WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- The official rules of golf include very specific standards for the sizeand weight of clubs and balls, but don't say anything about whatconstitutes a course.
The design is left up to the individualarchitect, which means you can find a lot of variety in courses. Theycan consist of 9 or 18 holes. Fairways can be wide or narrow. Par isusually 72, but can be 70. You can even find pitch and putt coursesconsisting entirely of par-3 holes.
Some courses will have lots of waterhazards, while others feature sand bunkers. So-called 'regular' courseswill have lots of trees, while Links-type courses have more challengingroughs.
The golf course you use regularly can make a big impact on yourenjoyment of the game and the overall cost of your golfing hobby.Choose one that will challenge your level of playing ability but notoverly frustrate you.
Just as golf courses vary in difficulty, theyvary in fee charges. Some private courses will require you to purchasea membership before playing. Public and 'daily fee' courses areavailable to anyone desiring to play. Country club courses aregenerally restricted to members and their guests. For more informationabout choosing a course, contact a golf professional or course nearyou.
