BASIC OF GOLF

The basics of golf
The aim of golf is simple: hit a small ball into a hole with the fewest possible shots, 18 times.

Find out about variations of golf
Unlike other sports, a golfer's real enemy is never their opponent but themselves and more importantly, their surroundings.
That is one reason why the game has managed to keep a sense of sportsmanship at its heart - because even at the highest level golfers are united in their battle against the course as much as each other.
If you're new to the sport, either as a player or spectator, our guide to the basics will provide an insight into what it's all about.
THE COURSE
A standard golf course is made up of 18 holes.
That is just about the only thing all golf courses have in common.
The first shot on each hole is played from a teeing area (known as a tee) with the ball usually being placed on a plastic or wooden peg (also known as a tee).

Every golf course is unique
The rest of the hole is a closely-mown stretch of grass known as the fairway which leads to the green, where the hole is.
A flagstick sits in the hole to show the target - usually with yellow flags on the first nine holes and red on the second nine.
The fairway is bounded by thicker grass, often called rough, and there may be other hazards such as bunkers and streams, not to mention wind and rain.
Most courses are around 6,000 yards long and take between three and four hours to play 18 holes, which involves walking about five miles.
SCORING
In basic terms your score on a golf course is made up of the number of shots you take.
So if you take 90 shots to go around a course and your friend takes 92, you are the winner.
Golf scoring terms
Albatross: Three shots less than par
Eagle: Two shots less
Birdie: One shot less
Bogey: One shot more
Double bogey: Two shots more
Triple bogey: Three shots more Contd....
Scoring centres around the "par" for the course.
This is the number of shots that it takes a top golfer to go around, usually between 70 and 72.
And each hole has a par according to its length and difficulty. A par-three hole lets you have three shots.
Let's say you score 92 on a par 72 course. Your score will be 20 over par.

Similarly if you score five on a par-four hole, you will be one over par for the hole.
In addition golf allows you to play against better players by giving you extra shots, almost like a head start.
This is called handicapping.

RULES
There are many rules that apply to golf but unlike many other sports, unless it is a tournament, there is no need for a referee or umpire.
Players must be honest about the number of shots they take and play the ball as it lies.
Moving or interfering with the ball is a big no-no, although there are some exceptions.
If you lose your ball or hit it in a lake then you will have to add strokes to your score before you can play on.
But generally common sense prevails.
ETIQUETTE
The great American golfer Bobby Jones said: "In golf, the customs and etiquette and decorum are as important as the rules of play."
The host of dos and don'ts can seem petty, especially at the more elitist clubs.

Be sure to replace those divots
But this code of conduct has allowed golf to retain its sporting values despite becoming a multi-million pound global industry.
At its heart are two principles - respect for the course and respect for fellow golfers.
Examples include not talking during a player's swing, not walking on the line of their putt on the green, raking bunkers, repairing pitch marks and replacing divots.

GOLF......TIP 4

Basic set-up: The grip

Stand still with your arms hanging by your side.
Now fit a club into your left hand so its sits comfortably.
Extend your right hand out as if about to shake hands with someone and then place it on the handle below your left hand.
Relax your elbows and shoulders but be firm in your hands but not tight.
The tighter your grip, the more likely it is your swing will breakdown along the way if you change the pressure on the club.

GOLF......TIP 2

Learn the basic set-up

You won't get very far in a car without knowing how to use its controls.
And it's exactly the same for golf.
You need to know how to set up your body correctly.
It's really no more complicated than feeling comfortable and balanced over the ball.

GOLF......TIP 3

Basic set-up: Aim

As a general rule, you should keep club face square to the target.
The exception to this is when you are deliberately trying to hook or slice the ball.
It should be square to your body - where ever you are in your backswing.
Try stopping your club at a variety of positions in your swing.
The most important thing to remember is that the club head should be square to your body at all times.