Frequently asked questions

Q. What are the differences between golf courses?

A. You may have heard or read about the different types of golf courses and how they can influence how the game is played. And while it is true that a Linx or sand based course requires a subtle adjustment to the way an experienced golfer approaches a round, the main thing to remember as a beginner is just to have fun.

Q. What should I to wear to play golf?

A. It’s important to remember here that golf is a sport that will require you to walk and swing a club, so it s important to dress comfortably to do that. As a quick trip to any golf store or pro shop will show, it is possible to spend significant amounts of money on the latest fashion gear, and if that s your preference, there s nothing to stop you. But it s not a requirement for entry to even the most exclusive clubs. It’s true that many private clubs will have a dress code that you must agree to upon joining. Most golf clubs, particularly private ones, have specific rules relating to minimum dress requirements both on the course and in the clubhouse. If you dress in neat, casual attire you will be suitably dressed in most instances, however football or tennis shorts, thongs, singlet s, t-shirts and jeans are generally not permitted. But what s the expectation at the local course or driving range? As a general rule of thumb, many public courses have a more relaxed dress codes than private clubs, with neat jeans (no rips) or dress shorts, t-shirts or polo s and trainers perfectly acceptable. When in doubt, you can always jump on a course s website or give them a call and ask the question.

Q. How long does it take to play a round (18 holes) of golf?

A. A full round of golf is classified as 18 holes and depending on conditions and other players on the course, it will normally take you around about 4 hours to play. In order for everyone to enjoy their round, it s important to keep moving and try not to cause undue delays to others. If you lose a ball for example, the rules of golf allow you to look for the lost ball for a maximum of 5 minutes. Like most things, having a common sense approach to keeping things moving and while you re on the course is a great place to start.

Q. What is a birdie?

A. It may seem like golf is spoken in another language. Par , Birdies , Eagles , Albatross and Bogey . But they are just part of what makes golf unique. Quite simply, you score Par when the number of shots you take to complete the hole is the same as what is allowed. So for example, if the hole you are playing is a Par 4, that means you are allowed to take 4 shots to complete it. A Bogey is when you take 1 more shot to complete the hole than is allowed. A Double Bogey is 2 more and so on. Take 1 less shot than allowed on a hole and that I s called a Birdie . Take 2 less a shots and it s called an Eagle . Take 3 less shots and it s called an Albatross . You ll learn these terms and more as you become more familiar with the world of golf.

Q. What is a handicap?

A. When you ve played golf for a while, you may find you want to measure your progress against other golfers or take part in club tournament golf. The best way to do this is to get yourself an official Golf Australia handicap. You can easily get your own handicap by joining a golf club. To find out more, simply click this link – Get a handicap (link to GolfLink site)

Q. How do I find a golf instructor?

A. You could search on the net, check the phone directory or come across a pro in your local area. However you do it, before you sign up for some lessons make sure the person is qualified and accredited. To make it easy for you, just click this link Get a lesson – and we ll take you to a list of accredited golf pro s, there s sure to be one close to you.

Q. How long does it take to become good at golf?

A. For some people, the game of golf just clicks. They are able to swing a club naturally from the first time they pick one up. Putting is easy and hitting shots from a sand bunker is no problem. Then there s the rest of us. The really important thing to note here is that everyone is different and while we may like to measure our progress against others, a lot of the joy of golf comes from building upon small improvements as you go along. Remember, it s just a game and so long as you re having fun, you re a winner.