A game played over an extensive piece of ground which is divided into certain arbitrary divisions called holes.  A golf course is usually undulating with the holes laid out to afford the greatest possible variety of play.  The ordinary course consists of either nine or eighteen holes from 100 to 500 yards apart.  An ideal course is about 6000 yards long.  The holes which mark the termination of a playing section consist of tin cans 4 inches in diameter sunk into and flush with the level of the surrounding turf, which is called “the putting green.”  The game is played with a gutta-percha ball weighing about 1-3/4 ounces and with a set of “clubs” of various odd shapes and for making shots under various conditions.  Usually a boy accompanies each player to carry his clubs.  Such boys are called “caddies.”  The clubs are peculiarly named and it is optional with each player to have as many clubs as he desires.  Some of the more common ones are called “driver,” “brassie,” “cleek,” “iron,” “mashie,” “niblick,” “putter,” and “lofting iron.”

The game, which may be played by either two or four players, consists in endeavouring to drive the ball over the entire course from hole to hole in the fewest possible number of strokes.  At the start a player takes his position on what is called the “teeing ground” and drives the ball in the direction of the first hole, the position of which is shown in the distance by a flag or tin sign with a number.  Before driving he is privileged to place the ball on a tiny mound of earth or sand which is called a “tee.”  The players drive in order and then continue making shots toward the hole until finally they have all “holed out” by “putting” their balls into the hole, and the lowest score wins the hole.

Golf is a game in which form is more essential than physical strength and which is adapted for elderly people as well as the young.  The wooden clubs are usually made with either dogwood or persimmon heads and with split hickory handles or shafts.  The handles are usually wound with a leather grip.  Golf clubs of good quality will cost from two to three dollars apiece and a set for most purposes will consist of four to six clubs.  The caddy bag to carry the clubs is made of canvas or leather and will cost from two dollars up.  Standard quality golf balls will cost about nine dollars a dozen.  Almost any loose-fitting outdoor costume is suitable for playing golf and the tendency in recent years is to wear long trousers in preference to what are known as “golf trousers.”

A golf course—­sometimes called a “links,” from a Scotch word meaning a flat stretch of ground near the seashore—­should be kept in good condition in order to enjoy the game properly.  The leading golf clubs maintain a large force of men who are constantly cutting the grass, repairing damages to the turf, and rolling the greens.  For this reason it is a game only adapted to club control unless one is very wealthy and can afford to maintain private links.