Understanding Golf Terminology and Golf Rules

In order to fully enjoy playing golf, it is important to gain an understanding of golf terminology and golf rules. Once you have a clear understanding of these things, you will know what is exactly happening on the golf course and how you can become more strategic in your golf game to get the fullest enjoyment out of each round.

When you are playing in a golf tournament, times and schedules for you to begin will be set up and you must arrive on schedule. The group you are set up with will remain the same throughout the the tournament, unless those in charge of the golf tournament make changes. In most cases if you fail to adhere to your schedule and stick with your group, you will be disqualified from the golf tournament. However, in most cases you will be allowed to be up to five minutes late without penalty, though a multiple stroke penalty may be assessed if those in charge deem it necessary.

You cannot invite or hire more than one person to be your caddie. Generally, having too many people along will result in a disqualification. You are also responsible for any rules violations made by your caddie.

When you are playing in competitions you must use a golf ball marked so you can distinguish your own golf balls from others' golf balls. Your golf balls must be approved for use in that competition or by the USGA.

For each round of 18 holes you must stick to your original set of golf clubs, which can contain no more than 14 golf clubs. The only time you may share clubs with another player is if you and the other player have a combined total of 14 clubs in your sets.

There are even rules about cleaning your golf balls during the tournament. Basically, you can clean your golf ball at any time, except during the course of playing a hole. In particular you cannot clean your ball when lifting it for identification or when it is moved due to either assistance or interference during the course of playing the hole.