Golf is a club and ball game in which players use various clubs to hit the ball into a series of holes on the course with as few strokes as possible.

Unlike most ball games, golf can't and doesn't use standardized competition areas. Dealing with various terrain encountered on different courses is a key part of the game. Usually, the game is played on a course with an 18 hole schedule, although the leisure course may be smaller, usually only 9 holes. Each hole on the course must contain a tee box and a putter green containing the actual hole or cup (4.25 inch diameter). There are other standard terrain in the middle, such as fairways, rough (long grass), bunkers (or "bunkers") and various hazards (water, rock), but each hole in the route is unique and arranged in its specific layout.

Golf is the action that an individual makes the least strokes (called playing), or the individual or team that makes the most holes in a complete round gets the lowest score (called a game). Strokes are the most common format at all levels, especially at the elite level.

Modern golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century. The 18 hole golf course was made on the old course in St Andrews in 1764. Golf's first Grand Slam is the oldest tournament in the world. It is the open, also known as the British Open. It was first held in 1860 in Ayrshire, Scotland. This is one of the four major tournaments of men's professional golf, and the other three are held in the United States: the masters, the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.