golfen

Golfen is the act of playing golf, commonly used in German-speaking contexts as the verb form, though standard German typically uses Golf spielen. The verb golfen is formed from the name of the sport and the German infinitive ending -en. It is considered colloquial or regional and may be used in phrases such as golfen gehen to mean going to play golf.

Golf as a sport originated in Scotland in the Middle Ages and became widely established in Europe in the 19th century. In German-speaking countries, golf courses and clubs expanded markedly after World War II, contributing to growing participation.

Gameplay: A round comprises 18 holes on a golf course. Players use a set of clubs to hit a ball toward an area called the hole; the objective is to complete the course with the fewest total strokes. Scoring follows par, with handicap systems allowing players of varying skill to compete together. The sport is governed internationally by the R&A and USGA, and many countries have their own federations.

Equipment and etiquette: Standard equipment includes drivers, irons, wedges, and a putter, plus golf balls, tees, and appropriate attire. Etiquette emphasizes pace of play, safety, and courtesy toward other players.

Competition and culture: Professional tours such as the PGA Tour and the European Tour feature top players. Golf is played recreationally at municipal courses and driving ranges worldwide, with accessibility varying by region.