The Wonderful World of Golf

Golf is different from other sports because it does not have one sort of playing arena; instead each golf course has its own unique design. Another reason we chose to do a project on golf, was because people think golf is a boring sport, which it is not, it can be very interesting to watch and very fun to play. The main aim of golf is to hit a ball into a hole with a golf club with the least amount of swings.

The origins of golf are unclear. It is debated whether golf originated in the Netherlands or Scotland. However, it is agreed that modern golf originated in Scotland in the 1100s. A game that was similar to golf was mentioned in the Donguxan Records. It was also mentioned on February 26 1297 in the Netherland’s city, Loenen aan de Vecht. In this game the Dutch would attempt to hit a leather ball into a target several hundred meters away in the least number of swings. A game of putting a small ball into a hole with a club was also played by the Dutch.

However these games are considered as ancestors to the game we now know as golf. In Scotland, the first golf club memberships were formed, the earliest permanent golf course was formed there too, as was the first written rules. Over time, the game of golf spread throughout England, and from there, the rest of the world.

Rules and Regulations

1. The most important rule in golf is that you must always follow the rules. You cannot change them.
2. The holes should be played in order. (eg: 1 to 9, 9 to 18 or 1to18)
3. A round in golf is when 9 or 18 holes have been played. (eg: 1 round for an 18-hole course, 1 complete round on a 9-hole course is 2 small rounds of 9 holes)
4. In match play, every hole is a different contest. If you win a hole than you are “one up”. If you lose a hole you are “one down”. If you tie a hole than nobody loses or receives points. This is referred as “all square”. In match play a player wins a match when they have more points than there are holes remaining. For example if a player is 3 up and there are 2 holes remaining, than that player wins the match. If there is a draw than the match will be extended.
5. You can never go on to the next hole with out finishing the last one
6. In stroke play, the player with the lowest number of strokes in the round is the winner
7. You may not carry more than 14 clubs
8. The only time you can change the ball during a hole is when it gets damaged. Before changing the ball, make sure you inform your opponents.
9. Make sure you play your own ball
10. You may not hit a practice shot during a hole
11. During a round you can only ask your caddie about advice about what you should do. You cannot give advice to your opponent.
12. In a match if your opponent asks you about the number of strokes you took to get a ball into the hole, you must tell them

Equipment

Golf ball- essential for a game of golf. A golf ball has 300-450 dimples, designed to improve the aerodynamics of the ball. The most expensive golf balls were the Nike and Callaway golf balls. Nike golf balls are $60.00/100 balls. The Callaway golf balls are $70.00/100 balls. The reason these golf balls are expensive is because of the aerodynamics.

Golf clubs- A player needs a golf club to play golf. There are 3 major types of golf clubs: woods, irons, and putters. Wooden golf clubs are used long distance shots. Iron golf clubs are used for short-distance shots. Putters are special golf clubs designed to push or roll the ball along the ground. Generally wooden and iron clubs are more expensive than putters. The reason for this is because the shots that wooden and iron clubs are used for are much harder to do than a putter shot.

Golf shafts- It is the part of the golf club that you hold. It is the long cylindrical piece of the golf club. There are hundreds of different designs of a golf shaft. True temper steel shafts were the most popular golf shafts but recently graphite golf shafts have begun to emerge. The shaft the golfer decides to use is according to his/her comfort. Graphite golf shafts are the most expensive shafts right now.

Health Benefits

People say that golf is a non-exercise sport. They say that in golf all you do is ride a cart and just swing a little club. But really, by playing golf you are receiving a lot of exercise. For example, did you know that if you walk your whole 18-hole course instead of driving around in the cart, than you are walking approximately 5 miles? By walking 5 miles you are improving your cardiovascular fitness.

The strength and flexibility you develop when playing golf is essential for youngsters and for older people. The walking, swinging of a golf club, and other movements you make on the golf field will help people age more gracefully. This is the reason many doctors recommend to play golf to their older patients who do not get a lot of exercise.

Researchers report that people who get a bit of sun and outdoor activity daily have better psychological health. If you suffer from seasonal mood disorder, which most doctors say most people do, than golf is the perfect sport for you. Another benefit is if you play golf daily, than you are likely to have a better sleep.

Progression

Professional golfers usually start at an early age, not that it’s impossible if you start in your teenage years. A golfer loses his amateur status once they play golf for money. Once a golfer becomes professional than they can not participate in amateur tournaments. These professional golfers make a living by playing golf tournaments, teaching golf, dealing in golf equipment, etc. To become a professional in golf (in fact any sport) you should perform really well in amateur tournaments. If you do this then a golf organization will recognize you and select for bigger and better tournaments. Eventually you will become a professional. So basically there are only 2 levels in the chronology of golf levels: amateurs and professionals.