Basic Golf Instructions - A Beginner's Guide

Golf is historically a "gentleman's game" where rulesof 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 toofficials. - Use the correct handicap. - Be ready to start
other golfers is always displayed as part ofat 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 shouldplayers. Rule 7: Practice - Players may not hit practice
be able to get through a game of golf. Please noteshots while playing a hole. Rule 8: Advice on the
that this summary of the basic rules of golf shouldn'tCourse - During play, players may not ask one another
be considered official or as a means of settlingfor or give advice on how to play a particular shot.
disputes. For that, consult a full copy of the rulesYou may only ask your caddy or partner. - Players
available online through the USGA or R&A. Rule 1: Thecannot use markers to line up a shot. Rule 9:
Game (Layout) - The course holes (1-9 or 1-18) areAnnouncing Your Score - If your opponent asks, you
played in order. - Players must play by the rules. Rulemust always be able to tell him the number of strokes
2: Match Play (Game Version) - In the match playthat you've taken, including penalties. Rule 10: Order of
version of golf, each hole is played as a separatePlayers - The player who has won the previous hole
contest. So, if you win the first hole by having the leastor 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." Ifhole, the player whose ball is furthest from the hole
the hole is tied, you are "all-square." - The game is wongoes 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) - Thebooklet 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 beforetackling hazards and other rule nuances.
they can begin the next hole. - Match play and strokeFor 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 numbermore, please visit a popular site providing great insights
of permitted clubs is fourteen. - Unless the rules allowconcerning all kinds of relevant interests for the golf
for it, you may not change your ball during the courseenthusiast.