Articles & Guides
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What Is an Albatross in Golf vs. a Double Eagle?
An albatross in golf is a score of three under par on a single hole. A double eagle means exactly the same thing. The two terms are different names for...
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How to Clean Golf Shoe Spikes and Upper Leather Properly
Cleaning golf shoes regularly helps remove grass, mud, dirt, and moisture that can shorten their lifespan and affect traction. The best cleaning method...
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Can You Put Covers or Warmers on Golf Balls Before Playing?
Yes, you can warm golf balls before playing, but there are some important limitations depending on whether you are playing casually or in a competition...
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What Is the Difference Between 10.5 and 9.5 Degree Driver Loft?
The main difference between a 10.5 degree driver and a 9.5 degree driver is the amount of loft built into the clubhead. A 10.5 degree driver has one de...
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How Many Dimples Are on a Standard Golf Ball and Why?
A standard golf ball usually has between 300 and 500 dimples, although there is no single number that every golf ball must have. Many modern golf balls...
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Can You Change Your Golf Ball Mid-Hole Legally?
In most situations, you cannot simply change your golf ball in the middle of a hole just because you want to use a different ball. Under the Rules of G...
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Red Stakes vs White Stakes in Golf: What Is the Relief Procedure?
Red and white stakes on a golf course mean very different things. Red stakes normally mark the edge of a red penalty area, while white stakes normally ...
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Is It Legal to Ground Your Club in a Waste Bunker?
Yes, you can generally ground your club in a waste bunker, provided the area is not actually defined as a bunker under the Rules of Golf. This distinct...
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Can You Putt Off the Fringe with a Hybrid?
Yes, you can putt off the fringe with a hybrid, and in some situations it can be a very effective way to get the golf ball onto the green and rolling t...
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What Happens If Your Golf Ball Rests Against a Rake in a Bunker?
If your golf ball comes to rest against a rake in a bunker, you normally do not have to play the ball from that position. A rake is a movable obstructi...
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How to Stop Chunking Chipping Shots Around the Green
Chunking a chip shot happens when the club strikes the ground before making clean contact with the golf ball. Instead of the ball coming off the clubfa...
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Why Do Golf Balls Curve Left or Right? (The Ball Flight Laws Explained Simply)
A golf ball curves left or right because the clubface and swing path create sidespin, or more accurately, a tilted spin axis. The direction the ball st...
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What to Pack in Your Golf Bag (Essential Accessories Checklist)
A well prepared golf bag should contain more than just your clubs. The right accessories can help you deal with changing weather, replace damaged equip...
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Do You Need Spikeless or Cleated Golf Shoes?
Most golfers can play successfully in either spikeless or cleated golf shoes. The better choice depends on the type of courses you play, the weather yo...
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How Much Does a Full Set of Golf Clubs Cost for Beginners?
A full set of golf clubs for a beginner can cost anywhere from around $300 to more than $2,000, depending on whether you buy used or new clubs and how ...
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What Is a Mulligan in Golf and What Are the Unwritten Rules?
A mulligan in golf is a do-over shot that a golfer takes after hitting a poor shot, usually from the tee. The original shot is simply ignored and the g...
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Can You Play Golf in the Rain? Gear & Strategy Adjustments
Yes, you can play golf in the rain, and many golfers do so regularly. Rain does not automatically make a round impossible, but it changes how the cours...
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How Many Yards Do You Lose in Cold Weather Golf?
Cold weather can noticeably reduce how far a golf ball travels, but there is no single number of yards that every golfer will lose. The effect depends ...
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How to Stop Topping the Golf Ball with Your Irons
Topping the golf ball with your irons is one of the most frustrating shots in golf. Instead of striking the ball cleanly and sending it toward the targ...
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Blade Putter vs. Mallet Putter: Which Is Better for High Handicappers?
Choosing between a blade putter and a mallet putter can be confusing, especially if you have a high golf handicap. Both designs can help you putt well,...
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Where Should the Golf Ball Be in Your Stance for Every Club?
Golf ball position is one of the simplest setup details to change, but it can have a major effect on contact, trajectory, and consistency. The correct ...
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Why Do I Slice My Driver but Hit My Irons Straight?
If you slice your driver but hit your irons relatively straight, you are not alone. This is a common problem for recreational golfers, and it does not ...
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How to Read Greens in Golf for Beginners
Learning how to read greens is one of the most useful skills a beginner golfer can develop. A good putting stroke is important, but even a well struck ...
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Why Am I Three-Putting So Much and How Do I Stop?
Three-putting is one of the easiest ways to add unnecessary strokes to your golf score. You reach the green with a reasonable chance of making par, onl...
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What Is a Gimme in Golf and How Far Away Does It Count?
A gimme in golf is a putt that other players agree does not need to be physically holed. Instead, the player is allowed to count the putt as made and p...
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What Does Fore! Mean in Golf and When Should You Yell It?
"Fore!" is the traditional warning golfers shout when a golf ball is heading toward another person and could potentially hit them. It is one of the mos...
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What Is the Difference Between Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 Holes?
Par 3, par 4, and par 5 describe the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should need to complete a golf hole. The main difference is the length...
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How Long Does 9 Holes vs. 18 Holes of Golf Take?
One of the first things golfers want to know before booking a round is how much time they need. A typical 9 hole round can take around 1 to 1.5 hours, ...
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Why Do I Hit the Ball Great at the Driving Range but Terrible on the Course?
It is one of the most frustrating experiences in golf. You visit the driving range, strike your irons cleanly, hit your driver well, and feel confident...
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Can You Leave Golf Clubs in a Hot Car Trunk?
You can leave golf clubs in a hot car trunk for a short period, but it is not a good habit for long term storage. High temperatures can affect golf clu...
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Graphite vs. Steel Shafts for Irons
Choosing between graphite and steel shafts for irons can have a noticeable effect on how your clubs feel and perform. Shaft material can influence weig...
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How to Know If Your Golf Clubs Are Too Long or Too Short
Golf club length can have a noticeable effect on your setup, swing, contact, and consistency. If your clubs are too long or too short for you, it can b...
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Soft Golf Balls vs Distance Golf Balls for Slow Swing Speeds
Golfers with slower swing speeds often hear that they should use soft golf balls because they are easier to compress and can help produce more distance...
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What Happens If Your Golf Ball Lands in a Divot on the Fairway?
If your golf ball lands in a divot on the fairway, you normally have to play the ball as it lies. A divot is not automatically considered ground under ...
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What Happens If a Golf Ball Hits a Bird or Tree Branch?
Golf balls do not always travel exactly as planned. Sometimes a shot hits a tree branch, a bird, or another animal before coming to rest. When this hap...
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Can You Hit a Golf Ball Out of a Water Hazard?
Yes, you can sometimes play a golf ball out of a water hazard, but whether you can do so depends on the condition of the ball, where it lies, and wheth...
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Transitioning From Driving Range Mats to Real Grass
Many golfers practice primarily from driving range mats, especially during winter or at facilities that do not offer grass tees. While mats are conveni...
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Why Is Golf So Addictive?
Golf can become surprisingly addictive. A round can take several hours, a single bad shot can ruin your mood, and yet many golfers are already thinking...
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What Should I Wear to a Golf Course?
What you should wear to a golf course depends on the clubs dress code, the weather, and whether you are playing a casual round or visiting a more forma...
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What Clubs Do I Actually Need to Play a Round?
You do not need a full set of 14 golf clubs to play a round of golf. In fact, beginners can play perfectly well with a much smaller selection of clubs....
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What Does It Mean to Short-Side Yourself in Golf, and How Do You Avoid It?
In golf, you short-side yourself when you miss your approach shot on the side of the green where there is very little room between the edge of the gree...
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Should I Shape My Golf Shots or Aim Straight?
Most golfers are better off learning to hit reliable straight or slightly curved shots before trying to intentionally shape the ball. Drawing and fadin...
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How Do Pros Get So Much Backspin on Their Wedges?
Professional golfers can make wedge shots stop quickly and sometimes spin back several feet on the green. This can look almost effortless, but high wed...
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Why Do I Hit My Driver Well but Chunk My Irons?
It is common for golfers to hit their driver well while regularly chunking their irons. The opposite can also happen, where a golfer strikes their iron...
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What Do the Numbers on Golf Club Irons Mean?
If you have ever looked at a set of golf irons, you have probably noticed numbers such as 3, 5, 7, or 9 stamped on each club. These numbers identify t...
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Are Older Golf Clubs Still Good to Use?
Yes, older golf clubs can still be excellent to use. While modern golf clubs feature improved technology and materials, many older clubs continue to p...
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Golf Rules: The Essential Rules Every Golfer Should Know
Golf is one of the few sports where players are expected to know and follow the rules without a referee present. While the official Rules of Golf cont...
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How to Clean Golf Clubs: The Right Way to Improve Performance
Cleaning your golf clubs is one of the easiest ways to improve their performance and extend their lifespan. Dirt, grass, sand, and debris can build up...
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The Biggest Golf Tournaments in the World
Professional golf features dozens of tournaments every year, but only a handful are considered the biggest and most prestigious. These events attract ...
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How to Play Golf: A Complete Beginners Guide
Golf is a sport where players use different clubs to hit a golf ball into a series of holes using as few strokes as possible. Although the game can se...
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Every Rare Golf Stroke and Scoring Feat Explained
Golf has its own unique scoring system, and while most players are familiar with terms such as birdie, bogey, and eagle, there are several much rarer ...
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What Does Handicap Mean in Golf?
A golf handicap is a number that represents a golfers playing ability. It is designed to allow players of different skill levels to compete fairly aga...
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How to Swing a Golf Club: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners
Learning how to swing a golf club is one of the most important skills for any golfer. A good golf swing combines balance, timing, and proper technique...
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How to Hold a Golf Club: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Learning how to hold a golf club correctly is one of the most important steps for any golfer. A proper grip helps you control the clubface, improve ac...
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What Is Golf? Everything You Need to Know
Golf is a precision sport in which players use different clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes using as few strokes as possible. Unlike man...
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