests.
Philip Ang
Asian Golf Centre
Certified & Licensed
USGTF
Master Golf Teaching Professional - USA
Certified Professional Teacher and Trainer - University of
Cambridge UK
Singapore Sport Council - NCAP Level 1, 2 & 3
Singapore WDA-WSQ ACTA Certified Trainer & Assessor
Certified Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP™) Practitioner -
USA
Certified Professional Clubmaker by GCA (USA)
GCA Winner International Clubmaker of the Year - USA
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