The easiest way to navigate your way around the course is as simple as fairways and greens.

The Tee Box is positioned at the start of the hole and the green at the end with the hole and flag in.  

The closely mown grass is the fairway and provides the contour of the hole.  Being on this grass is the best place to get a good contact on your ball for the next shot. (Also easiest to find, you dont always see it in the rough).

Each hole is set up with a Par and an Index - We will leave index until later but the Par is the number of shots a scratch golfer should take to complete it.  3, 4 or 5.

Lining the fairways may be obstacles, some natural some man made.  Some incur a penalty others you just have to accept the consequence and play around if you can, if unable to play take a penalty shot and relief as an unplayable. (Other options like stroke and distance can be taken, but Rules we are not covering here).

Your best view of the hole is from the Tee, if this is your home course you will become familiar with the layouts, on courses you visit, check out the course website prior to going, or see if you can purchase a stroke saver in the club shop.

Knowing where danger is, slopes of fairways, water, trees and bunkers can save you a lot of shots, but also a lot of frustration on the course.

By taking a club that will not get you to the obstacle can help eliminate high scores.  Staying out of the danger area is key. Laying up to a preferred club for your next shot is also a good strategy.

You dont always need to take the longest shot at the start of a hole, play safe and play well.

See our Course Management PDF for how to manage your way around a course.