When one thinks of golf equipment, generally the first thing that comes to mind is golf clubs and golf balls. However, there are other pieces of golf equipment that can be utilized by a golfer to improve their game as well as equipment that speaks to their love of the game.

Some of those additional pieces of golf equipment can include markers, devices to keep golf score and items worn by the golfer.

Golf Markers

When putting on the green there are certain rules of golfing etiquette that need to be followed. One of those rules is that the player who is the furthest away from the cup gets to putt first. Therefore, it is important that golf balls situated between the furthest ball and the cup be removed so that the furthest player has a clear shot at the pin. Golfing etiquette allows for the ball to be picked up and marked with a golf marker.

Therefore, a practical piece of golf equipment is a golf marker. This item is a rounded peg that is attached to a thin dime-like platform. When picking up the golf ball this peg is inserted into the green to mark the position of the ball.

These golf markers can be made from either plastic, wood or metal. In addition this piece of golf equipment can be personalized with a golfer’s name, initials or other unique features.  

Golf Score Keeper

An important part of the golf game is keeping score. Each stroke that it takes to put the ball in the hole on the green is counted as part of the golfer’s score. An important piece of golf equipment to help the golfer in keeping track and tabulating their score is a golf scorekeeper.

There are a variety of golf scorekeepers. Examples of this piece of golf equipment can range from counters that can be attached to the golf bag or clipped onto the back of the golfers golfing glove. In addition, certain golf scorekeepers can be advanced manually each time a stroke is taken or the scorekeepers can utilize digital technology.

Hat And Shoes

It can be argued that items which are worn by the golfer are part of golf equipment needs. The right clothes will not only protect the golfer from the outdoor elements, but will meet the requirements of certain golf courses.

One of the most important items to be worn by the golfer is a protective hat. Wearing the right hat will protect the golfer from the sun as well as provide shade for the eyes.

Another important piece of golf equipment to be worn is golf shoes. There are basically two types of golf shoes and are categorized as those shoes with and without spikes. Before choosing shoes with spikes, it is important to connect with the golf course to make sure that spiked golf shoes are permissible. In addition, the golfer will want to select golf shoes that are comfortable. This is due to the fact that the walking distances of playing golf maybe require covering a distance of four miles.

For those who are competitive, the game of golf is about winning or improving their overall game. The competitive individual wants to add distance to their drive, shave strokes off of their game and chase the elusive hole in one. The game of golf certainly meets the needs of those with a competitive spirit.

In addition to these benefits there are other benefits to playing golf. Those additional benefits include exercise, interaction with others and enjoying the outdoors.

Exercise

One of the most beneficial by-products of playing golf is the exercise an individual can achieve. This exercise is comprised of walking on the golf course from hole to hole, the swinging of the golf clubs and the carrying of the golf clubs.

There are basically two types of overall exercise categories. Those categories are moderate and vigorous. Golf can be considered as a moderate type of workout activity. It is estimated that for every one hour spent playing golf an individual can burn 370 calories. This estimate is based on that individual being a male, weighing 154 pounds and standing at 5’10″ tall.

Interaction With Others

Another benefit of playing golf is the friendships and interactions that are developed on the golf course. Generally, golfers team up in pairs or play their golf game with three other individuals.

This foursome provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to interact with each. This interaction is usually highlighted through the telling of jokes, the sharing of stories, conducting business, getting to know each other in an informal setting, etc. All of this is conducted in a non-threatening, but competitive environment. This type of interaction will prove to be therapeutic as well as an opportunity to bond with other individuals.

Enjoying The Outdoors

One additional benefit of playing golf is the opportunity to be outdoors and enjoy the natural surroundings. Being outdoors is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature and breathe in fresh air.

In addition, the individual playing golf can use the quietness of the golf course to center themselves and focus on the simple things of life. In addition, being outdoors will provide a change of venue and help the individual to get away from their normal environment or routine. This normal environment could be the workplace or a stressful situation that they maybe experiencing in their home life.

Being outdoors and enjoying the game of golf can be an ideal way to release any possible stress in the golfer’s life.

Based on the sound the golf ball made when it was hit by his newly designed putter, Karsten Solheim named his custom-made invention Ping. The engineer from General Electric had been frustrated with his putting game, blaming it on the putters available in the late 1950’s so he designed his own, giving birth to Ping Golf equipment.

Working in his garage in 1959, the Redwood City, California resident designed the Ping 1A putter with a heel-toe weight, setting the golf equipment world on its ear. Sports Illustrated fell in love with the sound the putter made when used, and Ping Golf was moved to Phoenix, Arizona where it is headquartered today. After resigning from GE in 1967, Solheim continued for the first few years making his putters individually by hand.

His first set of Ping Golf irons continued with his innovation of heel-toe weighting and he named them “69,” which he considered a good score for a round of golf. John Barnum earned a PGA Tour event in 1962 using a Ping Golf club, and sales of his work continued to climb. Sales escalated even higher following the 1965 Golf World Cup in Japan after many of the professionals used Ping putters during the televised event.

Additional Clubs Added To The Equipment Mix

With a new idea for a putter in his mind, Solheim could not find a piece of paper to draw his idea, so using a dust cover of a 78-RPM record, he sketched his new putter. When trying to come up with a name, his wife suggested that since it was the answer to his putting problems, he should call it the answer. However, since the name was too long to fit on the club, it was shortened to Anser.

In 1966 the United States Golf Association’s rules committee banned all Ping Golf putters, except the Answer, claiming the slight bend in the shaft below the grip gave golfers too much of an advantage. Considered a conventional putter, the Answer is the winningest putter in professional golf history.

Following his resignation from GE in 1967, a new factory was built and houses Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which today makes all Ping Golf equipment in its plant in Phoenix, including putters, irons, woods and hybrid clubs. Ping Golf has grown to be one of the most widely known and respected brands of golf equipment manufacturers in the world.