New Year, New Golfing Goals
Following festive celebrations, the beginning of a new year can be a tough time but hitting the golf course is a great way to tackle the January blues. At Came Down, you can admire the beautiful Dorset scenery and winter wildlife whilst playing a round with friends, family, colleagues or Came Down Members.
Open all year round, we are an inclusive and friendly community, welcoming players of all ages and abilities, whether you’re a complete newbie, an accomplished player or returning to the sport after taking a break.
How does golf contribute to your physical and mental health
Combining a stimulating mental challenge with plenty of exercise in the fresh air, surrounded by nature, works wonders for both your mental and physical health.
Playing golf can reduce anxiety and stress, improve confidence and boost self-esteem. It is also known to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression.
Golf is a very sociable sport and offers a great opportunity to meet new people and connect with the golfing community, as well as a chance to bond with family or catch up with friends.
Typically, golfers will walk from four to eight miles when playing a round, burning a minimum of 500 calories, contributing to weight loss.
Walking, swinging and carrying your equipment will all increase your heart rate and improve blood flow, reducing the risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. The Norwegian Golf Federation found that during an 18-hole round, a player will have an average heart rate of 100 beats per minute, over two to five hours.
A few other fantastic health benefits include:
Improved sleep
Better vision
Stronger bones
Increased exposure to Vitamin D for bolstering your immune system
Improved muscle tone and endurance
Improved concentration and cognitive health, lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimers
Golf goals to set for the new year
Have you set New Year’s golfing resolutions yet? Whether short or long-term, it’s important to make sure that any goals you set are achievable and measurable. Think SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. Goals don’t all need to be score based, they could be focused on entering more competitions, making more golf buddies or improving your fitness. Take it one shot at a time …
Here are a few golf goals to tee off 2023:
Spruce up your gear: clean your equipment and if you didn’t receive any golf goodies at Christmas, consider buying new golf balls, tees and perhaps a new outfit
Keep up with your fitness to maintain your strength, balance and mobility
Work on your mental game: visualise yourself hitting good shots and think about how you can improve your reaction to your bad shots
Aim for single digits
Shoot under par
Have some lessons! (Read on …)
If conditions are too bad to play outside, practise your swing at home
Make sure to reflect on last year’s goals and achievements before setting new goals for 2023. Have a read of our blog for more golf goals to aim for.
New to golf?
Is one of your New Year’s resolutions to try a new sport? Why not give golf a go with golfing lessons or join our Came Down Academy?
It can feel daunting when you first get started but our PGA Pros, Nick and Sean, will ease you in gently and create a fun and relaxing learning environment. We welcome you to join on your own because you’ll have the opportunity to mix with Academy members of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Don’t worry if you don’t have any equipment, we have plenty to borrow and can advise you on the kit you need.
We hope that Academy members will fall in love with the game and wish to transition to full club membership. We will help you to get there by building your skills, technique and confidence. Why not start off by signing up to an hour-long induction with one of our PGA Pros to learn a few basics – we’re sure you’ll enjoy it!
A few benefits of becoming an Academy member are:
10 golf lessons per annum with one of our PGA Professionals
24 x 10 hole rounds of golf per annum (these can’t be played before 1.00 pm)
Extra rounds may be purchased at the member's guest rate
Full use of the club’s extensive practice facilities
Full use of the clubhouse facilities
A discount card for the bar/catering (currently 5%)
Welcome to attend all the club's social functions
Public liability insurance
Fortnightly roll-up competitions organised by the Professional, a great way to meet fellow Academy members
10% discount on purchases in the Pro Shop
A 25% discount on your 1st year's subscription when transferring to full club membership
You can find out more about our Academy on our website and if you have any questions, please contact us.
We hope you have a great start to the new year and best of luck for the season ahead! We look forward to welcoming you at Came Down – visitors can book a tee time here.