Golf is a great sport, with millions of fans from all around. It's a sport where participants hit a small ball with a special club, trying to get it to a golf hole that is very far away from the place where it starts. The game starts on a portion named "teeing ground", and continues into the second area, "putting green", at the limit of which the hole is located. The purpose of the game is to drive the ball from the teeing ground over the green into the hole in the least number of strikes possible. One round means going through eighteen "greens".

There are two ways to enjoy this game... One: the victor is the one who wins at the most holes (this is named match play) and second, the victor is the one who finishes one round with the smallest number of strokes (stroke play).

Golf is oftentimes called the "gentlemen game". Because of this, there are certain etiquette guidelines to obey when anybody decides to play this game. Courtesy is a necessity for each golfer. Let me offer you a few suggestions on how to act while playing golf:

• the honor of playing the first ball is granted to the player that currently has the lowest score

• never forget to check the distance and location of golfer groups that are ahead of you. Only hit the ball if you make sure that you won't accidentally hit one of the persons in front of you.

• be ready to play the ball when it's your turn. No one appreciates it when an adversary delays the game because he didn't know his turn followed.

• keep a polite approach towards the group behind you. If you are at par 3, it is advised to drive the ball towards the green, mark and invite the next group to go on with their game.

• be careful not to ruin the green in any way.

• do not begin small talks with a friend or with another player when a golfer is taking his shot.

• in the case that you are waiting for a guy that is preparing his shot, don't stand too close and refrain from making unexpected movements.

• don't enter the golf course unless you are dressed properly.

• don't take animals to the golf course, not even if they have muzzles

• don't smoke cigarettes or cigars on the golf course

• don't take along electronic "noise makers" that could distract other players (phones, cd-players etc)

• you shouldn't go to the golf course if you are under the influence, and don't drink alcohol while on the green

Please remember these rules when you go golfing, because otherwise you you won't be able to understand what this sport is all about. Have fun!