Last week, a colleague asked me if I could teach him how to play golf. He said he’d never played the sport before, but had always wanted to learn. And since he knew me to be an avid golfer, he thought he’d ask me — which got me thinking. It’s true that I’ve been playing golf for a long time. I’ve played competitively and recreationally, and I’ve coached quite a few people over the years. So I thought, why not share my golfing experiences through a blog. I could reach out to more people and share useful tips. I would also be doing a service to the sport I so adore. With that goal in mind, I sat down to write and created this beginner’s guide. It has all the basics golf rules, and dos and don’ts, to help new comers pick up the game.
Golf Basics for Beginners — The Object of Golf
The object of golf is to get your ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. For this, the golfer uses a club to hit the ball towards a hole that has a flag pole to indicate its position on the course.
Golf Authorities
The United State Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) make the rules of golf, and govern the sport worldwide. The rules in this article have the same order as followed by the USGA and the R&A. They are also just a summary of the official rules which run into approximately 100 pages. For the latest unabridged version of the rules, I suggest you visit the USGA or R&A website, and check out the full rules.
Let’s begin.
Golf Basics Rule 1: The Game, Player Conduct and the Rules
The 3 golden rules of golf are:
I. Play the course as you find it and play the ball as it lies.
II. Play by the Rules and in the spirit of the game.
III. Apply your own penalties if you violate a rule so you do not gain an unfair advantage over your competitor.
Golf is a gentleman’s game and players are expected to play the game honestly.
Golf Basics Rule 2: The Course
The ground where golf is played is called a golf course. It has a diverse terrain and a series of holes. No two golf holes in the world are alike and every golf course is different. There are obstacles like water bodies, shrubbery, and sand pits to make the game more challenging.
A typical golf course has five defined areas. First is the teeing green. It is where you start your game. Then there are the penalty areas which include water bodies and areas specifically marked as such. If the ball ends up in a penalty area, the player is allowed relief with a one-stroke penalty. Next are the bunkers or sand traps. These are shallow pits filled with sand with a raised lip or obstruction. A golf hole culminates in a putting green which has a flagstick to mark the hole. The object of golf is to sink the ball into the hole on the putting green. Every hole on the course ends at the green. All areas of the golf course except the four aforementioned areas are labeled general area. Some courses also have No Play Zones which are protected areas due to environmental reasons.
Golf Basics Rule 3: The Competition
There are two types of scoring systems in golf: stroke play and match play. In stroke play, the total number of strokes over one, or more rounds, of 18 holes is counted, and the player with the least number of strokes wins. In match play, each hole is considered a separate challenge. You earn a point for each hole in which you have bested your opponent. If both players score the same on a given hole, the point is halved. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
You can play as an individual or team up with a partner as part of a side.
You can use a gross scoring system that does not take into account handicap strokes, or you can use a net scoring system that applies handicap strokes. A handicap is a numerical figure that indicates a player’s proficiency. It allows players with differing potential to compete on a fair and equitable playing field.
Players are expected to use their correct handicap.
Golf Basics Rule 4: The Player’s Equipment
Golfers use different kinds of clubs to overcome different obstacles on the course. Each player is allowed a maximum of 14 clubs at a time. If they are found to be carrying more than 14 clubs, a two-stroke penalty is added to the first hole.
Players cannot use any playing aid to artificially improve their performance.
Golf Basics Rule 5: How to play the round
A round comprises of 18 or fewer holes played in the order set by the authorities.
In stroke play, make sure your score is correctly mentioned on your card before signing it.
Do not cause unnecessary delay. Keep up your momentum and follow the group in front. You may stop play if you fall ill, if an official asks you to stop, or if the weather changes suddenly for the worse.
You are not allowed to practice a shot while playing a hole during a stroke event. Matches however allow practice. The rules for practice shots are subject to change. We advise you to check with the authorities before you begin playing.
Golf Basics Rule 6: How to play a hole
The game starts at the first hole. You begin by playing a ball from the teeing area. You start a hole when you make a stroke to begin the hole. Position yourself two club lengths behind the marker and hit the golf ball towards the hole on the putting green. At this initial stage, the goal is to get the ball as close to the hole as possible. After you have played your shot, your opponent plays their shot. The player whose ball is furthest from the hole takes the next shot. Players take turns hitting their shots in alternate succession until both of them have put their respective balls into the hole. The number of strokes taken by each player to sink their ball is recorded and they move on to the next hole.
You cannot change the ball while playing a hole, unless it is allowed by the Rules. As there are many players on the course at a time, it is advisable to mark your own ball with a pen or marker so it is easy to identify them. This is crucial because if you are not careful and play a ball that is not yours, you get the general penalty. In general penalty, you lose the hole in match play and incur two penalty strokes in stroke play.
Par and hole-in-one
Par indicates the average number of shots for completing a hole. It is based on the difficulty level and length. The designation of your shot depends on how you performed on the hole. The following table enumerates the rule.
So if you sink your ball in 2 strokes less than par, it is known as an Eagle. If you do it in 2 strokes more than par, it is known as a Double Bogey.
A hole-in-one, also called an ace, is when you manage to hit your ball into the hole on the very first shot. Hole-in-ones are normally attempted on holes with a par of 3 as they are shorter in length.
Golf Basics Rule 7: How to search for your ball
While searching for your ball, you must not do anything to intentionally improve its lie or the surrounding area to create a better shot for yourself. Doing so would earn you the general penalty.
Golf Basics Rule 8: Play the course as you find it
You are not allowed to alter the environment around the ball. You must accept the conditions you find your ball in. After all, it was you who hit it there.
If the ball moves while at rest, and you are not aware what caused it, you must play it from the new resting place.
If you or anyone else accidentally dislodges the ball, it must be put back on its original spot.
If you find your ball in an area from where it is impossible to play it, you will be given some form of relief, which may or may not entail penalty.
If there are loose objects near your ball, you may remove them if the Rules permit. Let us understand what is allowed and what is not as per the basic golf rules.
Golf Basics Rule 9: Play the ball as it lies
This Rule states that you must play the ball as it lies. It covers the following three scenarios:
I. If the ball you hit comes to rest, and moves again due to natural forces like wind or water, you must play the ball from the new resting position.
II. If the ball you hit comes to rest, but is lifted, or moved by someone on the course, or an external agency, before you can make your stroke, your ball must be put back on its original resting position.
III. Except on a putting green, if you cause your own, or an opponent’s, ball at rest to move, you will accept a one-stroke penalty.
Golf Basics Rule 10: Stroke, Advice, Caddies
Strike the ball with the head of your club. Do not hit the ball while it is in motion, except when it is in water. You are not allowed to use any artificial aid or assistance in making your stroke. You are also not allowed to use an anchoring point against your body to make a shot.
The basic golf rules do not allow players to offer advice to one another, unless they are on the same team or side. You can accept advice only from a player on your side.
Your caddie may point out the line of play before you play your shot, but he cannot stand on the line, or directly behind it, when you get ready to play your stroke, unless he is attending the flagstick.
Golf Basics Rule 11: Ball in Motion
If a ball in motion accidentally hits you, your equipment, or a person, you do not incur any penalty. You play the ball as it lies and the game moves on. But, if you deliberately change the course of the ball, or stop it, you take a penalty.
Golf Basics Rule 12: Bunkers
As mentioned already, a bunker is a sandy pit from where it is difficult to play a ball.
Now you need to keep a few things in mind while playing from a bunker. First, you can remove man-made obstructions like cups, cans and pens. But you cannot remove natural items like grass, leaves and stones.
The basic golf rules also prohibit touching the sand around the ball. You are not allowed to alter the lie of the ball to give yourself an advantage.
Golf Basics Rule 13: Putting Greens
The area around the flagstick is known as the putting green. It is a specially prepared area and comes with its own set of Rules which are different from the ones that apply to other areas of the course.
You are allowed to lift and clean your ball on the putting green. Be sure to mark the spot before lifting the ball and replace the ball after cleaning.
You are allowed to remove sand and loose soil on the putting green.
You can also repair any damage caused to the putting green by shoes, tees and equipment to restore it to its original conditions.
You are allowed to remove loose impediments from the green without touching the line of putt.
If you, a member of your team, or another player, accidentally move your ball or ball marker on the putting green, there is not penalty. You must put the ball back on its original position, or place a marker to mark the original spot, as the case may be.
When putting, you have the option to remove or keep the flagstick.
If your ball overhangs the edge of the hole, you are allowed 10 seconds to see if the ball falls in. If it falls in after 10 seconds, accept a one-stroke penalty.
Golf Basics Rule 14: Handling a Ball — Marking, Lifting and Cleaning
The basic golf rules state that a player may lift a ball only if it is reasonably necessary to identify the ball.
Before you lift an at-rest ball you intend to replace, mark the spot. Put a ball marker, or place a club, right behind or right next to the ball, and mark the spot.
The original ball must be put back on its spot, unless substitution is allowed.
If the spot is marked by a ball marker, once you replace the ball, you must remove the marker before playing your stroke. If you do not mark the spot before lifting the ball, mark it incorrectly, play your shot without removing the ball marker, or clean the ball when not allowed, you add a penalty stroke to your score.
If the original lie of the ball is altered, you may replace the ball in the nearest similar lie. If you are in a bunker, you may recreate the lie.
When dropping a ball, hold it at knee height and drop it over the intended spot. Make sure it does not touch you or your equipment before it hits the ground.
Golf Basics Rule 15: Free relief — Movable obstructions and Loose Impediments
Obstructions: Man-made artificial objects are called obstructions. Things like bottles, tee pegs, etc., are considered movable obstructions, while sprinkler heads, cart paths, etc., are considered immovable obstructions.
Loose impediments: These are natural objects that are not fixed to the ground or growing on it. Examples are fallen leaves, fallen twigs, fallen branches, insects, and pebbles.
You are allowed to moves loose impediments and movable obstructions anywhere on the golf course. Take care not to displace the ball while moving the objects. If the ball does move, you must put it back in its place. No penalty is incurred in this case.
Golf Basics Rule 16: Free relief — Abnormal Course Conditions, Dangerous Animal Condition and Embedded Ball
Relief is allowed if there is interference from abnormal course conditions which include ground under repair, animal holes, temporary water and immovable obstructions. You can take free relief and play your ball from a different place if these conditions interfere with your intended stance or area of intended golf swing, or if your ball touches any of these areas. You may drop your ball away from the immovable obstruction. Before you pick up the ball, find the nearest point of relief, not closer to the hole, which allows you to freely play your stroke and does not interfere with either your stance or golf swing. Then, drop the ball within one club length of this point and play your shot.
You are allowed relief if the presence of a dangerous animal such as a snake or an alligator prevents you from safely playing the ball as it lies.
A ball is said to be embedded if a part of the ball is below the ground level by reason of it being embedded in its own pitch mark. Relief is allowed if the ball is embedded in the general area.
Golf Basics Rule 17: Penalty Areas
Certain areas on the course are marked as penalty areas. These are demarcated by red or yellow stakes or margins. If you hit the ball into a penalty area, you may play it as it lies, or take penalty relief. If your ball goes missing in a penalty area, you can take penalty relief. You cannot take relief for interference by an abnormal course condition, an embedded ball, or an unplayable ball in a penalty area.
Golf Basics Rule 18: Stroke-and-Distance Relief, Ball Lost, Provisional Ball
If you cannot find your ball within 3 minutes of arriving at the spot where it landed, it is known as a lost ball.
If the entire ball comes to rest outside the boundary edge of the course, the ball is said to be out of bounds.
If your ball is lost outside a penalty area, or if it comes to rest out of bounds, you earn a one-stroke penalty, and you must go back to the spot from where you took the previous shot, drop the ball on that spot, and attempt the shot again. This is known as stroke-and-distance relief.
If you believe that your ball is lost outside a penalty area, or is out of bounds, to save time, you are allowed to play another ball provisionally under penalty of stroke-and-distance. Before you play the ball provisionally, you must clearly announce that you are about to do so and specifically utter the word ‘provisional’.
Golf Basics Rule 19: Ball Unplayable
The basic golf rules state that a player may declare a ball unplayable to get out of a difficult situation anywhere on the course, except a penalty area. The player is the only person who can declare their ball unplayable.
When you declare a ball unplayable in the general area or the putting green, you add one penalty stroke to your score and have 3 options before you. First, you can take stroke-and-distance relief and play the shot again from the spot where the previous stroke was made. Second, you can drop a ball behind the point where the ball lies, keeping that point directly between the hole and the spot on which you drop the ball, with no limit to how far back you want to go. This is known as back-on-the-line relief. Third, you can drop a ball within two club-lengths sideways of the point where the ball lies, without going closer to the hole. This is called lateral relief.
When you declare a ball unplayable in a bunker, you have 4 options. First, you can take stroke-and-distance relief for one penalty stroke. Second, you can take back-on-the-line relief for one penalty stroke. Third, you can take lateral relief for one penalty stroke. Fourth, for two penalty strokes, you can take back-on-the-line relief outside the bunker maintaining a straight line from the hole, crossing the spot where the ball lies and ending at the spot where you drop the ball.
Golf Basics Rule 20: Rules Resolution
If you have a question regarding a Rule during a round, you have the right to get a ruling at a later stage. But you must not unreasonably delay the game when seeking an explanation of a Rule. This section enumerates the role of Referees and Committees. Rulings by Referees and Committees are final.
Golf Basics Rule 21, 22, 23 and 24: Other Forms of Play
Rule 21 through 24 explain various forms of play.
Stableford — Stableford is a form of stroke play based on a points-scoring system instead of total strokes. The player or side who scores the most points and completes all rounds wins the competition.
Maximum Score — It is a form of stroke play where the score of a player or side for a hole is capped at a maximum number of strokes by the Committee.
Par/Bogey — It is another form of stroke play where a fixed target for a hole is pre-decided by the Committee. The scoring is done by subtracting the total number of holes lost from the total number of holes won. The side with the highest score wins the competition.
Three-Ball Match Play — It is a form of match play involving 3 players. Each player plays an individual match against each of the other two players simultaneously.
Foursomes — It is a form of stroke play or match play where the partners compete as a side and take turns playing one ball on each hole.
Four-Ball — It is a form of stroke play or match play similar to Foursomes, except the partners play their own ball. The lower score between the two partners on a hole is declared as the side’s score.
Common Golf Queries
What are water hazards?
A water hazard is a body of water in a golf course. It can be a normal water hazard or a lateral water hazard. The first is indicated by a yellow stake or a yellow line, while the second is indicated by a red stake or a red line.
If your ball lands on a normal water hazard, you have 3 options as per the basic golf rules. One, if you are lucky, you may still be able to play the ball from the hazard. Two, you can accept a stroke-and-distance relief for a one stroke penalty. Three, you can mark the point where the ball last crossed the hazard and keep that point between you and the hole and withdraw backwards as far you like. Then, when you get to a flat surface from where you are confident you can play the ball well, drop the ball and play your stroke again.
If your ball lands on a lateral water hazard, you have the same 3 options as in a normal hazard, plus 2 additional options. You can either take a two club-length drop from the point where the ball last crossed the hazard barrier, or you can go to the opposite side of the hazard and take a two club-length drop on that side. You drop the ball on that spot and play your stroke again. In both cases, you take one penalty stroke.
What is a good round of golf for an adult beginner?
The National Golf Foundation states that 45% of all golfers score an average of more than 100 strokes per round. Overall, 108 is considered to be a decent score for an adult beginner. It equates to double bogey on each hole on a course with a par of 72. I personally feel that for a beginner, breaking 100 and touching 90 is an incredible achievement.
Is golf hard to learn?
Golf is not so hard to learn, but it a strenuous sport. It requires a lot of metal ability and physical strength. You need to have a calm temperament and an athletic body to play well. Golf is definitely not a casual sport. It is hard work.
How is handicap calculated?
Your handicap reflects your current skill level. Imagine you scored an average of 100 for your first ten rounds of golf. It means you made around 1000 strokes to complete the ten rounds. If you played an 18-hole course with a par of 72, your average score of 100 is 28 above par. Here, 28 is your handicap. But it is not set in stone and is adjusted in future games to account for your latest performance. Typically, the lower your handicap is, the better a player you are. If, for instance, you have a handicap of 8 and your partner has a handicap of 12, it means you are more proficient at the game, and are on average 4 strokes better than them. If you play an 18-hole course with a par of 72, you would be expected to score an 80, which is 8 more than par, while your partner would be expected to play the same 18 holes in 84 strokes, which is 12 more than par. In other words, your handicap indicates the number of strokes more than par you would normally take to play an 18-hole course.
What is the average beginner golf handicap?
A beginner normally scores more than 100 on an 18-hole course with a par of 72. Therefore, the average handicap for a beginner is around 30. However, with regular practice, this handicap can be lowered. Set yourself a target of 90 for 18 holes. Getting there might take some time, but it is not impossible. Once you achieve 90, aim for 80, and progressively keep upping your game.
What is a good score for 18 holes of golf?
According to the National Golf Foundation, 26% of all golfers score fewer than 90 on standard 18-hole courses. So a score of 85 means you are ahead of three quarters of the golf-playing population. For an amateur adult golfer, nailing an 85 in windy conditions on a difficult course is pretty impressive.
What is a good score for 9 holes of golf?
45 is a good score for a 9-hole course.
What percentage of golfers can break 100?
According to the National Golf Foundation, 55% of all golfers shoot under 100. Here is a break-up of the average scores and their corresponding percentage.
What is a bad golf score?
Golf scores are relative. What is poor for one player might be good for another. For a scratch golfer (has a handicap of 0), 85 is a bad score. But for a new comer, 85 is awesome.
How can I get better at golf fast?
There is no short cut in golf. The only way to improve your performance is to play more regularly. Focus on developing a good stance, grip, posture and swing. Know which club to use when, and how best to align the clubface. Learn to use the wind to your advantage. Above all, stay fit and keep yourself hydrated on the course.
