Golf 101: Learning the Basic Rules and How to Act
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Alex Wolff
- May 24, 2024
People worldwide love to play golf, which requires skill, planning, and patience. To enjoy golf and treat other players carefully, you must know the basic rules and manners. This is true whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills. There are basic rules, words, and proper behavior that every golfer should know. This guide will teach you them. Let’s start playing golf!
How to Play Golf
The point of the game
In golf, the main goal is to get the ball from the teeing ground to the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible. Golf is played over 18 holes; the winner is the man with the fewest strokes.
Equipment You Must Have
- A set of golf clubs usually has a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and a putter.
- Golf balls are small, slanted balls made for accuracy and long distances.
- A golf bag is used to carry clubs and other gear.
- Tees are small pegs used to raise the ball on the teeing ground.
- Gloves: People often wear them on their less-dominant hands to help them grip and handle things better.
Basic terms used in golf
The tee box is where each hole starts.
The fairway is the well-kept area between the tee box and the green.
Green: The area around the hole with short grass.
The hole is the goal where the ball is hit.
Par: The number of shots needed to finish a hole.
Birdie: One shot less than par.
Bogey: This hole is one stroke over par.
The Most Important Golf Rules
Rule 1: Put the ball where it lies.
Playing the ball as it lies is one of the most important rules of golf. In other words, you can’t move the ball to a better spot. If you lose your ball in a tough spot, like the rough or a hole, you must play it from there unless the rules say otherwise.
Rule 2: Putt-Putting
When you start a hole, you must tee your ball in the area marked as the tee box. The ball can be up to two club lengths behind the lines but not in front of them. If you tee off from outside this area, you could get fined.
Rule 3: The order of the game
That person who is farther from the hole gets to play first. This rule helps keep the game safe and moving along. The person with the lowest score on the previous hole usually tees off first from the tee box. This is called “honors.”
Rule 4: Lost Ball and Out of Bounds
If you lose your ball or it goes out of bounds, you have to play another ball from where you last hit it, which costs you one shot. Always keep an eye on where your ball is going and mark where it lands to avoid getting fined for no reason.
Rule 5: Lies that can't be proved
You can do one of three things if your ball is in a place where you can’t play:
- With a one-stroke penalty, play another ball from the same spot.
- You lose one stroke if you drop a ball within two club lengths of a poor lie but not closer to the hole.
- If you drop a ball behind a bad lie, you lose one stroke and must keep that point between the hole and where you dropped the ball.
Rule 6: Putting on the Green
You can mark, lift, and clean your ball on the green. Please put it back where it was before you put it. To be fair and show respect, don’t step on other players’ putting lines. These lines show the direction the ball will take to the hole.
Rule 7: Avoid dangerous areas and bunkers
You must follow the rules if your ball lands in a bunker or if there is a water hazard: You cannot ground your club before the stroke in bunkers.
If there are water dangers, you can play the ball where it is or take a penalty stroke and drop it somewhere else.
Tips for Playing Golf
Golf isn’t just about following the rules; it’s also about ensuring everyone has a good time. Here are some essential rules of manners:
Stay the Course
- Repair Divots: Put down new grass where you moved the old one and fix any ball marks on the green.
- If you play from a bunker, you should rake the sand to eliminate your tracks and shot marks.
- Avoid Damage: Watch where you walk, don’t damage the green, and don’t hit the ground with your club when you’re mad.
Stay the Course
- Repair Divots: Put down new grass where you moved the old one and fix any ball marks on the green.
- If you play from a bunker, you should rake the sand to eliminate your tracks and shot marks.
- Avoid Damage: Watch where you walk, don’t damage the green, and don’t hit the ground with your club when you’re mad.
Speed of the Game
- Be Ready means that you should always be ready to shoot when it’s your turn.
- Keep Up: Keep going reasonably and follow the group before you.
- Take only a few practice swings. Do take at most one or two practice swings to save time.
Put safety first
- Be Aware: Always look around to ensure no one is in the way of your shot.
- Fore: If your ball hits another person, yell “Fore” to let them know.
- Mindful Driving: Be careful when driving a golf cart and follow the rules for the course.
Be polite to other players.
- Stay Quiet: When another person is about to hit, stay quiet.
- No Distractions: Don’t move or make noises out of the blue.
- Be honest: Follow the rules and give a correct score.
What to Wear
Most golf grounds have rules about what you can and can’t wear. Golfers usually wear buttoned shirts, golf pants or shorts, and golf shoes. Wear shoes, pants, and T-shirts less often. Always check the course’s dress rules to ensure you follow them.
Dealing with Disputes
Rule disagreements should be solved politely and calmly. Play a second ball, called a provisional. Ask the club’s professional or committee for a decision if you can’t settle the matter.
Bottom Line
Anyone who wants to enjoy this classic sport must know the basic rules and how to behave when playing. Following these rules ensures you and your fellow golfers have a polite, fair, and fun time. Remember that golf is about more than just the score. Take on the task, enjoy your time on the course, and most of all, have fun.