The game of golf was acknowledged in 1744, designed by the Company of Gentlemen Golfers in Edinburgh. Over the years, the rules have expanded so much so that the USGA needed a book to keep them all straight. It covers over 500 pages of rules and decisions; here we will highlight the most basic of them all to get you started.
When playing golf, your goal is sink your ball in a hole a couple hundred yards from where you start. The player that does this with the least number of strokes wins. Sounds fairly simple, right? In essence, but there are rules to every game, and to be declared the victor, you must adhere to them very strictly in the game of golf.
How to and not to Tee Off
Always tee off behind or between the tee-markers, leaving two club-lengths of space. Never tee off in front of the tee-marker.
It Came from Outer SpaceBall Interference
Don't stop or divert your ball while it's moving, unless you want to forfeit two strokes. If your ball is interfered by another player, you must play it as it lies. If however, it's struck by another ball, what's that old saying? Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will be! But if you're both on the putting green, that too will cost you a forfeit of two strokes.
How to get the Most Out of an Impossible Shot
I'm sure you'd like to give yourself the best possible opening for a shot, but you must play the ball where it lies. Don't go uprooting plants or snapping them in half to give yourself the upper hand. The best you can do is adjusting your stance for the best possible swing.
Resting Balls Should Not Be Touched!
Thinking about nudging your ball after it's stopped? Go ahead, and forfeit a stroke!
Where Oh Where Has My Little Ball Gone?
While we are on the subject of forfeiting strokes, if your ball is lost for more than five minutes, plan on playing another ball from the spot where you last shot and while you're at it, forfeit one stroke.
Objects on the Course
But just to be fair, you may move out of place objects, out of the way. This means cans and bottle or gardening tools, but don't try to move a statue or water fountain, you'll likely hurt yourself! When this happens and there are immovable objects in your way, drop your ball within one club-length from the clearest point but not in the direction of the hole.
Let's Talk Green
The green is an area with smoother grass, cut lower, near the hole. If you can get your ball there, move the flagstick from the hole but be sure to put it back where you found it, when the last player has finished. Here, on the green, you may pick up your ball, you must replace it right where you found it.
Do's and Don'ts of Golfing
Let's go over some guidelines. These should be fairly easy to remember because they are all common sense and thoughtful rules of etiquette. First, though you don't have to wear checkered pants, dress properly for the sport, keep the volume down and don't liter or leave your beverage containers behind.
Golf courses are buzzing places; try to be on time so you're not holding anyone up. If you're struggling with a hole and it's taking some time to get through, let other play through. Make sure you turn your phone off as well.
Toss a coin or spin a bottle to see who goes first, never ever, ever flip a club!
Be courteous and think about your safety and others. Keep out of the way when another player is in the middle of a shot.
Cover the holes your clubs make in the ground, this is called replacing the divots. You don't even need to bend to do it! And if you've dug yourself a sand pit, maybe you'll consider leveling it out for the next unlucky shot.
Do I need to remind you not to flip, toss, throw, chuck or launch a club? Good! Now you're ready to play golf, don't forget your spikes! |
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