Keep it going once you begin

Let's take a look at beginners' golf in the UAE.

People have different motivations for taking to the sport. We play golf for social interaction, for exercise, to be competitive in the sport and for many other reasons. We are often inspired by the many advantages of golf in the UAE. For one, we can be guaranteed of perfect weather conditions and sunny days all year round. The golf courses around the UAE are simply inviting - offering award-winning designs and facilities.

But where do you start?

Personally, I was there not too long ago. I took up golf to spend more time with my husband out of our busy lives and realised that golf was the answer as he already played for some time. Many ladies with the same motivation will agree with me that this was not such a wise decision, do I need to say more!

Lesson learnt

Instead of my husband trying to teach me to play golf, I signed up for lessons at one of the golf academies. I progressed really well through my eight lessons, but was not nearly in a position to proceed to a golf course let alone playing 18 holes and I did not know where to start from - a scenario many women face, and possibly men too, who are keen to start playing golf.

Sandy Meyer, Women's Golf Middle East's PGA professional, has seen this happen over time during her teaching career in the UAE - beginner golfers progress through the teaching programme with many of them not returning to the sport due to the lack of support.

If you are like most of our members, then maybe you have taken some golf lessons but have yet to make it out onto the course. This is a common issue among new golfers.

Sandy introduced various opportunities for beginners to venture on to the golf course. These events, including the beginner mornings every Tuesday, are perfect for those of us who have perhaps spent enough time on the driving range and are ready to take that big leap out on to the golf course; and it's great for those who just want to try new courses and meet new people that are all roughly at the same level.

If you are a seasoned golfer and just want to play "no-pressure golf" then we encourage you to join the Tuesday beginner group as well, as you will have experience that you can share with us and assist the beginner golfers with the rules and etiquette of golf.

Getting there

Golf can be an intimidating sport for many beginner golfers, but through practice and time, you will start finding the feel of your own golf swing and start progressing from beginner to hitting the ball more consistently and you will work your way to taking the next step to progress. The more you start playing on the golf course, the less you have to think about your swing, the more you learn about your game and the more confident you become. Staying on the driving range is not progression, playing is progression!

Every golfer, from beginner golfer to advanced player, benefits from a useful golf lesson. The best way is to look for a good teaching professional at one of the golf academies in the UAE. Women's Golf Middle East also offers beginner lessons for ladies at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. Ladies interested in taking golf lessons can contact us directly at info@womensgolfme.com.

The summer is a great time to start; there are endless benefits for new golfers. The courses are not as crowded and you will have plenty of time to work at your newly acquired skill plus you can avail of the reduced summer rates offered by the golf courses and golf academies.

Good luck and see you on the golf course soon!