Competitive Golf

There are many variations on the basic game of golf. They are however, only variations of stroke play and match play. Stroke play allows you to compete against everyone else on the course that day while match play is a hole by hole contest between two players (or pairs).

Stroke Play – the most commonly played competition where only the gross and/or nett scores are counted (the number of strokes taken by a player at each hole is entered on the card) - the winner is determined by the lowest score for each round. [Gross or scratch score is the total before the handicap is deducted and the nett score is the score after the handicap is deducted].



Match Play - a form of competition in which each hole is a separate competition, the winner is determined by the number of holes won rather that the total score. If the number of holes runs out the match finishes (if a player is 3 up with 2 holes left the player has won 3 & 2).

Stableford - the game is based on a points system where points are determined by the score on each hole (eagle 4 pts, birdie 3 pts, par 2 pts, bogie 1 pt, double bogey or worse 0 pts). In this form it is polite for players to pick up their ball if points can no longer be scored on a hole.

Par (Bogey) – a competition where a player plays against the par of the course. For a nett birdie or better a player records a win as a ‘+’ sign, a par is recorded as a half and a ‘0’ sign and for a bogey or worse a player records a loss as a ‘–‘ sign.

Foursomes - a competition format in which teams are comprised of two players each, and the players alternate hitting the same ball. The first player tees off, the second player hits the second shot, the first player hits the third shot, and so on until the ball is holed. Players alternate hitting tee shots so that the same player doesn't hit every drive. It is great fun and a very sociable format.

Greensomes - a competition format that is a variation of foursomes (two teams of two, each playing one ball). In greensomes both players on a team tee off, the better of the two shots is selected and that ball is then played alternately until holed.

Texas Scramble - involves a team of four playing four balls, but with each shot coming from the same spot (the best of the four drives is chosen and all four team members then hit from that spot, and so on). The variation in a Texas Scramble is that at least four drives of each member of the team must be used during the course of the round: At least four drives hit by Player A, four by Player B, and so on. The team with the least number of strokes is usually the winner.

Basic Rules of Golf

Here are a few basic rules you should understand to get started in golf. As you learn more about golfing, you will learn more about special situations and the rules that apply to them:



Attending the Flagstick - Before and during a stroke the player may have the flagstick attended, removed or held to indicate the position of the hole. If your ball strikes the flagstick which is still in the hole when you are putting, you incur a penalty of loss of hole in matchplay or two strokes in stroke play.

Ball in Motion - If a player’s ball in motion, after the stroke, is deflected or stopped by a ball at rest, the player shall play the ball as it lies

Ball in Water Hazard - When your ball lands in a water hazard or lateral water hazard you may hit the ball if you can without grounding your club, or drop a ball and add one penalty stroke to your score (in one, out in two, hit in three) – a) drop any distance behind the water hazard keeping a straight line between the hole, the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard and spot on which the ball is dropped, or b) play again from where you hit the ball into the hazard.

Ball in Lateral Water Hazard - In addition to the above options, under penalty of one stroke, drop within two club lengths of a) the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard or b) a point on the opposite side of the hazard equidistant from the hole.

Ball lost Out of Bounds - provisional - If the ball is lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, another ball must be played from where the last ball was played under penalty of one stroke.

Casual water, GUR and abnormal ground conditions - If your ball is in casual water, ground under repair, a hole or cast made by a burrowing animal (eg rabbit), you may drop without penalty within one club length of the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole.

Cleaning the Ball - A ball on the putting green can be cleaned when lifted.

Obstructions - You may move any movable obstruction (artificial or man-made object). If your ball moves replace it without penalty. You may drop the ball away from an immovable obstruction (sprinkler head, car path etc) if it interferes with your swing or stance, or the ball, without penalty. Find your nearest relief not nearer the hole and drop your ball within one club length. Always mark you ball before picking it up. No penalty.

Playing through - If a group is playing faster behind you, let them through. To do this hit your next shot if possible, then move to a safe place in the rough and wave the group behind you through. Walk up the fairway with them so you are ready to play your shot when they are out of the way.

Playing the ball as it lies - The rules generally do not permit you to improve the position of your ball and you may not bend or break anything growing or fixed except in taking a fair swing. You are not allowed to press anything down but you can remove loose natural impediments such as stones, twigs or fallen leaves for no penalty, except in a hazard. In a bunker or water hazard, you are not allowed to ground your club before you hit the ball.

Provisional Ball - If after playing a shot you think the ball may be out of bounds or lost, you may play a provisional ball. You must state it is a provisional ball before it is played. If the original ball is lost you must continue with the provisional ball under penalty of one stroke. If the ball is found you must continue to play with it and the provisional ball must be abandoned.

Taking a drop - There are some instances under the rules of golf, where you can pick up the ball and relocate it – sometimes with a penalty and sometimes free. To drop the ball, you must stand upright, hold the ball at shoulder height and arms length and simply drop it. If you drop it and it accidentally touches you, your partner or equipment and rolls closer to the hole, you must drop the ball again, without penalty.

You should always carry a copy of the Rules of Golf when you play which are free and available from most golf clubs.