USGA handicaps are derived from the golfer's "handicap differential," for the lowest 10 rounds of the last 25 he has played. The difference between the course ratings and the golfer's score determines the handicap differential.

Par is the score an expert golfer is expected to make for a given hole. It is based on the yardage of the hole measured form the middle of the tee area to the middle of the green, in accordance to the line of play planned by the architect in laying out the hole.

Amateur golfers play the game without monetary gain. An amateur could forfeit his status and be labeled a professional for:

1. Receiving compensation for serving as a professional golfer or as teaching or playing assistant to a professional golfer.
2. Playing for prize money.
3. Lending one's name or likeness for use in any way for the advertisement or sale of anything, regardless of whether the product is used in, or pertains to, golf.
4. Because of golfing skill or reputation, accepting compensation for making a personal appearance, whether or not in connection with a golf competition or exhibition.

In the absence of special rules, singles matches, threesomes or foursomes should have precedence over, and be entitled to pass, any other kind of match. A single player has no standing and should always give way to a match of any kind.

Players in any match comprising a whole round are entitled to pass those engaged in a shorter round. If players in a match fail to keep their proper place on the course, by falling more than one clear hole behind the players in front, they should allow players of the match behind them to pass.

The earliest golf balls were a thin leather bag stuffed with feathers, it was not a distance ball, falling short of 200 yards. The gutta-percha ball was adopted in 1848, reached a maximum distance of 225 yards. The rubber ball of 1899, helped golfers achieve greater distance.  A 430 yard drive was made by Craig Wood in the British Open at St. Andrews in 1933.  George Gayer, American pro made a 426 yard drive in Tucson, Arizona in 1955. Today tee shots of 300 yards are not unusual for some professionals. High compression balls are used by hard-hitting golfers. While low compression balls are used by softer-hitting golfers.

Golf sticks have evolved from wooden shaft clubs to sets of woods and irons integrating elegance, durability, weight distribution, graduation utility. In the 1880s golf bags came into use to tote the various clubs.

Wood clubs (those with wooden heads), are used for hitting the ball from the tee or for long distances shots. Numbered from one to four or five. Number one wood (formerly called the driver), used of maximum distance. Each wood number increases the achievable distance with greater loft.

Irons (iron-headed clubs), are used of relatively shorter shots, they are numbered from one to nine or ten. Differentiated by varying loft capability, they are selected according to the length of the shot and the terrain. Formerly called "driving iron" and "midiron". The putter is an iron with a straight face used for putting the ball on the green and into the hole.

"The caddie", has all but disappeared, replaced by for the most part by golf carts.

The basic rules of golf etiquette are quite simple.  By following these simple standards the golf will be more enjoyable and much safer for you:

1. No one should move, talk, or stand close to or directly behind the ball or the hole when a player is addressing the ball or making a stroke.
2. The player who has the honor (lowest score for a hole) should be allowed to drive first (from the tee) in beginning play on the next hole.
3. No player should hit the ball from the tee until the players ahead are out of range.
4. Play should be conducted without delay of any sort.
5. Players searching for a ball should allow other players coming up to pass them by making an appropriate signal and should not continue their play until those players have passed and are out of range.
6. Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill up all holes made by him therein.
7. Players should ensure that any turf cut or displaced by them on fairways or greens is replaced at once and pressed down.
8. Players should ensure that, when dropping golf bags or the flagstick (used to mark the hole), no damage is done to the putting green, and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole e standing close to the hole or by mishandling the flagstick. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green.
9. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

For some excellent information on the Standards of Golf, please go to Golf Etiquette.   You'll find it both interesting and informative.  May all your golfing be good golfing!

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