There are many facets to understand the golf game. The purpose of this article is to provide a very high level understanding of the golf game, how to play golf and golf instruction with a goal to provide you with enough information to make you want to explore the great game of golf further!
Golf Origins
The golf game can be traced as far back to the mid 14th century. The golf game as we know it today is believed to have originated in Scotland. Today, millions of golfers worldwide play golf on a regular basis with the fastest growth occurring in Asia.
Golf Scoring
The golf game consists of a group of golfers playing a golf round and counting each of their strokes to hit the golf ball from the tee box to the hole of the putting surface. A round typically consists of 18 holes with a typical target score (par) of 72 total shots across the 18 holes. The golfer with the lowest score wins the game. The golf game is governed by a fairly strict set of rules that have been honored by golfers for centuries.
A typical golf course ranges from 6,500 to 7,200 yards in length.
Golf Equipment
The golf game is played with a set of golf equipment consisting of “irons” and “woods.” Though modern golf equipment is made from high tech metals and it is rare to see any golf equipment with wood components, this terminology has passed down through the ages (when clubs were made of iron and wood) and is common when describing golf equipment. “Irons” are typically golf clubs used for the short to mid-range phase of the golf game (typically 200 yards and in to the hole) and can include the 3 through 6 iron for mid-range shots (150 to 200 yards), 7 through 9 iron for shorter iron shots (110 to 150 yards) and “wedges” for short game shots (110 yards and in toward the hole). “Woods” are used for the distance phase of the golf game include the driver (220+ yards) and 3 to 5-woods (170 yards+)
Golf Basics
There are basically four distinct phases of the golf game. A good golfer (for example, a “10 handicap” – someone that averages 10 shots above par 72) is either solid across all four phases or is exceptionally good at a few of the phases and adequate in the other phases. The four phases of the golf game include:
• The “distance” phase: long range shots typically greater than 200 yards
• The “mid-range” phase: shots that occur after “tee” shots (distance shots) toward the hole that typically range from 130 to 200 yards.
• The “short game” phase: typically shots toward the green from 130 yards and in
• The “putting” phase: shots that occur on the putting surface.
How to Learn the Golf Game: Golf Instruction
The following is a typical (and recommended) approach that the beginner golfer takes to learn the golf game.
1. Reviews a golf book or DVD that explains golf instruction and golf game basics in detail
2. Takes beginner golf instruction from a PGA certified professional instructor. Most PGA professionals can provide golf equipment for the lesson which the beginner golfer should use until he or she learns enough about the golf game to purchase equipment tailored to physical traits and swing.
3. Continues to take golf instruction focusing on the four phases of the golf game. Practice the four phases on the driving range.
4. Begins playing the game at an actual golf course.
5. Tracks progress and continues to receive professional golf instruction to reinforce strengths and developmental areas.
Golf Origins
The golf game can be traced as far back to the mid 14th century. The golf game as we know it today is believed to have originated in Scotland. Today, millions of golfers worldwide play golf on a regular basis with the fastest growth occurring in Asia.
Golf Scoring
The golf game consists of a group of golfers playing a golf round and counting each of their strokes to hit the golf ball from the tee box to the hole of the putting surface. A round typically consists of 18 holes with a typical target score (par) of 72 total shots across the 18 holes. The golfer with the lowest score wins the game. The golf game is governed by a fairly strict set of rules that have been honored by golfers for centuries.
A typical golf course ranges from 6,500 to 7,200 yards in length.
Golf Equipment
The golf game is played with a set of golf equipment consisting of “irons” and “woods.” Though modern golf equipment is made from high tech metals and it is rare to see any golf equipment with wood components, this terminology has passed down through the ages (when clubs were made of iron and wood) and is common when describing golf equipment. “Irons” are typically golf clubs used for the short to mid-range phase of the golf game (typically 200 yards and in to the hole) and can include the 3 through 6 iron for mid-range shots (150 to 200 yards), 7 through 9 iron for shorter iron shots (110 to 150 yards) and “wedges” for short game shots (110 yards and in toward the hole). “Woods” are used for the distance phase of the golf game include the driver (220+ yards) and 3 to 5-woods (170 yards+)
Golf Basics
There are basically four distinct phases of the golf game. A good golfer (for example, a “10 handicap” – someone that averages 10 shots above par 72) is either solid across all four phases or is exceptionally good at a few of the phases and adequate in the other phases. The four phases of the golf game include:
• The “distance” phase: long range shots typically greater than 200 yards
• The “mid-range” phase: shots that occur after “tee” shots (distance shots) toward the hole that typically range from 130 to 200 yards.
• The “short game” phase: typically shots toward the green from 130 yards and in
• The “putting” phase: shots that occur on the putting surface.
How to Learn the Golf Game: Golf Instruction
The following is a typical (and recommended) approach that the beginner golfer takes to learn the golf game.
1. Reviews a golf book or DVD that explains golf instruction and golf game basics in detail
2. Takes beginner golf instruction from a PGA certified professional instructor. Most PGA professionals can provide golf equipment for the lesson which the beginner golfer should use until he or she learns enough about the golf game to purchase equipment tailored to physical traits and swing.
3. Continues to take golf instruction focusing on the four phases of the golf game. Practice the four phases on the driving range.
4. Begins playing the game at an actual golf course.
5. Tracks progress and continues to receive professional golf instruction to reinforce strengths and developmental areas.
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