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Golf

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Origin

Scotland

Type

Outdoor, Ball sport, Precision sport

Venue

Golf Course

Supreme Authority

The R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)

Summary

Golf is a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming to complete the course in the fewest number of strokes. It is played on a large outdoor course consisting of 18 holes, although some courses have 9 holes for shorter games. The course typically includes varied terrain such as fairways, rough areas, sand bunkers, and water hazards, adding complexity to the game. Each hole begins with a tee shot, and players progress towards the hole by hitting the ball from wherever it lands until it is successfully holed.

 

Golf is unique because it does not require a standard playing field. Instead, the design of each course offers a different challenge. The game is typically played individually, although team formats also exist. Players use different types of clubs, such as drivers, irons, and putters, each suited to specific distances or situations on the course.

 

Scoring in golf is based on the number of strokes a player takes to complete each hole. The goal is to finish with as few strokes as possible. Terms like "par," "birdie," and "bogey" are used to describe a player’s performance relative to the standard expected strokes for each hole.

 

Golf is enjoyed both recreationally and competitively, with major professional tournaments including The Masters, The Open Championship, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship. The sport is governed by organisations such as the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), which set the rules and maintain the official rankings. Additionally, golf has been part of the Olympic Games since 2016, following a long absence.

Key Types of Golf
  • Stroke Play: A common format where players compete over a set number of holes. The player with the fewest total strokes wins the game.

     

  • Match Play: Players compete head-to-head, with the goal of winning more individual holes than the opponent. The player who wins the most holes wins the match.

     

  • Foursome: A team format with two teams of two players. Each team plays one ball, with teammates alternating shots.

     

  • Fourball: Another team format where each player plays their own ball. The best score from each team is counted for each hole.

     

  • Scramble: A team format (often with four players). All players tee off, then the team selects the best shot and each player plays their next shot from that spot, repeating the process until the hole is completed.
Competitions
  • Golf is part of the Olympic Games.
  • There are also major championships in professional golf, organised by various bodies such as the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship. 
  • Additionally, there are prestigious team events like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.
Golf image
Sports
Golf
Supreme Authority
R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)
Type
Outdoor
Ball sport
Precision sport
Venue
Golf Course
Team members
-----------
Mixed-sex
Yes
Equipment
Golf Ball
Golf Club
Tee
Golf Bag
Golf Cart

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