Publisher's Synopsis
Golf is a ball sport which has been recognized as the game for the rich. It is a game which has golfers playing in the golf course using a variety of golf clubs with the motive of getting golf balls into each hole with the least number of strokes. It is a game of precision. The popularity of golf has increased tremendously over the past decades, giving us champions like Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, and Tiger Woods, and world-renowned courses like Pinehurst, Augusta National and the Blue Monster at Doral. Why has golf become so popular? Mainly because the sporting game presents an opportunity to be outside, to get a good whole body workout, network with friends or business colleagues at a leisurely pace, and to play a game that you can never perfect. It is one of the few ball games that doesn't require a standardized playing area. Hence, golfers are free to roam on the golf course while keeping a scorecard to monitor the game's proceedings. Most golf courses are unique and feature either nine or eighteen holes. Typically, golf is played on an eighteen-hole course. Each hole has its "par," which is the number of tee shots (drives), fairway shots, chips (short hits as you approach the green), and putts. The par number is based on the length and difficulty of the hole. Pars range from 3 to 6. If you get the ball in the hole in five shots on a par five hole, you "made par." If it took you six shots, it's called a bogie, if you made it in four, it's a birdie. There are usually "hazards" of some sort on all the holes. Bodies of water, sand traps, and trees are strategically placed to make the hole more challenging. Beginner golfers should seek to find courses to play that are easier to play, with fewer hazards. Each player keeps their own score, marking the number of total number of shots for each hole. At the end, each person adds their scores-the lowest number is the winner. It is important for beginner golfers to not take themselves too seriously. It takes a long time to get good at this game; even though the professionals make it look so easy. Take a lesson or two at the onset; it will help you develop a proper swing and help you get off to a good start.
