Quick and Easy Tips for the Golf Beginner by Jonathan Sdao

For the beginner, the game of golf can seem terribly complicated, with all the different kinds of clubs, many rules, and bizarre lingo. But for golf enthusiasts like JonathanSdao, golf can be therapeutic and a great way to get closer to nature.

If you know nothing about golf, but are interested in taking up the sport, here are some quick and easy tips to help you get started.

1.       When first starting out, don’t empty your savings account buying the latest and greatest equipment. You instead want to find equipment that will allow you to develop your skills with the least amount of money.

2.       When you are first learning the game, start with a driver, a sand wedge, and a putter. Complement these with a 6-iron, an 8-iron, a fairway wood, and a pitching wedge.

3.       Always insist on trying the clubs out before you buy them. You can do this at the larger golf shops or your local driving range. Once you are making consistent contact with the ball, you can get the most out of your equipment with a professional club fitting.

4.       Consider taking lessons to avoid forming bad habits that will affect your game. An instructor will not only correct you when you do something wrong, but will let you know when you are doing something right.

5.       Spend time practicing your short shots. Nearly half of all your strokes will come within fifty yards of the green. You can practice your short game in your backyard by placing buckets at various distances and pitching balls into them.

6.       If you find yourself overthinking, go back to the basics. Work on getting yourself into a good setup by checking your ball position and posture.

Golf can be a challenging sport, especially for beginners. With the right foundation and understanding of the game, it can be truly enjoyable. Jonathan Sdao played golf at Culver Military Academy where he placed first in the 2008 LaVille Invitational. 

Also read: Jonathan Sdao: The Basics of the Game of Golf

Jonathan Sdao: Junior Hockey Player Graduated From Colby College [Interview]

Jonathan Sdao: Why Mentoring Disadvantaged Youth is Important

An active young man with dreams of establishing a successful career in the financial services sector, Jonathan Sdao has worked hard to broaden his interests. During his time at Colby College, he regularly volunteered to help mentor disadvantaged youth in the community through the Team IMPACT program.

Disadvantaged young people in the community are an isolated group, often without the supportive relationships with families, schools, and the society that are essential to proper growth. The lack of these relationships can lead to poor socialization habits that impact educational success. Thus, the need for mentoring programs where these young people can be linked with individuals who are more experienced and older.

Mentors who choose to engage with young individuals have to be aware of the socialization deficiencies and aim to provide psychological support to develop new behavior. A mentor has to show the other party that opportunities exist to excel in work, social life, and education. In doing so, the instructor is helping build self-esteem and confidence that is necessary for growth and development.

As a mentor, your role is crucial in helping a disadvantaged young person go through a challenging time in their life or deal with stressful changes that are inevitable with the transition to young adulthood. Fostering a close, supportive relationship is crucial to success, and can lead to lifelong friendship bonds between the mentor and mentee.

Jonathan Sdao is an active community service participant, having worked with various organizations to raise funds and reach out to disadvantaged groups in the community.