Golf

Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. The game is played on a course with an arranged progression of 18 holes, though recreational courses can be smaller, having 9 holes.

History

The modern game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland. The 18-hole round was created at the Old Course at St Andrews in 1764. Golf's first major, and the world's oldest tournament in existence, is The Open Championship, also known as the British Open, which was first played in 1860 in Ayrshire, Scotland.

Gameplay

In the game of golf, a golfer's goal is to sink the golf ball into each of the holes on the course in the fewest number of strokes, or swings, possible. The golfer tees off from the tee box and attempts to get his or her ball into the cup on the green in as few strokes as possible. The golfer with the lowest number of strokes at the end of the round wins.

Equipment

Golf clubs are used to hit the golf ball. Each club is composed of a shaft with a grip and a club head. Golf balls are spherical and have dimples that decrease air resistance and increase lift. Golfers also use a tee, a small peg that can be pushed into the ground to hold the ball at a height that is convenient for the player.

Scoring

The score achieved for each hole of the round or tournament is added to produce the total score, and the player with the lowest score wins in stroke play. A hole in one (or an "ace") occurs when a golfer sinks his ball into the cup with his first stroke from the tee. Common scores for a hole also have specific terms.

Rules

The rules of golf are internationally standardized and are jointly governed by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The underlying principle of the rules is fairness.

Professional golf

Professional golfers are individuals who make their living by playing golf. There are professional tours for men and women, the most notable of which are the Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA), the European Tour, and the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

Health benefits

Playing golf can bring health benefits including physical exercise, mental well-being, and social interaction. It is a low-impact sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities.

See also

• List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins
• List of golf courses in the United Kingdom
• Golf in Scotland

Golf Resources
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