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About Golf

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The Birth of Golf
Rules of Golf
Golf Etiquette
Golf Equipment
Golf Terms

The Birth of Golf

7th century

According to Professor Ling Hongling of Lanzhou University, the Chinese were playing golf one thousand years ago. He says he has found a reference to a game called chuiwan – “chui” meaning to hit and “wan” meaning ball.

1297

A golf-like game is recorded as taking place in Netherlands, where the Dutch played a game with a stick and a leather ball. The winner was whoever hit the ball with the least number of strokes into a target several hundred yards away.

1457

Modern golf is first mentioned in a decree of 1457 by the Scottish King James II. He banned golf, because this game interfered with the training of archers. It was in Scotland that golf was shaped as we know it now, with the rules and the 18-hole system on the field.

1672

Over time, the game of golf gained popularity throughout England, and after and beyond its borders around the world. The oldest golf course, OldLinks, is located at the Masselboro Racecourse. According to some information it was played already in 1672.

1744

he opening of the first golf club took place in 1744 near Edinburgh, it was called TheGentlemenGolfersofLeith. Every year there were competitions, the winner of which was awarded a silver stick. There also appeared the first version of the rules of the game of golf.

1900 – 2016

In 1900, golf was erected to the rank of an Olympic sport, which brought the right to be considered a truly global game. The second time the Olympic golf competitions were held in 1904. And then golf was excluded from the Olympic sports program. He was returned only in 2016 - golf competitions were held at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Minsk Golf Club Local Rules

Registration and Golf Starting Times

All members are required to register prior to the beginning of play or using the range. Failure to check in and register 15 minutes prior to a reserved starting time may result in assignment of another starting time or cancellation. All players, regardless of whether they walk or ride, are required to register before commencing play.

Starting times

All players must register with the receptionist. The starting times will be determined by the Club personnel on busy days. Golf Professional staff will assist in the order of daily play. It is recommended that you call to schedule a tee time in advance. No more than one starting time may be reserved by the same player per day. Please notify the receptionist of all cancellations as promptly as possible. At least three hours’ notice is required. If notice of cancellation is not received on time, a late cancellation or non-cancellation fee will be charged to the person responsible for reserving the tee time.

Playing Groups

Members are encouraged to play in foursomes; however, there may be times when groups with less than four players may be filled with twosomes or singles. Single players and twosomes or threesomes may be permitted at the discretion of Golf Professional, if such play will not disrupt normal course traffic. No group of five or more persons shall be permitted.

Smaller groups should not expect to play through foursomes and should not exert pressure on the groups ahead. Foursomes have priority over threesomes and twosomes. Single players have no priority. It is the obligation of each group to keep up with the group in front of them. Any group playing behind a team that is not playing at an appropriate speed may ask the group in front for permission to play through. The team in front must grant permission to play through.

Rules Violation

Each repeated violation of the rules of golf can carry a fine or temporary disqualification.

Private /Semi-Private Lessons & Clinics

Private, semi-private lessons and clinics by appointment or pre-registration only. The Club reserves the right to adopt rules and regulations relating to the game of golf, as well as to monitor their implementation. The Club, at its sole discretion, amends the provisions for private/semi-private lessons and clinics.

Golf Club Set and Bag

Every player must have a set of golf clubs and a golf bag. A short set often includes 1- and 3-woods, 3-, 5-, 7- and 9-irons, and a putter. Sharing of clubs is not permitted.

Supervision of Play

The General Manager and the Club personnel, he or she designates, will have full authority to enforce these Rules and Regulations. Any Member, family member, or guest who conducts himself or herself in an unbecoming manner or who knowingly violates any Club policy or rule may be denied service by the Club. Golf rangers or marshals may be on duty to enforce all rules and speed of play. Children are more than welcome at Minsk Golf Club. However, parents are solely responsible for the conduct and actions of their children. Children under twelve are required to be accompanied by adults at all times.

Personal Instruction and Coaching

Golf instruction is offered under the supervision of Club staff. No Member shall authorize anyone other than provided by the Club to train, teach, give golf lessons, or provide caddie services.

Расписание игр.

Расписание игр может рассылаться по клиентской базе Гольф Клуба в начале каждого сезона или публиковаться на веб-сайте Гольф Клуба.

Tournaments Schedule

The schedule will be sent to the Members of the Club by e-mail at the beginning of each season or published on the Golf Club website.

Rangers and Marshals

Golf rangers or marshals may be on duty to help to regulate play and enforce golf car regulations. They have full authority on the golf course and will enforce all rules and speed of play. Your cooperation is appreciated

Adverse Weather Conditions

Players are expected to exercise reasonable prudence and common sense when severe weather, e.g., thunder or lightning, is reported or observed in the area and are requested to leave the golf course and seek appropriate shelter. Players expressly assume all risk of injury while on the golf course due to lightning or other adverse weather. Players should not rely on the accuracy, reliability or adequacy of any storm warning systems implemented by the Club. The Club may suspend or cancel any tournament or scheduled play, if in the sole judgement of its Golf Professional or management; weather conditions create a clear and present danger of personal injury or death.

Lightning Safety Tips

Avoid: Open areas, water, metal wire fences, overhead wires and power lines, isolated trees, elevated ground, maintenance machinery and golf cars (golf cars are not lightning proof). Seek: The Golf Academy building, maintenance buildings, automobiles and oncourse buildings. Note: Raising golf clubs or umbrellas above the head increases the risk when lightning is near. Avoid riding over excessively rough terrain and wet areas. Members are asked to report to Club Management breaches against those internal regulations of other members or third parties immediately.

General Rules of Golf

There are three basic premises governing the Rules of Golf:

1) play the ball as it lies,

2) play the course as you find it, and

3) if unable to do either 1) or 2), do what is fair.

From Simple to Complex

Every round of golf is based on playing a number of holes in a given order. A "round" typically consists of 18 holes that are played in the order determined by the course layout. Playing a hole on a golf course is initiated by putting a ball into play by striking it with a club on the teeing ground (also called the tee box, or simply the tee). Holes often include hazards, which are special areas that have additional rules for play, and are generally of two types: water hazards, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers; and bunkers, or sand traps.

Etiquette

1. Keep your temper under control. Throwing clubs, sulking and barking profanity make everyone uneasy.

2. The Spirit of the Game. Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be.

3. Safety rules. Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range. Players should always alert greenstaff nearby or ahead when they are about to make a stroke that might endanger them. If a player plays a ball in a direction where there is a danger of hitting someone, he should immediately shout a warning. The traditional word of warning in such situations is “fore”. Players should always show consideration for other players on the course and should not disturb their play by moving, talking or making unnecessary noise. Players should ensure that any electronic device taken onto the course does not distract other players.

4. Attention to other players. On the field you should always pay attention to other players. Do not interfere with their play with conversations, unnecessary movements, unnecessary noise. Players must also make sure that the electronic devices that they have taken on the field do not distract other players. Very good, if such devices are turned off. Being on the putting green, you can not stand on the line of impact of another player or cast a shadow on it, at the time when he is going to make a strike. Players should stay in or near the putting area until the rest of the group members release the hole.

5. Scoring. In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary, on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player concerned and record it.

6. Pace of Play. Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow. It is a group’s responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group. Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

Equipment

Woods

Woods are the larger clubs that hit the ball the farthest. Though they are called woods, they are usually made of metal, such as titanium or steel. A driver, or the 1-wood, is the biggest of all woods, and carried by nearly all golfers. Because drivers go so far (250 – 300 m), it makes them a lot of fun to hit. Hybrid clubs combine the straight-hitting characteristics of irons with the easy-to-hit characteristics of woods. Hybrids make it easier to hit the ball off the ground than with a wood or long iron, while providing more distance than a shorter iron delivers.

Irons

Irons are used to hit shorter and more accurate shots. They usually range from a 3-iron, which travels the farthest of the irons, to wedges such as a pitching wedge or sand wedge. The higher the number, the higher the ball will fly and the shorter it will travel. For example, a ball hit with a 3-iron will travel lower and farther than one hit with a 9-iron.

Wedges

Wedges are the highest-lofted golf clubs. They are used for shorter approach shots into greens, for chips and pitches around greens, and for playing out of sand bunkers.

Putters

Putters are the most-specialized golf clubs, and the type of club that comes in the widest varieties of shapes and sizes. They are the clubs golfers use on the putting greens, for the last strokes played on a golf hole - for knocking the ball into the hole.

Golf Attire

Proper golf attire is required for all players.

Gentlemen: shirts with collars and sleeves and slacks or bermuda shorts of mid-thigh length are considered appropriate attire. Tank tops, tee shirts, mesh shirts, sweat pants, warm-up suits, blue jeans, swim wear, short shorts, cut-offs, gym shorts, tennis outfits or other athletic shorts are not permitted attire for the golf course.

Ladies: dresses, skirts, slacks, mid-length shorts and blouses are considered appropriate attire. Halter tops, tee shirts, cut-offs, sweat pants, warm-up suits, blue jeans, swim wear, tennis dresses, short shorts, or other athletic shorts are not permitted on the golf course.

If you are in doubt concerning your attire, please check with the receptionist before starting play. Improperly dressed golfers shall be asked to change before playing.

Golf Terms

A B C D E F G H M P R S T

-A-

Albatross: the term for three under par for a given hole. Three under par is a very rare score and an albatross is a very rare bird.

-B-

Birdie: a score of one under par on a hole.

Bogey: a score of one over par on a hole.

Break: is the amount a putt will curve to the side because of the slope, grain and wind that affect the movement of the ball.

Bunker: a hollow comprised of sand or grass or both that exists as an obstacle and, in some cases, a hazard.

Bag: a tall cylindrical bag used for carrying golf clubs and balls.

-C-

Cart: a small motorized vehicle for golfers and their equipment.

Caddie: the person who carries a player's bag and clubs, and gives insightful advice and moral support.

Chip: a short shot which arcs high into the air so as to land easily on or near the green.

-D-

Divot: the turf displaced when the club strikes the ball on a descending path.

Drive: a long-distance shot played from the tee box, intended to move the ball a great distance down the fairway towards the green

Driving range: ground on which strikes for range are practiced.

-E-

Eagle: a score of two-under-par on a hole.

-F-

Fairway: the area of short grass between the tee and the green.

Flight: 2 - 4 players who go across the field together.

-G-

Greenkeeper: a person responsible for the care and upkeep of a golf course.

-H-

Handicap: a numerical measure of a golfer's potential ability.

-M-

Marker: someone who is tasked with recording your scores.

Marshal: an individual whose duties generally focus on helping manage the flow around the golf course.

-P-

Par: the score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five.

Putt: a high shot that is made from an area near the green.

Pitch: a high shot that is made from an area near the green and does not roll very far after striking the ground.

-R-

Rough: an area on a golf course outside of the fairways that generally features higher, thicker grass which interferes with making clean contact with the ball, or can even make it difficult to extricate the golf ball.

-S-

Swing: the movement you make when you hit the ball.

-T-

Tee: a small mound or a peg on which a golf ball is placed before being struck at the beginning of play on a hole; the area from which a golf ball is struck at the beginning of play on a hole.