One of the most popular games in the world is the game of golf. Although the concept of striking a little white ball into a small hole several hundred yards away with metal and graphite sticks may seem trivial to some people, it is one of the most addicting games that people play. Whether you are interested in golf or are just a little bit curious about the game itself, there are a few things you need to know about the game itself before you go out and buy $1000 set of the best clubs that you can find. Here are a few tips that every beginner should know before attempting to play this most wondrous sport.

If you have seen some coverage on television then you probably know a little already, but really not enough to know how to play the game itself. Although watching and playing golf can be helpful in a general kind of way, it will not help you want to set foot on to the grassy drains to hit your first ball down the fairway. Golf may also seem like a complex and highly skilled game played only by those who are rich enough to afford it. Although this is true for some of the most elite golf courses in the world, most people can find an affordable golf course to try the game out. Golf is open to everyone, and with a little bit of money and practice you can become a good amateur golfer yourself with just a few small tips and a little bit of practice.

If you want to know more about this interesting sport, then here is some advice about the things you should know before you get started playing. The first thing that you should know is that you need to keep score. If you are new to the game then working out how the scoring is done can be very tricky. The confusion begins when you see all the plus and minus numbers. You will also see words such as birdies, pars, eagles and so forth. Basically, golf scoring works by comparing your actual score to a pre-arranged score. You are simply trying not to go over this prearranged score.

In regard to the golf course itself, each course has a 'par' score. This word means the amount of shots it should take you to get around the course. You can either hit above this score, which is 'under par' or above the score (over par). Each hole has a specific par score as well, which when combined together add up to the total par score for the course.

Hopefully, this has not confused you too much. The bottom line is that most courses have a par score of around 70 to 72, which most holes being around par 3 to par 5. If you score one shot below par for a hole, this is known as a birdie. If you hit two shots below the par this is known as an eagle. You can also hit, if you are very lucky, an albatross, which is 3 shots below the par. And to make it even more confusing, the lower your overall score at the end, then the better you will have done. How's that for a strange game!

The best tip that could be given to anyone that is trying to keep score for the first time is to bring your best friend with you that knows how to golf so that they will keep score for the first several times that you play so that you can get used to playing the game and not worry about how to score on that little scorecard. Scoring is only half of the equation. You are going to need some golf clubs in order to play the game. Oh yes, and, of course, a few balls.

There are some basic items of equipment that you will need when playing golf. Least necessary is that you will need to be dressed in the correct attire for golf courses. Only at the very elite of clubs is there a dress code that you have to stringently adhere to. The first golf course that you attend will probably allow anyone to come in as long as they are wearing a shirt and pants. Just be sure to check the rules at your local course for details of their dress code.

You will also need clubs and balls, although you don't necessarily need to buy these at first - you can rent them out from most courses. However, if you are serious about playing then buying a good set of clubs, balls and a golf bag is essential. And last but not least, if you are a little out of shape, you will want to rent a golf cart so that you are not completely exhausted by the end of your first golfing experience. Golf carts can be a little bit pricey, but if you are at a lower and the golf course, it will probably not put you in the hole.

Following these simple initial tips, you should be able to start playing your very first game in just a few days after you get a few golf clubs, find a nice golf course for an affordable price, and find a friend that knows how to play golf so that you can not only keep score would get a few free tips from someone that actually knows how to play the game. Good luck and happy golfing.