Golf is played by striking a ball using a club on an area called "teeing ground." Once the ball is hit, it typically travels fairways across and onto a next prepared area. A hole could be found in this area that is called a "putting green."
The objective of the game of golf is that one should be able to complete a hole by means of hitting a ball from a teeing ground and place it inside the hole of the putting green in as few strokes as possible. What is usually referred to as a round of golf generally consists of 18 holes to be played in.
In golf, there are mainly two kinds of play to pick from. The winner in one kind of play is determined by the holes that are lost and won, this is referred to as a match play. The other kind of play is determined by the number of strokes one has taken to complete a round. This is called a stroke play.
When playing golf, there are two relevant rules to remember: as you find the course, go play it. As the ball lies, it should also be played as such.
If you find it hard to follow the above rule, at least try your very best to do what is reasonable. How do you know what is fair? Below are the summarized rules to give you a good idea of how to play a good game of golf.
The Intro: Basic golf courtesy
1. Avoid moving, chatting or standing too close to a golfer who is about to make a stroke.
2. Play with a minimum amount of delay. As quickly as the players in the group that you are in have left, it is just as best that you do the same. Try your best not to play until the group is already out of the way.
3. As much as possible, try to replace the divots. Also, remember to smooth any footprints found in the bunkers.
4. It is greatly inadvisable to drop your clubs on the putting green, so don't!
The Rules of Playing
1. Before playing that all important round of golf, the first thing you should do is to read the local rules stated on the score card you are holding.
2. After which do not forget to place an identifying mark on the ball you are going to use. Some golfers use the same type and brand of golf ball, if in case your ball is placed among these bunch, you will have difficulty finding which is which.
3. Make sure that you get to count your clubs before actual play. You should have a maximum of fourteen clubs.
4. When beginning actual play, it is best that you tee off in front of the tee markers. When you tee outside this specified area and you are playing a match play, your opponent may have to ask you to repeat the stroke you just did. The good thing when one does this in a match play, you get to incur no penalty. However, if in a stroke play, you then are given a penalty of two-stroke. 5. If while you are playing and your golf ball happens to lie in a bunker or a water hazard, you should not in any way touch the ground of the bunker or the water before you do your down swing.
6. The ball must as much as possible be struck fairly and should neither be spooned or pushed. 7. It is alright for you to mark the ball that you are using. You could take your ball, clean it and place it on the exact place where it was.
8. When dropping a ball, it is best that you stand upright and then hold the ball at the length of your shoulder, and then you may drop it. If by dropping the ball it happens to strike your partner, you or your caddie, the ball must then be dropped again with no penalty.
9. It is also fine for you to lift your ball if by doing so you are able to assist another player. Or you also may lift any other ball as long as that ball interferes with your playing or interferes another player.
Copyright (c) 2006 Ewen Chia
Match Play
There are two ways to play golf: match play and stroke play. In match play, each hole is a separate contest. The scoring is as follows: if you win the first hole, you are one-up; if you lose it, you are one-down; if you tie it, you are all-square.
Stroke Play
Stroke play is a round of golf in which the score is kept by adding the total of strokes taken throughout the round (9 or 18 holes). Another name for stroke play is medal play.
Your Responsibilities
You have several responsibilities as a golf player. Here are a few:
Read the rules on the course you're playing on. Tee off on time. Always use your correct handicap. Record your score correctly on your scorecard. Play your own ball.
Practice
You are not allowed to take practice shots from any hole, or on any hazard. Local courses may have their own rules about this; make sure you're familiar with them.
Asking Advice
When playing a round of golf, you're not allowed to ask anyone except your caddie or partner for advice on how to play. You can ask about rules, however. You're not allowed to give advice to your opponent or fellow-competitor, either.
When to Play
When playing a hole, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first. This is important to remember because, if you play out of turn, your opponent can make you replay your shot.
Teeing Ground
The area you tee your ball to make the first hit of each hole is called the teeing ground. You can put your ball between the tee markers, or a little behind them. You're allowed to place your ball as far as two club lengths behind the markers. If your ball accidentally falls off the tee, you may replace it without penalty.
As It Lies
A big rule in golf is that you must play the ball as it lies; you can't move it to a better spot. You can't improve your shot by pressing down the turf behind the ball. If you find yourself in a hazard, you can't touch the sand, ground or water with the club before or during your back swing.
How To Strike
You must hit your golf ball swiftly while making a shot. You aren't allowed to push, rake, or scrape the ball. You also aren't allowed to hit or touch the ball while it's moving.
Water Hazard
If your ball is in a water hazard, you can play it as it lies. If you can't find it or don't want to play it, you need to add a penalty stroke and drop and play another ball from where you last played, or drop a ball behind the water hazard as far back as you want.
Dropping Your Ball
When you drop your ball, stand straight, hold your arm out straight and drop it. There are several rules about when this drop doesn't count, and you're allowed to re-drop.
Here are some of those circumstances: If it hits the ground and rolls into a hazard If it comes to rest more than two club-lengths from where it first struck a part of the course If you are dropping away from an immovable obstruction or ground under repair, etc., and it goes back into the obstruction.
The Putting Green
When your ball is on the green, you're allowed to brush away leaves and other loose impediments within your line of putt. You're not allowed to test the surface of the green by rolling a ball or scraping the surface.
Hitting the Flagstick
There are several rules about hitting the flagstick. Here are a few:
If your ball is off the green, there is no penalty if you play and your ball strikes the flagstick.
If your ball is on the green, either take the flagstick out or ask another player to hold it and take it out when you play your ball.
In match play, if you putt and your ball hits the flagstick when it is in the hole, you lose the hole. In stroke play, you must add two penalty strokes to your score for the hole.
Ball Interference
If another ball is in your line of putt, you can ask the owner to lift it. If your ball is near the hole, and could be in the way of another player's shot, you may lift your ball.
Allan Wilson has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Small Business and Home Improvement. For more information about and especially please visit our. Allan Wilson's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.