Golf Rules

Though the intricate rules have evolved over time, the main objective remains the same: land the golf ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible through using a variety of golf clubs. Besides the golf clubs and golf balls, the only other required piece of equipment is a tee, a wooden or plastic stand to prop the ball up off the grass for the first shot on each hole. Most golfers carry their clubs in a golf bag, slung over their shoulders, though it is technically not required. Some golfers opt to wear a glove on their non-dominant hand to prevent blisters. More serious golfers wear golf cleats, or shoes with spikes that dig into the ground and give the player a better grip on the course.

The standard golf course is 18 holes long and is a mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s. There are a handful of par 6 holes throughout the United States, though they are rare and not part of a typical course. Some courses are short and only nine holes long, often referred to as par three courses. For the most part, an entire course is par 72, meaning after 18 holes, you add up your strokes (shots) and calculate how many strokes over or under par you have finished for your score. After playing many rounds of golf, particularly on the same course, you may find it is helpful to calculate your handicap, or a measure of your ability, while playing against others.

There are different ways to play the game against other people, despite the fact that golf is an individual sport. Stroke play is the standard individual game, while match play incorporates a team aspect where two players play on a team against other teams. In match play, you can either play the best ball or alternate shots. At the end of the hole, the team with the best score on the hole wins. At the end of the 18 hole round, the team that has won the most holes wins the match.

All golf course holes are created differently. Some are long and narrow while others twist around and feature water hazards or sand traps. Every hole is created with a “par,” or the standard number of strokes set for a particular hole, determined based on yardage and difficulty. Par three holes are usually less than 250 yards long, while par five holes can go up to 690 yards.

If a golfer lands the ball in the cup in three strokes on a par three hole, that is considered par. If it takes four strokes to finish the hole, that is one over par, also known as a “bogey.” Likewise, if it takes just two strokes to get the ball in the hole, that is one under par, or a “birdie.” Two strokes under par is an eagle, which is even rarer than a birdie, par or bogey.

The rules of golf are complex and difficult to understand, as players may be penalized for picking up or moving a ball, hitting a ball into the water hazard or hitting the ball off the course and out of bounds.