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Golf, with its noble and sophisticated aura,
evokes the image of a sport that is expensive,
elite and…terribly boring. These preconceptions,
however, have been debunked through our
editorial staff’s interview with the Golf Club
La Montecchia’s Pro, Giovanni Veronelli
Mr. Veronelli, a professional golf instructor
since 1977, accompanied us on a visit to the
Golf Club during which we had a long
introductory chat about the sport. |
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To begin with, we need to approach golf as not only a
sport, but a discipline of concentration. It is an
exercise in search of the perfect swing that is
practiced in a peaceful and relaxing natural environment.
It’s no accident that golf is considered the most
‘internal´ outdoor sport of the Western world. In order
to concentrate on the game, it requires the ability to
free oneself from everyday thoughts and concerns. For
British people, golf is simply “the game”; there is no
further need to specify.
From a health perspective, golf is a comprehensive
activity which requires the harmonious use of leg, arm
and body muscles. It also improves your concentration
and coordination abilities. Further, it has been noted
as beneficial in the rehabilitation of those with
cardio-circular problems. So much so that American
health insurance companies offer discounts to those who
play golf as they are statistically less at risk for
heart attacks!
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Gentlemen only, ladies
forbidden
Not long ago, women in England were prohibited
from the golf course; it was a sport reserved
solely for men. As a result, the belief that
golf was shorthand for “Gentlemn only, Ladies
forbidden” spread.
Today, however, golf is practiced by many women
denying the stereotype that it is a sport for
fanciful, middle-aged men in madras trouser,
polo shirts and sweaters.
Here we have another common misconception: that
it is necessary to adopt a particular dress code
in order to play. |
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From what we observed at
the Montecchia Golf Club, the type of clothing worn by
the players was whatever was most comfortable and
practical, an impression confirmed by Mr. Veronelli. The
only rule is: professional players cannot wear jeans. In
addition to women, golf is loved by kids who practice it
through entertaining group activities. |
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The History:
balls of
cloth and
sheep
Throughout history, many civilizations have
practiced a sport in which a ball was hit by a
club. The Romans, for example, practiced “paganica” in which they hit a ball made of
cloth. In Holland during the Middle Ages, people
played “kolf”, as seen in Flemish paintings. The
real homeland of golf, however, is the place
where it was first played and formalized:
Scotland, in particular its Eastern coast.
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Initially golf was played
by shepherds. Evidence can be seen in course bunkers (sand
holes that are placed as obstacles before the green).
Traditionally bunkers were the holes the Scottish
shepherds dug in order to protect their herds.
The game of golf became so popular in Scotland that it
displaced the high art of war. As a result, in 1457 the
King of Scotland James II banned it and in the XVI
Century, the Church prohibited it from being played on
Sunday.
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Equipment
The golf bag can contain up to 14 pieces divided
as follows:
• 9 irons
• 3 or 4 woods
• 1 putter
The woods are usually used for the tee-off (the
starting point of the hole).
The irons are used to hit the ball in different
situations encountered along the hole; they are
numbered and the iron’s angle increases in
conjunction with the number. The choice of the
irons depends on both the position of the ball
and on the golfer’s experience.
The putter is used to hole out once the green
has been reached.
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Vocabulary
Chipping: to hit the ball with strength.
Putting: to hole out.
Fairway (comes from marine slang): the part of the hole
leading to the green. Here the grass is precisely cut.
Green: the final part of the hole where the flag is
placed. |
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A grateful thanks for his kindness and the elegant
explanation to Master Giovanni Veronelli,
Golf Club La Montecchia |
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