The Rules of Golf

The game of golf has been around for many centuries. Each century reshaping the game until it became golf as we know it today. The earliest form of golf was recorded in 100 BC, as the Roman game of golf, Paganica. In Paganica, participants used a slightly bent stick to strike a stuffed leather ball. Golf has evolved tremendously since its Paganica infancy and has developed into an extremely popular sport. 

The benefits of golf are immeasurable, from the beautiful landscaping noted on hundreds of prestigious golf courses to the ability to play the sport well into retirement years. True golfers adore the game. However the rules of golf have changed many times over across its history. So what are the basic rules of golf and how are they applied on the green?

The game of golf holds true to three key rules, playing the ball, playing the course and fairness. According to the USGA and R&A, the rules of golf are centered on these three basic principles. Over the years there have been specialized rulings as a result of specific circumstances in competitive play but the regulations always point back to the golden three.

  1 -  A golfer must always play the ball as it lies.  
  2 -  A golfer must play the course as they have found it. 
  3 - A golfer must always do what is fair.

     If you would like to learn more about the rules of golf and how to improve your game our expert golf instructors can help you personally. Our Florida golf community located in the heart of the Treasure Coast is known for it's superior golf instruction and clinics. 

Technology is Taking Your Game to New Levels

The technology of golf is changing. Helpful tools have emerged to improve the game of golf and the golfer's skill set. This witty invention fits snugly into the back of your glove and monitors your swing. With this technology golfers can measure their speed, tempo and much more while playing a round of golf. Learn more about the new Zepp Golf Sensor.

There are several golf-swing analyzers on the market that let you download your swing to an app on your phone. What distinguishes Zepp's device is its placement on your glove. The Zepp golf sensor ($150) clips to the back of a glove, where it can track your clubhead speed, plane, path, tempo and backswing position. This data, along with a 360-degree motion capture of your swing, can sync to your iPhone, Android device or iPad via Bluetooth technology.

— Get to Know Your Swing By the Back of Your Hand

Putting Like Palmer

It's time for a little Putting 101. Putting is one of the most important skills necessary in the game of golf. This article lends a few tips to golfers for stepping up their putting game. Take some notes, grab your gear and get to the green. These tips will have you putting like Arnold Palmer in no time.

Arnold Palmer used to take putting advice from only one person, a virtuoso putter and fellow player named George Low. "He'd watch me putt for hours, and every once in a while he'd come over and say ... — Arnie leans in to reveal the great secret — "'Man, you're a great putter.' " It's our goal, in this special report on the art and science of putting, to have people saying that about you. For most golfers, putting is an afterthought. "Let me just roll a few on the practice green before we go" is the common refrain. But think about it: Putting is nearly half the game. If you want to play better, there's no getting around it: You must become a better putter.

— Why You Can't Putt

The Game of Golf for Beginners

It's easy to be intimidated by the game of golf. When observing professional golfers reading the green and analyzing swings, it can seem pretty complicated and confusing. Don't let that scare you away. The game of golf has many benefits, beautiful courses, longevity of playing time and more. This article serves as a guide to those entering the world of golf. Learn the language and the ins and outs of the green.

At Golf Digest, this may be the language we speak every day, but we also know it's a language that can scare prospective golfers off before they ever pick up a club. That's where this online beginner's guide comes in. To those who know nothing about golf, our goal is to shepherd you through this uncertainty. What kind of clubs do you need? How do you practice? When do you know that you're ready for the golf course? The way we see it, the only dumb questions about getting started in golf are the ones you're afraid to ask, or worse, the ones for which you can't find an answer. The whole point of this guide is to make sure that last part is no longer a problem.

— So You Want to Play Golf?

Don't Forget Your Sunglasses

We agree sunglasses can be intrusive when playing golf. Many golfers think that it makes the game harder and more difficult to read. There may be some truth to those opinions but the facts are that the UV rays from the sun can be harmful.This potential risk to golfers is reason enough to wear sunglasses on the green. This article shares a few more reasons for you to bring along your sunglasses.

Many golfers feel that wearing sunglasses makes it more difficult to play golf, particularly when it comes to reading greens. I can sympathize. I don’t like to wear them, either. But I do. And the reason goes beyond unnecessary exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Protection from UV rays is the biggest reason to wear sunglasses, but here are some other reasons you might not have considered.

— Why Sunglasses Matter

Harbour Ridge Golf Shop

The Golf Shop is the hub of all golf activities at Harbour Ridge.  We are always stocked with stylish golf attire and the latest golf equipment.  We also have a wide selection of all-occasion attire, gift items and  hostess items. Our friendly staff is always looking to help our members and guests find exactly what they need.  

Fallon on the Green?

Jimmy Fallon has many talents and from the looks of it golf can't be added to that roster just yet. He does however take excellent pictures in golf attire. Check out these sneak peeks from Fallon's shoot for the June cover of Golf Digest.

On whether he considers himself a golfer, or a guy who plays golf: Jimmy Fallon is trying to be a golfer, but right now he's a guy who plays golf. I'm trying my hardest, and I love to play, but if I'm in front of a crowd, I just want to make them laugh.

— Jimmy Fallon Cover Shoot

Harbour Ridge: Pristine Florida Golf Community

When you think Florida golf communities, think Harbour Ridge. We pride ourselves in hosting one of the most pristine golf courses in the Florida region, highlighting our exclusive golf instruction privileges. Our members enjoy full access to our highly recognized staff of premiere golf professionals for on-site instruction using the most advanced technology and analysis software available. Offering one of the best Florida golf community programs with a wide assortment of instructional opportunities for our Harbour Ridge members, the choices are endless:

• Private Lessons
• Weekly Group Clinics
• Full Swing Schools
• Short Game Schools
• On course Playing Lessons
• Game Evaluations
• TPI Body Assessment
• Mental Golf Profile Testing
• Club Fittings
• Educational Seminars