Golfing News & Blog Articles
Golf Key Rules and Terminology
The game of golf relies on a specific set of clubs, each designed for a different purpose on the course.
|
Club Type |
Description |
Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
|
Woods |
Used for long-distance shots. Modern woods are typically made of metal and are hollow-bodied. |
Tee shots and long shots from the fairway. |
|
Irons |
Versatile clubs with numbered heads (1-9) that provide different lofts and distances. |
Approach shots to the green, and shots from the rough. |
|
Wedges |
High-loft irons used for short shots, especially around the green and from bunkers. |
Short approaches, pitching, chipping, and bunker shots. |
|
Putter |
Used to roll the ball along the ground into the hole. |
On the green. |
Basic Rules and Scoring
The object of the game is to complete the course using the fewest total strokes.
Scoring Terms
|
Term |
Definition |
|---|---|
|
Par |
The number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. |
|
Birdie |
One stroke under par on a single hole. |
|
Eagle |
Two strokes under par on a single hole. |
|
Bogey |
One stroke over par on a single hole. |
|
Double Bogey |
Two strokes over par on a single hole. |
|
Ace (Hole-in-One) |
Hitting the ball directly into the hole from the tee shot. |
Key Rules
A few fundamental rules every golfer should know:
- The ball must be played as it lies. Do not move, improve, or touch the ball unless the rules permit.
- The maximum number of clubs a golfer is allowed to carry is 14.
- If a ball is lost or hit out of bounds, the penalty is generally one stroke and the distance, meaning the player must play another ball from where the previous stroke was made (stroke and distance).
- Relief from certain situations, such as cart paths or standing water, is permitted without penalty.
Etiquette
Proper golf etiquette is crucial for enjoying the game and respecting other players and the course. Key points include:
- Silence is required when another player is taking a shot.
- Always be ready to play when it's your turn (Ready Golf).
- Repair divots on the fairway and ball marks on the green.
- Rake bunkers after use.
- Keep carts and trolleys off the green and fringe.
