swingtime

Sorta got cajoled by my neighbour Bernard and his friends to join them for their weekly golf session a few days ago, and i must say, this is quite an interesting sport. I've only seen golf on television before, never actually had any first-hand experience with the sport, so i guess i was a little looking forward to it too. We went to a public driving range in Taman Jurong and i was surprised to realise that golf can actually be cheaper than my bowling hobby. All you need are some clubs(a half set is more than sufficient for the novice) and you're off. the place is free and the balls are cheap.

Anyway, they all took it easy on me, knowing it was my first time on a driving range. Aw Yong took time to explain the basics of the sport; the posture, irons and woods, what the numbers mean, etc..
Bernard loaned me a 9-iron, and explained that this is probably the easiest club to get started. Well, i practiced adopting the right posture and had some trial swings and stuff like that, and then i thought i was ready to hit some balls. I lined up my first ball, swung, and promptly missed. well, i thought i got that one covered, seems i have much to learn.

Anyway, Bernard was hitting >200m drives almost all the time(which was really amazing to me), Mike and Aw Yong weren't slouches either. but what was really amazing to me was the fact that there are quite a few old people at the range and they were hitting balls with no effort at all. Its like they just swing and the ball just takes on a life of its own. I was also impressed most with Mike's equipment. the bugger's got a big bag with some fancy clubs, but what really stood out was this lean mean driver with a fantastically light shaft; all of them who tried it drove the ball further then their own clubs.

Well, this is fun, and i expect it to be better once i get better at it. i guess thats when i'll enjoy it more. Right now, it is quite exasperating not being able to even hit the ball every time. and i need to work on the grip as well as the posture. though i'm glad to say that at least the swinging motions are more or less similar to softball, a sport that i have more experience with. In fact, Bernard thought i was playing baseball when he first saw me swinging the club. i guess i've got to start working on reducing those body movements i've built up swinging a bat.

That being said, i can't wait for the next session. hopefully, it'll be more fulfilling than the first.

Quote of the day: An albatross, an eagle and a birdie, more than just birds;)