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Every game of golf is based on playing a number of holes in a given order. A round typically consists of 18 holes that are played in the order determined by the course layout.
A hole of golf consists of hitting a ball from a tee on the tee box (a marked area designated for the first shot of a hole, a tee shot), and once the ball comes to rest, striking it again. This process is repeated until the ball is in the cup. Once the ball is on the green (an area of finely cut grass) the ball is usually putted (hit along the ground) into the hole.
The goal of resting the ball in the hole in as few strokes as possible may be impeded by various hazards, such as bunkers and water hazards.
PAR
A hole is classified by its par, the number of strokes a skilled golfer should require to complete play of the hole. For example, a skilled golfer expects to reach the green on a par-four hole in two strokes, one from the tee (the "drive") and another, second stroke to the green (the "approach") and then roll the ball into the hole with two putts.
Traditionally, a golf hole is either a par-3, par-4 or par-5; some par-six holes exist, but are not usually found on traditional golf courses.
EQUIPMENT
A player usually carries several clubs during the game (but no more than fourteen, the limit defined by the rules). There are three major types of clubs, known as woods, irons, and putters. Wedges are irons used to play shorter shots. Woods are played for long shots from the tee or fairway, and occasionally rough, while irons are for precision shots from fairways as well as from the rough. Putters are mostly played on the green, but can also be useful when playing from bunkers or for some approach shots. The putter has minimal loft, forcing the ball to stay on the putting surface while struck.
RULES OF GOLF
"The Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status" is published every four years by the governing bodies of golf (The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the United States Golf Association) to define how the game is to be played. The Rules have been published jointly in this manner since 1952. The Rules Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) has responsibility for upkeep and application of the rules worldwide except in the United States and Mexico, which are the responsibility of the United States Golf Association (USGA). The current rules booklet, is valid from 1 January 2004 to the end of 2007.
The Rules of Golf can be very complicated when reviewing the details, but one should remember that the most important thing for a new golfer is to have fun while learning about the game.
GOLF ETIQUETTE
Golf etiquette refers to a set of rules and practices designed to make the game of golf safer and more enjoyable for golfers and to minimize possible damage to golf equipment and courses. Although many of these practices are not part of the formal rules of golf, golfers are customarily expected to observe them.
Examples of Golf Etiquette:
Walking
Golf demands concentration, so minimal noise is required on the golf course. Golfers should not run during play, which can be annoying and distracting to other players and may cause damage to the course. Golfers should walk quickly but lightly during play.
Honors
The first player has the honor of teeing up first. This can be decided by drawing straws, flipping a coin, or just by offering the honor to a player. Should a player be offered the honor, he or she should promptly accept and start playing, to maintain the pace of play. Play should begin from the back tees first, and the next player should be ready when the previous player has finished. After the first hole, the player with the lowest score (usually lowest gross score) on the preceding hole has the honor.
Silence
Golf requires concentration, so silence is recommended on the golf course during actual play. Speaking among golfers should be conducted in as low a tone of voice as possible. Golfers should refrain from talking to other players when they are about to hit the ball. Cell phones should not be used on the course. A loud tone of voice is recommended only to warn people of imminent danger, such as an errant golf shot.
Line of sight
In the tee box, other players should stand alongside the person playing, safely out of the way and not behind the player getting ready to swing. Golfers should never take practice swings when other people are nearby, to avoid hitting other persons with the club or with flying rocks and grass. Golfers should accept bad shots calmly, in practice or actual play, and should avoid inappropriate language or the throwing of golf clubs.
While another golfer is playing, his or her playing partners should not select a club or replace one in the bag, cough, sneeze, or make other noise and distractions. Even small movements are frowned upon, as they might be seen in the player's peripheral vision. Should the player about to play the ball ask his partners to move, the request should be honored.
When getting ready to swing, a golfer should make sure that no one is behind him or her or in the path of the swing. A golfer should remember to pick up the tee after a drive.
DRIVING RANGE
A driving range is an area where golfers can practice their swing. It can also be a recreational activity itself for amateur golfers or when enough time for a full game is not available. Many golf courses have a driving range attached and they are also found as stand alone facilities, especially in urban areas. They are typically run by businesses or sometimes by universities.
Distances are usually marked by target greens at regular distances. Golfers pay for large bucket of balls (30-70 balls) and hit at their leisure. Often there are golf professionals available to give lessons and instruction.
Balls are retrieved by a specialty cart with a brush and roller attachment that automatically picks up balls and a cage that protects the driver from incoming balls. In urban and suburban areas, large nets protect surrounding people and structures from errant balls. Driving ranges are particularly popular in Japan where golf courses are overcrowded and often very expensive.
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