Welcome to the world of golf! Whether you're a young athlete looking to start your journey or a parent supporting your junior golfer, understanding the basics of golf is essential. This guide will cover everything you need to know to get started, from the fundamental rules and equipment to golf etiquette and scoring.

1. Understanding the Game

Golf is a sport where players use various clubs to hit balls into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. Unlike most ball games, golf does not require a standardized playing area, making it unique and versatile.

2. Equipment Essentials

• Clubs

Drivers

Irons

Wedges

Putters

Use: Putters are used for the final strokes played on the green to roll the ball into the hole. The primary goal with a putter is accuracy and control over distance.

Characteristics: Putters have a flat, low-loft striking face, and the designs can vary widely in terms of head shape, size, and weight distribution. The choice of putter is highly personal and based on feel and comfort on the green, as it's the most used club in a round of golf.

• Balls

• Apparel

  Discuss the importance of proper golf attire for comfort and compliance with course dress codes, highlighting JSG's youth golf performance apparel line.

3. The Golf Course

• Layout: A typical golf course is a carefully designed landscape that offers a blend of natural beauty and challenging play. It consists of a series of holes, each with a unique layout and set of features. Here's an overview of the typical components and structure of a golf course:
• Tees: The tee is the starting point of each hole, where golfers make their first stroke. Each hole has several sets of tees (such as professional, championship, men's, women's, and sometimes junior tees) to accommodate players of different skill levels and distances.
• Fairways: After the tee shot, the fairway is the stretch of carefully manicured grass leading up to the green. The fairway is the ideal landing area for tee shots, providing a favorable position and surface from which to make the subsequent shot toward the green.
• Greens: The green is the area around the hole, featuring very short grass that allows for precision putting. Greens are designed to be smooth and flat but often include subtle slopes and contours that challenge golfers' putting skills. The hole, marked with a flag, is the target where golfers aim to get the ball into with as few strokes as possible.
• Hazards: Hazards are elements designed to add challenge and strategic interest to the game. There are two main types:
• Water Hazards: Lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams that require skillful shots to avoid. Balls landing in water hazards often result in penalty strokes.
• Bunkers (or Sand Traps): Depressions in the ground filled with sand, usually situated near the fairway or green to challenge approach shots and putting.
• 18-Hole Structure: A standard golf course comprises 18 holes, each with its unique layout and challenges. Courses are typically divided into two halves, the "front nine" and the "back nine." While the number of holes on a course can vary (with nine-hole courses being common for shorter play), the 18-hole course is traditional and used in most professional tournaments.
• Par: Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par," which is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Pars typically range from 3 to 5 strokes per hole, depending on the length and difficulty of the hole, and contribute to the overall par for the course, usually between 70 and 72.
• Additional Features
• Rough: The areas of longer grass and natural terrain bordering the fairways. The rough presents a greater challenge than the fairway, making it harder to hit the ball cleanly.
• Out of Bounds: Areas designated as outside the play area of the course. Hitting the ball out of bounds incurs a penalty.

The layout of a golf course is carefully planned to offer a variety of strategic challenges, blending the natural features of the landscape with artificial elements to create a game that tests skill, precision, and decision-making. Each course has its unique character, influenced by its geographical location, terrain, and the vision of its designers.

Types of Courses

Golf courses come in various styles, each offering a unique experience influenced by the landscape and design philosophy. The three primary types of golf courses are links, parkland, and desert, each with distinct characteristics:

• Links Courses
• Definition: The term "links" originates from the Old English word 'hlinc,' meaning 'rising ground' or 'ridge' and refers to sandy areas near coasts.
• Characteristics: Links courses are the oldest style of golf course, first developed in Scotland. They are characterized by undulating fairways, deep bunkers, thick rough, and a lack of trees. The ground is typically sandy and drains well, allowing for firm playing surfaces. Wind plays a significant factor due to the courses' coastal locations.
• Example: The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, is one of the most famous links courses in the world.
• Parkland Courses
• Definition: Parkland courses are the most common style found inland, characterized by lush, manicured landscapes reminiscent of traditional parks.
• Characteristics: These courses feature well-maintained fairways and greens, abundant trees, and often include water hazards like lakes and rivers. The terrain is generally less rugged than on links courses, with more defined fairways and softer ground. Parkland courses can offer a wide variety of design elements but are known for their scenic beauty.
• Example: Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia, USA, home of The Masters, is a quintessential parkland course.
• Desert Courses
• Definition: As the name suggests, desert courses are built in arid regions, incorporating the natural desert landscape into the design.
• Characteristics: These courses use the desert's natural terrain, featuring sandy areas, cacti, and other drought-resistant vegetation. Fairways are often narrower with a premium placed on accuracy due to the surrounding desert landscape. Water conservation is a key aspect, with some courses using artificial lakes and water features strategically.
• Example: TPC Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, is a renowned desert course known for hosting the PGA Tour's Waste Management Phoenix Open.
• Each type of golf course presents its own set of challenges and aesthetic qualities, reflecting the natural environment in which it is located and offering golfers diverse playing experiences.

4. Basic Rules and Scoring

• Stroke Play vs. Match Play

• Stroke Play:
• Definition: Stroke play, also known as medal play, is a format where the total number of strokes taken over one or more rounds of golf determines the winner. Each stroke counts as a point, and the player with the fewest strokes at the end of the round(s) wins.
• Usage: This format is commonly used in professional tournaments and amateur competitions. It requires consistency over the entire course, as every shot contributes to the final score.
• Match Play:
• Definition: Match play is a hole-by-hole competition where players compete to win individual holes. The player who takes the fewest strokes on a hole wins that hole; if the players take the same number of strokes, the hole is "halved."
• Usage: The winner is the player who wins the most holes. Match play allows for a more strategic game, as a poor performance on one hole doesn't carry over to the next. It's often used in club competitions and team events, like the Ryder Cup.

• Scoring
  

• Par: The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to complete a hole. Par values range from 3 to 5 strokes per hole, depending on its length and difficulty, and provide the baseline for scoring.
• Birdie: A score of one stroke under par for a hole. For example, making a birdie on a par-4 hole means completing the hole in 3 strokes.
• Eagle: A score of two strokes under par. Eagles are most commonly achieved on par-5 holes, where a player reaches the green in two strokes and then putts for eagle, but they can also occur on par-4s with a very long and accurate drive.
• Bogey: A score of one stroke over par. For instance, scoring a bogey on a par-3 hole means taking 4 strokes to complete it.
• Double Bogey: A score of two strokes over par, and so on for triple bogeys and higher.

5. Golf Etiquette

• Safety: Golf etiquette encompasses a set of guidelines that ensure the game is played in a respectful, enjoyable, and safe manner. One of the most critical aspects of golf etiquette is safety, as the nature of the game involves actions that can pose risks to players and spectators alike. Here are key points regarding safety on the golf course:
• Before Swinging:
• Check Your Surroundings: Always ensure that the area around you is clear before making a swing. This includes checking in front of you, behind you, and to the sides to make sure no one is standing too close.
• Alert Other Players: If your ball appears to be heading towards another player or group, shout "Fore!" as loudly as possible to warn them. It's a universal signal in golf that alerts players to a potentially incoming ball.
• On the Course:
• Maintain Distance: When another player is taking their shot, stand at a safe distance and slightly behind, away from their line of play and swing path. This not only ensures safety but also serves as a courtesy by not distracting the player.
• Driving Carts Safely: If golf carts are used, adhere to the course's rules regarding their operation. Drive carefully, especially on slopes and near course features like water hazards or bunkers. Keep carts away from greens and tee boxes, as they can damage these sensitive areas.
• When Searching for a Ball:
• Be Mindful of Blind Spots: Be cautious when searching for a lost ball, especially in areas where other players might not see you, such as tall grass or behind hills.
• Use a Spotter: If you're playing a shot that requires you to hit over a hill or blind spot where you can't see the landing area, have a spotter go ahead (where it's safe) to signal if it's clear to play and to watch where the ball lands.
• General Safety Tips:
• Weather Awareness: Be aware of the weather conditions. Golf courses are often wide open spaces, making them dangerous places during a lightning storm. If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter immediately.
• Proper Equipment Use: Use your golf equipment as intended. Don't swing clubs recklessly, and when carrying clubs, be mindful of their position to avoid hitting others.
• Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings and the actions of other golfers. Even if you're adhering to safety protocols, others may not be, so staying alert can help prevent accidents.
• Safety on the golf course is everyone's responsibility. By following these guidelines, golfers can ensure a safe environment for themselves and others. Remember, a moment of caution can prevent accidents and injuries, making the game enjoyable and safe for everyone involved.

• Speed of Play: Maintaining a good pace of play is crucial in golf, ensuring that all players on the course can enjoy their rounds without unnecessary delays. Here are several tips to help golfers keep up with the pace and contribute to a smooth flow of play:
• 1. Prepare in Advance
• Be Ready to Play: Always be ready to take your shot when it's your turn. While waiting for others to play, use that time to plan your shot, select your club, and assess the wind and yardage.
• Pre-Shot Routine: Develop a concise pre-shot routine. Limit the time spent on practice swings and aligning shots to keep play moving.
• 2. Keep Up with the Group Ahead
• Match Their Pace: Aim to keep up with the group in front of you rather than just staying ahead of the group behind. If the hole in front of you is clear and your group is falling behind, increase your pace.
• 3. Be Efficient on the Greens
• Read Your Putts Early: Start reading your putt and gauging the distance as you approach the green, so you're ready to putt when it's your turn.
• Continuous Putting: Whenever possible, continue putting until you hole out, unless you might stand in another player's line. This helps avoid excessive time spent marking and realigning for short putts.
• 4. Lost Balls
• Limit Search Time: If you believe your ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, to keep play moving, the provisional ball should be played to avoid walking back to replay the shot. Official rules allow a maximum of three minutes to search for a lost ball.
• 5. Use Carts Wisely
• Cart Path Only: If you're using a golf cart and must stick to the cart path, take a selection of clubs with you to your ball so you don't have to return to the cart if you chose the wrong club.
• Drop Off/Pick Up: In a shared cart, drop off one player with their choice of clubs at their ball, then drive to the other ball. After the first player hits, pick them up on the way to the next shot.
• 6. Shorter Formats
• Consider Playing Fewer Holes: If you're short on time or notice the course is particularly busy, opt to play nine holes instead of eighteen to help alleviate congestion.
• 7. Be Decision Ready
• Quick Decisions: Make your strategic and club selection decisions promptly. If you're unsure about the wind or which club to use, make your best estimate rather than delaying play.
• 8. Encourage Ready Golf
• Play When Ready: In casual play, "ready golf" is encouraged, where players hit when ready, as long as it's safe to do so, rather than strictly adhering to the "furthest from the hole plays first" rule.
• By following these tips, golfers can contribute to a more enjoyable experience for everyone on the course. Maintaining a good pace of play is about being mindful of others and ensuring the game progresses smoothly and enjoyably.

• Care for the Course: Caring for the golf course is a fundamental aspect of golf etiquette that every player should practice. This responsibility ensures that the course remains in good condition for all players. Key actions like repairing divots, raking bunkers, and respecting the greens are essential. Here's why these practices are important and how to perform them:
• Repairing Divots
• Significance: When a golfer swings their club and strikes the ground, it can result in a chunk of turf being lifted or displaced, creating a divot. Repairing these divots helps to maintain the fairway's integrity, encourages quicker healing of the grass, and ensures a fair playing surface for everyone.
• How to Repair: Many courses provide a sand/seed mixture on carts that you can use to fill in the divot. If not, replace the turf piece, pressing it firmly with your foot. If the turf piece is not available, use the heel of your club or your foot to smooth over the divot.
• Raking Bunkers
• Significance: Bunkers are strategically placed hazards designed to challenge golfers. After playing a shot from a bunker, it's crucial to rake the area to remove footprints and club marks. This courtesy ensures the next player who lands in the bunker has a fair chance to play their shot from a smooth surface.
• How to Rake: Use the provided rake to smooth over the area where you played your shot as well as any footprints you made entering and exiting the bunker. Aim to leave the surface as even as possible, and place the rake back in accordance with the course's policy (usually inside or just outside the bunker in a direction that is least likely to affect play).
• Respecting the Greens
• Significance: The greens are the most delicate parts of the course, where golfers finish each hole by putting. It's important to treat greens with care to avoid damaging the finely cut grass, which can affect the roll of the ball.
• How to Care for Greens:
• Repair Ball Marks: Use a ball mark repair tool or a tee to gently repair any indentations caused by your ball landing on the green. Properly repairing a ball mark involves pulling the turf toward the center of the mark and then smoothing the surface with your putter or foot.
• Avoid Dragging Feet: Be mindful of your movements on the green to prevent unnecessary wear. Avoid dragging your feet or the flagstick, as this can damage the turf.
• Flagstick Handling: When removing or replacing the flagstick, do so carefully to avoid damaging the hole or the green around it. Ensure the flagstick is properly seated when replacing it.

6. Tips for Beginners

• Getting Started: For those new to the sport of golf, getting started can seem daunting. However, with the right approach, beginners can quickly find their footing and begin to enjoy the game. Here are several key steps for beginners to take as they embark on their golfing journey:
• Take Lessons
• Professional Guidance: Investing in golf lessons from a certified professional is one of the most effective ways for beginners to learn the fundamentals of the game, including grip, stance, swing mechanics, and etiquette. A professional can provide personalized feedback and correct any mistakes early on.
• Group Clinics: For those looking for a more social learning experience or a cost-effective option, group clinics or beginner classes offer a chance to learn in a relaxed, supportive environment alongside peers.
• Practice at Driving Ranges
• Develop Your Swing: Regular visits to the driving range allow beginners to practice their swing, build muscle memory, and gain confidence in hitting the ball. It's a low-pressure setting where you can focus on improving specific aspects of your game.
• Experiment with Different Clubs: Use your time at the range to get familiar with various clubs in your bag. Understanding how each club behaves and affects your shot is crucial for making the right choices on the course.
• Start on Smaller, Beginner-Friendly Courses
• Par-3 and Executive Courses: These courses are shorter and less intimidating than full-sized courses, making them perfect for beginners. Par-3 courses, in particular, consist of shorter holes where players can focus on their short game and putting.
• Less Crowded and More Relaxed: Beginner-friendly courses are often less crowded, offering a more relaxed pace that is conducive to learning. This environment reduces the pressure new golfers might feel, allowing them to take their time and not worry about holding up more experienced players.
• Additional Tips for Getting Started
• Invest in Basic Equipment: While there's no need to buy a top-of-the-line set of clubs right away, having a basic set that suits your physique and swing style is important. Many golf shops offer fitting services to help you choose the right clubs.
• Learn the Etiquette: Understanding golf etiquette is just as important as mastering the swing. Knowing when to play, how to maintain the pace of play, and how to care for the course will make your introduction to golf more enjoyable for you and those around you.
• Be Patient and Have Fun: Golf is a challenging sport that requires time and practice to master. Be patient with your progress and remember to enjoy the learning process. Celebrate small victories and milestones along the way.

• Choosing the Right Equipment: Performance Wear for All Conditions
• Moisture-Wicking Fabrics: JSG Supply's range includes apparel made from moisture-wicking materials that keep young golfers dry and comfortable, even during intense play or in hot weather. This technology pulls sweat away from the body to the exterior of the clothing, where it can evaporate more easily.
• Breathable and Lightweight: Ensuring that young athletes stay cool and comfortable, JSG Supply offers breathable and lightweight clothing options that optimize air circulation, keeping the golfer cool on warm days.
• UV Protection: With outdoor play comes exposure to the sun's harmful rays. JSG Supply provides clothing with built-in UV protection, safeguarding young golfers’ skin during long hours on the course.
• Style Meets Function
• Fashion-Forward Designs: Understanding that young golfers want to look good as well as feel good, JSG Supply offers a variety of stylish options that reflect the latest trends in sportswear. From classic polos to modern, performance-enhancing bottoms, there’s something for every personal style.
• Versatile Wardrobe: JSG Supply's apparel is designed not just for functionality on the course but also for versatility off it. Offering options that are suitable for practice, competition, and casual wear ensures young golfers can transition smoothly from school to the golf course.
• Comfort and Flexibility
• Ergonomic Designs: Clothing from JSG Supply is crafted with the golfer's movement in mind, offering ergonomic designs that enhance range of motion. This ensures that young golfers can swing freely and comfortably, without restriction.
• Durable and Easy Care: Recognizing the need for durability in children’s sportswear, JSG Supply provides high-quality, durable apparel that withstands the rigors of play and practice. Furthermore, easy-care fabrics ensure that maintaining the appearance and function of the clothing is hassle-free for parents.
• Size and Fit Guidance
• Expert Fit Advice: JSG Supply can offer guidance on selecting the correct sizes and fits to ensure that young golfers have apparel that fits them properly, supporting optimal performance and growth. Accurate sizing is crucial to prevent discomfort and distractions on the course.
• Choosing the right golf clubs is crucial for enhancing your performance and enjoyment of the game. Here are key factors to consider when selecting golf clubs:
• 1. Skill Level
• Beginners: Look for clubs that offer forgiveness on off-center hits, typically characterized by larger clubheads and more flexible shafts.
• Intermediate to Advanced: More skilled players might opt for clubs that offer greater control and feel, such as those with a smaller sweet spot and stiffer shafts.
• 2. Club Fitting
• Professional fitting is highly recommended. A fitting session can help determine the best club length, shaft flex, lie angle, and grip size for your swing, which can significantly impact your game's quality.
• 3. Shaft Options
• Flex: The shaft's flexibility should match your swing speed. Slower swing speeds benefit from more flexible shafts, while faster swings require stiffer shafts.
• Material: Shafts are typically made from steel or graphite. Steel shafts offer durability and more control, while graphite is lighter, helping to increase swing speed and distance.
• 4. Clubhead Design
• Drivers and Woods: Larger clubheads with more loft are easier for beginners to use. Experienced players may prefer a lower loft for more control.
• Irons: Beginners should look for cavity-back irons, which have a larger sweet spot. More experienced golfers might choose forged irons or blades for better feedback and control.
• Wedges: Having a variety of wedges (pitching, sand, lob) can help tackle different situations on the course. Consider the loft and bounce that fit your playing style.
• Putters: Selecting a putter is highly personal and depends on your preferred putting style. Options include blade, mallet, and more specialized designs.
• 5. Set Composition
• Beginners might not need a full set of 14 clubs. Starting with the essentials (a driver, a few irons, a wedge, and a putter) can be sufficient. As your skills develop, you can add more specialized clubs.
• 6. Budget and Brand
• Golf clubs can be a significant investment. Determine your budget beforehand and research brands and models that offer the best value for your needs. It's not necessary to buy the most expensive clubs to enjoy the game or improve your skills.
• 7. Try Before You Buy
• If possible, test different clubs by attending demo days, visiting golf shops with simulators, or borrowing clubs from friends. How a club feels in your hands and reacts to your swing is an invaluable indicator of its suitability.
• Choosing the right golf clubs involves a blend of understanding your own game, undergoing professional fitting, and a bit of personal preference. Taking the time to select the right clubs can lead to significant improvements on the course. 

Golf is a rewarding sport that offers challenges and joys to players of all ages. By understanding the basics outlined in this guide, you’re well on your way to enjoying the game and developing your skills. Remember, golf is a journey, and every golfer starts with these fundamental concepts. Explore our website further to find the perfect gear for your golf adventure and join the JSG community as we support young athletes in their pursuit of excellence.

Ready to hit the greens? Shop our latest collection of youth golf performance apparel to get started on the right foot.