| Golf is historically a "gentleman's game" where rules | | | | of playing a hole. Rule 6: Player's Responsibilities |
| are consistent, fair play is assumed, attire is | | | | (Behavior) - Read the notices posted by tournament |
| appropriate for the game, and general courtesy to | | | | officials. - Use the correct handicap. - Be ready to start |
| other golfers is always displayed as part of | | | | at the correct tee time. - Have a clearly identifiable ball. |
| sportsmanship. If you're new to golf, keep reading for a | | | | - Keep a correct score and sign your score card |
| very basic understanding of the rules of the sport. | | | | before turning it in. - Never unduly delay play or other |
| Once you have these fundamentals down, you should | | | | players. Rule 7: Practice - Players may not hit practice |
| be able to get through a game of golf. Please note | | | | shots while playing a hole. Rule 8: Advice on the |
| that this summary of the basic rules of golf shouldn't | | | | Course - During play, players may not ask one another |
| be considered official or as a means of settling | | | | for or give advice on how to play a particular shot. |
| disputes. For that, consult a full copy of the rules | | | | You may only ask your caddy or partner. - Players |
| available online through the USGA or R&A. Rule 1: The | | | | cannot use markers to line up a shot. Rule 9: |
| Game (Layout) - The course holes (1-9 or 1-18) are | | | | Announcing Your Score - If your opponent asks, you |
| played in order. - Players must play by the rules. Rule | | | | must always be able to tell him the number of strokes |
| 2: Match Play (Game Version) - In the match play | | | | that you've taken, including penalties. Rule 10: Order of |
| version of golf, each hole is played as a separate | | | | Players - The player who has won the previous hole |
| contest. So, if you win the first hole by having the least | | | | or had the lowest score on the previous hole, has "the |
| number of strokes on that hole, then you are "one-up." | | | | honor" of going first on the next hole. - Once playing a |
| Consequently, if you lose it, then you are "one-down." If | | | | hole, the player whose ball is furthest from the hole |
| the hole is tied, you are "all-square." - The game is won | | | | goes first. Again, these are the very basics of golf. |
| once one player wins the majority of holes. Rule 3: | | | | There are hundreds of rules that fit into the 100+ page |
| Stroke Play (Most Common Game Version) - The | | | | booklet of official golf rules. Before you set out for a |
| golfer with the lowest total score (number of strokes) | | | | real game of golf, make sure you understand about |
| for the round (that is, over all the holes) is the winner. - | | | | playing a ball as it lies, behavior on the putting green, |
| Every player's ball must be played into the hole before | | | | tackling hazards and other rule nuances. |
| they can begin the next hole. - Match play and stroke | | | | For both practical and exciting golf course general |
| play cannot be played at the same time. Rule 4/5: | | | | golfing improvement aids, golf balls information and |
| Clubs and Balls (Equipment) - The maximum number | | | | more, please visit a popular site providing great insights |
| of permitted clubs is fourteen. - Unless the rules allow | | | | concerning all kinds of relevant interests for the golf |
| for it, you may not change your ball during the course | | | | enthusiast. |