golfs

Golfs is a nonstandard plural form of golf and is rarely used in formal contexts. The sport commonly known as golf is a precision club-and-ball game played on courses with holes. This article covers the sport’s core rules, equipment, and competitive structure.

Golf originated in Scotland in the Middle Ages and evolved into the modern game during the 18th and 19th centuries. The first written rules were established by the Grand National Golfing Society in 1744, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews helped standardize play and course setup.

A round consists of 18 holes on a golf course, though there are 9-hole courses as well. Players use a variety of clubs and a dimpled ball. The objective is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible. Common formats include stroke play, where total strokes determine the outcome, and match play, where each hole has its own result.

Scoring uses par, a predetermined number of strokes for each hole. The total par for 18 holes is usually 72, though courses vary. Major governing bodies include the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA). The sport also emphasizes rules, etiquette, and pace of play.

Golf is played recreationally around the world and features professional tours such as the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LPGA Tour. Prestigious championships include the Masters, The Open, the U.S. Open, and the PGA Championship.