The Basics to Golf
Published on 20th April 2023 in New to GolfEquipment, Swing Basics, Rules Basics and Definitions
There is so much to learn when you are just starting out to play golf. The good news is there are also many websites that can provide everything you need to know.
Golf Australia
Golf Australia has some very useful information for beginner golfers. CLICK HERE for more information.
R&A
The R&A website is another fabulous reference.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is the oldest and most prestigious golf club in the world. It is based in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland and is regarded as the worldwide “Home of Golf”. CLICK HERE for more information.
Download The R&A App
Be brave and try the quiz!
YouTube
There is a wealth of information here if you google it. Just make sure you watch the videos that talk about the New Rules 2019. The USGA sites don’t have any annoying ads at the beginning. You will see a few referenced below. This a simple and fun way to understand the rules.
Here are just a few basic rules to get you started and get you out of trouble
Here are just a few basic rules to get you started and get you out of trouble:
There are three important principles to remember when playing golf:
- Play the course as you find it
- Play the ball as it lies
- And if you can’t do either, do what’s fair
Life is all about having options and of course, GOLF is no different. It is important to know what your options are when your ball is not sitting neatly on the fairway.
From the teeing area, you drive your ball either out of bounds (OOB) or into the bushes. You are uncertain if it can be found. What can you do?
You can play a provisional ball
For more detailed information on Provisional Balls See Rule 18.3 pages 113-115
Your ball lands either on the path or in an area marked GUR (Ground Under Repair) What can you do?
This is called, “Free Relief”. When you hear this term, think “get out of trouble for free.”
For more detailed information See Rule 16 Abnormal Course Conditions pages 93-102
Your ball has rolled under some thick bushes and it is impossible to hit. What can you do?
This is called “Penalty Relief”. When you hear this term, think “get out of trouble but it’s going to cost you at least one penalty stroke!”
For more detailed information see Rule 19 Unplayable Ball pages 116-119.
You should also be aware that there are “penalty areas” on the course. There are two types – yellow and red. There are special rules around these. What can you do?
For more detailed information See Rule 17 pages 104-110
Understanding these few basic rules, will help you out to get back on the fairway!
