Golf Today
Like any sport, golf has a particular etiquette which aims to give everyone who plays the game a fair chance as well as keeping the game moving and keeping the course in shape. Today, as with any game, golf has a number of rules that aim to bring fairness and a certain standard of sportsmanship to the game. These rules are maintained by the USGA along with the R & A in St Andrews, Scotland. These groups write, interpret and maintain the rules of golf to guard the traditions and integrity of the game. They cover the game of golf in terms of how it is played on the golf course. These include:
1. Playing the game on the Golf Course
Golf rules dealwith all aspects of how the game should be played. These include all aspects of the game for example teeing off, what you should do if your ball ends up in a water hazard or even what you should do if you ball goes, ‘out of bounds’ on the course.
2. How Golf is played
There are basically two forms of play in golf today. One form of golf is decided by number of holes that are won and lost. This is called match play. Match Play is normally a head to head contest between two players or teams. In match play, each hole is a separate game. If you win the first hole, you are ‘one-up’; if you lose it, you are "one-down"; if you tie it, you are "all-square. A winner is declared when, for example, you are three-up and there are only two holes left to play.
The other form of golf is decided by the total number of strokes taken to complete the round (stroke play). Stroke play is the most common way to play golf and most people are more familiar with this style than any other. Stroke play is really the most basic way to enjoy a round of golf, you simply hit the ball and keep track of how many strokes it takes to put the ball in the hole. At the end of the hole you record your score, when the round is complete you add up all of your strokes for each hole and you'll have your final total. This form of golf is the most traditional form as the golfer challenges the course rather than an opponent.
3. Equipment Used
One major rule is the golfer must be equipped with a set of up to 14 clubs. These clubs vary in terms of length, club-head density and loft of face. Each club is designed to hit the ball different lengths and heights.
Along with golf equipment, golf clothing has undergone tremendous changes over the years. As a result, golf rules now states what is acceptable clothing for playing golf For example, golf clothes must include slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, shirts and trousers. These are standard and accepted equipment which is needed to worn when playing golf.
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