Beginner's Guide to Park Golf Clubs & Lessons
If you're just starting out with Park Golf, you might feel overwhelmed by all the information out there—it's hard to know where to begin. Especially in Korea, the Park Golf community is split between official associations and local clubs, which can be confusing.
In this post, I'm going to walk you through, in a helpful order, how to choose the right Park Golf club and where and how to get lessons when you're starting out.
What Exactly is Park Golf?
Park Golf is a recreational sport played on short courses, usually in parks or designated areas, where you compete by counting strokes. Unlike traditional golf, it doesn't require vast expanses of land or long driving distances, making it very popular among seniors, couples, and club members.
If you're brand new to the game, focus more on developing the feel for hitting the ball accurately rather than sheer power. That's why it's best to get your equipment and basic skills sorted out first.
How to Choose the Right Park Golf Club
When picking a Park Golf club, you should prioritize whether it matches your body type and swing speed over brand names. If the club is too heavy or too long, your swing will be unsteady. Conversely, if it's too light or too short, you won't be able to send the ball as far as you intend.
- Check that the grip thickness feels comfortable in your hand.
- Adjust the club length so it stands naturally near your waist.
- Look for a weight distribution that is centered toward the head, minimizing strain on your wrist.
- The most reliable way is to try several clubs and hit them yourself at a practice range.
The price of a Park Golf club varies widely depending on the material, manufacturing method, and where you buy it. Instead of basing your decision solely on the cost, focus on whether it feels comfortable to swing; that's the best way to avoid buyer's remorse.
Do You Really Need Park Golf Lessons?
While it's not mandatory to take lessons right away, learning the basic form, even for a short time, will help you improve much faster later on. If bad habits set in, it takes a long time to correct them.
If you decide to take lessons, here are a few things you should check:
- See if they teach fundamental stances, like the grip and stance.
- Make sure the instructor explains things at a beginner's level.
- Smaller group lessons where the instructor can give you personal attention are better than huge classes with lots of members.
- Check out training programs offered by local park golf courses or associations first.
What's the Best Order to Get Your Park Golf Club and Lessons?
We recommend starting by trying out a rental club for a short trial period. Once you get a feel for the game, then you can look into buying a club that suits you. While taking lessons, you can also get advice from your instructor about club length and weight, which will help you choose the right one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Korean Park Golf Clubs Different from Regular Park Golf Clubs?
Just because it has "Korean" in the name doesn't mean there are clubs with different specifications. What matters most is whether the club fits your body type and swing. We suggest trying them out in person at a store before buying.
How Do I Find Recommended Park Golf Clubs?
Since recommendations vary from person to person, it's tough to give you just one specific club. Instead, try hitting several clubs at local park golf courses or sporting goods stores, and see what the members in your local club are using.
How Long Should I Take Lessons When I'm Starting Out?
The number of sessions and the duration depend on your personal goals and how quickly you learn. Many people start by taking a few lessons to nail down the basics, and then they build on that through practice to get the feel for the game. It's best to talk to an instructor to set a schedule that works for you.
Go check out a nearby park golf course, try holding a club yourself, and ask if they offer lessons. Starting with a small trial will make enjoying Korean park golf much easier for you.