Welcome to GolfPal.NET. Your Golf Pal's guide to everything golf related.

If you have decided to take up golf as a hobby you will be rewarded with the benefits of fresh air, exercise, and the addition of many new friends and acquaintances. Like any venture you partake in life your attitude and expectations will determine how much you will enjoy the game. Ok you have just acquired some golf clubs, looked at some golf shirts, and checked out the golf driving range to get you going. Even your golf pal as volunteered to give you golf instruction and tips, but you still find it difficult to hit any decent shots.

Maybe it is time to take stock of your personal traits. Are you thinking too much about your golf swing? If you are, don't worry, even Tiger Woods needs a coach to help him with his game. If you want to get to grips with the game and have fun whilst at it, then do yourself a big favour. Take some lessons to improve your golf swing. Also, like most other sports you will need to invest a lot of time in practice. Welcome every hook, slice and 3 putt as a learning opportunity.

If you like to meet new people, golf provides you with the opportunities for social interactions. You will get to meet new people in a setting in which you both have an avid interest. This makes it easy for conversation and more opportunities to improve your game. Most golf clubs offer single players the opportunity to play the round together, or if you would prefer to play alone just mention this to the club pro when arranging your tee time.

How much golf equipment do you actually need? Golf can be a very expensive game but there are affordable options. A high-end brand name set of clubs can set you back several thousand dollars but a good used set will cost you a few hundred dollars. Before you buy clubs it is a good idea to visit golf stores and club pro shops. You can test out different types of clubs, determine which club length is best for you, get to know the different types of grips available and learn the difference between graphite and steel shafts. You can learn about the type of golf ball that will best suit you as a beginner. Having a golf ball with the correct compression will help you make the most of your game.

If you want to increase the exercise benefits of golf you can choose to walk the 18 holes. When you are choosing a golf bag you will first need to decide if you are going to walk or ride, your choice here will be a carry bag or cart bag. Golf bags are available in a range of materials so choose one that is suited to the climate in which you will play most of your golf. Golf shoes are important, and make sure they are comfortable and waterproof. A rain suit is also good addition to your golf bag.

Should you take lessons from a golf trainer? Your budget is the deciding factor here. Golf lessons are expensive but if it is within budget it may be worthwhile. You will find that lessons will raise the standard of your game quickly. A more affordable way to take lessons is to purchase one of the many golf training aids available on video or dvd. Many seasoned golfers use these programs to raise the standard of their game and newbie golfers can learn at their own pace.

Finally, the above is just an introduction to getting started at the game of golf. Before you lift a club, develop the right mental attitude. Remain positive, quiet your mind and envision your shot before you hit the ball. A good mental game is half the battle on the road to a low handicap. Above all enjoy yourself.