It is simple enough to know that the game of golf involves the striking of a ball from an initial location, with a goal of playing the ball into a hole. The duration of this game depends upon the number of people playing and their experience and ability with the game.

There are two types of play in golf, known as ‘match play’ and ‘stroke play’. Match play is described by the outcome of the game, which is decided through the number of holes won and lost. On the other hands, stroke play is identified by the outcome that is decided by the total number of strokes a player makes during a game. It is also known as ‘par system’.

Before Play:

Each game has different rules, and it may vary according to location. It is important to read the local rules included on the scorecard for each particular golfing facility in order to ensure rules of game are adhered. Golf dress code is very important, and it may also be worthwhile to plan ahead and find out if the there is a dress code for your golfing facility.

If you are playing a group make sure you mark your ball with a clear, identifying to avoid confusion. Players may use the same brand of ball; the loss of a ball may result in loss of that particular hole during a match. During a stroke play a loss of a ball can apply as the application of a stroke penalty.

A player is allowed with a maximum of 14 clubs during a play. Therefore counting the number of clubs in your bag before beginning a game is very important.

During Play:

Teeing off: Tee marker is a good indication of where you can begin, however, it can also occur up to two club lengths behind the tee-markers. If a player decides tee-off from outside the designated area, there are no penalties, but the player may be asked to reply the stroke. In stroke play, a two-stroke penalty applies, after which the ball is to be played from the appropriate area.

There are different rules applied for both stroke and match play, especially if the ball is found in different settings.

1. If a ball is deflected or stopped by a player or his/her caddie- during a stroke play a two-stroke penalty will be applied and the ball played as it lies. However a hole will be lost if playing match play.

2. If the ball is deflected or stopped by another person- it can be played as it lies without any penalty in both games, or replayed at ones own discretion during match play.

3. If ball is deflected or stopped on putting green- during stroke play it must be replayed.

4. If ball lies in a bunker or water hazard- the ground must not be disturb therefore, high need for care is required before the down swing.

5. If the ball itself is moved by you or your caddie- a penalty point will be added and the ball will be replaced. There are no penalties if someone else moves the ball. In order to assist other players, the ball may be moved and you have the right to request for removing any ball if it assists you in carrying on with play.

6. Removing loose objects- loose and movable obstructions may be removed unless the ball and impediment lie within a hazard.

7. If a ball is stopped or deflected by another ball- in match play there is no penalty and the ball is played as it lies. However, in stroke play there is two-stroke penalty if both balls were on the putting green before play.

These rules are very important in the game of golf and failure to comply with these rules will result in playing wrong match. Despite the rules that apply for ball, there are other rules that one must have knowledge about.

Putting: There will be some areas damaged by the way game is played, but only obvious ball marks and old plugholes can be repaired while on the putting green. We cannot exactly test the surface of the putting green by rolling the ball over it.

In this stage we can lift the balls and clean the area, but extreme level of care must be taken in order to put the ball in the exactly same spot it was before. If ball collides with the flagstick during the attempt to sink the ball a golfer will lose that hole and get a 2-stroke penalty for stroke play. One can also drop the ball to the nearest point of relief within one club length, if there is an obstacle on the way that will probably cause interference.