About Golf
What is Golf?
Well golf is an old sport; the exact origin is not clear and is often open to debate as to being either Chinese, Dutch or Scottish. However, the most accepted golf history theory is that this sport originated in Scotland during the 1100s. The game was mentioned in two 15th-century laws prohibiting the playing of the game of golf. Some scholars have suggested that this refers to another game which is more akin to modern shinty, hurling or field hockey than golf. A game of putting a small ball in a hole in the ground using clubs was played in 17th-century Netherlands. The word golf derives from the Dutch "kolf" meaning stick, club or bat. Flourishing trade over the North Sea during the Middle Ages and early Modern Period led to much language interaction between Scots, Dutch, Flemish and other languages. There are reports of even earlier accounts of golf from continental Europe.
The major changes in equipment since the 19th century have been better mowers, especially for the greens, better golf ball designs, using rubber and man-made materials since about 1900, and the introduction of the metal shaft beginning in the 1930s. Also in the 1930s the wooden golf tee was invented. In the 1970s the use of metal to replace wood heads began, and shafts made of graphite composite materials were introduced in tTypes of Golf Shots
The most memorable golf shots go ‘straight down the middle’, or arrow-straight at the pin, combined with perfect judgment of the length of shot required. Equally memorable are those occasions when a ‘draw’ or ‘fade’ is employed to take advantage of wind conditions, or to get round an obstruction such as trees. 
There are many types of shots taken in the game of golf especially due to the many different clubs that can be used and unfortunately, not all golf shots are considered to be good shots. The following are examples of many of the different types of golf shots.
The hook shot starts straight or to the right of the target and swings away to the left (opposite for a left handed swinger).
The slice starts straight or to the left of the target and swings away to the right (opposite for a left handed swinger). 
The push starts to the right of the target and stays there.
The pull starts to the left of the target and stays there. 
The skied shot goes up in the air and little forward distance.
The duff/fat shot is often straight, but with no power. 
The thin shot does not climb into the air. The topped shot is an extreme version of this.
What is a driving range?
Driving range
A driving range is an area where golfers can practice their swing. It can also be a recreational activity itself for amateur golfers or when enough time for a full game is not available. Many golf courses have a driving range attached and they are also found as stand alone facilities, especially in urban areas. They are typically run by a small local businesses. Distances are usually marked by target greens at regular distances. Golfers pay for large bucket of balls (30-70 balls) and hit at their leisure. Balls are retrieved by a specialty cart with a brush and roller attachment that automatically picks up balls and a cage that protects the driver from incoming balls.
The Scorecard Explained
All golf courses have their own scorecard (card of the course), which is unique to that course.
(Please see above when explaining)
On the card, you will find a whole host of information regarding the club, including things like an outline map of the course layout, and the color of the flags on the different nines.
The only information you will find on all cards is:
The scorecard itself – sometimes clubs have separate cards for different member categories, but in the main these are all contained in the one card
The 'Local Rules' of that Club. There is provision within the rules of golf for a club committee to agree rules concerning local circumstances and features. Sometimes these over-ride the rules of golf, but in the main they are intended to give guidance regarding local conditions. You should always check the local rules before going out on a course, especially in competitions.
If a particular situation is not covered by local rules, then the rules of golf apply.
For most competitions, these details will probably have been completed.
The center part shows the hole number, and the length in yards (or meters) – for each of the tee types – the colours normally correspond with those on the tee markers.
In this case, the Stroke Index is the same for both the white (medal) and yellow (Men's' normal) tees, but different from the Ladies' (red) tees. The card also has space for 2 players' scores + those of the marker.
The 'out' and 'in' nine totals are summarized at the bottom of the card, and the total (nett score/ Stableford points etc (see the next section) written in the large box.
The card is then signed by both the player and the marker.
Failure to do this will result in disqualification!
Many cards also carry a request to avoid slow play – the worst enemy of everyone on the golf course!
What is a handicap?
Golf Handicap
What is a handicap?
The Handicap System in Golf allows people of very different golfing abilities to compete with each other. Other sports do have a 'handicap' system, but nowhere does it work as effectively as in the game of golf. Basically, this is the number of strokes a player receives, over and above the 'par' for a course. The higher the handicap, the more strokes received. The highest 'official' handicaps are currently 28 (men) and 45 (women). A very good golfer plays off 'scratch' (zero handicap) or even a 'plus' handicap! So all of the professionals that play golf have a handicap of zero ( 0 ).
How does it work?
If a player plays off an 18 handicap, then he/she would receive 1 shot per hole over and above the course par.
If the handicap is lower than 18, the Stroke Index is used to determine on which holes the strokes are received. In the above example, a 15 handicap player (man) would get an extra stroke at all of the holes where the S.I is 15 or less – so no strokes at the 4th, 7th and 15th.
If the handicap is higher than 18, they would receive a second shot at the holes where the stroke index is equal to or less than the handicap – 18. So a 20-handicapper would get an extra shot at the 5th and 14th holes.
Let's take an example of a player who has a 9 handicap playing against a 16-handicapper in a Matchplay singles match. They would take the difference between their handicaps (7) and apply the ¾ of difference principle = 5.25 – rounded to the nearest full number thus = 5. The 16 handicap player would get an extra stroke over his opponent at the first 5 stroke index numbered holes on the course.
Handicaps are administered by the Golf Clubs themselves, according to rules laid down by their responsible national union. Officially, there is no other way, despite the claims of a number of bodies to being able to award official handicaps. Most golf clubs have a committee (council) member responsible for this. A players handicap can be varied upwards or downwards as a result of his/her performance in 'qualifying competitions'. The committee also has the right under the rules of golf to make merit adjustments to a members handicap.
Handicap levels fall into 4 categories for men and 6 for ladies, as follows:
- 0 – 5
- 6 – 12
- 13 – 20
- 21 – 28
- 29 – 40
- 41 - 45
Handicap range:
The Rules of Golf
Who administers them and how?
It is only comparatively recently in the history of the game that the rules have been ‘standardized’ across regional and national borders. These days, the official body responsible for the rules is one formed of representatives of the US Golf Association (USGA) and Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland (R&A). A new set of rules of golf is issued every 4 years (subject to need), the next one falling due in 2004. In between, the rules committee may be called upon for a ‘decision’ affecting the rules, and the results of these decisions are published – see the web sites at www.usga.com and www.randa.org for a list of current decisions. Every 4 years it Is decided whether the rules themselves require to be update a s a result of these decisions.
Introduction to The Rules of Golf
For a relatively uncomplicated game, where the principle is to knock a ball into a distant hole and repeat the exercise up to 18 times, golf does have a large and seemingly complex rule book. In fact, the rules of golf are one of the most discussed subjects on the planet, and new situations always seem to arise which cause the ruling bodies to issue ‘decisions’ on the rules. These are eventually incorporated into the rules of the game.
Golf prides itself on being an honorable game, and depends to a very large extent on the
honesty and integrity of the players themselves. It is a frequent occurrence on the course to hear a player ‘own up’ to the fact that they hit the ball twice when playing out of a hazard, or disturbed the ball or the ground around it whilst playing a shot – and taking the necessary penalty. Sadly, this is not always the case, and the rules were largely put in place to prevent cheating and other unseemly behavior! Rules are rules, and there are even penalties for players agreeing to waive them. But remember, the most important element of all is the ‘spirit’ of the game and the way in which it is played.
The following section covers the main areas of etiquette on the golf course, definitions, and the rules themselves. These are extracted from the rules of golf, as defined by the US Golf Association in conjunction with the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland. It is for guidance only. If you require a full definition of the rules, for example, to settle a dispute over a situation arising in a game you were involved in, you should refer to the full official ‘rules of golf’. These can be found on the USGA web site.
In addition, there is provision for ‘Local Rules’ These are set by the Committee of a Club and are intended to cover specific local situations such as roads crossing the course.
Golf
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Golf clubs
A player usually carries several clubs during the game (but no more than fourteen, the limit defined by the rules). There are three major types of clubs, known as woods, irons, and putters. Wedges are irons used to play shorter shots. Woods are played for long shots from the tee or fairway, and occasionally rough, while irons are for precision shots from fairways as well as from the rough. A new type of wood known as a "hybrid" combines the straight-hitting characteristics of irons with the easy-to-hit-in-the-air characteristics of higher-lofted woods. A "hybrid" is often used for long shots from difficult rough. Hybrids are also used by players who have a difficult time getting the ball airborne with long irons. Wedges are played from difficult ground such as sand or the rough and for approach shots to the green. Putters are mostly played on the green, but can also be useful when playing from bunkers or for some approach shots.
Golf balls
A Golf ball is a small white ball with a tough rubber core, the minimum allowed diameter of a golf ball is 42.67mm and its mass may not exceed 45.93g. Modern golf balls have a two-, three-, or four-layer design constructed from various synthetic materials. The surface usually has a pattern of 300-400 dimples designed to improve the ball's aerodynamics. The method of construction and materials used greatly affect the ball's playing characteristics such as distance, trajectory, spin and feel. Harder materials, such as Surlyn, usually result in the ball's traveling longer distances, while softer covers, such as Balata, tend to generate higher spin, more "feel" and greater stopping potential. Golf balls are separated into three groups depending on their construction: two-, three-, or four-piece covers. Generally four-piece golf balls tend to be the most expensive, though price is no assurance of quality. As of 2006 there are even golf balls that utilize RFID technology, which allows golfers to more easily locate errant shots using a hand held homing device.
Golf shafts
Golf shafts are used between the grip and the "club head". The profile of the golf shaft is circular in shape and some of the strongest and lightest materials are used to make the golf shaft. Graphite and tempered steels are used for the best strength. In 2006 the newest profiles that are USGA approved and have ultimate strength are Triangle Golf Shafts or some call the shaft Trigraphite Shafts.
Other Golf Items
Golf Tees are used to prop up the ball Sometimes transport is by special golf carts. Clubs and other equipment are carried in golf bags. Golfers wear special shoes with exchangeable spikes (or small plastic claws termed soft spikes) attached to the soles. They also often wear gloves that help grip the club and prevent blistering. Golf tees resemble nails with a small cup on the head and are usually made of wood or plastic. A tee is pushed into the ground to rest a ball on top of for an easier shot; however, this is only allowed for the first stroke (tee shot or drive) of each hole. When on the green, the ball may be picked up to be cleaned or if it is in the way of an opponent's putting line; its position must then be marked using a ball marker (usually a flat, round piece of plastic or a coin). A ball mark repair tool (or pitchfork) is used to repair a ball mark (depression in the green where a ball has hit the ground). To repair a ball mark, one pushes the tool under the mark, and lifts upwards gently, loosening the compacted turf to allow rapid regrowth of grass. Scores are recorded on a score card during the round.
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