Time to TEE OFF

Could golf be your new fitness favourite now the weather is warming up?

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If golf makes you think of elderly men lunching in a stuffy club house, think again. Figures reveal that 34% of full-length golf course users are now women, with the average golfer's age recently revealed to be a youthful 41*. 'The pandemic contributed to these stats, as golf was one of the few sports we could play safely,' says women's golf campaigner Jasmine, aka The Jazzy Golfer on Instagram. But demand remained, even after restrictions eased. Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but twisting your torso, walking and holding clubs, means you'll also get a full body workout. Want to give it a try? Here's what you need to know.

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'Golf is a sport you can play whether you are four, 40 or 104', says Jasmine. Once you've learnt the skill, it's yours for life. But as a total beginner, while you'll be made to feel very welcome at your local club, don't turn up to play a round before you've ever hit a ball.

A driving range, available at many golf clubs, is a better bet when you're still getting a grasp of the basics, such as the correct grip and position.

'Once you're consistently hitting the ball, you're ready to graduate onto a shorter/beginners' course, like a Par 3, nine-hole course,' says Jasmine.