Golf is an individual sport where players use different clubs to hit a small ball into holes placed throughout a laid-out course. The player with the fewest amount of swings at the end of the course is the winner.

Golf, the ancient Scottish sport of patience and discipline, is played by over 20 million people around the world. Played on large areas called courses, players strike a small ball around a series of holes with the intent of sinking the ball in a cup with the fewest amount of swings. Hazards on the course are best avoided, as the losing of a ball costs players an increase in strokes. At the end of play, scores are totaled and winners are declared.

Complete the course in the fewest amount of strokes possible.

Golf is played on large outdoor areas called courses, which consist of nine to eighteen individual holes. Each hole features a teeing area, fairway, rough, hazards, green and cup. Each hole is also given a par score, which is advertised to each player prior to beginning a hole. Play begins with one player hitting a ball on a tee from the teeing box. Once the ball comes to rest, the player strikes the ball again. This is repeated until the ball lands in the cup. Players may use any club in their bag, and alter their swings in any way to negotiate the various hazards encountered on the course. If a ball is lost or unplayable, players take a one-stroke penalty. At the end of each hole, players calculate their own score. At the end of the course, scores are totaled.

Modern golf is said to have originated in 15th century Scotland. From there, the game spread to England, continental Europe and then the world. Rules have changed slightly, mostly in the number of holes that are played in a round. Equipment has greatly evolved, especially in the construction of clubs. Once made of wood, clubs are now made of graphite and carbon fiber, which allows for quicker swings and greater distances. Many different professional tournaments are held around the world, with the largest being the British Open, U.S. Open, Masters and PGA Championship.

Bag
Balls
Cart (optional)
Clubs
Shoes

Golf is a relatively safe sport. Mild muscle pulls and strains can occur due to the amount of movement involved in a swing. Other injuries that occur are a result of irresponsibility involving golf carts and hitting balls while others are within striking distance.

In order to achieve a strong, mechanically sound swing, players must possess well-developed shoulders and arms. Strength in the knees and torso are also essential. These can be achieved through a balanced weight training regiment. The ability to judge distances and swing strength is something that can only be acquired through experience. Spending time at a driving range in addition to playing multiple rounds of golf a week are essential for beginners.

Birdie - completing a hole in one stroke under par

Bogey - completing a hole in one stroke over par

Bunker - a hollow filled with sand, used as an obstacle on a golf course

Eagle - completing a hold in two strokes under par

Fairway - area of a hole between the tee and the green, where the grass is kept short

Green - area of smooth, very short grass immediately surrounding a hole

Hazard - feature of a golf course that presents an obstruction to playing a shot; examples include bunkers or water

Par - the pre-determined amount of strokes needed to complete a hole or course

Rough - area of a hole with longer grass that surrounds the fairway and the green

Stroke - act of hitting the ball with a club; the unit of scoring on a golf course

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf