Golf is more than just a sport; it is a blend of skill, strategy, and mental endurance. Often described as a game of patience and precision, golf has captivated millions of players and fans worldwide. Played on immaculately landscaped courses, it offers not only a physical challenge but also a mental one, with participants competing against both their rivals and the course itself.

Golf is a club-and-ball sport in which players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not utilize a standardized playing area, and coping with the varied terrains encountered on different courses is a key part of the game. Listed below are online places to shop for your golf supplies and interests

Golf is typically played on an 18-hole course, though 9-hole options are common for shorter games. Each hole offers a different challenge, requiring players to use various clubs strategically to achieve the lowest score possible. The ultimate goal is to complete the course using the fewest strokes, hitting the ball from the tee to the hole.

There are two main scoring systems in golf:

• Stroke Play: Players count their total strokes over the entire course, with the lowest score winning.
• Match Play: Players compete hole-by-hole, with the winner being the person who wins the most holes.

Golfers use a variety of clubs, each designed for specific situations. These include:

• Drivers: Used for long-distance shots from the tee.
• Irons and Wedges: Designed for mid-range and approach shots.
• Putters: Used on the green to roll the ball into the hole.

Key terms to know:

• Par: The expected number of strokes to complete a hole.
• Birdie: One stroke under par.
• Bogey: One stroke over par.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par.

Several prestigious tournaments mark the golf calendar each year:

• The Masters: Held in Augusta, Georgia, known for its iconic green jacket awarded to the winner.

• The U.S. Open: A challenging test of skill, often played on difficult courses.

• Ryder Cup: The Ryder Cup is played in odd-numbered years between 12-member teams from the United States and Europe. It consists of five match-play sessions played over three days.

• The Open Championship (British Open): The oldest major tournament, played on links courses in the UK.

• PGA Championship: The final major of the year, known for its competitive field.