Teeing Off - The Proper Way to Begin Your Games of Golf

Beginning a game of golf is known as "Teeing off" as this refers to the tee which is the box or area where you take your tee shots from. On some courses these can be clearly marked with wooden borders creating a box effect but some more prestigious courses have a larger grass area with three markers that show where beginners and professionals should tee off from, sometimes there is a marker for women too.

Teeing off and waiting to tee off is an important part of any golf game and there are quite a few elements of courtesy and etiquette you'll need to pay adhere to so that all golfers are given an even chance and respect when they step up to the tee. There are plenty of fairly basic measures such as making sure all mobile phones are turned off and being quiet when the player is taking their shot but there are other unwritten rules to golf that you should observe.

Make sure you're fully prepared for the game, this means filling out your scorecard before the game begins, this will mean you'll stand a better chance at scoring the game correctly, something that can be the source of arguments among golfers. Make sure you have plenty of spare golf balls and tees as well, there's a good chance you could lose at least one or two balls during a game and most tees even the plastic ones will snap and get damaged during a game too.

Deciding who goes first can be simple among friends but when playing professionally or with people of higher social standing it is common courtesy to offer them the first shot, in subsequent holes it will be the previous hole's winner who tees off first.

Before you tee off you should check that any other golfers playing ahead of you are safely out of range, in most cases this may be waiting for them to reach the next hole but if the next hole doubles back on the hole you're playing on then you may have to wait a little longer, especially if you're new to the game or there are strong crosswinds.

When it is your turn to take your drive then you should limit the number of practice swings you take o help speed the game along, you should also take a step back when practicing, once you are comfortable and ready step forward to address the ball for your actual tee shot.

Make sure you get the best advice with free golf lessons available online and discount golf deals to save you money when you play.