Golf Unit Review
Golf for Beginners--The Basic Rules
Every time you take a swing at the golf ball, it is called a stroke. All strokes are added up, and the
person with the LOWEST number of strokes wins. A standard golf course has 18 holes, and a round of
golf can be either 9 or 18 holes.
You are allowed no more than 14 clubs on the course.
If you swing and miss the ball, it will count as a stroke. If the ball falls off the tee before you take a
swing you may replace it without penalty.
Loose natural objects (leaves, tree branches, rocks) may be moved on the course, while growing
vegetation (tree branches, bushes, tall grass) may not be moved, bent, or broken.
If you hit someone else's ball by accident, you will be penalized by two strokes.
The Basic Rules of Etiquette on the Golf Course
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Make sure that no one is in a position to be hit by your before you swing. If someone does appear
to be in the path of the ball call “fore”.
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Your first couple games you will no doubt be slamming your club into the ground instead of the
ball. This can few make unsightly divots in the ground. If you do damage the green, you are
expected to repair it.

While a golfer is addressing or hitting the ball, no one should talk or move.
Grip and Swing


There is more than 1 way to grip a golf club. The overlapping grip is widely used. This grip places
the index finger between the ring and pinky finger of the player’s dominant hand.
The golf swing begins once the player has addressed the ball and assumed a comfortable stance.
The player involves hips, arm and wrist, and feet pivot in his/her swing. These are incorporated in
the takeaway, the downswing, and the follow-through.
The Different Types of Clubs Used on the Golf Course
Woods
Woods club heads are usually made from titanium alloy steel, but are called woods because that is what
they were made of in the past. There are several different kinds of woods, but the kind you will find in
most golfers bags is the number, 1, 3, and 5-woods. Woods are made for distance.
The 1-wood is called the driver, the club you use to tee off and drive the ball down the fairway. This is
by far the most difficult club to get the hang of when starting out. It's usually the longest club, and
because of its weight and clumsiness, it can be difficult to control.
Irons
Irons are probably the second type of club you will use as you make your way towards the green.
They are called Irons because they are made of metal, mostly steel. These clubs have a flat face and are
shorter than the woods.
Lower numbered irons send the ball farther while staying lower. Higher numbered irons arc the ball into
the air. The ball generally lands without rolling.
Wedges
Wedges are similar to irons, but they are used for much shorter distances. These are used to get out of
sand traps, rough spots, or to pitch a short shot onto the green.
Putters
Putters are used once you get to the green. There are several types of putters, but they all hold the
same function which is to put the ball into the hole once you've made it to the green. You don't want to
see any lift from the ball when putting. Usually these are delicate and slow shots in which the putter
moves in a straight line.
E
Fairway
C
Water
Hazard
A
Tees
B
Green
D
Sand
Trap
Terminology:
Hole in one – Getting the ball in the cup in one stroke (from tee shot).
Address- The position taken by a player in preparing to start a stroke.
Approach- The shot take to get to the green
Birdie- One stroke under par
Bogey- Generally considered one stroke over par.
Eagle- Two strokes under par
Fore- A warning cry to any person in danger of being hit with a golf ball.
Honor- The right to play first, determined by lowest score on preceding hole.
Lie- The position of the ball, either good or bad.
Par- Generally considered perfect playing for a hole.
Round- A completed game of golf.
Stance- The player’s position in addressing the ball.
Stroke Play- Player taking lowest number of stokers is winner of the match.
Trap- A bed of sand which is a hazard.
Whiff- To miss the ball completely.