But getting started can be daunting, says Jessica. If you’re keen to try your hand at it, she recommends attending a golf clinic or booking a session with a coach, perhaps at a driving range.
If you have friends who play golf, Newling advises picking their brains for pointers. Alternatively, she suggests seeking the help of a golf professional.

When you’re ready to play a game, Newling recommends contacting the pro shop at your local public golf course to book a suitable time. She says new golfers naturally take a bit longer on the course, so it’s best to avoid playing at a popular time to ensure you don’t slow down other players.

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And don’t worry if you’re terrible to begin with; Newling says it takes time to hone your craft. Besides, Jessica adds, you can still enjoy golf even if you’re not very good at it. As a beginner, she didn’t worry about her score. Instead, her aim was to simply unwind. “You just switch off because you’re so focused on what you’re doing, you really can block out all the pressures of work and family,” she says. “It gives you that mental break.”

Evelyn Lewin is a qualified GP and freelance writer.