Knowing What to Do

Like any other game or sport, golf has a set of rules. These rules cover the basics of what to do on the course to what the player can carry. Players are expected to know the rules when playing and if a rule is broken by a player there are penalties that take away from your score. So in order to keep from collecting penalties, here are some basic rules to help get through a round.

1. Don't move the ball. The ball can only be picked up when it is on the putting green and even then the ball must be marked by a small coin or ball marker. The only time the ball can ever be picked up when its not on the green is if there is an obstruction like yardage marker.(Weinman)
2. Always play your own ball. If there is a lying there don't think free ball because it may be someone else's ball.(Weinman)
3. It is okay to play from another hole's fairway. As a beginner you are going to hit crazy shots that may end up on the fairway of another hole. If this happens make sure the ball is not out of bounds and make sure there are not any players playing that hole. If your ball is considered out of bounds then take a one stroke penalty and hit again.(Weinman)
4. Take only a short time to look for a ball. If your ball goes into the deep rough, don't spend more than five minutes to look for it. If the ball is not found, take a one stroke penalty and hit from the original spot.(Weinman) 
5. Play inside the course. Make sure to stay in inside the course. Out of bounds areas are marked by white lines or stakes. If your ball lands out of bounds take a one stroke penalty and hit from the original spot.(Weinman)  

Follow these basic rules and you will survive a round of golf.

Weinman, S. (n.d.). How To Play Golf: A Beginner's Guide From Golf Digest: Golf Digest.Golf Digest. Retrieved from http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-instruction/golf-beginners-tips