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