what is a golf course made of

by Jon Jakubowski 10 min read

A golf course consists of either 9 or 18 holes, each with a teeing ground or "tee box" that is set off by two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area, fairway, rough and other hazards, and the putting green surrounded by the fringe with the pin (normally a flagstick) and cup.

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What are golf clubs made of?

Apr 20, 2022 · Leading Types of Golf Courses 1. Links Golf Courses. The most popular, most obvious, and oldest types of the golf course are the links courses. According to golf history, …

What are the parts of a golf course?

Even though most ‘woods’ are made from different metals, they are still called ‘woods’ to denote the general shape and their intended use on the golf course. Most woods made today have a …

How is a golf course designed?

May 24, 2019 · But the 18-hole golf course comprised of mostly par-4 holes with a mix of par-3 holes and par-5 holes is the standard golf course. When the generic term "golf course" is used, …

What are the basics of golf?

Golf courses use different lengths of turf or grass to increase the difficulty of the game. On the putting green, the area closest to the hole, the grass will be short and smooth to make it easier …

What is a golf course?

Aerial view of a golf course ( Golfplatz Wittenbeck at the Baltic Sea, Germany) A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup".

How many markers are there in a golf tee box?

Each tee box has two markers showing the bounds of the legal tee area. The teeing area spans the distance between the markers, and extends two-club lengths behind the markers. A golfer may play the ball standing outside the teeing area, but the ball itself must be placed and struck from within the area.

What is the first section of a golf hole?

The first section of every hole consists of the teeing ground, or tee-box. There is typically more than one available box where a player places his ball, each one a different distance from the hole (and possibly with a different angle of approach to the green or fairway) to provide differing difficulty.

What is the farthest tee in golf?

White – Farther still, typically used by low-to-average-handicap men and low-handicap teenage boys. Black or Blue – The farthest tee from the hole and with the most exposure to any major hazards; typically used only during tournaments or by zero-handicap ("scratch") male players.

What is a dogleg left?

The hole is called a "dogleg left" if the hole angles leftwards, and a "dogleg right" if the hole angles rightwards. A hole's direction may bend twice, which is called a "double dogleg". Fairway and rough, Spur Valley Golf Course, Radium Hot Springs, Canada.

How many holes are there in a golf round?

The cup holds a flagstick, known as a "pin". A standard round of golf consists of 18 holes. Most courses contain 18 holes; some share fairways or greens, and a subset has nine holes, played twice per round. Par-3 courses consist of nine or 18 holes all of which have a par of three strokes.

How deep is a hole in a golf green?

The hole, or cup, is always found within the green and must have a diameter of 108 millimeters (4.25 in) and a depth of at least 10 centimeters (3.94 in). Its position on the green is not fixed and typically is changed daily by a greenskeeper in order to prevent excessive localized wear and damage to the turf.

What are the basic parts of a golf course?

Being aware of and understanding the basic parts of a golf course, such as greens, fairways and bunkers, can better prepare golfers for success on the links.

What are the different types of golf courses?

There are many different course styles including, traditional, links, desert, seaside, forested and each has something different to offer. Each golf course provides a different set of challenges depending on the design and layout of the course.

What is the rough in golf?

Rough. The rough is the longer-cut area of grass surrounding the fairway and green. To be successful, avoid the rough, which is normally allowed to grow longer the farther it is located from the greens and fairways. Hitting from the rough means players must use more club than they normally would to reach the green.

Why do you hit a shot out of the fairway?

Hitting approach shots out of the fairway allows players to spin the ball more than they would hitting from the rough. The way a golfer chooses to hit a shot from the fairway can change depending on the kind of grass on the course.

What happens when you read the greens before putting?

When reading greens before a putt, pay attention to the highest point on the surface--putts will usually roll away from that point.

How to hit from the rough?

To hit from the rough more easily, play the ball slightly back in the stance and grip down on the club a little. That will help the clubface make direct contact with the ball.

What is the most closely mowed area of grass on a golf course?

Green. Greens, the most closely mowed areas of grass on the course, are where the hole is located and players putt. Greens can vary depending on the conditions of the course. For example, in hot, dry conditions, a green will play faster than usual and approach shots will be less likely to hold on the green. In wet conditions, the greens will be ...

What is the most important part of a golf course?

The golf green is, arguably, the most important part of the golf course. The green is where the majority of shots within a typical round is aimed at or played upon. The golf green has to cope with balls being pitched onto it from full shots played from up to 250 yards away, whilst also being smooth enough for a ball to roll predictably ...

What is the shape of golf irrigation?

Since irrigation systems have been modified for use on golf courses, the shape has swapped from concave to convex, the modern theory being that water that is shed effectively gives more control to the greenkeeper who can feed the turf with a regulated amount of water, when they see fit.

Why do greens reflect the shape of the shot?

The shape of the green can either reflect or oppose the desired approach shot to be played in order to influence the strategy of the golfer playing the hole. Approach shots over a greater distance may reflect the shape of the shot with a longer section to catch balls being fired in from a long distance.

Why is there a blinding layer of sand between the two main layers?

A blinding layer of sand can be placed between the two main layers if it is believed that the rootzone may contaminate the soil (eventually clogging up the drainage system). This article has discussed all the elements that Andy Watson considers when designing or redesigning a green into a golf hole.

What should the green position be in a golf course?

Green Position. When deciding the green position within a new golf course design, a number of factors should be considered. The green itself should be a realistic and tempting target for the golfer; that is, at least part of the green should be visible from the landing area of the approach. If possible, greens should be placed in as natural ...

What is a MacKenzie green?

The MacKenzie green is a two tiered green with a simple straight tier drop. However, it is rare that MacKenzie actually used this in his designs and is, therefore, somewhat of a fallacy that his name is associated it. Green size should reflect the difficulty of the approach shot.

How big should a green be for putting?

Green size. Green sizes vary from course to course. An average green should be between 300m 2 and 400m 2.

What is a wood in golf?

Wood. Main article: Wood (golf) A couple of golf woods. Woods are long-distance clubs , meant to drive the ball a great distance down the fairway towards the hole. They generally have a large head and a long shaft for maximum club speed.

What is a golf club?

A golf club is a club used to hit a golf ball in a game of golf. Each club is composed of a shaft with a grip and a club head. Woods are mainly used for long-distance fairway or tee shots; irons, the most versatile class, are used for a variety of shots; hybrids that combine design elements of woods and irons are becoming increasingly popular;

How many faces does a putter have?

Each head has one face which contacts the ball during the stroke. Putters may have two striking faces, as long as they are identical and symmetrical. Some chippers (a club similar in appearance to a double-sided putter but having a loft of 35–45 degrees) have two faces, but are not legal. Page 135 of the 2009 USGA rules of golf states:

What are the different types of golf clubs?

The most common set of men's clubs is: 1 A driver, usually numbered a 1-wood regardless of actual loft, which varies from 8° up to 13° 2 A fairway wood, typically numbered a 3-wood and lofted about 15° (though 2- and 4-woods are sometimes seen) 3 A matched set of 7 numbered irons from 3 through 9, plus a pitching wedge or "10-iron" 4 A sand wedge 5 A putter

What is a wedge iron?

Wedges are a subclass of irons with greater loft than the numbered irons (generally starting at 47°–48° of loft, above the 9-irons of 44°–45°), and other features such as high-mass club heads and wide soles that allow for easier use in tricky lies.

What is a putter club?

Putters are a special class of clubs with a loft not exceeding ten degrees, designed primarily to roll the ball along the grass, generally from a point on the putting green toward the hole. Contrary to popular belief, putters do have a loft (often 5° from truly perpendicular at impact) that helps to lift the ball from any indentation it has made. Newer putters also include grooves on the face to promote roll rather than a skid off the impact. This increases rolling distance and reduces bouncing over the turf. Putters are the only class of club allowed to have certain features, such as two striking faces, non-circular grip cross-sections, bent shafts or hosels, and appendages designed primarily to aid players' aim.

Why do irons have less perimeter weighting?

Forged irons with less perimeter weighting are still seen, especially in sets targeting low-handicap and scratch golfers, because this less forgiving design allows a skilled golfer to intentionally hit a curved shot (a ’fade’ or ’draw’), to follow the contour of the fairway or ’bend’ a shot around an obstacle.

How are golf courses grouped?

Golf courses are generally grouped in three ways: By access (who can play them), by size (number and type of holes), or by setting and design.

What is a public golf course?

Public courses: A public golf course is one that is open to the general public. Everyone who plays golf is welcome at a public golf course. Within the public category, there are two main sub-types - the municipal course and the daily fee course. Municipal courses are those owned by cities or counties and run for the benefit of the local citizens ...

What are some examples of parkland golf courses?

So named because of the park-like setting. Most PGA Tour courses are good examples of parkland courses. Desert course: A course built in the desert, natch, where the teeing grounds, fairways and putting greens are lush but might be the only grass in the area.

What is an issue in categorizing courses by setting/design?

An issue in categorizing courses by setting/design is that many courses do not fit entirely, or even easily, into one or other groups (aside from desert courses, which are pretty easy to spot). Some may mix elements of both parkland and links.

Where did golf originate?

Golf first developed on the links of Scotland. Parkland course: A parkland course is one that is lushly manicured with verdant fairways and fast greens, with plenty of trees, and typically located inland. So named because of the park-like setting. Most PGA Tour courses are good examples of parkland courses.

What is a link course?

There are three main types of courses when grouping by setting and/or design: Links course: A links course is one built on a sandy coastline that is open to the wind with few or no trees, but with plenty of tall coastal grasses.

What is a semi private golf course?

Semi-private courses: A semi-private course is one that both sells memberships and allows non-members to play. Those purchasing memberships might receive preferential tees times and discounted green fees, or access to other club amenities or perks.

What do you need to play golf?

To play golf a golfer needs a set of clubs, no more than 14, of varying lengths and sizes, a set of golf balls, and a golf bag.

Why do golf courses have grass?

Golf courses use different lengths of turf or grass to increase the difficulty of the game. On the putting green, the area closest to the hole, the grass will be short and smooth to make it easier to putt into the hold. The course may also consist of intentional hazards such as sand dunes or lakes.

What is the scoring of a golf hole?

Scoring in golf is called a par, and the distance from the teeing green to the hole usually determines what a typical par is for that hole. You are then scored on whether or not you go above or below the allotted par for that hole. Anyone who enjoys a nice walk and doesn't mind learning a few rules can begin to play golf.

What is the basic golf game?

The basics of golf include hitting a ball with a club, trying hard to hit the ball directly into the hole on the green. Golf Courses. Golf is played on a course, and the green area of the course is known as the fairway.

How many people are on a team in a game?

A team play game pits two people or a team of two to three people against each other. Similar to a stroke game, the strokes used count as your score but it's tallied as a team rather than individually. Amateurs also tend to use handicaps when calculating the score, as it allows you to subtract from the total score.

What is the most commonly played type of golf game?

Next, you will decide on the type of golf game you want to play. Stroke play is the most commonly played type of game for professionals and simply uses the amount of strokes it takes you to complete the game to determine your score. The player with the lowest amount of strokes wins.

Is golf a game?

It's a sport that requires concentration and precision, and it's enjoyed by professional athletes and amateurs, both of whom compete throughout the year for titles and prizes. Many people consider golf an easy game to learn, but not everyone is actually good at golf.

What is a hybrid golf club?

While the typical hybrid has a flat face like an iron, some have the slightly curved face of a fairway wood; these are generally labeled "rescue clubs."

What is a wedge golf?

Wedges. Wedges are short-shafted, specially designed irons with heavy bottoms and a lot of loft--as much as 64 degrees. When you want to hit a short shot that lands quickly or have missed a green and need to chip or pitch the ball only a few yards to the hole, you usually want a wedge.

How much loft does a putter have?

The putter has a very straight face, with typically with no more than 5 degrees of loft (about half that of a driver). Some players prefer putters with longer shafts, ranging from "belly putters" to the longest "long putters” or, occasionally, "broomsticks.".

How many putters do golfers carry?

Golfers generally carry only one putter. Its purpose is simple--hit the ball into the hole after it lands on the green. Putters are sometimes used from just off the green when the grass is not too tall. The putter has a very straight face, with typically with no more than 5 degrees of loft (about half that of a driver). Some players prefer putters with longer shafts, ranging from "belly putters" to the longest "long putters” or, occasionally, "broomsticks."

What is the longest club in golf?

Woods. Woods, which are now almost exclusively made of metal or composite materials, are the longest clubs in the bag. They are designed to the ball the farthest and generally result in the ball rolling quite a way after it lands. The club head of a wood is large and hollow and has a curved face.

What woods hit the ball farthest?

Woods include the driver, which hits the ball farthest and is meant for use off of a tee, and fairway woods, which are designed to hit the ball off the ground.

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Overview

A golf course is the grounds where the sport of golf is played. It consists of a series of holes, each consisting of a tee box, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a cylindrical hole in the ground, known as a "cup". The cup holds a flagstick, known as a "pin". A standard round of golf consists of 18 holes. Most courses contain 18 holes; some share fairways or greens, and a s…

Design

Although a specialty within landscape design or landscape architecture, golf course architecture is considered a separate field of study. Some golf course architects become celebrities in their own right, such as Robert Trent Jones, Jr.; others are professional golfers of high standing and demonstrated appreciation for golf course composition, such as Jack Nicklaus. The field is partially repres…

Features

The game of golf is played in what is called a "round". This consists of playing a set number of holes in an order predetermined by the course. When playing on an 18-hole course, each hole is played once; whereas, on a nine-hole course each hole can be played twice to complete a round. To begin a hole, players start by striking the ball off a tee. Playing the ball off a tee can only be used o…

Types

Links is a Scottish term, from the Old English word hlinc : "rising ground, ridge", describing coastal sand dunes and sometimes similar areas inland. It is on links land near the towns of central eastern Scotland that golf has been played since the 15th century.
The shallow top soil and sandy subsoil made links land unsuitable for the culti…

Ownership and management

See also: Golf course superintendent, Greenskeeper, Turf management § Golf courses, Equipment manager § Golf, and Groundskeeping
There are three main categories of ownership and management of a golf course: private, commercial, and municipal.
A private course is owned and managed by a golf club on behalf of its members, on a non-profit …

Environmental impact

Environmental concerns over the use of land for golf courses have grown since the 1960s. Specific issues include the amount of water required for irrigation and the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in maintenance, as well as the destruction of wetlandsand other environmentally important areas during construction. The United Nations estimates that, worldwide, golf courses cons…

See also

• List of golf course architects

External links

• USGA Course Rating Primer at the website of the United States Golf Association