Golf is unique because the players police themselves. Other sports depend upon referees or umpires to apply penalties when there are infractions of the rules. In golf, every player is expected to act honorably, and the welfare and integrity of the game rely on every player's honesty. This is why golf often is referred to as a "gentleman's game."

Requirements

  1. Discuss safety on the golf course. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while golfing, including heat reactions, dehydration, blisters, sprains, and strains.
  2. Study the USGA "Rules of Golf" now in use.
    1. Tell about the three categories of golf etiquette.
    2. Demonstrate that you understand the definitions of golf terms.
    3. Show that you understand the "Rules of Amateur Status."
  3. Tell about your understanding of the USGA system of handicapping.
  4. Do the following:
    1. Tell about the early history of golf.
    2. Describe golf's early years in the United States.
    3. Tell about the accomplishments of a top golfer of your choice.
  5. Discuss with your counselor vocational opportunities related to golf.
  6. Do the following:
    1. Tell how golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically.
    2. Tell how a golf exercise plan can help you play better. Show two exercises that would help improve your game.
  7. Show the following:
    1. The proper grip, stance, posture, and key fundamentals of a good swing
    2. The full wood shot, played from a tee
    3. The fairway wood shot
    4. The long iron shot
    5. The short iron shot
    6. The approach, chip-and-run, and pitch shots
    7. The sand iron shot, bunker, or heavy rough recovery shots
    8. A sound putting stroke
  8. Play a minimum of two nine-hole rounds or one 18-hole round of golf with another golfer about your age and with your counselor, or an adult approved by your counselor. Do the following:
    1. Follow the "Rules of Golf."
    2. Practice good golf etiquette.
    3. Show respect to fellow golfers, committee, sponsor, and gallery.

Resources

Books

  • Els, Ernie, with David Herman. Ernie Els' Guide to Golf Fitness. Crown Publishing Group, 2001.
  • Hogan, Ben, with Herbert Warren Wind. Ben Hogan's Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf. Pocket Books, 1990.
  • Jones, Robert Tyre (Bobby). Golf Is My Game. Doubleday & Company, 1960.
  • Kite, Tom, and Larry Dennis. How to Play Consistent Golf. Golf Digest/Tennis Inc. and Pocket Books, 1990.
  • Leadbetter, David. The Golf Swing/ The Stephen Green Press, 1990.
  • Martin, John Stuart. The Curious History of the Golf Ball, Mankind's Most Fascinating Sphere. Horizon Press, 1968.
  • Miller, Johnny. Johnny Miller's Golf for Juniors. Doubleday and Company, 1987.
  • Nicklaus, Jack. Golf My Way, Simon and Schuster. 1974.
  • Palmer, Arnold. Go For Broke! My Philosophy of Winning Golf. Simon and Schuster, 1973.
  • Pelz, Dave. Dave Pelz's Putting Bible. Doubleday and Company, 2000.
  • --------. Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible. Broadway Books, 1999.
  • Penick, Harvey, with Bud Shrake. Harvey Penick's Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings From a Lifetime in Golf. Simon & Schuster Trade Paperbacks, 1999.
  • Pinner, John. History of Golf. Gallery Books, 1988.
  • Russell, Mark. Golf Rules: Plain and Simple. HarperInformation, 1999.
  • Sampson, Curt. The Masters. Villard Books, 1998.
  • Sommers, Robert. The U.S. Open, Golf's Ultimate Challenge. Atheneum, 1987.
  • Soul, Robert. The Young Golfer. DK Publishing Inc., 1999.
  • United States Golf Association. Golf Rules. United States Golf Association.
  • Venturi, Ken, with Don Wade. Ken Venturi's Stroke Savers. Atheneum, 1989.
  • Woods, Tiger. How I Play Golf. Warner, 2001.