A golf hole is the fundamental unit of the game of golf, and it consists of several distinct parts designed to challenge players and structure play. Understanding these components is essential for both playing and appreciating the course design.

Teeing Ground (Tee Box)

This is the starting point of the hole. Players must play their first shot (the 'tee shot') from within this designated area.

Fairway

The fairway is the area of short, well-kept grass between the teeing ground and the green. It is the ideal line of play.

• Maintenance: The grass is cut shorter than the rough, providing a good lie for the ball.
• Strategy: Hitting the ball onto the fairway is generally the goal of the tee shot.

Rough

The rough is the area of longer, less-maintained grass that borders the fairway and other components. It is designed to penalize inaccurate shots.

• Penalty: Hitting a ball into the rough makes the next shot significantly more difficult due to the longer grass interfering with the clubface.
• Types: Courses often feature a "first cut" (slightly longer) and a "second cut" (much longer) of rough.

Hazards

Hazards are areas designed to pose a specific challenge and are generally marked with stakes or lines. They result in penalties under the rules of golf.

There are two primary types of hazards:

1. Bunkers (Sand Traps): Areas filled with sand, designed to trap the ball.
2. Penalty Areas (Water Hazards and other marked areas): Can be marked with red (lateral) or yellow (front/back) stakes/lines.

Putting Green (Green)

This is the final destination for the ball on the hole, characterized by the shortest, most manicured grass.

Hole Diagram

The typical sequence of playing a hole involves moving from the Teeing Ground, through the Fairway (avoiding the Rough and Hazards), and finally onto the Putting Green to sink the ball.