It was a pleasure to be invited for a one to one Intro to Golf Session at the beautiful Cradoc Golf Club which has stunning views of the Brecon Beacons. I can see why people visit for the course and stay for the views!

As a total beginner at the game, I was surprised at how much I learned during the session. We first talked about the club then moved onto grip and then position. Each area was fully explained before moving on. I was surprised to be hitting the ball in no time.

How the lesson went.............

Introduction to Golf with Ali at Cradoc Golf Club

Golf is such a great game, and should be enjoyed by everyone, having so many benefits for health mind and soul.

Janine was invited to participate and have her first experience of the great game of golf at Cradoc near Brecon.

As a golf coach (37 years coaching experience) I am fully aware that peoples expectations of how they think will do can be quite daunting.

Janine was confident and relaxed and easy to coach, listening and taking in each area we discussed. It’s very important to take time with new golfers learning the game to explain each area in detail, and only move on when they fully understand what they are learning.

We first talked about the club, what it is, the parts of the club, head, shaft, grip and the head itself, explaining how we use the club head and face to control the hitting the golf ball.

From here we moved on quickly to the grip, discussing how the correct grip allows us to control the hitting and striking of the ball with a descending blow. 

We then taught Janine how to establish a solid address position (the way we stand to the ball) she picked up on this very quickly, soon assuming and athletic stance.

Janine looked confident, and demonstrated good coordination and was clearly enjoying the learning experience, it wasn’t long before we had her moving in an athletic way, I explained how golf was no different to any other sport and that we needed to allow natural athletic movement to take place (human movement allowing our joints to move as they would like any other athletic sport).

We then moved on to hitting some balls, Janine soon got the idea and before long was hitting the ball and starting to generate more and more club head speed hitting the ball further on each swing. The noticeable thing to me was not so much how well Janine was doing (which was excellent) but I could clearly see she was having fun and enjoying the whole golfing experience, and I can only say it was a pleasure to coach her, hopefully we did enough that she will come back and visit us at Cradoc GC with family and friends and use the driving range and practice facilities.

Well done Janine you did Grreeeeat… 🏌️‍♂️

Ali - PGA Golf Coach at Cradoc GC

Cradoc GC has superb practice facilities and is the ideal location to bring the family to give golf a go and try it out and see if it’s for you.

Cradoc Golf Club offers flexible membership which is perfect for beginners or this wanting to get back into golf. The driving range is open to the public 7 days of the week, 365 days a year and is flood lit until 9PM.

https://cradoc.co.uk/

Golf offers a wide range of benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some of the key benefits of playing golf:

1. Physical Fitness: Golf is a low-impact sport that provides moderate aerobic exercise. Walking the course, swinging the club, and carrying or pulling your golf bag can help improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. It can also contribute to weight loss and improved overall fitness.
2. Stress Relief: Golf is often played in beautiful outdoor settings, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Spending time in nature and enjoying the green surroundings can have a calming effect on the mind and body.
3. Social Interaction: Golf is a social sport that allows you to interact and build relationships with others. Whether you're playing with friends, family, or joining a golf club, it provides an opportunity to meet new people, network, and develop friendships.
4. Mental Well-being: Golf requires focus, concentration, and strategic thinking. It can help improve mental agility, enhance problem-solving skills, and promote better decision-making. The game also encourages patience, discipline, and resilience, as it can be challenging and require persistence.
5. Improved Coordination: Golf involves the coordination of various body movements, including swinging the club, maintaining balance, and aligning the body correctly. Practicing these movements can enhance hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and overall body control.
6. Time in Nature: Golf courses are often situated in beautiful landscapes, surrounded by trees, water features, and manicured greens. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall well-being.
7. Longevity: Golf is a sport that can be enjoyed well into old age. It offers a lower risk of injury compared to other sports and can be played at a pace that suits your abilities. Engaging in physical activity like golf can contribute to a longer, healthier life.
8. Challenge and Fun: Golf is a challenging game that requires skill and practice to improve. The pursuit of improvement can be enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you're aiming for a lower handicap or simply trying to beat your personal best, golf provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Remember, it's important to warm up, stretch, and use proper form while playing golf to minimise the risk of injuries. Additionally, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.