Some basic rules.
- Read the local rules on the card of the course you are playing
- It is not permitted to share clubs or bags
- You can only have a maximum of 14 clubs in your bag (Ian Woosnam!)
- Mark your ball with some personal identification. If you play the wrong ball it's a two shot penalty in stroke play or loss of hole in match play.
- Don't ask or give advice to anyone except your caddie or playing partner.
- On the green you can repair ball marks and old hole plugs but nothing else, including spike marks. (However you can repair these as you leave the green so that others do not suffer!)
- You can mark, lift and clean your ball before putting from the green surface. You must not touch the green surface nor clean the ball on it.
- Whilst putting on the green surface if the ball hits the flagstick (in or out) you incur a penalty - two shots in stroke play, loss of hole in match play.
- Do not touch the ground in a bunker or water hazard before your down swing. You are advised not to touch the rake until you have completed your shot.
- Do not improve your lie or swing by moving, breaking or bending anything fixed or growing except when taking your stance or making your swing.
- If a ball is to be dropped mark its original position. Identify where it is possible to drop it depending on the rules and circumstances. Then face the hole, hold the ball at shoulder height, then drop it. (There are 8 instances when a ball may be re-dropped - see Rules of Golf).
- You may lift a ball, or require another ball to be lifted, if it might assist another player or interfere with your play. Always mark the position before lifting.
- Mark, check and sign your card before leaving the course. Put it in the box in the changing room or give it to the organiser if requested.
- Carry Rules of Golf in your bag.
Monitoring your improvement.
Whilst learning the game it is important to recognise those areas of your game that require practice. Try keeping a record of your game and then discuss your results with the Pro. He will then know what to work on and be able to help you. A chart, such as the one below, marked accurately for three or four rounds would be a good start.
| Hole |
Fairway hit from tee |
Shots to the green |
Bunker Shots |
Chips |
Putts |
Total |
| 1 |
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| 2 |
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| 3 |
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| 4 |
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| 5 |
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| 6 |
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| 7 |
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| 8 |
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| 9 |
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| 10 |
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| 11 |
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| 12 |
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| 13 |
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| 14 |
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| 15 |
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| 16 |
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| 17 |
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| 18 |
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| Total |
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