As Georgians celebrate National Golf Day, golfers must understand myths standing in the way of improving their play and enjoyment of the game. Many amateurs take advice from other amateurs and misconceptions can be passed down from generation to generation. Luckily, Georgia is home to golf experts who possess incredibly helpful knowledge for beginners and seasoned players alike.  

Matt Russell, PXG Atlanta’s Custom Club Fitter and former professional golfer and three-time All-American at Berry College, shares below the top five golf myths golfers across the Peach State should consider before hitting the fairway this summer.    

Myth #1: You have to be good before you play the game.

You don’t need to master the game before hitting the course. People often feel they need to perfect their form and practice before ever stepping onto the green. As a golfer, what makes you better is simply getting outside to play, regardless of your skill level. In Georgia, there is a range of courses for players from beginners or seasoned that are great to excel your game such as North Fulton Golf Course, Bobby Jones Golf Course, Alfred Tup Holmes Golf Course, Brown’s Mill Golf Course and Charlie Yates Golf Course. 

Myth #2: You have to wait before you buy fitted clubs.

Just like any other sport, ill-fitted gear will negatively affect your game, and it’s the same in golf. Using clubs that aren’t suited for you can hinder your performance. Don’t wait to buy fitted clubs and invest early on to improve your game from the beginning.

Myth #3: Golf is seasonal sport 

This is true in most places in the U.S., but in Georgia, we have a unique opportunity that allows us to play golf all year long in all four seasons. The seasonal changes also make the courses a different game. So, playing a round in Spring and Summer on a course will be a lot different in Fall and Winter, making your game more exciting and challenging.  

Myth #4: Golf is an 18-hole endeavor 

In Atlanta and all over Georgia, there are many great nine-hole courses where you can play a good game of golf or even practice on a few holes – Candler Park Golf Course, Bobby Jones Golf Course, John A. White Golf Course and Charlie Yates Golf Course. Don’t feel like you have to commit five hours of your day to play. The game is what you make it depending on your lifestyle and schedule.  

Myth #5: You have to be a member of a private club

Georgia and Atlanta offer a lot of opportunities to play a number of public courses that range at multiple price levels. Golf, no matter what it feels like sometimes is an inclusive game that is open to anyone who wants to enjoy it.  

Bonus Myth: PXG is an expensive brand. 

While PXG is known for its premium quality, it's more affordable than you might think once you compare prices as you begin to invest in your game. Don’t think you need a full set of golf clubs to play – one or two high-quality clubs are enough. Give yourself time to learn and practice the game before investing in a full set. Investing in a few high-quality clubs early on can enhance your game and ultimately last you longer, so you can keep having fun on the course.