Golf has somewhat of a weird reputation; some people believe it is the ultimate sport while others think it is fit only for sedentary players who just want a simple sport to pass the time. Despite these varying opinions, golf remains one of the most popular sports in the world. You may think that it is too easy or does not have many rules, but this could not be further from the truth. Golf is a complex sport with sophisticated rules that can sometimes be hard to follow. Yet, by reading our next guide, you will be able to get into golf in no time. 

So, check out the next few points to get a basic understanding of golf.

Understanding the Rules

Just like any other sport, golf has many rules. Before you start playing golf, you need to be aware of its basic rules, at the very least, to be able to compete with your friends and enhance your playing style. Golf courses consist of areas, usually 18 or 9 depending on the course. In every area, there is the tee (the starting point), the hole you need to put the ball in, and the green area between them. Each area has an optimum number of shots required to put the ball into the hole; these are called “pars.” For instance, if the area is a par 3, it means that it should not take you more than three shots to hit the hole. Similarly, when playing in a par 4 area, you should optimally hit the hole in four shots or less. Traditional golf courses often have a combination of par 3, par 4, and par 5 areas. However, there are training courses that have par 3 areas only. So, as a beginner, you should try par 3 courses first to practice your shots before you work your way up to par 4 and par 5 ones.

Tallying Up the Score

As opposed to other sports, in golf, the player with the lowest score is crowned the winner. Every shot you take counts as a point, and the fewer shots it takes you to put the ball into the hole, the better your ranking becomes. Golf can be pretty punishing because even if you swing and miss the ball, it counts as a point. When playing with your friends, the player with the lowest score should be the first to hit the ball, then the one with the second-lowest score takes their turn and so on. If you hit the ball and it goes off-course, disappearing in water or trees, you have only five minutes to look for it. In case it proves hard to find, you have to get back to your original position and take another shot. This involves taking a penalty stroke—an extra point added to your score.

Learning to Swing

Now that you know a bit more about golf rules, it is time to learn how swinging works. As explained in the detailed articles you can access when you visit this site, you must perfect your posture to swing effectively and hit your target every time. To start aiming, make sure that your knees are bent and your feet are in line with your hips to stay balanced. Then, you need to keep your non-dominant side parallel to the hole. In case you are a rightie, you should position your body in a way that allows you to swing to the left. Finally, raise your arms to form a 90o angle with the club and swing. Just remember that putting too much force into your swings is not always ideal, especially if you are really close to the hole.

Getting the Needed Equipment

If you are serious about pursuing golf as a hobby, you need to have the appropriate equipment. As a general rule of thumb, you need a club set, tees (the nails used to hold the balls in place), and plenty of balls. You can also get moisture-wicking gloves if your hands get excessively sweaty. These gloves can help you maintain your grip on the club and aim better. Moreover, you may want to invest in a golf bag to keep all your equipment in one place.

Don’t let naysayers sway your opinion; golf is definitely a real sport! Whether you want to become a professional golfer or simply spend some time with your friends, golf has plenty to offer. After reading the previous points, you are now ready to swing your way to victory! So, get your golf bag and head to the nearest course now.

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