Golf equipment - what you need to get started.

As with any other sport to play golf you need to ensure that you have the correct equipment so that you can play golf correctly. Hopefully this article will provide you with a basic understanding as to what is required.

Basically, there are two main components to play golf - there are the golf ball and the golf clubs. The golf ball is not just a ball it is a scientifically designed piece of equipment. The dimples on a golf ball are designed so that there is less resistance in the air - if you look closely at different brands of golf ball the dimples are slightly different and it you count the dimples on a golf ball some balls have more than others. The inside of the golf ball is also different - this inside of the ball is normally determined by how much spin you want to be able to impart onto the ball, both in the air and upon contact with the ground.

There are numerous different varieties of golf clubs available at present, these are the driver, fairway wood, utility club sometimes also known as a hybrid club, irons, wedge and putter. Each of these different varieties has their relevant use on the golf course. For example the driver is the club which you use from the tee when you want to make a shot which goes a long way, the wedge is used for the short approach aspect of the game when you are coming into the green and of course the putter is used when you are on the green. Which club you decide to use for each shot is individual choice and can depend upon numerous things, game style, course style, ball lie, distance etc etc.

To make it easier to transport your golf clubs, both on and off the course you require something to carry them in. This is where the golf bag is used. The golf bag is used more than just for carrying your clubs however, it is also a piece of equipment which you use to protect your golf clubs. There are numerous varieties of golf bag available and the choice bag is down to both personal preference and requirements. For example if you will not be using a golf cart then a stand bag will probably be your requirement, however if you will be using a golf cart then it may be more beneficial to use a cart bag. The golf bag will protect your golf clubs from banging into each other and also protect the shafts against wear. The golf bag is of course able to carry other things other than your clubs, there are numerous pockets on the bag where you can put your golf balls, tees, drinks, waterproofs etc.

Another good item which is used to protect your golf clubs (normally your woods) is the golf head cover, this is a device which slides over the club and protect the club from damage.

If you are going to be playing on a golf course then you will need good grip. To facilitate this you will require a good quality set of golf shoes, Golf shoes are different to normal shoes as they have 'spikes' on them - these are so that you feet grip into the ground when you are making your swing. Slipping when you make your swing can have disastrous results - in some cases it can cause you to miss the ball altogether. These spikes come in all sorts of varieties, however soft spikes are the normal preference as they do not cause and damage to the greens when you walk on them. Golf shoes do more than just assist you in retaining your grip - the also give you the ability to keep your feet dry. When choosing a pair of golf shoes choose a pair which are sturdy, however they need to be comfortable as you could be walking a long way in them. If you do not feel comfortable in your shoes you will definitely not be able to concentrate on your game and could even do some damage to your feet.

You will require some tees. Tees are either made from wood or plastic and are used when you are teeing off on a hole. You balance the ball on the top of the tee and strike the ball from it rather than from the ground.

Most golfers tend to wear a golf glove. The golf glove is normally worn on the other hand to your 'master hand'; therefore if you are right handed you would wear the glove on your left hand. The glove is there to prevent the club from slipping in your hand and assist you in getting a better grip on the club. There are various types of glove available, you need to ensure that the glove is a good fit and is like a secondary piece of skin.

When you play golf there is a lot of walking involved which is why a lot of golfers invest in a golf cart. There are 2 different varieties of golf cart available, there is the manual cart which you either push or pull and there is the electric cart which is driven by an electric motor. In your golf bag will be a lot of equipment and the bag can be heavy, it will also feel a lot heavier as the round goes on. When you use a golf cart you place the bag onto the cart and pull or push the cart along. This makes the round a lot less tiring and therefore a lot more enjoyable.

You can purchase golf equipment from various shops both online and offline. Golf equipment can be expensive to purchase initially, therefore if you are on a budget you can look into purchasing second hand equipment. The Internet is a fantastic resource for locating good equipment. All golf equipment is not alike, however which is why it is recommended that you investigate each product prior to purchase.

Peter Cunningham manages the Golf Review Center web-site. On this site you will be able to read and

submit reviews in relation to all different types of golf equipment.