The basic rules of golf

Golf is a fascinating game in which strategic thinking, determination and zeal, combined with tolerance and regularity, occupy the last place. In golf, rush and arrogance are unacceptable. Therefore, it is believed that this game is not suitable for the masses. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated in golf. In reality, whole books are being written about the rules of this game. We will review golf rules briefly. Their awareness allows, at least, not to cause confusion among professional players.

Historical excursion

It is believed that golf originated in Scotland and was invented by shepherds. In order not to be bored when grazing cattle, with the help of staves they drove sheep balls into mouse holes. Over time, some of the shepherds became large landowners, and the game has acquired a different meaning. Golf became a reliable cover for business conversations, because on the court there was the least risk of being overheard. It is assumed that the origin of the game occurred in the XIV century, but in its modern form it appeared only in the XIV century, in that very Scotland. Around the same time, golf rules appeared.

Terminology

Before considering the rules of golf, we will deal with the basic terminology of the game. The area where the game begins is called the tee. The same name refers to a ball stand, in shape resembling a screw. The main part of the field is occupied by a zone called “fairways”. This is a relatively flat area with medium-height grass. "Putting green" (or simply "green") is the area with the lowest grass where the hole is located. Between “tee” and “green”, in addition to “fairway”, there is always a zone called “raff”. It grows tall grass and shrubs, there are other obstacles. From this zone the ball is much more difficult to knock than from others. In addition to grass and high vegetation, a golf course may include water, sand and other obstacles.

In golf, there are different strokes that differ from each other in strength, direction and twist. The most common blow is called “drive”. It is carried out at the very beginning of the game to send the ball as far away as possible from the tee. “Patt” is a light rolling blow that is made on the “green” to aim the ball into the hole. "Swing" is a swing of a club when performing any hit. "Steam" - the number of strokes that the player must have to complete the hole. And finally, the assistant player who transfers the inventory, and can help with advice, is called caddy. Of course, this is not all the terms that are used in the game, but to learn the rules of golf for beginners, they are enough.

How is the game going?

Golf is as simple as complex. The main objective of the game is to score the ball in the hole as quickly as possible (for fewer strokes). The round consists of 18 holes. The game can be of two types: match and at the expense of strikes. In the first case, it is calculated how many holes the player went faster than the opponent. In the second, the total number of strokes spent on the passage of all holes is considered.

The main principles of golf:

1. “Play the field as it is.”
2. "Play the ball, how he lay down."
3. “If the above is not possible, act fairly.”

Etiquette

Etiquette includes the rules of courtesy and order on the playing field, as well as care for this very field. They are not regulated by official rules, but are considered no less important. Consider the main ones.

• Do not fall behind . This does not mean that it is worth fussing, running after the ball and hastily hitting it without aiming. It’s just that you don’t have to tune in to the kick too long. But what is needed is to make sure that when it is your turn to hit, you are near the ball. In this case, the players have enough time to talk. However, talking when the other player hits is not accepted. The game should go so that between your group and the group in front of you, there will be about half the hole.
• Wait your turn . You should always know when the time comes for your punch. The first with a “tee” is usually the one who passes the previous hole the fastest. You can be either according to the established order within the group, or by agreement of the “reddy golf”. Its essence is that if a player is ready, he hits. When all the balls hit the “green”, do not forget about the flag. The flag is pulled out of the glass by the player whose ball is closest to the hole. If not all the players in the group see the hole, the above-mentioned player “serves” it - makes sure that the flag is pulled out as the rolling ball approaches the moon. The player who first scored the ball in the hole usually returns the flag to its place after the group passes it.
• Shout "Fur!" If the ball flies into a person . Players often do this, especially when hit hard with a tee. Once you understand that there is at least the slightest risk of injuring another player, scream out loud! Do not be shy. It will be much worse if the ball does hit someone.
• Treat the field with care . To keep the golf course in good condition, a lot of people are working on it. Therefore, the players decided to take care of him. If you are driving around an unfamiliar field on a golf cart, find out if you can ride it on the grass. If not, the golf cart will have to be left on the track. Be that as it may, riding around the putting green is not customary.

If during a strong blow you knocked out a piece of grass cover ("divot"), then you need to either put it in place and press down with your foot, or fill in a special mixture of sand with seeds in the cavity that has appeared. You can usually find her at a golf cart or ask a caddy. When hit in the putting green, dents often remain on the grass. They are repaired with special forks. After a blow from the sand, it should be leveled with a special rake.

• Do not stand at hand . Golf is just as traumatic a sport as elegant. Therefore, do not be too close to the player taking the hit. Moreover, you can prevent him from doing so. Ideal position - behind and a little to the side. Never stand on the putt line.

Beginning of the game

It's time to consider the rules of golf directly. Before the start of the round you need:

1. Read the local rules that will be issued to you on the appropriate card.
2. Put your mark on the ball. Many golfers play the same balls. If during the game you were unable to identify your ball, it shall be recognized as lost.
3. Count your clubs. You cannot have more than 14 clubs.

During the game, you can ask for advice only from your partner or caddy. Advice can only be given to a partner. Training kicks during the game are prohibited.

Beat with a tee

Install the ball to enter it into the game you need between the corresponding markers. Putting the ball behind the markers is allowed (the distance must not exceed two clubs), and in front - it is prohibited. In a match game, a blow outside the specified zone will not be penalized, but the opponent has the right to ask to kill him. In the game, a penalty in the form of two strokes is imposed on the account for this violation.

Ball game

Golf rules say that you need to hit the ball from the position in which it stopped. It is forbidden to move the ball and disrupt the appearance of vegetation in order to improve its position. You can touch plants only in the process of making a stand for impact and directly upon impact.

If the ball is in the "bunker" (area with sand) or hit a water barrier, touching the surface of these elements is allowed only when moving towards the ball for the purpose of striking. If you played with someone else's ball, in a match game this will mean losing the hole, and in the game on the score - a fine in the form of two strokes.

On the putting green

If there are traces of old holes or balls on the putt line, they can be corrected. Other damage, including footprints from shoes, must not be touched. The golf ball in this area can be lifted and cleaned, provided that it is returned to the same place. Checking the surface of the "green" to the touch or rolling the ball is prohibited. If the ball hits the flagpole upon impact, it means losing the hole in the match game and a fine in the form of two hits in the game on the account.

The ball has moved

If the golf ball was shifted by you, your partner or assistant, in any way not provided for by the rules, you need to return it to its original place and add 1 free kick. The same thing needs to be done if the ball has changed position during manufacture to strike. If the ball is moved by the opponent or another ball, simply return it to its place.

The ball has changed direction

If during the movement the ball stopped or changed its path due to your personal fault or the fault of your partner or assistant, then you lose the hole in the match game and get two free kicks in the game to the score. In the second case, the ball hits from where it was.

If the ball has changed its path or stopped due to unauthorized persons, then you can continue to play it without any sanctions from the place in which it ended up. But there are some exceptions. Firstly, in a match game you have the right to repeat a shot from the previous position if the opponent or his assistant is to blame for changing the direction of the ball. Secondly, in the game of shots, if the ball changes direction on the putting green, you must repeat it.

If the hit ball collides with another ball that was at rest, you can continue playing without imposing sanctions. However, in the game, if both balls were in the putting green, a penalty in the form of two hits is imposed for collisions.

Raising and throwing the ball

If the ball rises to be installed in its original place, its position must be fixed with a marker. If the ball falls into the repaired area, random water, into a hole or debris made by animals (for example, rabbits), it is allowed to throw it on the field, at a distance not exceeding the length of one club from the nearest free point. Throwing the ball towards the hole is prohibited.

If the position of the ball may worsen the game of any of the players, the ball may be raised. And vice versa - if any ball interferes with you, you can demand that it be raised.

Obstacles and free interference

At the beginning of the game, it is worthwhile to clarify according to local rules the location of fixed obstacles (roads, paths, etc.). In this case, moving obstacles (rakes, banks, etc.) can be moved to any part of the field. If, hitting them, the ball changes the path, it is allowed to repeat the kick.

In the event that a fixed obstacle interferes with your stance or strike, it is permitted to throw the ball according to the above rules. If the obstacle is on the line of impact, this is not a reason to facilitate your position. An exception is possible only if both the ball and the obstacle are on the putting green.

Water barriers

The counting card must indicate local rules regarding water barriers. Use it to determine whether nearby water bodies (if any) are a water barrier, or whether they are classified as a side barrier.

In the first case, the ball that has fallen into the water is played from the position it was in, or with a one-shot penalty in two ways:

1. The ball is thrown to the ground behind the water barrier. At the same time, it should be on the line between the hole and the place where it fell.
2. The ball hits from the position from which it was sent into the water.

If the pond is considered a side obstacle, then in addition to the above rules with one penalty kick, you can throw it at a distance of no more than 2 clubs from the place where he crossed the water barrier. This can be done either in front of the barrier, or behind it. In the second case, the distance is considered from the point equivalent to the intersection point relative to the hole.

The ball was out of bounds or was lost

The score card must, among other things, indicate the limits of the golf course. If the ball was knocked out of the field or in a water barrier, its owner receives 1 penalty kick and hits a new ball from the same place. A ball that is not found within 5 minutes is considered lost. If the player knows approximately where to look for the ball, but does not want to delay the team, he can use the “temporary ball”. After hitting it, the player must go in search of the lost ball, while the others will also make their shots.

Unplayable ball

If the ball is on land, but you are sure that it cannot be played due to an unfortunate situation, then with a one-shot penalty, you are allowed to:

1. Throw the ball at a distance not exceeding the length of two clubs in any direction other than the direction of the hole.
2. Throw the ball at any distance in the direction opposite to the hole, provided that the ball remains in line with the hole and the place of the failed blow.
3. Replay the ball.

Having become acquainted with the basic rules, we will consider some attributes without which this game would be inferior. Golf is not just a sport, but a whole action in which there are no trifles.

Clothes and shoes

Properly selected golf clothing demonstrates respect for the person who invited you to the game, and to the game itself. In this game, a representative appearance is not an excess, but the rule of good taste. To look appropriate on a golf course, pay attention to the following points:

1. A shirt (t-shirt) with a collar is a must.
2. Instead of trousers, you can wear shorts, but they should reach at least to the knees.
3. Denim clothing is not allowed!
4. On trousers or shorts there must be straps under the belt.
5. The most suitable belt is leather.
6. Golf clothing may be colored, but do not use many colors at the same time. Looks good when one bright color is combined with neutral. Patterned and checkered elements should be no more than one.
7. Golf shoes also differ from plain sports shoes. She used to be with metal spikes. Now they have been replaced with soft spikes or just a special sole pattern. In case you intend to stay in the club house for lunch, it is worth taking a pair of simple sports shoes with you. If you wear pants, the color of the socks should be in harmony with them. And if shorts - socks are selected for shoes.
8. Headgear is worn at discretion. The main thing is that it matches the style.
9. In cold weather, additionally wear sweaters, vests or golf jackets.

Hockey sticks and balls

As already mentioned, golf rules allow the use of no more than 14 clubs. At the same time, if you started the game with less, during the game you can replenish your arsenal. “How many times can a golf club be changed?” - an urgent issue among beginners. You can take a new club for each hit, the main thing is that it is included in those 14. Another important point: during the game it is forbidden to change the characteristics of the selected clubs by setting them or making them heavier / lighter.

For a beginner, 3-4 clubs with different characteristics will be enough. After playing a couple of games with so many, you can decide on your personal preferences and purchase additional shells. Buying balls is based on how much you are willing to lose. The more balls you lose per game, the cheaper it is to choose models. Perhaps this is all that is needed for golf at first.

Conclusion

Golf is an expensive pleasure. But is this the main reason for his belonging to elite ways of spending time? Having learned more closely the rules of the game of golf and its etiquette, one can understand that it is not about money, but about behavior that for many even in theory is incomprehensible and meaningless. Golf is full of respect for partners and rivals, as well as for the field and the historical past of the game. All this, along with the game strategy, creates a unique atmosphere that falls in love completely and irrevocably.