Golf : Equipment, Rules & Holidays Abroad

Expect to pay between £100-£200 for a golf club package set or you can purchase half sets for around £50. Whilst not top of the range, these sets will be adequate and if you decide that you are serious about pursuing golf then you can easily upgrade at a later date. Package sets normally come complete with carry bag. A set of golf balls will set you back anywhere between £15-£35 for a dozen depending on quality although you may be able to find some for under the £15 mark if you shop around. Another essential item is an electric trolley. Whilst you can normally hire trolleys at the course, they can be purchased for between £100 and £175 with the more expensive versions having longer life batteries. Ex demos are sometimes available though suppliers at a lower cost. Consider buying a trolley with a seat. You may be glad of it on long, hot days when heat exhaustion sets in. A golf buggy is the premier method of transport but at around £2000 (second hand) up to around £6500 for 6 seater buggies, such a purchase is reserved for the very serious golfer living close to a course. You might also want to consider buying accessories. Most companies supply such golf accessories as hats, clothing, gloves, shoes, carry bags, pitching and driving nets for practice at home, and lightweight practice golf balls.

Green fees vary a lot so search around. Exclusive clubs can be very expensive and it may be that you can find a course that offers much more reasonably priced green fees just a short distance away.

For a complete guide to the basics of golf for beginners, scoring, full explanation of the term 'handicap', rules & information on equipment required, visit the rules and equipment page of the BBC Golf website.

For a downloadable pdf complete rules of golf book, visit the website of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R & A, St Andrews).

The R&A is golf's world rules and development body and organiser of The Open Championship. It operates with the consent of more than 125 national and international, amateur and professional organisations, from over 110 countries and on behalf of an estimated 28 million golfers in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas (outside the USA and Mexico). The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the game's governing body in the United States and Mexico.

Other useful websites worth visiting are the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), English Ladies' Golf Association, Welsh Golfing Union, Scottish Golf Union, Golfing Union of Ireland.

Golf Holidays Abroad

Many golfers choose to take a holiday abroad at a time and in a location where they are normally guaranteed good weather. An abundance of golf holidays are available not only in Europe but also in the USA. Holidays can be acommodation only, half or full board. Many are available at hotels or apartments based on or close to courses. For Some companies arrange accomodation for groups of golfers in villas as well as apartments.

Golf has become one of the main leisure activities in Europe and the USA. Once a leisure activity almost exclusively enjoyed by retired people, golf is now a pastime enjoyed by many age groups. In the last decade courses have sprung up all over the UK and most people have a course within reasonable driving distance of their home or business.

If you are just starting out, consider taking lessons. You will pick up the skills you need much more quickly and are much less likely to develop bad habits. Most courses offer training or can put you in touch with someone who does. They will also be able to advise you on the basic equipment you need. In terms of equipment, there are many golf manufacturers and golf equipment suppliers who offer reasonably priced starter sets. If you are not really sure whether golf is going to be for you, you might like to consider purchasing second hand equipment.

There are seven golf courses within easy driving distance of El Sanctuario:
· Santa Clara Golf (5 mins)
· Golf Rio Real (5 mins)
· The Golf Club Marbella (5 mins)
· Santa Maria Golf (10 mins) 9 holes,
· Cabopino Golf (10 mins)
· Artola Golf (10 mins) 9 holes
· Miraflores Golf (15 mins)
· La Cala Golf (20 mins) One of the most reasonably priced courses on the coast.
Courses are 18 holes except where indicated. Travel times are by car.

Guests may choose to play at one or more of the courses for any number of days during their holiday. Bookings are made through a reputable golf agency who has negotiated competitive rates with the courses concerned. Clubs can be hired through this agency or at the relevant golf clubs.