Introduction to Golf

The basics

The game of golf is widely regarded as having its roots in Scotland, the Royal and Ancient game has changed significantly to include new technologies, but the basic game has changed very little. The game of golf continues to excite, attract, and captivate players and audiences from the UK and around the world.

To play the game of golf a unique blend of traits is needed, going beyond the mental and physical to include etiquette and a level of integrity rarely found in other sports. For example, a golfer would rather call a penalty on himself rather than for another player call his integrity into question. Another almost unique attribute to golf is that it can be played by a wide range of age groups and by male and female participants on a competitive level.

Learning to play the basics of golf takes perseverance and dedication. With good tuition, however, your swing and hand to eye coordination should fall into place. As veterans off the game will acknowledge, bad habits picked up early will translate into bad scores down the line, and can be very difficult to rectify.

Technology in golf has surprisingly caused a host of problems for course designers and owners. The tendency in the modern game is to hit the ball further with the help of new materials and designs for drivers, irons and balls. This has had the affect of shortening courses to such an extent that some par 5 holes have been reduced to par 4's, and some par 4's have been lengthened to stop players driving onto the green. Swing mechanics have also had an overhaul thanks to computer analysis and practice aids and techniques.

Some of the greatest golfing tournaments such as the British Open and the Ryder Cup have a special significance for players and spectators. Pristine fairways, lightning fast greens, and thicker rough usually brings to the top of the leaderboard the best players of the time. The game of golf has attracted a great number of inspirational hero's and characters. Some greats of the game include: Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros.