1Unquestionably, golf is a truly unique sport that can be enjoyed in the most beautiful natural areas by a wide variety of people and age groups. At first, golf may seem like a complex game full of etiquette, difficult scoring procedures, and numerous rules, but with a little knowledge of the game, golf will become the sport of choice over all other activities. Clearly, an understanding of the rules of golf, how to play, and the scoring methods is all that is neccessary to play a round as early as this weekend.
While the USGA produces an entire manual full of many rules of golf, there are three essential parts to begin playing golf. First, it is important to practice proper etiquette on the golf course, or the manner and consideration for others to allow for the maximum enjoyment of the game. Etiquette is a major part of golf because unlike other sports games, a referee is not present, and it is the golfer’s sole responsibility to maintain integrity and sportsmanship on the course at all times. The best way to learn all the details of golf etiquette is to simply go to the local golf course and watch others as they play and take consideration for others. The second important rule of golf is to understand that golf is game that consists of playing a ball with a club from a teeing ground. The golfer then takes successive strokes with the club until the ball is made in the hole. Therefore, the scoring occurs in the amount of strokes it takes to get the ball in the hole from the time the ball is hit off the tee until it is sunk in the cup. During the process of hitting the ball towards the hole, the ball must never be altered in any way other than the club itself. Lastly, a handicap is often used in golf to allow players of different skill levels to play against each other on equal terms. For example, the handicap changes on each hole, and a net score is achieved based on the number of strokes taken. While, handicaps are useful among casual golf outings among friends, the handicap system is never used at the professional level. Overall, the game of golf only begins with these basics, but as the golfer plays more golf, an aspiration for the complete understanding of the game naturally develops.