Golf is a game of judgment, concentration, technique, and accuracy. The objective is to get the ball into a hole using as few strokes of a club as possible. The challenge is hitting a small target across a long distance, which takes both strength and skill. If you’re new to this sport, here’s what you need to know.

Equipment You’ll Need

First, check the dress code at any golf course you intend to visit. Most require collared shirts and slacks or appropriate shorts, and they may specify the styles of shoes and hats that are acceptable. You do not need to own your own clubs or balls to begin since many facilities offer rentals. Note which clubs you like to help you choose your own later. Early on, invest in a pair of golf gloves, which will improve your grip and protect your hands.

Golf Etiquette

A golf course is a shared space where several groups of people will be moving through the holes at close intervals. If you go slowly, you can end up blocking the group behind you. If the next group catches up to you, it’s polite to let them “play through,” meaning to let them go first so that they can move on to the next hole. When you disturb the grass or sand with your club or ball, always smooth it afterward so that it will be ready for the next player.

If your ball is heading toward people, shout “fore!” to warn them. When someone else is taking a shot, be quiet so that they can concentrate and never touch or move someone else’s ball.

Scoring

Swinging a golf club while trying to hit the ball is counted as a stroke, even if you miss. The total number of strokes you make before your ball goes into the hole is your score for that hole. You may also have to add penalty strokes to your score for infractions like moving a ball.

At the end of your round, add all of the scores from each individual hole together to get your total score. Lower scores are better. Each hole has a “par,” which is the number of strokes a skilled player is expected to need for that hole. Comparing your score to the par for the course can help you understand how well or poorly you played.

To practice your drive or get started with golf lessons, contact Etter’s Golf Center in Cincinnati, OH. Serving the Tri-State Area since 1941, they welcome players of all experience levels to their driving range, which includes 16 lit, covered stalls and 22 outdoor tees. To arrange a session, call (513) 563-8661 or visit their website today.