Golf around Lake Winnipesaukee

Whether you're new to golf or you're a veteran, the Lake Winnipesaukee area has many courses to choose from. The natural beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee provides an awesome backdrop for this sport. There are plenty of golf courses, miniature golf and driving ranges. Funspot also has some indoor golf simulators to keep up with your sport during the winter months.

According to some stories, "golf" originated as an acronym. It stands for "gentleman only, ladies forbidden." Actually, its an old wives tale. The word "golf" originated from Dutch and old Scots. The Dutch word is "kolf" which meant "club." When the word was passed down to the Scots it became "golve," "gowl" or "gouf." By the 1500s, the word "golf" came about.

Golf is no longer considered a slow-paced, low activity game. It has become a sport that many people choose to maintain physical activity. Golfers need strength, flexibility, stamina and coordination to improve their game. Since this is a sport that is played outdoors over a large area, golfers do a lot of walking.

Over the years, many different forms of golf have developed:

• Speed Golf - This is where you run from shot to shot.
• Aerobic Golf - This is where you finish the course in the shortest time with the lowest score.
• Adaptive Golf - These are special courses or changes in the game to fit the needs of those with disabilities.
• Driving Range - A place to practice repetitive golf strokes.
• Miniature Golf - A small putting green with fun obstacles for both children and adults.
• Pitch and Putt - A shorter version of the standard golf game.

Golf is ideal for people of all ages. Golfing requires a course, clubs, green fees, golf balls and other items. There are inexpensive courses to get started on. Also, either borrowing or purchasing used clubs is a less expensive way to find out if you like playing golf. It is recommended to take a few lessons to ensure you're doing things right.

To be a successful golfer and reach your full potential, the following should be part of your fitness program:

• Strength training - helps with how far you will hit the ball (club head speed)
• Flexibility - helps with a fluid swing
• Cardiovascular training - helps keep up your energy level

Type of Gear Needed:

• Clothing - you need comfortable, lightweight clothing and golf shoes. A golfing glove is optional.
• Golf bag - to hold clubs, balls and other equipment.
• Golf balls - you need several in case you lose some.
• Golf clubs - there are 14 clubs - woods are used mostly for long-range tee shots; irons are used for close, more accurate shots.
• Golf cart - these can be rented. They are optional.
• Miscellaneous - tees to set the ball on to begin the shot, water because it gets hot, a jacket if it's cooler and a towel for sweat.

Glossary of Terms

Bogey - a score of one stroke over par

Birdie - a score of 1 stroke under par

Caddie - person who carries the clubs and gives pointers to the golfer

Course - entire golfing area: fairways, putting greens, sand traps and other hazards. Consists of 9 or 18 holes.

Double bogey - a score of 2 over par

Double eagle - a score of 3 less than par

Eagle - a score of 2 less than par

Fairway - the main part of a golf course between the tee and the green

Hole in one - when the player hits the ball into the hole in one stroke

Par - the number of strokes an expert would be expected to use at a particular hole without mistakes. It's based on the number of strokes to reach the green plus 2 putts

Putt - an easy tap to the ball to move it into the hole

Putting green - an area of small, mowed grass around the hole

Rough - an area of long grass, bushes, trees, sand or other natural obstacles

Stroke - forward motion of a club meant to hit a golf ball.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the golfing in and around the Lake Winnipesaukee area. If you're a beginner, I hope this information has helped you. For the veteran golfer, I'm sure the different courses in this region will keep you busy and you'll enjoy all your vacation getaways to the lakes region.

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