Concept in Definition ABC

It's a sport that is done at air free and that can be practiced by people of all ages. The first association golf course was founded in Scotland around the middle of the 18th century.

The objective of this sport is simple: introduce a ball in the different holes that are distributed in the field and with the least possible number of strokes. To achieve this objective, a total of 14 clubs can be used, which differ by the degree of inclination of the head.

The standard golf course consists of 18 holes. For each hole there is a specified number of strokes that are supposed to be made, and this number is called a par. The 18 holes are divided into par 3, par 4 and par 5 (a par 5 hole has to be made in theory in 5 strokes). This data is simply a reference and in practice only good professionals get the pair. The duration of a match has a limited time, normally 4 and a half hours maximum to cover the 18 holes.

Regarding the design of the field, this can present a great

diversity on the distribution of the holes. As a general criterion, the 18 holes are placed in such a way that a good golfer can complete the round in about 72 strokes.

Birdie, bogey, pair and albatross

Like all sports, there is specific terminology in golf that must be known. Getting a birdie means that the player won the hole by one stroke (on a par 4 hole the goal was achieved with 3 strokes). On the other hand, a bogey is the complete opposite of a birdie (on a par 3 hole the objective was achieved with 4 strokes). A par is achieved when the number of strokes to get the ball into the hole is the same as that previously established for said hole. If a player manages to get the ball into a hole in three strokes less than par, he has accomplished something exceptional and such a situation is known as albatross.

Other key terms

- The swing is the movement specific rotation used by the player to hit the ball.

- The hit ball can perform a backspin effect and when this happens a backspin occurs.

- A sand hazard is a bunker and a water hazard is called a hazard.

- The caddy is the person who helps the golfer to carry the clubs and take measurements to the holes.

- The golf club with which the greatest distances are reached is the driver.

- The person who takes care of the maintenance of the course is the greenkeeper.

- In most clubs there is a person in charge who must ensure the compliance of the rules and standards of courtesy and this person is the marshall.

Photo: Fotolia - Laurent Vicenzotti

Topics in Golf