This is Why You Should Love Playing Golf – The Sport That’s All the Rage in Malaysia Now

Playing Golf, Image Credit: The Els Club Malaysia

One upon a time, golf was considered to be the sport of retired men who would get together to talk about old times and enjoy a quiet round of teeing off. However, times have changed and golf has now become a sport that is enjoyed by all, young and old alike. It’s also becoming quite popular in Malaysia and in many of the major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Johor, a golf course is not so hard to find as there are plenty of options to choose from. Some golf courses like the ones by The Els Club Malaysia have restaurants, events and meeting facilities in order to create a ‘golfing paradise’ to its guests. So, why is it so popular? Read on to see why…

Boosts Fitness – Golf, for many years has been considered to be a ‘soft sport’. This is such a misconception as it is now found be good for your fitness by helping burns those calories, Keep heart rate up and improves your vision. It also helps you get rid of stress. Chilling out with your other golfing buddies in an open and natural environment, is an experience that can release endorphins and relieve all that pent up tensions from those nasty deadlines at work.

Lower-Risk of Injury – If watching rugby, football and even cricket matches sends chills down your spine; golf is the sport for you. There’s zero risk of getting injured unless if you count the risk of falling while walking through the course or being eaten by a crocodile while trying to retrieve the ball from the pond! LOL Just kidding. So you see there’s no risk at all. However, though it doesn’t incur much physical strain you would be concentrating a lot as golf is a sport that requires coordination, strategy and accuracy.

Plenty of Bonding Time – All that time spent on the golf course gives you much needed time for bonding. It can also be the perfect date, don’t you think? If you got a big client that you need to impress, you can treat them to a luxurious golf day out.

So, you see there are quite a few reasons that you should definitely fall in love with playing golf!

 

Golf Course; Where a Great Game Started – Tee away

Golf Course

Golf Course, Image Credit: Els Club Malaysia

Get ready to tee off and learn about the various parts in a game of golf! Golf in Malaysia is quickly becoming a popular and favourite past time amongst locals and tourists who visit the country. With over 200 golf courses in the country, it is the most ideal location for golfing enthusiasts and those eager to get their hands on a golf club and tee away in a course. In Johor, golf course options are varied, all of which offer breath taking sceneries such as The Els Club Malaysia. Professional golfers and amateurs can opt to play a game either by the lush highlands or by the coast of the South China Sea, as they not only play the game but also enjoy their holiday in the tropical island. After a round of golf, players can spend the day lounging and enjoying the many facilities and services offered at these golf clubs.

The game of golf was said to date back to 1497, and originated from a game played in Scotland during the 15th century, where the golfers would hit a pebble around a course that was complete with rabbit runs, sand dunes and tracks with the aid of a caveman type club or a stick. Golf courses today have a course of about 9 to 18 holes complete with hazards, sand bunkers and others. Golf courses are usually 90% of green, well manicured lawns, however the use of bunkers and sand traps are usually artificial.

There are a lot of rules when playing a game of golf and plenty of etiquette one must follow during the game such as keeping up with the pace of the game, not disturbing other players, not parking on the green or not standing close to the player who’s currently hitting the ball.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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These Tips will Help Women to Play Golf Better – Mistakes are proof that you are trying

The Ocean Course

The Ocean Course, Image Credit: Els Club Malaysia

Golf has its own “need to know how” and basics just like any other game. The word gold is not an acronym. It does not mean “Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden.” This is an internet myth. So why do so many people continue to spread the myth? Like so many other myths, this one is very hard to kill.

The heart of every swing is the grip; all that power your shoulders and hips generate during the golf swing will transfer through your hands when the club hits the ball. Because of the size and the strength, unlike men women find it harder to overcome errors but it is important to learn as it enables them to project a strong technical swing.

Once you find your natural grip, you will notice that you are able to swing in continuous motion and the club does not slip in your swings. For right hand golfers, the lead hand will be the left hand while the trailing hand will be the right. In golf, it seems the harder you try the harder it is to play. Avoid the temptation to swing hard; the harder you try to hit the ball, the worse your shot will be.

The power of a golf swing comes from lower body. On your backswing, you want your left shoulder to swing or pivot so that it aligns with your right leg and you need to rotate your hips naturally as you complete the downswing. Speaking of hips, turn your right toe in by about 20 degrees on your approach. The most important thing is practice.

There are many golf courses in the world and Malaysia is rapidly emerging as South East Asia’s latest golfing haven. Golf courses in Johor offers spectacular scenery and many courses can be found high in the mountains, long the seashore, amidst rainforests making it great for family, friends or group golfing. A former World No. 1, Els is known as “The Big Easy” because of his imposing physical stature (he stands at 6 feet and 3 inches (1.91 m) along with his fluid golf swing. He designed The Els Club Malaysia.

This is Why You Should be Playing Golf – More Than Meets the Eye

Els Performance Golf Academy

Golf in Malaysia, Image Credit: The Els Club Malaysia

For those who have never played golf, the sport may seemingly lack a sense of excitement, a sense of camaraderie or even a sense of challenge. But for those who have played this noble game, who have lived and breathed it, and have experienced the thrill of the drive and nerve-wracking sensation of watching one’s putt near the hole, golf offers a one of a kind rush that is quite unique. You don’t have to be a pro to get pleasure from it either. Those from 9 to 90 years of age can all enjoy golf and apart from it being lots of fun, there are some benefits from it as well.

One thing is that golf offers great exercise. Though you may see people nonchalantly walking about the golfing green on TV, make no mistake there is quite a lot of ground to cover. Yes, it is true that the golf buggy or cart can nullify the exercise one can get, but then again you can easily forgo such transport and use your feet to get around. Playing a full round of 18 holes and walking from hole to hole is a good cardio workout and in fact, one can end up walking for about four miles or more. Golf is also a super way to appreciate the great outdoors as each course offers something different to experience.

Be it by the coast, amidst mist-shrouded mountains or even in an urban jungle, golf courses around the world each have their signature elements, perfectly blending in with their natural or city surroundings. Planning a golfing holiday is an ideal way to experience the distinctive settings of these courses. Apart from America and Europe, Asia too has plenty of exceptional and breathtaking courses. The Els Club Malaysia is amongst the latest courses that golfers can try in this part of the world, providing plenty of opportunities for golf in Malaysia.

Apart from exercise and outdoor settings, golf is also a great sport for bonding. There is nothing like golf amongst family or friends, no matter the age, to spark some friendly competition. This camaraderie and bonding can also be fostered with business partners and clients as well. Playing a round of golf can really break the ice, bring people together, and provide an opportunity to talk business in a more relaxed and informal setting. However, don’t forget that one of the great things about golf is that it is challenging as well. It is so much more than a sport of hitting a ball into the hole. It requires skill, patience, persistence, planning, proper technique, precision and not forgetting luck too! It is the kind of sport that can drive you on to better yourself, while providing an unforgettable day out.

Nelson Osborne is an independent freelance writer who has been sharing his expertise on a variety of subjects via numerous articles and web content over the years.

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