SO, GOLF… HOW DOES IT WORK?

The basic idea of golf is simple: get the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible. Sounds easy, right? Well… not quite! There are lots of different ways to play-Stableford, Best Ball, Scramble, Foursomes-but we'll save those for another time. For now, let's focus on golf's two main formats:

·         Stroke play: This is the most common format. Your total score is the number of shots you take over the whole round. So, if your opponent scores 75 and you score 70, you win.

·         Match play: Here, you're playing hole-by-hole against your opponent. Whoever has the better score on a hole wins that hole and gets a point. For example, if you win two holes and your opponent wins one, the score is 2-1 to you. If you both score the same on a hole, it's a tie, and no points are awarded for that hole.

HOW PENALTIES COME INTO PLAY

Stroke penalties are given when players break the rules or make certain mistakes – like hitting the ball into water, going out of bounds, or moving it on purpose. For example, say your second shot ends up in a water hazard, you’ll have to drop a new ball a club length from where it went in and take a one-shot penalty. That means that, instead of playing your third shot next, you’re actually hitting your fourth. Penalties can really add up fast, so it’s best to avoid them – but, as anyone who’s played knows, that’s easier said than done!

A HANDICAP OVERVIEW

One of the trickiest things to get your head around in golf is the handicap system. Simply put, a player’s handicap shows how many shots above or below par they’re expected to score. For example, a scratch golfer has a handicap of 0, meaning on a par 70 course, their ‘par’ is 70 shots. Meanwhile, a player with a 28 handicap would typically be expected to score around 98 – meaning their ‘par’ is 28 shots over the course’s par.

So, if a scratch golfer plays against a 28 handicapper, the scratch player has to “give” 28 shots to even things out. In other words, to win, the scratch golfer would need to score at least 29 shots fewer than their opponent. The whole idea behind the handicap system is to level the playing field, making it fair for golfers of all skill levels to compete against each other.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE BASICS, WHAT’S IN YOUR BAG?

In your golf bag, you’ll need a driver (or woods), a set of irons, a wedge, and a putter. You’re allowed up to 14 clubs, so it’s important to choose them wisely. After you’ve played for a while, we recommend you get your clubs fitted by a pro to make sure your clubs match you and your game perfectly. If you want a deeper dive into the different clubs you’ll need as a beginner, check out our Golf Clubs for Beginners guide.

Besides clubs, you’ll also need a few essentials like a towel to keep your clubs clean, tees, and golf balls. When it comes to balls, beginners often find the choices a bit overwhelming. A good place to start is with beginner-friendly balls like the Titleist TruFeel or Callaway SuperSoft – they have low spin, which helps your shots stay straighter and more forgiving. As you improve, you might want to try balls like the Titleist Pro V1, which offer higher spin and extra distance – great for players who can control their shots more precisely. Most pro shops will offer a range of golf balls suited to different skill levels, but you can also check out our selection.

LOOK THE PART, SPEAK THE PART

Now before you head out for your first round, there’s one last thing you should know – golf jargon! It can be a little much at times, so we’ve put together a list of terms that you’ll hear in around the golf course to help you out.

General Terms & Rules

· Fore: Shouted by the player whose shot it is as a warning that a ball is heading towards other players.

· Honor: The right to play first on a hole, usually given to the player with the best score on the previous hole.

· Gimme: In casual play, a very short putt that the opposing player agrees doesn't need to be played out.

· Provisional: A second ball played when it's unclear if the first ball is lost or out of bounds, allowing the player to avoid going back to the original spot if the first ball isn't found.

· Mulligan: An informal term for a "do-over" shot, typically allowed in casual play without penalty.

Shots & Play

· Chip: A short, high shot played around the green, often used to avoid hazards or get closer to the hole.

· Approach shot: The shot aimed at landing the ball on the green.

· Up and down: When a player gets the ball onto the green and holes out within two shots, often used to save par.

· Slice: A shot where the ball curves to the right (for right-handed players).

· Hook: A shot where the ball curves to the left (for right-handed players).

· Draw: A type of golf shot where the ball curves gently from right to left (for a right-handed player). It’s often a controlled, desirable shot because it can add distance and accuracy.

Scoring Terms

· Ace: A hole-in-one, when the player hits the ball into the hole in one shot.

· Albatross: When a player scores three under par on a hole.

· Eagle: Two shots under par on a hole. (Added for completeness)

· Birdie: One shot under par on a hole.

· Par: The expected number of shots an expert golfer should take to complete a hole, round, or course.

· Bogey: One shot over par on a hole.

· Double bogey: Two shots over par on a hole.

· Handicap: A scoring system that measures a golfer's ability; the lower the handicap, the better the player (zero is the best).

Course Features

· Tee box: The area where each hole starts and the first shot is taken.

· Fairway: The trimmed grass area between the tee box and the green, where it's easiest to hit the ball.

· Rough: Longer grass areas that make hitting the ball more difficult.

· Bunker: A sand-filled hazard designed to challenge players.

· Green: The smooth, closely mown area around the hole used for putting.

· Pin/Flag: The flagstick marking the hole's location on the green.

Other

· Caddy: Someone who carries your bag, offers advice on club selection, and helps clean your clubs.

· Golf buggy (or golf cart): A small, motorised vehicle used to carry golfers and their equipment around the course.

· Majors: The four biggest men's golf tournaments - the Masters Tournament, the US Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.

If you are new to golf, it can be a confusing and daunting game. But once you nail down the fundamentals, you’ll be in the swing of things in no time. Whether you are playing golf yourself or looking to get in on the golfing action as a spectator, hopefully this guide has given you the tools you need to be confident on the green or in the clubhouse.