Golfing Basics

Before golfing for the first time, it is important to understand the rules and complexities involved. Here are some basics to get you started:

Like other sports, golf has a specific play area. The play area consists of the fairway and the green. The fairway is the longer area between holes and the green is the area around the hole. All together, a course contains 9 to 18 holes. The idea is to get the ball in each hole with as few hits or "strokes" as you can. The fewer strokes it takes to finish, the better your score will be.

There are two ways of scoring in golf: match play or stroke play.

In match play, you get points for getting the ball in the hole before your opponent. In stroke play, points are added according to how many strokes it takes to get the ball in each hole. The person with the least amount of strokes wins the game.

The Fundamentals

1. Each hole is played starting from the teeing ground with a golf club and a golf ball.

2. Play the course as it is laid out.

3. The next turn always goes to the player whose ball is furthest from the hole.

4. Play the ball from where it lies, no matter where it lands.

5. Check your clubs and balls before heading out to play

-Only 14 clubs allowed on the course.

-Initial your balls.

6. Don't nudge the ball or try to make it move before hitting it. This will be counted as a stroke and may be seen as cheating.

7. If your ball lands in a hazard area, don't touch the ground.

While golfing, remember the rules of etiquette:

1. Avoid violation of personal space and possible injury by keeping a good distance from other players while they take their turn.

2. Don't make others wait for an unnecessarily long time.

3. Don't make sounds or call out to annoy other golf players in an effort to psyche them out. Keep silent while they complete their turn.

4. If there are people in range of your play, warn them and wait until they move in order to avoid hitting them with the ball.

5. No matter how frustrated you get, don't take your anger out on the equipment, the course, or other players. Always show respect for everyone's right to a fun game of golf.

6. Different courses may vary in their rules for golfing. Be sure to find out the specific rules of the club at which you are playing and abide by them.

Don't be shy about clarifying rules with the golf establishment. Following the guidelines and remembering your manners while on the course will make for a pleasant experience for everyone. Happy golfing!