A woman’s ideal golf bag

The Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAI) is making a big effort to boost the game among girls and women across the country. They routinely hold special camps in schools and also encourage women to join their pro tour. Champika Sayal, the Secretary General of the WGAI gives you a rapid fire on the ideal tools in any woman’s golf bag.

[Q] Just starting out, how should women approach the game of golf? [/Q]

[A] Most important fact is that women need to understand they are walking into the world’s best recreational sport, for which they must understand that they are giving themselves mind space in a natural environment. [/A]

[Q] How many clubs should women have in the golf bag? Is a full 14 club set imperative? [/Q]

[A] Women can start with half sets, although buying full sets is benefical as a one time fixed cost. [/A]

[Q] What aspects should selecting the driver be based on? [/Q]

[A] Drivers and clubs generally are to be bought as per swing speeds of players. Older women tend to have slower swings so require light drivers. Club manufactures have over the years improvised equipment to make golf easier giving all level of players satisfaction and good results. Young players who play competitive golf have customised clubs as they are strong and have faster swing speed. [/A]

[Q] Are hybrid clubs a good idea? How do they help the game? [/Q]

[A] Absolutely, world across the use of hybrids has become a norm, especially for female players. Once a player misses a fairway – the only way out of the first/second cut is the use of a hybrid club. [/A]

[Q] Is it a myth that Ladies must use lighter equipment for a better game? [/Q]

[A] Honestly it depends on the swing speed and fittness level of the player, taking into account age. Taller women prefer to use senior men’s club, which is another category for women to seelct from. Older men also use lighter clubs which are made with similar specifications as made for women. [/A]

[Q] Should Ladies use Ladies Clubs? [/Q]

[A] Ladies should use lighter clubs since they may hurt themselves playing with heavy clubs. Back, wrist, shoulders have to be strong to use men”s clubs so an mid weight lady must use ladies clubs. [/A]

[Q] These days there are so many wedges in the market – which ones are ideal, which ones can be skipped? [/Q]

[A] Golf manufacturing companies are making an all out effort to make the game as easy as possible for reacreational golfers. For women players a normal sand wedge is good enough. The important factor is that while choosing 14 clubs for a set,a player must be sure that they are the best for them. Each club she chooses may be used for variable shots as required. A particular club can be used by different methods to get a good result. [/A]

[Q] Any other myths you want to bust? [/Q]

That the game is an old man’s or old woman’s game. And that the word GOLF doesn’t stand for GENTLEMEN ONLY LADIES FORBIDDEN!