1. The Objective of the Golf

The major goal is to complete an 18-hole course using the fewest strokes possible. Each hole has an assigned par, which indicates the number of strokes an average player should need to complete it. A golfer who completes the course with the fewest total strokes wins the round.

Also Read: What Is A Stroke Play In Golf?

2. 14-Club Rule

The USGA states that a maximum of 14 clubs can be carried in the bag from the start of the game. In accordance with Rule 4-4, if your bag contains more than 14 clubs, you will incur a penalty of two strokes for each hole played (or disqualification may be imposed).

Recheck clubs before leaving the driving range or executing the first tee shot, since this penalty is easy to avoid. If you choose to carry fewer than 14 clubs, this is allowed but not encouraged. 

3. Play It As It Lies

The basic rule is to play your ball in whatever position it is, regardless of whether it is lying nicely on the fairway or it is jammed against a tree root. The application of this rule brings a challenge that makes golf different from other sports where players get to play again; in golf, players have to deal with whatever situation their ball creates. 

But here is what most beginners do not know: the rules offer many relief options when “playing it as it lies” becomes unreasonable or impossible.

4. Teeing Off

The tee box marks the spot where each hole begins. It is marked by tee markers and extends two club lengths behind these markers. Hit from inside the tee box area and don’t move the ball nearer to the hole. The golf ball must be played in between the relevant tee markers and not more than two club lengths behind them. If the ball drops off the tee, put it back without a penalty if you haven't tried to hit it yet. If you start with the wrong ball by mistake, you'll get a penalty and must fix it by playing the right ball from the tee box.

5. Order of Play

Usually, the player with the lowest score on the last hole is given the honour and plays first at the next hole. This procedure continues for the rest of the round.

While the honour system is common, ready golf encourages players to play when ready as long as it doesn't compromise safety or etiquette. This practice is a great help in speeding up the game, especially in casual rounds or when players are ready before the player with honour.

The order on the putting green is determined by distance from the hole. The players whose ball is the farthest from the hole putts first, and the order continues until all players have completed the hole. In games like alternate shot or foursomes, players alternate shots. The players who are up to tee off alternate with their partner for the subsequent shots until the hole is finished.

6. Out of Bounds

A ball is considered out of bounds whenever it lies outside the boundary lines, even if a tiny part of the ball crosses the line. These areas have markers. When the ball goes out of bounds, add a penalty stroke to score and hit the next shot from where you last played (this is called a stroke and distance penalty). This means you go back to where you hit the previous shot and play again, but with an extra stroke added to your score.

While taking relief out of bounds, find out the closest location that the ball went into the boundary and take relief within one club length of that point, not nearer to the relevant hole. Some courses may have local rules about out-of-bounds, which could include dropping zones or alternative penalties. Always check the local rules of the course you are going to play.

7. Scoring

Whoever plays in stroke play counts the total number of strokes in each hole. The golfer with the least total score after all the holes are played wins the game. In match play, every golf hole is a different battle. 

The player or group of players with the lowest score on a particular hole wins that hole. The overall winner is the player or team with the most holes won in their favor. Par is the number of strokes a golfer needs to complete a hole or a round. Par changes according to the hole and difficulty of the course. 

When you are scoring in strokes, a "birdie" is when you have a count of one stroke less than par on a hole. Scoring two strokes under par on a hole is called an "eagle." Getting one stroke over par results in a "bogey," while two strokes over par leads to a "double bogey." 

8. Handicaps 

A handicap shows how you play: it indicates how many strokes above par you score. Working out your handicap can be complex because an exact handicap with high accuracy accounts for each course's difficulty. The best way to get an accurate handicap is to play at least ten times on the same course and turn in your scores to the clubhouse.

To get a precise handicap, you should play at least ten rounds on the same course and give your scores to the clubhouse. Once you know your handicap, you can use it to level the playing field when you compete against more skilled golfers. 

Know More: What Does a Good Handicap Really Mean in Golf?

9. Hazards and Relief Options

If you are unlucky enough to hit the ball into a hazard, it’s important to understand your options. Water hazards are the main hazards on most courses, indicated by yellow stakes, lines, or markings, or where water is generally found. In some cases, these areas are marked with red stakes or lines. Red-staked areas have different relief options compared to.

When your ball lands in a yellow-staked penalty area, try to play the ball as it lies without incurring a penalty. Alternatively, you may proceed with a penalty drop taking behind the water hazard, the hole keeping the point where the ball last crossed the hazard line directly between the drop point and the hole. In case you are doubtful whether the ball is in a water hazard, play a provisional ball before searching for the original ball. If the original ball is discovered in the area, continue with the options for relief.

Also Know: What Do the Different Coloured Stakes Mean in Golf? 

10. What to Wear

It’s important to stick to the dress code when playing golf. Wear a polo shirt, as t-shirts or sleeveless shirts are usually not allowed. For bottoms, golf trousers, tailored shorts, skirts, or skorts are appropriate. Wear golf shoes with soft spikes for good grip. Don’t forget a cap or bucket hat for sun protection. For a complete breakdown of tournament-appropriate outfits, read this guide: What To Wear To a Golf Tournament.

Conclusion

Mastering the golf basic rules for beginners is crucial for enjoyment, skill development, and fair competition. Understanding course etiquette, scoring, penalties, and relief options improves swings and builds confidence. Use this guide to learn golf rules for beginners, and start your journey with well-chosen golf gear. Most importantly, practice and have fun out on the course!