A competitive sport for some people and a relaxing hobby for others is what golf is all about.If you want to play golf, you need to learn some basic rules and how to hit the ball.To have fun on a golf course, you need to know how to get equipment and learn proper course manners.
Step 1: You can learn the object of the game.
The object of golf is to get your ball from the starting point to the green and into the hole.The hole is marked by a flag, and you want to get your ball in it with the least amount of shots possible.The entire area from the tee to the green is referred to as the hole.A standard golf course has 18 holes, or areas with a tee, green, and physical hole marked by a flag.9-hole courses are ideal for beginners.
Step 2: The course is played by the order of the holes.
Every golf course has its own way of structuring and which holes you start and end with.There are two areas where you start and finish a hole.If you are going with a group that has at least one person familiar with the order of the course, it is a good idea to have a course map with you.You can check in and rent gear at the main office of the course.
Step 3: You should take your turn in the group.
You should know when your turn is to avoid confusion.The person with the best score from the previous hole is usually the first to tee off.The person who is furthest away from the hole hits first, followed by the person next farthest away, and so on until everyone gets the ball.
Step 4: The ball should not be moved on the course.
It is against the rules to pick up and move a ball that lands in an unexpected place.Unless there is a man-made obstruction like a beer can or a yardage marker, you have to play it where it is.Ask a more experienced player if you don't know if something near your ball is an obstruction.You will have to take a 1 stroke penalty if you hit your ball out of bounds or into the water.
Step 5: Score each hole.
Each hole on a golf course has an ideal number of strokes it should take to get the ball into the physical hole, which is known as the Par.Each hole on a course will be called a Par 3, Par 4 or Par 5, and your score on each hole has a nickname for that hole.For instance, shooting 2 under par, or getting the ball in the hole in 3 shots on a 5-par hole, is called an Eagle.
Step 6: You can win if you have the lowest score at the end.
The person with the lowest score is the winner when your group reaches the last hole.You can compare your score to the pars for each hole to keep track of how you are doing.You are doing well if you are consistently shooting on par or below par.You will shoot over par on 5 par holes in the beginning.This is normal.You will get better with practice.
Step 7: Start out with a Par 3 course.
A standard course has a mixture of Par 3, 4 and 5 holes, but the distances between the tee and the hole are shorter on a par 3 course.The courses are for beginners.The total par is the number of pars added up.On a standard golf course, this number is 72, less on a smaller course.A 9 hole Par 3 course is a total of 18 holes.
Step 8: Stand with your knees bent.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with the weight evenly distributed between the center of the feet, not your toes or heels.The end of your club should reach the ground if you bend your knees slightly and lean forward.Imagine how a bowler stands before throwing the ball, with their weight between their feet, and slightly bent forward at the hips.The non-dominant side of your body should be facing the hole.If you are right handed, you will hit the ball toward your left if you bring the club up to your right.
Step 9: Bring your club back to the ground.
The order from out to in should be clubhead, hands, arms, shoulders, hips.As you pass yourdominant-sided leg with your hands, your weight should shift to that leg because your dominant arm should stay close to your side.The toe, or rounded edge, should be up toward the sky when the club is parallel to the ground.
Step 10: The club should be brought up at a 90 degree angle.
Continue moving your weight to your dominant side and hinge the club 90 degrees from your arms, which are parallel to the ground.You should feel the weight of your hip on your shoulders.The toe of your club should be facing in the opposite direction.
Step 11: Bring the club all the way up by turning your shoulders.
You should twist your shoulders so that your non-dominant shoulder is below your chin.This will move your club up and over your head with the weight of the club in your hands and arms.If you picture your hands at an 1 o'clock position, they should be high from the ground.Your dominant hip and ankle should feel like they're ready to hit the ball.
Step 12: As you swing the club, shift your weight to the other side.
Your weight should shift as you bring the club down.Your elbow should pass in front of your hip, but you should keep your body centered with your belt buckle pointed toward the ball.If you want to avoid throwing the club's weight from the top, keep your wrists open.
Step 13: Straighten your side and make contact with the ball.
As you make contact with the ball, your hips continue to turn as you aim towards the other side.Your dominant wrist should be bent as you make contact with the ball.Your weight is mostly shifted to your non-dominant side.
Step 14: For the follow-through, extend both of your arms.
After you make contact with the ball, don't stop swinging.Bring your arms and club up so that they are parallel to the ground.Your arms should move towards your body because you are twisting your hips in the swing.During the last part of shifting your weight, your dominant knee should kick toward the straight knee, closing the gap between your legs.A proper follow-through stops with the clubhead below the level of your hands, showing you have maintained control in your arms and wrists.
Step 15: You need a minimum number of clubs.
You can carry up to 14 clubs in your bag, but only if you have a driver, putter, wedge sand, 6-iron, 8- iron, pitching wedge, and a hybrid.You can find discounted and used clubs at sporting goods stores.If you have never played golf before, consider going with someone who will let you use their clubs, renting clubs at the golf course, or going to a driving range to try out different clubs before spending money on your own set.
Step 16: Obtain balls.
The t-shirt looks like a brightly colored wooden or plastic nail that you set your ball on before hitting it.There is a range of prices and quality for balls.If you have never played before, buy cheap balls.It is best not to spend too much on balls right away because you will lose them when you start.To find out if a golf course provides balls for you to play with, call the course office.There are golf balls and t-shirts for sale at sporting goods stores.
Step 17: Invest in gloves and a bag.
You can start getting blisters on your hands if you don't wear golf gloves.Even if you are sweating, they help you keep a firm grip on your club.You can try on gloves at a sporting goods store.Any sturdy bag that can carry your clubs, balls, rain gear, water and/or snacks will work.If you're looking for a good deal on a golf bag, check out thrift stores, yard sales, or used gear websites.
Step 18: Keep in touch with your group.
It is important to be ready to hit when it is your turn, because you don't need to rush your shots or run to your ball.Before hitting your ball, limit your practice swings to 1 or 2.When someone is about to take a shot, it's not a good time to chat with others in your group.A person can be thrown off if they talk too much during a shot.
Step 19: "Fore!"
When you start out, your shots may not go as expected.When you see your ball heading toward a person, yell "Fore!" as loud as you can so they can get out of the way.If a golf ball hits a person, they can be seriously injured.This step is important for both safety and courtesy.
Step 20: Don't get in the way of shots.
When someone is about to take a shot, stand off to the side and a bit behind them so as not to distract them.Stand or walk away from a person taking a shot.Keep an eye out for other players who are not in your group.Don't touch the ball or allow someone to get it, it will travel onto your hole.
Step 21: For 3 minutes, look for a lost ball.
If you can't find a ball, you should only look for it for 3 minutes.After that, take a 1-stroke penalty and do another shot.Stand as close to where you were as possible, hold the ball out at shoulder length, and drop it to the ground.You can take a penalty stroke if you lose your ball from the tee-off.