Rules
The Basic Rules of Golf
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Objective
The aim of golf is simple, hit a small White ball into a hole with the�least amount of�shots for 18 holes,�this consits of 9 holes out and 9 holes back. Note each hole has its own count on how many shots are required from tee to eventually when the ball drops into the hole.This count depends on 1, the length of the hole 2, How difficult the fairways�read, some are extremly undulated, some with severe slopes and some flat and the�amount of shots�per hole is called a par, eg hole 1 is a par 4 meaning the�target is 4 shots to get up and down.��A golfer's real enemy is never his or her opponent but him/herself and more importantly, his or her surroundings.
That is one reason why the game has managed to keep a sense of sportsmanship at its heart - because even at the highest level golfers are united in their battle against the course as much as each other.
If you're new to the sport, either as a player or spectator, our guide to the basics will provide an insight into what it's all about.
Maybe you are new to the game of golf and are finding some of the rules too hard to remember. In such case it is great to carry a handy check list of rules you can refer to on the course. Especially with traditional rules of the game, you could get confused with ones concerning hazards or stroke penalties for instance, so it is good to have the rules at hand at all times on the field. In rare cases when you may disagree with another player it is good to be able to refer to the laws of the game to settle the matter amicably.
You may find it difficult to get your hands on a short checklist of golf rules, and we all would agree it is tedious to write on our your self. What we provide here can be used as a printout to carry when on the course. Take a printout of the rules mentioned here, and use it as reference when you need to. We have taken the liberty to include some laws pertaining to the etiquettes of the game, which are also very important in a ‘gentlemen’s’ game such as golf.
8 Basic Rules
1. You are never allowed to touch the ball while in play. The exception to this rule is when you are on the putting green area, and after the ball has been marked, and also at a time when you are about to play a stroke penalty, thereby removing the golf ball from a hazard or lie.
2. The only time you should play first in the fairway or the putting green is when you are the player who is furthest from the hole.
3. Do take the trouble to avoid slow play of the game. Use the time you have while waiting for others to play their shots by thinking about your own shot selection and club selection.
4. The player allowed to tee off first is he who has scored lowest on the previous round. It is impolite and against the rules to play first unless that fits your position.
5. Carrying more than fourteen clubs in your golf bag will lead to disqualification.
6. When another player is about to play his shot, do not talk or make sudden gestures or movements.
7. When you are on the putting area, take care to stay out of the line of a shot by another player on the same area.
8. Many golf courses have dress codes. If you are unsure of this, it is better to stay on the safe side by wearing a collared shirt.
It is a good idea to check with this list even before you take to the course, as a last minute reference.
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Scoring
One of the good things about golf is that the handicap system allows players of different standards and abilitites to compete against each other. There are various types of competitions or ways of scoring golf which suit different playing abilities and different numbers of players. Two of the most well known methods are strokeplay and matchplay.
Strokeplay
Strokeplay, or medal play, as it is sometimes known, is generally thought of as the most demanding form of competition play. The scores for each hole are added up and a gross score is calculated from these. If strokeplay is being used in a professional competition then the gross score is used to determine the winner. However, if the competition is for amateurs then the players' handicaps are deducted from the gross score to give a nett score. Quite simply, the player with the lowest gross score is the winner of the professional competition and the player with the lowest nett score is the winner of the amateur competition.
In a strokeplay competition you can be competing against a whole host of other players rather than having just one opponent. Your playing partner is known as the marker, which basically means that you exchange scorecards at the start and mark each others card throughout the round.
You have to have a good mental approach when playing strokeplay and not let certain things get to you. Always concentrate on the shot you are playing and try not to think ahead or go over previous holes in your head. In fact, try to put the score out of you head completely!
Matchplay
Matchplay is a type of competition where you play against an individual or in a partnership against another partnership. Holes are scored one by one with the player with the lowest score (either gross or nett depending on how you are playing) winning the hole.
At the start of the round both players are level. If player A wins the first hole then he goes one up while player B goes one down. If they draw on a hole then the hole is 'halved' and each player's score remains the same. If player A wins the next hole then he goes two up and player B goes two down but if player B wins the hole then they go back to being level and the match is 'all square'.
If eventually player A is three up at the 15th hole - i.e. three up with three to play- then he is 'dormie' three which means he cannot lose unless they have to play extra holes. If A gets to the stage where he is, for example, three up with two to play or two up with one to play then he has won. This is abbreviated to saying he has won 3 and 2 or, 2 and 1.
If the round finishes all square then depending on the rules of the competition the players either start at the first hole again (which becomes the 19th) and continue playing until someone goes one up or the match finishes there.
As well as rough, there may be other hazards to contend with such as bunkers and streams.Most courses are around 6,000 yards long and take between three and four hours to play 18 holes, which involves walking about five miles.In basic terms your score on a golf course is made up of the number of shots you take, plus any penalties you may incur.So if you take 90 shots to go around a course and your friend takes 92, you are the winner.
Golf scoring terms
Albatross: Three shots less than par
Eagle: Two shots less
Birdie: One shot less
Bogey: One shot more
Double bogey: Two shots more
Triple bogey: Three shots more Contd....
Scoring centres around the "par" for the course.
This is the number of shots that it takes a top golfer to go around, usually between 70 and 72 and each hole has a par according to its length and difficulty. A par-three hole lets you have three shots.Let's say you score 92 on a par 72 course. Your score will be 20 over parIn addition golf allows you to play against better players by giving you extra shots, almost like a head start.
This is called handicapping.
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Rules
A must tool that every serious golfer should have in his armor is the handbook for Golf rules. Following are some important and very commonly used�in golf�rules coming into play regularly on a golf course.
-� golf rules limits the count of clubs in your bag to fourteen, during your play.
- In order to be considered legal to play, the ball must be placed between the two tee markers on the tee box of each hole.
- One must abstain from moving the tee markers while they are on the ground or in the tee box.
- In case your ball falls down from the tee while attempting a stroke, you are allowed a penalty free stroke after placing the ball back on the tee.
- In case there are any loose pediments in your line of putt, you are allowed to remove them. However, you should not press down anything.
- You should wait for other players' balls to stop before executing your stroke on the putting green.
- You are liable for stroke penalties in case your ball hits the flagstick while putting from the putting green.
- Barring any local rules, you are bound to play the golf ball as it is.
- Every player needs to put a distinct identity mark on their ball to make sure that they are playing the right golf ball throughout the course of the round.
- Everyone should go about their play without any delay. To give you an example - one must not take more than five minutes while looking for a lost ball on the golf course.
- You should refrain from taking any sort of action that moves the golf ball, unless allowed by the�local rules.
- You are allowed to hit a provisional ball in case your golf ball is out of bounds or is lost. However, you must also inform your opponents or playing partners about it.
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Etiquette
No need to even think about it golf is one of the most polite sports in the planet. Have you ever seen Tiger Woods knock one of his opponents on the fifth hole? Or could you imagine Tom Watson chasing Goggin down the fairways of Turnberry at the Open with his club ready to swing at his head? I think not. It simply is not even a consideration. Never crosses a true golfer’s mind. Golf etiquette rules are present all the time.
Golf is a game of elegancy to put it lightly. The game is almost serene, but mostly very proud of its meticulous impeccability on players’ behaviors.
Golfers like to think of themselves as honorable. There lies the spirit of the game. The USGA and the PGA Tour alike embrace this idea and sponsor golf etiquette rules. Hence if you are a beginner golfer it is a great idea to learn golf etiquette rules. I would say it is just as important as knowing the rest of the rules, and coming to understand scoring.
So, let us review a few of the golf etiquette rules basics:
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Tip 1. Check you out.
Starting even before you tee it up on the first hole. Always be ware of the dress code for the particular course you are playing. Dressing properly for the game is a must, if you are feeling like a rebel, most likely they will not let you play. Golf etiquette rules on clothing are pretty strict. Plus golf garments are pretty neat and fun. The three most important aspects you should ask the pro-shop are: shoes, shirts with sleeves (collar or not) and pants (full or knee high).
Tip 2. Golf Carts
Ready to get out on the course? If you are using a golf cart, and you are playing with more experienced players, let them drive and learn on the go. Otherwise make sure you park far enough from greens, and away from your fellow golfers and their golf balls. Find out if there is cart rule applying that day and what does it involve in detail. Walking like the pros do, is always a great option; just make sure to keep up a good pace.
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Tip 3. Modern Era Golf Etiquette Rules
Is it a most to have your cell phone on? Or any other noisy gadget for that matter. If so, set it in vibration mode. Otherwise focus on your game and leave the world aside for a few hours.
Tip 4. Talking
This is a super basic; As stated in the golf etiquette rules: never talk while another player is hitting. In fact you should stop chatting a soon as the player in turn is preparing for his/her shot. Golf is greatly about concentration, you want to respect that for your foursome.
Tip 5. Line of Vision
When other golfers are set up and aligned to make the shot; Try not to stand in their line of vision or line of play. Also, give them some space being to close is not hot in this case.
Tip 6. The Honor
This is one of the most important golf etiquette rules. Be ready to play on your turn. When is it you turn? The ball furthest to the hole has the right of play. The only exception would be when one of the players is by the hole, then he/she can just tap it in to finish.
Tip 7. Tee Shot
For the first shot of the hole, the first player to shoot would be the one with the lowest score on the last one. Golf etiquette rules say in case of a tie, then whoever shot first on the previous tee shot.
Tip 8. Pace of Play
Like mentioned above, be ready for the shot. Line up your next shot before it is your turn. A simple way to do it is to plan your shot while someone else is hitting. Golf etiquette rules also ask you to keep an eye on your foursome’s pace. How is the rhythm of your group? Are the golfers behind you already on your neck? If you see you are playing slower than the group behind, you might want to ask them to play through. That way you avoid holding them up excessively and you take away the pressure of having them right there every single shot. As well, if you are playing behind a slower group, remain calm and polite without trying to rush them. Most likely, they will let you pass, otherwise take your time and enjoy your game.
Tip 9. Take Care of The Course
Be an impeccable golfer you’ll see how much joy you can get from it. Golf etiquette rules include repairing divots on the fairways, ball marks on the greens, and racking the sand traps. Keep the course clean. This is the terrain where one of the greatest games is played.
Enjoy your round!
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