Rules of the game

“Golf is a game for lazy people because you want to make as few strokes as possible.”

Bastien MAISSE, Trainee engineer

Goal : Stroke as few as possible

The main rule is simple: stroke the ball as few time as possible on 18 holes with clubs. About the clubs, I will present them to you precisely in the next post but you can see, in the picture below, a series of club called “iron” (like the metal).

There are almost 25 rules in this cruel game and I am pretty sure that no ones knows them by heart. However, you should know some of them to start a golf course so I present you, below, the five most important rules you should know!

1. A player must play the ball as it lies

This rule means that, after the first tee shot, you have to hit your ball from where it comes to a stop. If the case where you move your ball instead of playing it as it lied you will receive a one-stroke penalty on your scoreboard. So please, be sure to not touch your ball in any other ways that with your clubs. 😉

Yes, it means you have to play this ball as it lies…

2. The person whose ball is farthest from the hole shall hit first.

Again, after the first tee shot, you have to play your ball only if you are the farthest from the hale. This rule exists purely for the safety of players. As well, when you wait the one who play, you should stop a the same horizontal line in order to avoid getting a golf ball in the body (or in the head).

You can see the two men BEHIND the player.

3. In competitive play, seeking advice from an opponent is not allowed.

Of course, this rule is active only in competition. When you play with friend you can obviously ask for advice on any club selections (otherwise where would be the fun in playing with friends?).

4. Do not take your turn until you are sure that the group in front is out of reach of your shot.

Again, it is a safety rule for the group in front of you. Even if you think you cannot hit you ball as far as they are positioned on the course, we never know in golf with a bit of luck and wind your ball can go everywhere…

5. There is a limit on the time you are allowed to look for a lost ball.

You have only five minutes to find your ball before it is deemed lost. If so, you will receive a one-stroke penalty. To conclude, you lose a ball (2-3€/ball) + you put (+1) on your scoreboard = terrible day. However, when you are a beginner it is normal to lose your ball sometime so don’t worry. 😉

I’m not sure they find the ball …