Playing golf requires a range of equipment all of which can be bought from your local club, driving ranges, or on-course and off-course golf retail stores. A lot of equipment can also be hired from your local club or driving range. Equipment includes anything used or worn such as clubs, balls, golf bag, buggy, tees, golf shoes, a glove, etc.

Each golf club is designed for a different task.

• Woods

  • Woods have the least angle on the club face and are designed for shots from the tee or for long fairway shots. In theory, the 1 wood or driver provides the least height but the greatest distance. In contrast, the 5 wood travels higher but not as far.

• Hybrids

  • Hybrids fit between the woods and irons and are often described as ‘rescue’ clubs.

• Irons

  • Irons are numbered from 1 to 9. Again, the low numbered clubs are built for distance while the 7, 8 & 9 irons are for higher, shorter shots.

• Wedges

  • Wedges are designed for even shorter, higher shots out of bunkers or very close to the green.

• Putters

  • Putters come in a variety of styles but all have a flat face with which the ball is struck to roll across the green. 

Many beginners start with a basic set of clubs which could include a wood, 3, 5 & 7 irons, a wedge and a putter. Other clubs can be added as you become more involved. However, you may not carry more than 14 clubs in your bag.

Advice about the equipment which you need to start playing is available from golf professionals who are based at golf clubs, driving ranges or on-course and off-course golf retail stores.

The Rules of Golf are universal but unlike many other sports, are applied by the players themselves. Therefore, every golfer should carry a Rules of Golf book. The Player's Edition of the Rules of Golf is free and available from most golf clubs or state associations. The Rules outlined here are very simple but will assist initially.

Play as it lies

The Rules generally do not permit you to improve the position of the ball. You may not bend or break anything growing or fixed except in taking a fair swing. You are not allowed to press anything down (unless in the teeing area) but you can remove loose natural impediments such as stones, twigs or fallen leaves without penalty. In a bunker, you are not permitted to ground your club in certain areas (right before/after where the ball is at rest, in the backswing, in making a practice swing).

Lost ball & “provisional”

If you think your ball may be lost or out of bounds, you can save time by hitting a second ball from the same spot. This ball is called a “provisional ball” and you must tell your partners of your intention to play a “provisional” before doing so. You are allowed a maximum of three minutes to look for a lost ball. If you find your ball and it is in bounds, you must pick up the provisional and continue to play with the original ball. If your first ball is lost or out of bounds you must continue to play with the provisional ball counting all your strokes, plus one penalty stroke.

Unplayable ball

Sometimes a ball may land in a position where it is very difficult or impossible to hit. If you decide you cannot hit your ball you may declare the ball unplayable, except in a penalty area. You may then pick it up and drop it at one of the positions below adding one penalty stroke to your score.

1. Return to where the original ball was last played and proceed under the applicable options for that area; or

2. Drop a ball within a club-length of a point on a line, no nearer the hole, any distance back from the spot where the ball lay in line with the hole; or

3. Within two club-lengths of where the ball lay but not nearer the hole.

If you declare the ball unplayable in a bunker and you decide to drop under options 2 or 3, you must drop the ball in the bunker for one stroke penalty;

OR you could choose to drop back outside the bunker for a two stroke penalty similar to 2.

Penalty Areas

If you hit your ball into a penalty area, you may play the ball as it lies or:

1. Play another ball at the spot from which the original ball was last played, using the applicable options for that area, taking a one stroke penalty; or

2. Drop a ball within one club-length of a point, no nearer the hole, behind the penalty area keeping the point where your ball last crossed the margin of the penalty area in line with the hole and the spot where you drop the ball. There is again a one stroke penalty; or

3. If the penalty area is marked with red stakes, you may also drop a ball outside the penalty area within two club-lengths of and not nearer the hole than where it last crossed the margin of the penalty area.

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 without a penalty. To drop the ball, you must drop the ball from knee height. Knee height is the height of your knee when in a standing position, however you don't have to be standing when you drop the ball. If you drop it and it accidentally touches yourself, your partner or equipment before it strikes the ground, or it rolls outside the relief area, you must drop the ball again, without penalty.

On the green

You can repair ball marks and old ball plugs, and any damage caused to the green by a person or outside influence, this does not include damage in the normal course of maintenance practices or natural wear and tear. You may remove leaves and other loose impediments on the line of your play and you may also mark the position of your ball to pick it up and clean it.

Local Rules

Most golf courses have Local Rules which are specific to their club. You will find these either on the back of the score card or prominently displayed at the clubhouse.

Golf is a technical game and players starting out are encouraged to seek instruction from a qualified golf professional. Taking individual or small group lessons in a starter program at a local club or driving range is also a great way to learn the basics before taking to the course.

The objective of the swing is to generate speed in the head of the club to propel the ball. It is not so much hitting at the ball, but making a smooth, rhythmical swing. Some basics to help get started are:

Taking a grip

A good grip is extremely important in allowing both hands to work as a unit. Grip the club lightly and keep both hands close together. There are two recommended grip methods. Beginners may choose to start with the ten finger grip. As you play more frequently experiment with the overlapping grip which is used by most players.

Aiming

To ensure the ball travels in the right direction, aim your whole body, including your feet, knees, hips and shoulders, parallel to the target lines.

Taking a stance

A good stance is important to a good swing. Spread your feet to shoulder width, bend your knees slightly and bend forward from the waist at your hips so that your arms hang down. Spread your weight evenly on both feet.

Positioning the ball

Your feet should be positioned with the ball level with the inside of your front foot.

Types of Swings

Full Swing

The full swing with a wood or long iron is used to gain maximum distance from the club you are using. There will be times when a full swing is more than you need and so you will follow the same principles with a shortened stroke.

Pitch Shot

A pitch shot is hit high into the air to stop close to its target. Swing the club approximately one half the length of a full swing.

Chip Shot

Chipping involves playing a short shot where the ball lifts a little off the ground then runs along the ground for some distance. Use a mini-swing which is approximately one third the length of a full swing. The shorter your shot, the shorter the swing.

Bunker Shot

Bunker or sand shots may use all the different swing lengths and techniques dependant on how close the bunker is to the green. In greenside bunkers remember to hit the sand about 5 centremetres behind the ball using a lofted club.

Putting

Putting is a special skill used on the green to roll the ball into the hole. The putting stroke is a mini-swing using the arms and shoulders with no body or wrist action. The more upright angle of the putter allows you to look over the ball and along the line you wish to putt.

In summary...

1. Assess where you want the ball to go.

2. Take the recommended grip.

3. Aim the club and your body parallel to the target lines.

4. Ensure that your stance and posture is correct for the shot you are playing.

This sequence should be followed for all shots. Contact a local club professional or driving range to see what beginner programs they offer.