A handicap in golf is not a reference to what’s keeping you from playing a great game.  Your handicap is the numerical measure of an amateur golfer’s ability to play the game over the course of its 18 holes.  This number represents how many strokes above par that a player will achieve on any typical day; this number is subtracted from their total score at the end of the round.

It’s not easy to calculate a handicap but it typically means the average number over par from the player’s previous rounds.

Note that handicaps are not used in professional golf.

Now that you know a bit more about the technical aspects of golf, why not try to apply some of these actual rules to your next game?  Many amateur golfers hit the links with friends or family and just make up their own way of playing as they go along, and of course there’s nothing wrong with that.  But typically rules govern any game for a reason – they’re meant to keep the game interesting and challenging and to make it fair for everyone.

If you understand the reasoning behind handicapping or see how different team plays are arranged, you may find that your game is much more interesting than when you go out and just start hitting the ball and counting strokes.  You may find that team play renews your interest in the game or may find that when you approach a hazard the right way, your score actually improves!  So don’t turn you nose up at these different elements of the game but keep them in mind the next time you’re on the course and you may find your game improves as does your overall enjoyment!

Typical courses have three, four, or five par holes; rarely you will see a six or seven par hole.

How is par determined for any given hole?  You might think it’s a cruel joke being played on you by some golf pro that just wants to see you embarrass yourself, but in reality there are many factors involved.  The distance between the hole and tee of course is a factor; par three holes are usually 100-250 yards, par four between 251-475 yards, and par five are typically between 476-690 yards.  Any slope of the course can also affect the par rating – hitting uphill is more difficult than hitting downhill.  The shape of the green and course and placement of hazards can also affect the par.

Scoring

Counting your strokes is just one part of scoring; of course you want as few strokes or points as possible when playing golf.  But getting under par is also desirable for many.  The following are standard terms used to describe strokes over and under par:

-4        Condor                       four strokes under par

-3        Albatross                   three strokes under par

-2        Eagle                          two strokes under par

-1         Birdie                         one stroke under par

0          Par                              strokes equal to par

+1        Bogey                         one stroke over par

+2       Double Bogey           two strokes over par

+3       Triple Bogey             three strokes over par

As with so many other parts of the game, the hazards on a course are governed by rules set out by the USGA.  As tempting as it might be, you’re not technically allowed to pick up your ball and toss it out of the sand trap but you’re also not obligated to swim to the bottom of the lake and hit your ball from there!

Bunker or Sand Trap

A bunker is prepared specifically to hold sand; turf and soil have been removed.  Hitting the ball from sand is very difficult as the ball tends to sink into it.  This means that hitting the ball with full force is difficult since the sand behind the ball interrupts the shot.

According to the rules of the USGA, the player cannot test the condition of the bunker, nor can he or she touch the ground within the bunker with his or her hand or a club.  They must play the ball where it lies or deem it unplayable with a penalty stroke, dropping the ball inside the bunker.

Water Hazards

Those small lakes and bodies of water you see on golf courses are more than just decoration – they’re meant to make the game that much more challenging.  Avoiding a water hazard is imperative since of course there’s no way to play the ball where it lies when it’s in water the way you can in a sand hazard.  Of course if the ball falls on the edge of a water hazard a player can play the ball as it lies.  Under penalty of one stroke, the player can also drop a ball at any point, as far back as the player chooses, on a line that keeps the last point at which the ball entered the hazard between the player, and the hole.

This doesn’t mean you need to lose heart, however.  A better swing can be learned and your game can be improved.  It’s not as hard as you may think; with just a few simple tips and tricks you can easily slash your scorecard and easily make par on any course and any hole.  You may also find that you once again enjoy the game no matter how successful you are!

In this blog, we’ll tell you:

• How the right equipment should be chosen and why it’s so important to watch what you have in your bag.
• The common mistakes that virtually every golfer makes with their stance and swing and how even the smallest adjustments can make a huge difference in your success.
• The positive aspects of a golf swing that is good to try to emulate to your own approach.
• Easy ways to understand the psychology of golf and how learning how to relax your mind and your body will change just about everything in your game.

Golf should be an enjoyable and relaxing outing no matter what.  Think about it – you’re out of the office, away from household chores, and basically enjoying a good walk in the fresh air.  Your poor score shouldn’t be bringing that experience down.  So if you’re ready to find out exactly what’s needed to improve your swing and your game and to get back to enjoying this great hobby, let’s get started!