I spent my entire working life as a journalist, much of it working in and around sport.
There is nothing quite like the adrenalin rush you get from watching sport being played at the highest level – whether it be PSG destroying opponents in the Champions League, Carlos Alcaraz producing a thrilling fightback to beat Jannik Sinner in the French Open final or even Luke Littler throwing a nine-dart finish.
It is also true that there are many myths and cliches surrounding most sports – and perhaps none more so than golf.
Snobbery
When was the last time you walked into a clubhouse and saw an ancient, cravat-wearing old git reading the Daily Telegraph while sipping a gin and tonic? You are far more likely to hear industrial language on the course than somebody saying: “Jolly good shot dear boy!” Thank goodness!
And the good news is that most golf clubs now provide welcoming environments.
Dress Code
Trust me – nobody wears plus fours any more. I have not seen anybody wearing a shirt and tie on the course for 50 years. Yes, you see some odd colour combinations and I often wonder at the dress sense of some fellow golfers but, honestly, it is not THAT bad.
Sexism
Once upon a time women were treated like second-class citizens by golf clubs. Many wouldn’t even allow them on the course or in the clubhouse unless they were accompanied by their husbands. Broadly speaking, it is a myth that this remains the case. It is now an inclusive sport.
Expense
There is a myth that golf club membership is prohibitively expensive. If that really was the case there is no way the sport would be enjoying a boom. Yes, there are expensive clubs but the vast majority are easily affordable.
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Equipment
Non-golfers believe that taking up the game is going to cost you a small fortune. Not true. You can pick up perfectly good second-hand clubs at affordable prices without any trouble at all.
Exclusivity
Some people believe that this is a sport for the elite in our society. I accept that there are some clubs where that may be the case but the vast majority are just not like that.
Straight Left Arm
Look at the swings of almost every top golfer and you will see some flex in their left arm at the top of the backswing.
Mastery
Practice makes perfect, right? Well, not always – and only if you are practicing the right things.
There is Only One Way to Grip The Club
That is clearly nonsense. You have the Vardon grip, the interlocking grip, the baseball grip. Some top players show four knuckles of their left hand, others show one. Find the grip that works for you.
There is Such a Thing as The Perfect Golf Swing
Another myth. Jim Furyk, Lee Trevino, Bubba Watson and even Scottie Scheffler all shatter this one.
Keep Your Head Down
This is a misnomer. More accurately, you should perhaps be focusing on keeping your head still.
Golf is Not a Proper Sport
Oh yeah? I think the likes of Tiger Woods in his prime, Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau might have something to say about that. They are PROPER athletes.
You Have to Join a Golf Club
The millions of nomadic golfers around the globe will quickly dispel this one. And thanks to Golfshake’s scoring app, these golfers can all get themselves a handicap.
Related Content
Is Golf Still an Elitist Sport
What Golfers Expect From a Modern Day Golf Club
Are These The Worst Things About Golf
Old Fashioned Golf Club Rules That Need to Go
The Most Overrated Things About Golf
Is There Value to Being a Nomadic Golfer
