My dear friends,
I'm back in action after a long silences.
Let's talk something on Golfing....
Monday, August 24, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
What Do 'Out' and 'In' Mean When They Appear on the Scorecard?
The words "out" and "in" appear on most golf scorecards, alongside the par for the front nine and back nine. Why are these terms used, and what do they mean?
What they mean is fairly self-evident. "Out" and "in" on the scorecard refer to the golfer's front and back nines, respectively.
Why those terms are used dates back to the beginnings of golf. Back in the mists of Scotland, golf courses weren't so much built as they were found. Golfers would begin playing their game on the linksland alongside the Scottish coast. Patterns of play formed, and a well-worn golf course would emerge.
Such early links all took the same form. From the starting point (eventually, the clubhouse), golfers would play out in a straight line, the holes strung together one after the other. When they reached the midway point of the golf course, they turned around and started playing in the opposite direction until making it back to the starting point.
In other words, they played out, then they played back in. The first set of holes came to be called the "outward" holes; the second set, the "inward" holes. Eventually, golf courses settled on 18 holes in length; hence, the "outward nine" and "inward nine" came to comprise the 18-hole course.
Few golf courses are constructed these days in the out-and-in pattern of early links courses. But the terms "out" and "in" have stuck for the front and back nines.
Source: http://golf.about.com
What they mean is fairly self-evident. "Out" and "in" on the scorecard refer to the golfer's front and back nines, respectively.
Why those terms are used dates back to the beginnings of golf. Back in the mists of Scotland, golf courses weren't so much built as they were found. Golfers would begin playing their game on the linksland alongside the Scottish coast. Patterns of play formed, and a well-worn golf course would emerge.
Such early links all took the same form. From the starting point (eventually, the clubhouse), golfers would play out in a straight line, the holes strung together one after the other. When they reached the midway point of the golf course, they turned around and started playing in the opposite direction until making it back to the starting point.
In other words, they played out, then they played back in. The first set of holes came to be called the "outward" holes; the second set, the "inward" holes. Eventually, golf courses settled on 18 holes in length; hence, the "outward nine" and "inward nine" came to comprise the 18-hole course.
Few golf courses are constructed these days in the out-and-in pattern of early links courses. But the terms "out" and "in" have stuck for the front and back nines.
Source: http://golf.about.com
How Long Does It Take to Play a Round of Golf?
Four hours is the estimate most people give for 18 holes.
The actual time depends on how busy the course is, how many people you are playing with and how many strokes everyone takes (a round of 72 will obviously be faster than a round of 112).
A golfer playing alone on a course that is not crowded should be able to finish in 2 and a half hours or less.
A foursome playing a very crowded course might wind up spending 5 or even 6 hours on the golf course.
Source: http://golf.about.com
The actual time depends on how busy the course is, how many people you are playing with and how many strokes everyone takes (a round of 72 will obviously be faster than a round of 112).
A golfer playing alone on a course that is not crowded should be able to finish in 2 and a half hours or less.
A foursome playing a very crowded course might wind up spending 5 or even 6 hours on the golf course.
Source: http://golf.about.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Golf - The beginning
For the person wishing to try out the game of golf, or who have already contracted the "Golf Disease", several items are needed, like in any sport, in order to start playing and learning the game.
Clothing/Dress Sense
Although no expensive golf apparel is needed, usually all golf clubs and Teaching professionals require and prefer Smart-Casual dress etiquette. In this sense a common rule should apply – "No Jeans!" or armless shirts. This is as much not to offend other golfers who have respect and common desire for the game as to uphold the prestige and heritage of the game.
A good investment in starting golf is the purchase of a comfortable and preferably waterproof pair of golf shoes. Even though in the beginning, the majority of time will be spent on lessons and practicing, comfortable shoes designed for the stresses of the golf swing are needed, and then later on when moving onto the golf course, when a journey of 10 to 15 kilometers is not unusual, golf shoes will become imperative.
Equipment
Whilst spending a lot of money on golf gear right in the beginning can appear to be a good investment, take note that some Golf Clubs are very expensive and the beginner does not need the most expensive and best clubs to start with. Also, a specific brand of golf club may not be suitable for the individual concerned. Therefore, consultation with a PGA qualified professional is imperative, not just to find the best golf equipment for you, but also to perhaps recommend "Custom Fitting". This is a way in which golf clubs can be "Tailor Made" to suit the golfer, and be aware that playing with the wrong kind of golf club, for example the length of it may be wrong for you, this provides a higher risk for injury later down the line such as back and spinal problems.
Lessons
Lessons are an essential part of golf, no matter whether you are a complete beginner, or a top World Professional. As with "Custom Fitting", lessons are not just to improve your game and make you a better golfer, the Professional will be able to spot faults in your swing/game that could be injurious to your health. The longer you leave it to have a lesson to sort out any problems with your game, the longer it will be for you to become better.
In taking up the game of golf, try and take lessons at regular intervals, for example once a week, or once every two weeks, but try not to go long periods without lesson
Clothing/Dress Sense
Although no expensive golf apparel is needed, usually all golf clubs and Teaching professionals require and prefer Smart-Casual dress etiquette. In this sense a common rule should apply – "No Jeans!" or armless shirts. This is as much not to offend other golfers who have respect and common desire for the game as to uphold the prestige and heritage of the game.
A good investment in starting golf is the purchase of a comfortable and preferably waterproof pair of golf shoes. Even though in the beginning, the majority of time will be spent on lessons and practicing, comfortable shoes designed for the stresses of the golf swing are needed, and then later on when moving onto the golf course, when a journey of 10 to 15 kilometers is not unusual, golf shoes will become imperative.
Equipment
Whilst spending a lot of money on golf gear right in the beginning can appear to be a good investment, take note that some Golf Clubs are very expensive and the beginner does not need the most expensive and best clubs to start with. Also, a specific brand of golf club may not be suitable for the individual concerned. Therefore, consultation with a PGA qualified professional is imperative, not just to find the best golf equipment for you, but also to perhaps recommend "Custom Fitting". This is a way in which golf clubs can be "Tailor Made" to suit the golfer, and be aware that playing with the wrong kind of golf club, for example the length of it may be wrong for you, this provides a higher risk for injury later down the line such as back and spinal problems.
Lessons
Lessons are an essential part of golf, no matter whether you are a complete beginner, or a top World Professional. As with "Custom Fitting", lessons are not just to improve your game and make you a better golfer, the Professional will be able to spot faults in your swing/game that could be injurious to your health. The longer you leave it to have a lesson to sort out any problems with your game, the longer it will be for you to become better.
In taking up the game of golf, try and take lessons at regular intervals, for example once a week, or once every two weeks, but try not to go long periods without lesson
The very first steps in Golfing
The biggest mistake by people who wanted to start in golf is to rush out and buy a brand new set of shiny and expensive golf clubs. While they are nice to look at you should keep in mind that today's golf equipment comes in great varieties to cater for different golfing types and abilities.
Since you're just starting out you do not know which set fits you best. Just imagine the envious looks you get at the driving range when you come with your $2000 set, and the subsequent laughter when you try and just 'hack away' - not worth the embarrassment! Once you spend a few hundred or even thousand $$ on a set that doesn't suit your style you're stuck with it or you have to sell it to somebody else at a loss.
If you feel you want your own clubs you may want to read our editorial on 'How to choose the best Clubs for Beginner Golfers' elsewhere on this site.
Since you're just starting out you do not know which set fits you best. Just imagine the envious looks you get at the driving range when you come with your $2000 set, and the subsequent laughter when you try and just 'hack away' - not worth the embarrassment! Once you spend a few hundred or even thousand $$ on a set that doesn't suit your style you're stuck with it or you have to sell it to somebody else at a loss.
If you feel you want your own clubs you may want to read our editorial on 'How to choose the best Clubs for Beginner Golfers' elsewhere on this site.
How to get started in Golf?
Golf is a great game: sometimes rewarding and often frustrating but highly addictive. Getting started in it is actually not so difficult but it needs the desire to learn and swing the clubs.
If you really want to get a head start you should consider getting our Golf Beginner Guide.
If you really want to get a head start you should consider getting our Golf Beginner Guide.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rules in Golf
Every golfer should familiarize with the Golf Rules; it was designed to give beginners to the game of golf a quick glance at the key elements of the rules. The official Rules of Golf take up around 100 pages of a booklet published by the USGA and R&A.
Please note that this summary of the rules should never be used to settle disputes or disagreements; always consult the full rules for that. And make sure that you move on to read and explore the full and complete Rules of Golf after familiarizing yourself with the basic concepts here. You can read the full rules online, but you should also pick up a copy of the rulebook at your local course or by ordering from the USGA or R&A.
Now, on to your introduction to the rules (click a link to read the full version of any given rule):
Rule 1: The Game
* The holes on the course must be played in order (1 through 9, or 1 through 18) unless the committee says otherwise.
* You must always play by the Rules. You are not allowed to change or ignore them.
Rule 2: Match Play
* In match play, each hole is a separate contest. If you win the first hole, you are "one-up"; if you lose it, you are "one-down"; if you halve it, you are "all-square."
* You have won the match when you are more holes up than there are left to play. For example, if you are three-up and there are only two holes left to play, you have won “three and two”.
* Anyone you are playing against is your "opponent."
Rule 3: Stroke Play
* In stroke play, the competitor with the lowest total score for the round (or rounds) is the winner.
* You must play your ball into the hole before starting the next hole.
* Anyone you are playing with is a “fellow-competitor”.
* It is not possible to play match play and stroke play at the same time.
Rule 4/Rule 5: Clubs and the Ball
* You may carry no more than fourteen clubs.
* You may not change balls during the play of a hole unless a Rule allows it. However, if you damage your ball or it goes out of shape, you may change the ball after first consulting your opponent or fellow competitor.
Rule 6: Player’s Responsibilities
* Read the notices given to you by the tournament officials.
* Always use your correct handicap.
* Know your tee-time or starting time, and be there ready to play at that time.
* Make sure you can identify your own ball (put a mark on the ball in case someone else is using an identical ball).
* In stroke play, make sure your score for each hole is correct and sign your card before returning it.
* Don’t unduly delay play – keep up with the group in front. Keep playing unless there is danger from lightning, you become ill, or an official tells you to stop.
Rule 7: Practice
* You may not hit a practice shot while playing a hole, or from any hazard. Normally, practice is not allowed on the course before a stroke event, but is allowed before a match. However, a committee may alter this rule so always check the conditions of competition.
Rule 8: Advice on How to Play
* During a round, you may not ask anyone except your caddie or partner for advice on how to play. However, you may ask anyone about the Rules or the position of hazards or the flagstick.
* You may not give advice to your opponent or fellow-competitor.
* Don’t position any marker to indicate your line of play.
Rule 9: Advising Opponent on Strokes Taken
* In match play, you must tell your opponent the number of strokes, including penalties, you have taken if you are asked.
Rule 10: The Order of Play
* The player who has the lowest score on a hole has the right to play his/her ball first on the next hole. This is called the "honour."
* While playing a hole, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first.
* In match play, if you play out of turn, your opponent may make you replay your shot. This is not so in stroke play.
Please note that this summary of the rules should never be used to settle disputes or disagreements; always consult the full rules for that. And make sure that you move on to read and explore the full and complete Rules of Golf after familiarizing yourself with the basic concepts here. You can read the full rules online, but you should also pick up a copy of the rulebook at your local course or by ordering from the USGA or R&A.
Now, on to your introduction to the rules (click a link to read the full version of any given rule):
Rule 1: The Game
* The holes on the course must be played in order (1 through 9, or 1 through 18) unless the committee says otherwise.
* You must always play by the Rules. You are not allowed to change or ignore them.
Rule 2: Match Play
* In match play, each hole is a separate contest. If you win the first hole, you are "one-up"; if you lose it, you are "one-down"; if you halve it, you are "all-square."
* You have won the match when you are more holes up than there are left to play. For example, if you are three-up and there are only two holes left to play, you have won “three and two”.
* Anyone you are playing against is your "opponent."
Rule 3: Stroke Play
* In stroke play, the competitor with the lowest total score for the round (or rounds) is the winner.
* You must play your ball into the hole before starting the next hole.
* Anyone you are playing with is a “fellow-competitor”.
* It is not possible to play match play and stroke play at the same time.
Rule 4/Rule 5: Clubs and the Ball
* You may carry no more than fourteen clubs.
* You may not change balls during the play of a hole unless a Rule allows it. However, if you damage your ball or it goes out of shape, you may change the ball after first consulting your opponent or fellow competitor.
Rule 6: Player’s Responsibilities
* Read the notices given to you by the tournament officials.
* Always use your correct handicap.
* Know your tee-time or starting time, and be there ready to play at that time.
* Make sure you can identify your own ball (put a mark on the ball in case someone else is using an identical ball).
* In stroke play, make sure your score for each hole is correct and sign your card before returning it.
* Don’t unduly delay play – keep up with the group in front. Keep playing unless there is danger from lightning, you become ill, or an official tells you to stop.
Rule 7: Practice
* You may not hit a practice shot while playing a hole, or from any hazard. Normally, practice is not allowed on the course before a stroke event, but is allowed before a match. However, a committee may alter this rule so always check the conditions of competition.
Rule 8: Advice on How to Play
* During a round, you may not ask anyone except your caddie or partner for advice on how to play. However, you may ask anyone about the Rules or the position of hazards or the flagstick.
* You may not give advice to your opponent or fellow-competitor.
* Don’t position any marker to indicate your line of play.
Rule 9: Advising Opponent on Strokes Taken
* In match play, you must tell your opponent the number of strokes, including penalties, you have taken if you are asked.
Rule 10: The Order of Play
* The player who has the lowest score on a hole has the right to play his/her ball first on the next hole. This is called the "honour."
* While playing a hole, the player whose ball is farthest from the hole plays first.
* In match play, if you play out of turn, your opponent may make you replay your shot. This is not so in stroke play.
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