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The Rules of Golf: To Do, Not to Do, and Fibbing is Not Technically Covered

The number of rules in the game of golf can be intimidating, especially to a beginner. For the casual or amateur golfer, no one expects them to know each and every single rule. The basics of not only the rules, but of golf etiquette as well should be reviewed. If you have any doubts about behavior, try to observe the senior players around you for some hints.
Read through not only the rules, but the rules of the particular course that you will be playing most often. Although the golf rules are the same, there are some subtle differences in certain areas of play amongst the different courses. For instance, some golf courses will only allow certain types of shoes, while others are a little lenient with such things.
After you familiarize yourself with the basic rules, you should then take the time to learn the scoring process. If you will be playing against someone, especially if you are in a tournament type of play, you will be required to keep your opponent’s score. How embarrassed would you be if you have to admit that you do not know how to do it?

Along with the rules of the game, are the rules of behavior while playing the game. Golf etiquette is as important to learn as the rules are, so that you do not make a blunder during your round of play. While golf etiquette is basically common sense, the basics do bear repeating. These include: not talking while another golfer is teeing up a shot, being ready to play when it is your own turn, knowing who gets the first shot on each hole, knowing where all of your group is before you take your initial swing, and do not tear up the golf course without making some effort to repair and restore it.
Try to keep a sense of sportsmanship about your game, no matter how badly that you are playing for that afternoon. Keep mindful of the people that are all around you, and try to avoid using foul or unpleasant language. (Some clubs and resorts do have regulation about this.) Do not lose your temper and throw your clubs or other gear. Be adult, be gracious, be a good sport.

And finally, several rules that every golfer should know, no matter what level of play they are at:

1) The ball that you tee up is the ball you must play all the way to that hole, unless another stated rule allows for a substitution.
2) Make sure that the ball that you are playing is in fact, your ball. Each player should id his or her balls with a unique marking.
3) Play the ball where it lies. (No kicking, bumping, tossing or otherwise improving position.)
4) An unplayable ball will present you with three options. Those are: playing from where you hit your last shot, drop a ball within 2 club lengths of where the ball is now, or keep the point where the ball is between you and the ball and drop a ball on that line. All three options will incur a one stroke penalty.

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