No matter how experienced of a golfer you are, it is important to keep in mind that there are always going to be environmental factors that can, and most likely will at some point, affect or totally wreck your game. The more prepared you are for these factors, the easier it will become to go with the flow and be able to train yourself to bounce back as quickly as possible. Some environmental factors can be complete hazards on the golf course, which are important to keep in mind not only for your game but for your safety as well. Here are some of the top hazards to recognize and remember throughout your game, no matter what course you are on:
- Bunkers. During your game, if the ball goes into a bunker, you must get it out as soon as possible to keep your game moving. If you are not experienced with this, you may lose a swing getting back into the game if it takes you a bit to get the ball out. A lot of golfers also experience some trouble in hitting out of bunkers. To avoid this, try to focus on the target in front of you. It takes time, but practice makes perfect!
- Plants, trees or grass. Depending on the golf course that you are on, there could be some plants or trees that are within your shot, or even some tall, uncut grass that could make the travel of your ball difficult. This will vary from course to course, but it is best to scope out the area before you take your shot so you can try your best to avoid any of these obstacles.
- Water. One of the biggest hazards in golf is the bodies of water that can be found on different courses. These bodies of water, such as lakes or ponds, are meant to make the course look more aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, but everyone can agree that it can make things more challenging. In time, you will be able to easily make sure that your shot flies above the water, but it is something to keep in mind as you do not want to lose your ball!