Golf is a game played on a course with 18 different holes.  The object of the game is to hit the golf ball into the hole with as few strokes as possible.  The golf ball is hit using a variety of different clubs, including woods, irons, wedges and putters.  Woods travel the furthest and are used off the tee, irons are used for the approach shot, wedges around the green, and putters on the green.  

Each hole has various playing surfaces.  The “teeing ground” is for the first shot, when the ball is placed on a tee.  If the tee shot is accurate, the second shot, or approach shot, will be played from a closely mown area called a "fairway." The approach shot should land on the "green" if it is played properly.  The green is a finely mown area similar to a carpet. To challenge the golfer, obstacles are designed at almost every hole.  These obstacles are referred to as hazards—which include sand traps and water.  If players hit their balls into the hazards, they must take a penalty stroke.  

Every hole on a golf course has a “par,” or the expected amount of strokes it would take an experienced golfer to complete the hole. The holes are played in succession, one through 18.  Once all 18 holes are played, the aggregate score is the final "18 hole score."  Unlike most games, golfers win by getting the lowest score.

ALASKA KID TIP: "In golf you have to keep your hands and hips as loose as possible so you can get more distance on the ball." - Joe B.

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