From Brent Kelley,
Your Guide to Golf.
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Our Golf for Beginners FAQ is designed to answer some of the questions newcomers to the game are sure to have. If you don't see the topic you're looking for, try posting your question in the Golf Forum, where golfers of all skill levels may be able to help.

Scorekeeping and Scorecards
• How do I keep score?
• What do "out" and "in" mean on the scorecard?
• What do the numbers on the "Handicap" line of the scorecard represent?
Related: Handicap FAQ

On the Course
• How long does it take to play a round of golf?
• How much does it cost to play a round of golf?
• Which set of tees on the tee box should I use?
• How high should I tee the ball on the tee box?
• Where can I drive the golf cart on the course?
• What is golf etiquette?
• Do golf courses have dress codes?
• What's the proper way to rake a sand bunker?
• Are yardages listed to the front or center of the greens?

Rules of Golf
• How can I get a copy of the Rules of Golf?
• What are "winter rules" or "preferred lies"?
See Also: Golf Rules FAQ

Practice and Lessons
• Should I take lessons?
• How do I find a golf instructor?
• I'm too embarrassed to go to a golf course, but how can I get better unless I go to a golf course?
• How long does it take to become good?

Before and After the Round
• Does golf require any special physical abilities?
• Do I have to tip at the golf course?

Golf Clubs
• Why are they called "woods" when they aren't made of wood?
• How much do golf clubs cost?
• How far am I supposed to hit each club?
• How do I know which club to hit?
• I want to buy name-brand golf clubs - how do I know which brand to buy?
• How do I take care of golf clubs?
• How do you clean golf clubs?
• How do you clean the grips on golf clubs?
• Do I have to have a full set of clubs to start playing?
• What are "game improvement" clubs?
• How do steel and graphite shafts compare, and how do I know which is right for me?
See also: Golf Clubs FAQ (focuses on the technical aspects of clubs)

Golf Balls
• What are X-Out golf balls?
• What do the numbers on a golf ball mean?

Accessories (Shoes, Gloves, Etc.)
• Do I need to wear a golf glove?
• Are golf shoes required to play golf?
• Do golf courses have dress codes

Shopping and Buying
• What should I look for when buying used clubs?
• How much do golf clubs cost?
• I want to buy name-brand golf clubs - how do I know which brand to buy?

Tournaments
• What is a "scramble" (or other tournament format)?
See: Tournament Formats/Betting Games Glossary

Historical/Miscellaneous
• Is "golf" an acronym for "gentleman only, ladies forbidden"?
• Why are golf courses 18 holes in length?
• Why do golfers yell "fore" to warn others of an errant shot?
See Also: Golf History FAQ

Is your Golf for Beginners question not yet included here? Post your question in the Golf Forum, where golfers of all skill levels may be able to help. You can also email the golf guide and request that your question be added.

More Golf for Beginners Stuff
• Golf for Beginners - Handicap FAQ
• Golf for Beginners - Rules of Golf Resources
• Golf for Beginners - Basics of Golf Tips
• More Golf for Beginners