The Game of Golf

The Golf Course
A golf course is divided into sections. Usually there are 18 sections - and each section is called a 'hole'. The holes are different lengths. On an average course, they can range from 80 metres to more than 500 metres.

At the start of each hole is the tee and at the end of each hole is a small grassy area called the green. There is a small hole in the green with a container. The position of the hole is marked by a flag. The surface of the green is smooth to make it easier to get the ball into the hole.

Between the tee and the green is a strip of land known as the fairway. The grass on the fairway is quite smooth to help you play better shots. Either side of the fairway is 'the rough'. Here, the grass can be long or there may be bushes and trees. Sometimes the land around the fairway is marshy or sandy and almost every golf course has 'man-made' obstacles. These can be small bunkers or craters filled with loose sand, man-made slopes, ponds or lakes.

Playing the Game
Each player starts at the starting tee for each hole. The holes are numbered 1 - 18 (or 1 - 9 on a short course). At each hole, you try to hit your ball from the starting tee and into the hole on the green in as few strokes as possible. Golfers try to keep their ball on the fairway because the grass is smoother but often the ball lands either side of the fairway. Getting your ball out of the rough is a good test of your golfing skills and can be frustrating - even for the top professionals! A completed game is called a 'round' of golf.

Golfing Handicaps
As an amateur golfer, you will probably play against golfers who are better than you. The handicap system lets you compete against better golfers on level terms. A new golfer will start with a handicap of 28. Ladies and young golfers can start with a higher handicap - up to 36. So what does this mean?

Every hole has a 'par'. This is the number of shots a professional golfer should take to complete the hole. If you add all these pars together you get a par for the course (the number of strokes a professional should take to complete the course). When you have a handicap you are allowed extra shots. For example, if you have the maximum handicap of 36, you are allowed 36 extra shots on top of the course par to complete the course.

People who play golf regularly work hard to reduce their handicap but if you are new to golf, don't worry about it. You will probably take more than 28 or 36 extra shots in the beginning anyway. Learn and enjoy the game first.

Scoring
At the end of the game you add up how many strokes you have taken to get around the course. If you have a handicap, you deduct this from your total to give you a final score. This system of scoring is called the 'Medal System' or 'Strokeplay'.

There are alternative methods of scoring, the most popular being the Stableford system. This system awards points for individual holes; the points you get depends on how well you play the hole, the par for the hole, and your handicap. If you play golf regularly, you will soon learn how to score from those who are teaching you but in the beginning you should just concentrate on playing the game.

Joining a Club

Finding a club
All local clubs are listed in yellow pages. Ring around to check out if they take junior members and ask about their rules and subscription costs. There are private and public golf courses. You will probably have to be a member (and have a recognised golfing handicap) to play on a private course but public courses are often open to everyone. Some public courses have a membership section where you can apply for a handicap. The courses that allow juniors, may require you to be accompanied by an adult when you play.

Club fees vary so it is worth comparing prices. As a junior member you can expect to pay around £100 or more per year for membership but this covers all your games. If you are not a member, then you will have to pay each time you play. The clubs that accept juniors often organise competitions or tournaments for those who are interested. When you achieve a reasonable standard, you can take part in regional events and as a club or regional champion you are eligible to enter national competitions.

For more details of UK clubs and competitions look at the Information page.

Learning the Game
Almost all clubs and courses employ coaching staff. These are professional or semi-professional golfers who can teach you how to play the game properly. They will also give you useful advice about equipment and course etiquette (the rules of the course). This is important so that you don't spoil the enjoyment of other golfers. If you learn how to play from an expert, you will enjoy your game much more. You can book single lessons or a course of lessons. Find out what's available and the costs involved at your local clubs.

If you are unsure about joining a club or playing on a large course, ask at your local park to see if they have a pitch and putt course. These are usually short courses with nine holes. You can hire clubs, balls and tees when you pay for your game.

Many courses now have a golf range, where you can practise hitting the ball. Most of these are open to the general public. (See FAQS).