We all know that without rules and regulations there is no game. Every game has its own rules and regulations. The rules of golf {2} {3} are internationally standardized and are jointly governed by the royal and ancient golf club of st.andrews, which was founded in 1754 and the united states of golf association. After the agreement with R&A, USGA jurisdiction on the enforcement and interpretation of the rules is limited to the United States and Mexico. Canada has the separate royal Canadian golf association, but generally follows the lead of the two larger bodies. The rules of golf continue to evolve, and every four years, the amended versions of the rule book are published. Any brand of Golf Equipments can be used. But it is better to go in for Good brands of Golf Equipments
The rules are made keeping in mind ?fairness?. There are few statements stated ?play the ball as it lies?, ?play the course as you find it?, and ?if you can't do either, do what is fair?. Some rules that are stated:
?Every player is entitled and obliged to play the ball from position where it has come to rest after the stroke, unless a rule allows or demands otherwise
?A player must not accept assistance in making a stroke.
?The condition of the ground or other parts of the country may not be altered to gain an advantage except some cases defined in the rules.
?A Golf ball may only be replaced by another during play of a hole if it is destroyed (rule 5-3), lost (rule 27-1), or unplayable (rule 28), or at some other time permitted by the rules. The player may always substitute balls between the play of two books.

The decisions on the rules of golf are based on formal case decisions by the R&A and USGA and are revised updated every other year.

Amateur golfers:
There are strict regulations regarding the amateur status of golfers. Anybody who played golf for money or who has ever received payment or compensation for giving instruction in golf game will not be considered an amateur. He may not be allowed to participate in competitions limited only to amateur only non-cash prizes won in competition may be accepted within the limits established by the rules of amateur status.

Golf course architecture and design:

There are many kinds of golf courses. Each country has one kind of golf course. It varies according to the climate, etc.

The different kind of golf courses:

? Link courses
? Parkland courses
? Heath land
? Desert courses
? Browns courses
? Sand courses
? Snow courses
? Par 3 courses
? Executive courses.

1. Links courses: this is the most traditional type of golf course. It is located in the coastal areas, on sandy soil, often amid dunes, with few artificial hazards and few trees if any.
2. Parkland courses: this happens to be in typical inland courses, they often resemble British parks.
3. Heath land: this means less manicured and more open area. They often feature gorse and heather and typically less trees.
4. Desert courses: this course has been recently started in Australia and parts of USA and Middle East. It's a new invention.
5. Browns courses: akin to sand courses, but not much involved in terms of using layers of tar and gavel below the sandy surface layer, to give firmness and support and ensure a consistent bounce/roll.
6. Sand courses: instead of heavily irrigated green, the players play on sand unlike most golf players. Holes are less involved than browns courses. And are only for the casual golfer.
7. Snow courses: can be played in arctic or sub arctic regions during winter. This is a recent invention. Golf is played on snow, typically with an orange colored or any brightly colored ball.
8. Par 3 courses: this course consists entirely of holes with par 3. These are considered a good test of iron shot precision and short game, as the driver is rarely used.
9. Executive courses: the course is generally smaller than the typical 18 hole course.