golfer

A golfer is a person who plays golf, a precision club-and-ball sport. Golfers may play casually on public or private courses or compete professionally on organized tours. The central aim is to complete a course, usually 18 holes, with as few strokes as possible, using a sequence of clubs to move a ball from tee to hole.

Equipment and play: A standard set typically includes a driver, irons, wedges, and a putter, along with a golf ball, tees, a bag, and gloves. Players navigate a course by striking the ball from tee areas and then playing toward the hole. The game emphasizes accuracy, distance control, strategy, and the short game.

Competition and governance: The rules are published by The R&A and the USGA, with local associations interpreting them. Professional players compete on tours such as the PGA Tour, the European Tour, and the LPGA Tour; amateurs compete in national and club events. The Official World Golf Ranking provides a global measure of performance.

Tournaments and formats: Major championships for men include four events annually; for women, several majors exist as well. The most common competitive formats are stroke play, where the total number of strokes determines the winner, and match play, where players compete hole by hole.

History and culture: Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century and spread worldwide, with St Andrews among its most historic centers. Today, golf is played at all levels and has a broad global following.