| The game of golf was acknowledged in 1744, | | | | playing another ball from the spot where you last |
| designed by the Company of Gentlemen Golfers in | | | | shot and while you're at it, forfeit one stroke. |
| Edinburgh. Over the years, the rules have expanded | | | | Objects on the Course |
| so much so that the USGA needed a book to keep | | | | But just to be fair, you may move out of place |
| them all straight. It covers over 500 pages of rules | | | | objects, out of the way. This means cans and bottle |
| and decisions; here we will highlight the most basic of | | | | or gardening tools, but don't try to move a statue or |
| them all to get you started. | | | | water fountain, you'll likely hurt yourself! When this |
| When playing golf, your goal is sink your ball in a hole | | | | happens and there are immovable objects in your |
| a couple hundred yards from where you start. The | | | | way, drop your ball within one club-length from the |
| player that does this with the least number of | | | | clearest point but not in the direction of the hole. |
| strokes wins. Sounds fairly simple, right? In essence, | | | | Let's Talk Green |
| but there are rules to every game, and to be | | | | The green is an area with smoother grass, cut lower, |
| declared the victor, you must adhere to them very | | | | near the hole. If you can get your ball there, move |
| strictly in the game of golf. | | | | the flagstick from the hole but be sure to put it back |
| How to and not to Tee Off | | | | where you found it, when the last player has finished. |
| Always tee off behind or between the tee-markers, | | | | Here, on the green, you may pick up your ball, you |
| leaving two club-lengths of space. Never tee off in | | | | must replace it right where you found it. |
| front of the tee-marker. | | | | Do's and Don'ts of Golfing |
| It Came from Outer Space - Ball Interference | | | | Let's go over some guidelines. These should be fairly |
| Don't stop or divert your ball while it's moving, unless | | | | easy to remember because they are all common |
| you want to forfeit two strokes. If your ball is | | | | sense and thoughtful rules of etiquette. First, though |
| interfered by another player, you must play it as it | | | | you don't have to wear checkered pants, dress |
| lies. If however, it's struck by another ball, what's | | | | properly for the sport, keep the volume down and |
| that old saying? Que Sera, Sera, whatever will be, will | | | | don't liter or leave your beverage containers behind. |
| be! But if you're both on the putting green, that too | | | | Golf courses are buzzing places; try to be on time so |
| will cost you a forfeit of two strokes. | | | | you're not holding anyone up. If you're struggling with |
| How to get the Most Out of an Impossible Shot | | | | a hole and it's taking some time to get through, let |
| I'm sure you'd like to give yourself the best possible | | | | other play through. Make sure you turn your phone |
| opening for a shot, but you must play the ball where | | | | off as well. |
| it lies. Don't go uprooting plants or snapping them in | | | | Toss a coin or spin a bottle to see who goes first, |
| half to give yourself the upper hand. The best you | | | | never ever, ever flip a club! |
| can do is adjusting your stance for the best possible | | | | Be courteous and think about your safety and |
| swing. | | | | others. Keep out of the way when another player is |
| Resting Balls Should Not Be Touched! | | | | in the middle of a shot. |
| Thinking about nudging your ball after it's stopped? | | | | Cover the holes your clubs make in the ground, this |
| Go ahead, and forfeit a stroke! | | | | is called replacing the divots. You don't even need to |
| Where Oh Where Has My Little Ball Gone? | | | | bend to do it! And if you've dug yourself a sand pit, |
| While we are on the subject of forfeiting strokes, if | | | | maybe you'll consider leveling it out for the next |
| your ball is lost for more than five minutes, plan on | | | | unlucky shot. |