Learning to play golf can be confusing. Below are some helpful rules and tips to get you started:
#1 Lost Balls and the Stroke and Distance Rule
Sometimes in golf, you might hit your ball into a tricky spot and can’t find it. Don’t worry – this happens to everyone! There’s a simple rule that tells you what to do next.
What to Do When You Lose Your Ball
When you can’t find your ball, you’ll need to use what’s called the “stroke and distance” rule. Here’s what that means:
Well, you have to actually go back to where you played your previous shot from and go again. Now this is called a stroke and distance rule.
How to Count Your Shots
Let’s break down how this works:
- Your first shot goes into the rough and you can’t find it (counts as 1)
- Going back counts as another stroke (counts as 2)
- Your next shot will be your third shot
So if you lose your ball off the tee, you’ll be “hitting three” when you take your next shot. This means you’re “playing three off the tee.”
Keeping the Game Moving
Remember:
- Look for your ball, but don’t spend too long searching
- Return to where you hit from
- Add two strokes to your count
- Continue playing with a new ball
This rule helps keep the game fair and moving along. While it might feel frustrating to add extra strokes, it’s all part of learning the game!
#2 Golf Bag Placement and Pace of Play
Where you put your golf bag might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your game. Let’s look at some simple tips that will help keep play moving smoothly.
Smart Bag Placement
So if you can, always try to put your bag between the pin and the next tee.
This smart tip helps you in two ways:
- It saves you time
- It keeps the course clear for others
Keep the Game Moving
When you’re on the green, think about these easy rules:
- Don’t leave your bag where other players might hit into it
- Place your bag on the side closest to the next tee
- Think ahead about your next move
Being a Good Golf Neighbor
Remember to:
- Keep your bag out of other players’ way
- Make it easy to grab your bag and go
- Help everyone enjoy faster play
By following these simple tips, you’ll help keep the game moving and make it more fun for everyone on the course.
#3 Flagstick Options and Putting Etiquette
When your ball lands on the green, you have some choices to make about the flagstick. Don’t worry – it’s simpler than it sounds! Let’s look at your options.
Your Three Flagstick Choices
- Leave It In
You can leave it in and just continue to play.
This is the easiest option. The flagstick can stay right where it is while you putt.
Take It Out
If you prefer putting without the flagstick, you can remove it completely. Some players find this helps them see the hole better.
Have Someone Attend It
When you’re far from the hole and want the flagstick removed, another player can hold it for you. Just remember – they need to take the flag out before your ball reaches the hole.
Making Your Choice
Pick the option that makes you feel most comfortable. There’s no wrong choice – it’s all about what works best for your game. Whether you leave it in, take it out, or have it attended, just be consistent with your decision and keep playing.
Remember, these simple choices help keep the game moving and make sure everyone has a good time on the green.
#4 Turn Order: Ready Golf and Fairway Play
Wondering who should take their shot next during a round of golf? Let’s make it simple! Golf has both traditional and modern ways to decide who plays when.
Modern Ready Golf
But in more modern times, we go for ready golf. So, basically, whoever’s ready to hit just gets on the tee and goes.
Today, most casual players use “ready golf.” This means:
- If you’re ready to hit, go ahead
- No need to wait for strict turn order
- Keeps the game moving faster
- Makes golf more fun and relaxed
Traditional Tee Box Order
The old way of playing had more strict rules:
- Player with lowest score on last hole goes first
- Others follow in order of their scores
- More formal, but slower pace
Fairway Play
When you’re out on the fairway, here’s what to know:
- Usually, the person farthest from the hole hits first
- But you can be flexible with your group
- If you’re ready and others are still choosing clubs, feel free to take your shot
- Being ready to play helps keep the game moving
Remember, the goal is to keep the game flowing while having fun. Whether you follow traditional order or ready golf, just make sure everyone in your group agrees on the approach!
#5 Playing the Ball as It Lies and Tee Box Exceptions
Golf has a simple rule about where you play your ball. Most of the time, you hit it right where it lands. But there’s one special place where you get a helpful choice. Let’s learn about this rule and its exception!
The Main Rule: Play It Where It Lands
During most of your round, golf follows a basic rule: play the ball exactly where it stops. This means:
- If it’s in the rough, play from the rough
- If it’s in the fairway, play from the fairway
- If it’s in a tricky spot, that’s part of the game
The Tee Box Exception
But there is one exception, and that is on the tee box. So here, if you choose, you put your ball on a tee peg and hit your shot from there.
When you’re at the tee box, you get a special option that helps your game:
- You can use a tee peg to lift your ball off the ground
- You choose how high to tee up your ball
- This makes it easier to hit your shots
Using Tees with Different Clubs
The tee helps with all kinds of clubs:
- Great for drivers and woods – you can tee it high
- Works well with irons too – just tee it lower
- You can choose what works best for your shot
Remember, using a tee is your choice. It’s there to help you get a better shot at the start of each hole. After that, play it as it lies and enjoy the game!
#6 Wrong Green and Free Relief Rules
Sometimes in golf, your ball might land on a green – but not the one you’re supposed to be playing! Don’t worry, there’s an easy fix for this situation.
When Your Ball Lands on the Wrong Green
Well actually, in this circumstance, you get a free drop.
If your ball ends up on the wrong putting green, you get what’s called “free relief.” This means you can move your ball without adding any extra strokes to your score.
Why We Take Relief
There are two good reasons for this rule:
- To protect the green from damage
- To let other players use their putting green
How to Take Your Free Drop
Here’s what to do when your ball is on the wrong green:
- Find the nearest spot off the green where you can play from
- Pick up your ball
- Drop your ball from knee height
- Play your next shot from there
Important Things to Remember
- Always drop from knee height
- Make sure you’re completely off the putting surface
- You don’t get any penalty strokes
- You can get back to playing right away
This simple rule helps keep the game moving and protects the course. Just remember – wrong green means free relief, and you’re back in play!
Conclusion: Building Confidence as a Beginner Golfer
Now you have all the basic tips you need to start your golf journey with confidence! Let’s quickly review what we’ve learned about playing your first round.
Key Tips to Remember
- Start at the right tee box for your skill level
- Know what to do if you lose your ball
- Place your golf bag smartly to keep play moving
- Choose how you want to handle the flagstick
- Use “ready golf” to keep the game flowing
- Play the ball where it lies, except on tee boxes
- Take care of the greens by fixing pitch marks
- Know when you can mark and clean your ball
- Stay within the 14-club limit
- Take free relief from wrong greens
- Let faster groups play through
Moving Forward
Then they can play through, and they can rush off, and you can carry on at your own pace.
Remember, golf is about having fun while learning. Don’t worry if you make mistakes – every golfer started as a beginner. Focus on enjoying the game and practicing these basic rules. As you play more rounds, these tips will become natural habits.
Take your time, be courteous to other players, and most importantly, enjoy your time on the course. With these fundamentals in mind, you’re ready to start your exciting journey in the wonderful game of golf!