BEFORE TACKLING YOUR FIRST COURSE, TAKE THE TIME TO RE-READ THE 10 BASIC RULES TO PLAY SAFELY!
How to count points on a course?
At the start of a hole, you will find essential information about the game such as the distance to the hole and the number of shots to play to be on par. To count the score of each player, take into account the number of shots played by each player to fit the ball in the hole from the start. At the end of each hole, players indicate the number of moves played on their scorecard. To lower your index finger, you have to play as few moves as possible.
How to position yourself at the start?
A. WHICH COLOR TO CHOOSE INITIALLY?
Here you are at the start of the hole, your club chose according to the distance to be covered. But surprise, several departures of different colors are available to you. Which one to choose?
It depends on your level of play (your index), your gender, and the rules of the course you play on. The easiest way is to ask the question at the golf reception: “Which balls should I start from with an index of …?”
If it is tempting to measure yourself against the best players from your first shots of the ball, keep in mind that it is more pleasant to choose a starting brand in line with your real level. In addition, it will speed up your pace of play so as not to suffer the pressure of the next game.
B. THE USE OF A TEE
In your kit the new golfer, you were advised to slip a tee. Fine, but how to use it? First of all, you should know that the starting area of a hole is the only place on the course where this small accessory is allowed. No question of planting it every time in the middle of the fairway or in the rough! For more information on using a tee, I advise you to read the linked article.
C. BEHAVIOR AT THE ADDRESS (OTHER PLAYERS)You
are usually not alone in playing. Since concentration and safety are two important components of golf, there are rules of good conduct to follow when teeing with another player. First of all, respect absolute silence to allow him optimal concentration, and avoid moving too much or shading his ball. The idea is to stand in front of the player in the starting area, several club lengths away, and observe the direction his ball takes and where it lands. This can save you precious minutes in the game.
In what order to play?
A. THE FURTHEST FROM STARTING!
An important rule on the course is about game rounds. For obvious safety reasons, it is always the furthest from the hole that will play first. Never move in front of a player preparing his move. Wait patiently until he has played to position you next to your ball.
To speed up the game on the green, the “Ready to play” rule has been put in place by the federations. You are the first ready to putter, go even if you are not the closest!
B. MY BEHAVIOUR ON THE COURSE
A golf ball received in the head can cause significant damage. Don’t take unnecessary risks! To do this, respect the safety rules of the golf course on which you are and always be attentive to your environment, before playing and when moving on the fairway.
How to recognize your ball?
90% of the balls played on the courses are white, which does not help to differentiate them in the middle of the fairway. To avoid playing your playmate’s ball by mistake, there are very simple ways. First of all, at the start, remember the number written on your ball. To be more visible, you can also draw a distinctive sign on your ball using a specific marker. Another solution may be not to play a white ball but to opt for colored balls. Orange, yellow, or pink, these balls will not only be different from those of your playing partners but also more easily spotted on the course.
What to do when a ball is not on the course?
Behind red, yellow, or white stakes… In water, sand, or bushes… How to play a ball that does not rest on the fairway?
1. BALL IS OUT OF BOUNDS (White stakes)
Bang, the shot is gone….far too far to the right! Your ball flies behind the white stakes, it’s out of bounds. How do I keep playing? Nothing could be easier. Stay where you are and play a second ball, counting a penalty kick. If you’re not sure, play a temporary ball. If your ball is indeed out of bounds, you will play your 4th shot. If your tee ball was finally valid, pick up your provisional ball and play your second shot with the tee ball.
2. UNPLAYABLE
BALL Did your ball lodge behind a tree or in a hole? It can be considered unplayable. The bravest can try to play it but if you do not dare, do not panic! 3 choices are available to you, all three resulting in a penalty kick:
– Drop your ball two club lengths from where it rests, without however getting closer to the flag.
– Drop the ball in the continuity of the line that separates you from the flag, without ever moving forward. This can get you out of a hole or get you out of a bush for example.
– As with the out-of-bounds ball, you can also replay from the starting point of your previous shot.
3. BALL IN A BUNKER
Fancy a holiday? Your ball follows your thoughts and gently puts its towel in the sand of a bunker. Again, stay calm.
– If your ball is playable, try to get out of this bunker! Be careful, your club should never come into contact with the sand during your trial runs.
– If it is not playable, refer to point number 6 to get out of it.
When leaving your bunker, do not forget to rake your tracks to leave clean and smooth sand for the following players!
4. BALL IN THE WATER (yellow pegs)
If the obstacle is central and surrounded by yellow pegs, you can replace yourself with a penalty shot. Here, are only two solutions to get you out of it. You can either drop your ball on the line between the entry point in the obstacle and the flag, always moving away from the flag or simply replay your shot from the previous point.
5. BALL IN THE WATER (Red Stakes)
If the obstacle is on the side of the course and is surrounded by red stakes, you can reposition yourself, with a penalty shot, naturally. For these 3 solutions:
– Replay the place of the previous
move- Drop on the line between the entry point in the obstacle and the flag, always moving away from the flag.
– Drop two club lengths from the entry of the ball into the obstacle.
How to finish the hole?
HOW TO BEHAVE ON THE GREEN?
The green is the most sensitive place on the course, so it should be treated respectfully. For this, basic rules are to know:
– Never put your bag or roll your cart on the green- Always raise your pitch, ie the impact left by your ball when it lands on the green
.
– Do not walk on other players’ putt lines. The putting line is the trajectory between the ball and the hole.
– Remove the flag if all players are on the green.
– Once the hole is finished, reposition the flag and quickly evacuate the green to let the games following you access the precious Grail.
HOW TO FINISH THE HOLE?
The hole is finished when the ball has entered, either at putting, or with a nice approach, in the hole of the green indicated by a flag. Once all the balls are in, evacuate the green and count it on your scorecard.
Who starts the next hole again?
Congratulations, you’ve finished hole number 1! But which player will start hole No. 2?
It’s very simple, the honor goes to the winner of the previous hole.
During your first course, even if you have your green card in your pocket, you can announce it to your gaming partners. They will logically be kind to you and can help you in complex situations.
Do not hesitate to ask them your questions during the interplay!
