Though there are many opinions on playing golf, the basic rule is simple – having the right knowledge, and practicing that knowledge. Apart from this, there are no short cuts….
When playing golf, there are mainly two kinds of plays namely; match play and stroke play. When a winner is determined by the holes that are lost and won, this is referred to as a match play. The other kind of play, called a stroke play is determined by the number of strokes one takes to complete a round.
There are other formats of plays such as Foursomes, Fourball, Greensomes (orGreensome Foursomes), Fensome or St Andrews Foursomes, Texas scramble, Skins, On the perch, American points, Flag, Yellow Ball, Stableford, Singles, Bogey/Par
RULES OF PLAYING GOLF
Before commencing your game, the first thing that you need to do is to read the local rules as stated on the score card given to you.
Once you have read the rules, be sure to place an identification mark on the ball you are going to use. Since many golfers use the same brand of golf, this is done to ensure that you do not have difficulty finding your ball, incase it is placed within the same bunch. Else, your ball will be lost
Make sure that you count your clubs before playing. You should have a maximum of 14 golf clubs.
When beginning the actual play, it is best that you tee off in front of the tee markers. When you tee outside this specified area and you are playing a match play, your opponent may have to ask you to repeat the stroke you just played. The good thing is that when one does this in a match play, you incur no penalty. However, if it is a stroke play, then you are given a penalty of two-stroke.
While playing, if your golf ball happens to lie in a bunker or a water hazard, you should not in any way touch the ground of the bunker or the water before you do your down swing.
The ball must as much as possible be struck fairly, and should neither be spooned or pushed.
It is alright to mark the ball that you are using. You could take your ball, clean it and place it on the exact place where it was.
When dropping a ball, it is best that you stand upright and then hold the ball at the length of your shoulder, and then you may drop it. If by dropping the ball it happens to strike your partner, you or your caddie, the ball must then be dropped again with no penalty.
It is also alright for you to lift your ball, if by doing so you are able to assist another player. Or you also may lift any other ball if that ball interferes with your playing or that of another player.
Further more there also basics which you need to know, as follows:
The swing - The fundamentals of the movement and how to repeat it. Knowing the plane the club should swing on and getting familiar with where things should be at the various stages of the movement.
The grip - The point of contact between the hands and the golf club takes some getting used to – so practice well.
The address position - How to line up with the ball for both hands and feet.
The back swing – They are check points to ensure a correct back swing and proper setup for the Down swing.
The down swing - Knowing how it is initiated and where the club needs to be at impact.
Club and ball positions - Where you should play the ball in your stance for different clubs.
The short game - Handling shots around the green, including basic putting technique.
Difficult lies - The adjustments you need to make for a non-level lies and other tricky situations that exist on the golf course.
