In this blog, we will cover the basic rules of golf, including the different types of clubs and their uses. We will also delve into the history of golf and it’s governing bodies. We hope this will provide useful information to enable you to enjoy the sport more whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out!
The Basics
Golf is a beloved sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is a game that requires precision, skill, and patience. The objective of the game is to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course using a range of golf clubs in as few strokes as possible.
History
The origins of Golf are unclear and much debated however, the modern game dates to the 15th century in Scotland. Players would hit a pebble over the sand dunes using a bent stick. It has evolved over the centuries and has now become a global sport, with professional tournaments taking place all over the world. Some of the most famous golfers in history include Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer, who have all made significant contributions to the sport.
The governing body of golf is the R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) and the USGA (United States Golf Association). These organisations are responsible for creating and enforcing the rules of golf, as well as promoting and growing the sport.
What do you need?
Golf is a sport that requires a variety of equipment to play. Understanding the different types of clubs and when to use them is crucial for success on the golf course.
First and foremost, it is important to have a set of clubs that fit your skill level and swing. There are many different brands and models to choose from, so it’s a good idea to consult with a professional or try out different clubs before making a purchase.
The most basic set of clubs includes a driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, and a putter. Let’s take a closer look at each of these clubs and when they are typically used.
Driver
The driver is the club used to hit the ball off the tee. It has the longest shaft and the largest head of any club in the bag. The driver is typically used on the first shot of a hole, or when the golfer wants to hit the ball a long distance.
Fairway Woods
Fairway woods, also known as fairway metals, are used for longer shots when the ball is not on the tee. These clubs have a smaller head than the driver and are typically used for shots that are 150 yards or more.
Irons
Iron’s are used for a variety of shots, from short approach shots to long shots from the fairway. They have a smaller head and a shorter shaft than woods and are designed for more control and precision.
Wedges
Wedges are a specialised type of iron that are used for short shots around the green. They have a higher degree of loft than other irons and are used for shots such as pitching and chipping.
Putter
The putter is used on the green and is designed for making precise shots to get the ball into the hole. It has the shortest shaft and the smallest head of any club in the bag.
In addition to clubs, a golfer will also need balls, tees, and a golf bag to carry their clubs. Golfers may also choose to wear special golf shoes and gloves for added comfort and grip.
Playing the game
Teeing Off
At the beginning of each hole, the player must tee off from within a designated area. A tee is usually a small plastic or wooden peg. The ball must be placed on a tee, and the player must not move it or touch it once they have teed off.
Fairway Play
Once the ball has been hit off the tee, the players must play the rest of the hole from where the ball landed, referred to as the “lie”. Players are not allowed to move the ball or improve the lie in any way, with a few exceptions such as removing loose impediments or repairing the pitch marks.
Hazard Rules
Hazards such as sand traps, water bodies, and out of bounds areas are marked on the course. If a player’s ball comes to rest in one of these areas, they are usually penalised one stroke. Players must then play the ball from its current position or from a designated drop zone.
Putting
Once the players have played their shots from the fairway and reached the green, they must then putt their ball into the hole. The ball must be played as it lies and can only be moved with the clubhead and never with the player’s hand, foot or any other body part.
Par
Each hole on the course has a designated number of strokes that a skilled player should take to complete the hole, referred to as “par”. If a player takes one fewer strokes than par to complete the hole, they are said to have made a “birdie”, while taking one more than par is called a “bogey.”
Penalty Strokes
Penalty strokes are added to a player’s score when they break a rule, such as taking an illegal drop or playing the wrong ball. The number of penalty strokes depends on the infraction, but they are generally added to the score on the hole where the infraction occurred.
Out of Bounds
A ball is out of bounds when it goes beyond the boundaries of the course. Players who hit a ball out of bounds must add a penalty stroke to their score and play the ball from the point where it went out of bounds or from a designated drop zone.
Lost Ball
If a player is unable to find their ball within a reasonable time, they must declare the ball lost and add a penalty stroke to their score. The player must then play their next shot from the spot where they believe their previous ball was last played.
Unplayable Lie
If a player’s ball comes to rest in an area that they cannot play from, they may choose to take an “unplayable lie” penalty. This will add one penalty stroke to their score. The player can drop the ball within two club-lengths of where it lies but not closer to the hole.
Types of Games
Match Play
In match play, players compete against each other, and the player who wins the most holes wins the match.
Stroke Play
In stroke play, players compete against the course, and the player with the lowest total number of strokes over the entire round wins.
Golf is a complex and challenging sport, but by understanding the basic rules of golf, players can navigate the course with confidence and play the game to the best of their abilities. It’s always best to check with local golf club or governing body for any specific local rules and regulations before starting a round.
Keep up with major tournaments here, or have a read of our take on Cricket. Another sports where control of where the ball is hit can make or break a game.
