What is Golf? How to Play Golf?

Individual and strategic sports like golf help people feel physically and mentally sound. Individual sports are shaped entirely by personal decisions and moves without any intervention. In this way, people gain an activity they can fully devote themselves to and an exercise routine to direct their energy. 

What is Golf?

Golf has a specific style of play and rules, and one of the most intriguing topics, especially for spectators, is undoubtedly the question of what golf is. Golf is a game played in nature on golf courses designed specifically for this game, with sticks called golf clubs and a compact, hard golf ball. This general definition is one of the most basic answers to what golf is. As in every sport, there are specific standards and rules in golf. 

The rules of golf, in which players respect each other and play without interfering with each other, are also noteworthy in terms of the game's rules. Players do not take any action until the other player preparing for the shot is finished; they take care not to do anything to distract the player preparing for the shot.

Since golf is played on courses built in a natural environment, players pay due attention to each other and the use of the course. Care is taken to ensure that the flow of play is not disrupted by repairing any damage to the course during strokes.

Golf Hotels in Belek, Antalya

Antalya, on the southern coast of Turkey, is a destination that stands out with its magnificent natural beauty, historical richness and luxury holiday opportunities. Antalya luxury hotels are also a perfect region for golf enthusiasts with exceptional facilities.

The many golf courses in the region cater to all levels of golf enthusiasts, from experienced golfers to novice players. Antalya golf hotels close to golf courses offer an unforgettable vacation experience for golf lovers with comfortable accommodation options. Close to many golf courses, Calista is known for its stylish design, great views and proximity to the beautiful beaches of Belek. Antalya's warm climate and quality golf facilities offer a dream vacation for golf enthusiasts.

Health Benefits of Golf

When we think of exercise or sports, many people think of routines based on intense energy burning and high levels of movement. However, exercises, which have a significant place for both physical and mental health, should not be confined only within the mould as mentioned above. It is also helpful to consider individual and strategic sports that do not require intense physical effort but in which the power of the mind plays an active role. 

Golf, considered a recreational sport by many spectators, is also very beneficial for the muscular and joint system. The action on the course and the effort made for hand-arm-leg synchronisation affect muscle and fibre health. 

Golf sport provides excellent lung benefits as it is played in large and open areas. Athletes feel physically and mentally comfortable as they play in areas containing dense oxygen, away from factors that may cause air pollution.

Speaking of the natural environment and fresh air, it would be wrong not to mention the mental health benefits of golf. Since fresh air and oxygen can bring comfort, it would not be wrong to say that this sport effectively reduces stress and relieves anxiety.

Golf has a wide range of player perspectives regarding its rules and functionality. Individuals from almost every age group can easily play golf. In this way, they can improve their exercise routine and enjoy the fresh air.

Although this game is considered an individual game, it is essential to recognise that it paves the way for socialisation. Golf courses are ideal places to meet new people, socialise and make friends. Individuals who meet around familiar and refined tastes can discover many points of understanding with each other and thus make friends.

To put the other health benefits of golf into perspective,

It is one of the perfect exercises to choose for the body,

Increased flexibility, fitness and body coordination,

That it has a routine to enrich daily life,

Items such as increasing self-confidence and reinforcing self-worth can be addressed.

History of Golf

Although golf is one of the most popular sporting activities today, it has a long history. Some historians state that the Romans played the sport in ancient times with bent clubs and balls made of feathers.

Other terminological expressions regarding the history of golf are as follows: According to one view, 'Chuiwan', which is defined as the game of dribbling a ball on foot with the help of a stick in China between 1368 and 1644 during the Ming Dynasty, refers to the birth of today's golf. This game, which spread to Europe by merchants in the Middle Ages, transformed as time progressed and paved the way for the adoption of golf. 

When talking about the history of golf, you can't miss Scotland. Scotland is home to one of the oldest golf courses, St. Andrews, used in the early 16th century. In the 17th century, golf gained a massive following in Scotland and England, leading to the establishment of golf clubs such as the Royal and Ancient in 1754.

Basic Rules of Golf

Some of the basic rules of golf are as follows:

Players must always place an identifying mark on their ball. If a ball is not identified as belonging to a player, it is considered a "lost ball".

Players must have a maximum of 14 clubs. If an infringement is detected, a penalty of two strokes for each hole played will be imposed. The maximum penalty in a round of golf is four strokes.

Players must not use any device for measuring distance.

It is not appropriate to give individual advice to other players or seek advice from other players. It is only permitted to exchange ideas with a playing partner.

Unnecessary prolongation of the shooting preparation and disruption of the game may result in penalties up to and including disqualification.

Golf Course and Holes

A golf course is a course that consists of hills and fairways; it is a course with ground features that may have roughness and obstacles. This course includes a flagstick and holes. A standard golf course has a total of 18 holes. Some mini-courses may have 9 holes.

If a general standard size is given for a golf course, the green area should be at least 300 m² and organised uniquely. The sand obstacle for practice swings should be at least 200 m² in size and at different depths.

Golf Balls and Sticks

According to the general rules, a golf ball has a mass of not more than 45.9 grams and a diameter of not less than 42.7 mm. These balls can perform within the specified speed, distance and symmetry limits.

Each golf stick is made of stainless steel, is not easily deformed, and is resistant to abrasion. With a diameter of 8.8 cm and a height of 1.2 cm, these sticks are positioned according to the game's rules.

Purpose of the Game

The game of golf aims to complete the 18 designated courses (holes) of the course with the fewest strokes on the golf ball.

Golf, one of the oldest sports in the world, has come to the present day and emerged as a much more professional branch. World-famous athletes such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Charl Schwartzel, Lee Westwood, Justin Rose, and Webb Simpson play an active role in golf, gaining a global audience and followers.

How to play Golf?

This game can be considered a sport based on individual strategies and requires coordination. Players must be able to reach the holes on the course with the least number of strokes. Provided that the principles of the game are adhered to, each golf course can be calculated according to different measurements. However, no matter how much the dimensions vary, the fundamental objective remains the same.

Basic Techniques in Golf

One of the critical techniques to make this game sustainable is course scouting. By exploring the course design and the distance of the holes in the best possible way, a player can play a much more concentrated and compelling game. This is why walking the golf course before you start playing is essential. In addition, other vital factors such as club grip, ball control and distance measurement will improve with lots of practice, so paying attention to training while practising the sport is indispensable.