Tips for the First Time Golfer

To a first-timer, golf can seem like a foreign language, with its own unique speech, impossible sayings and unusual routines. But once you make that breakthrough and understand the rules of the game, watch out. I will tell you that there no more addicting a game than golf. If you are interested, here are some pointers to help speed up that learning curve.

Learning from the Pro Golfers

The best way to learn the rules is to study the guidelines put forth by the golfing organizations. The official rules put out by the R & A, the British organization and the USGA, the American organization are over 100 pages long. It would take you a while to get through those books. But the PGA of America, an official US organization, has a helpful intro to the rules of the game on their website. This is a much easier recommended reading for new golfers.

Find A Friend Who Plays

If you have a true interest in learning the game, I am sure you know someone who plays. Ask them if they will show you how to get started. Most golfers would be more than happy to take you out with them. They could become your unofficial teacher. But before you go out with them try to become familiar with the basics. They will be able to show you a few things but don't rely on them as your only teacher. You can learn a lot from trial and error. Get out to the golf range and spend some time hitting balls. Eventually if you are serious about playing you might want to take some lessons from a professional.

Interesting rules you should know

There are some fundamental rules of golf that all golfers should be aware of. This is by no means a complete list and you can use this as a starting point to be added to as needed:

- Playing the holes in order

This should be one of those no brainer rules. Most of the time you start play from either holes 1-9 or 10-18 depending on if you are playing a round of 9 holes or 18. On some courses if you play early enough in the morning and you are only playing nine holes they might let you out on the back nine, 10-18. Also, as a side note, usually the winner or lowest score of the last hole has the honors, can hit first off the tee.

- Stroke Play

Stroke play means the person with the lowest score once the round is finished is the winner. The round is usually considered 18 holes but could be nine or more depending on how many holes you have decided to play. The true object of this game is to have a lower number of strokes than your playing partners. Usually in stroke play you must putt your ball into the hole to be finished with the hole. This is the most common type of golf played.

- Match Play

In Match play each hole is considered a separate match. If you win the first hole you are one up, if you lose one down and if you tie you are all square or even. A winner can be determined when you are more holes up than your opponent. This is the game you usually play with your group if you have a friendly wager on your golf round. In my opinion, this use to be a fairly common form of golf before television determined that it was boring and could get pretty one sided. You know about that ad revenue.

- Rules about clubs and balls

It is a standard rule that there can only be 14 clubs in your bag at one time. Golf balls are normally not changed while playing a hole unless damaged. Asking for advice during play is not permitted and you should play your ball as it lies.

Mulligans, a do over of your prior golf shot, are normally not permitted and could have an adverse affect with your golfing partners. I know my group would never let anyone get away with it.

Golf overall can be quite rewarding. You are outside getting exercise, with nature and hopefully with a good group of friends. it can and will be frustrating but that is no reason to give it up. Each good shot will make you forget about the five others that were not so good. As a first time golfer just remember to have fun and enjoy it. A bad day of golf is still better than a day of work!