If you are one of those people that just can't understand what the big deal is when it comes to golf, you are not alone.

Maybe if you knew a bit of the basics you'd be able to enjoy it more. After all, we always enjoy things we understand.

Well, most things. Why can't the game of golf be one of them?

Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to break your golf virginity...

Basic golfing terms

• Approach - The shot a player takes from the fairway to the green.

• Birdie - Scored by a player who sinks the ball in the cup one stroke under par for that hole. For example, if a player takes four strokes to put the ball in the cup on a par five, he or she gets a birdie.

• Bogey - When the number of strokes it takes to sink the ball in a hole exceeds the par by one. On a par three hole, a score of four is called a bogey and the golfer scores one over par on that hole. A double bogey is two over par and a triple bogey is three over par.

• Caddie - The person who carries a golfer's bag around the golf course.

• Chip Shot - A shot used on a short approach, in which the ball is popped up in the air in such a manner as to have it roll toward the pin when it lands on the green.

• Drive - Term describing a golfer's first stroke from the tee box on every hole.

• Eagle - When a golfer is two strokes under par for a given hole. On a par four, for example, if a player hits his or her second shot into the hole, the player gets a score of two and it counts as an eagle. A Double Eagle (or Albatross) is when a golfer is three strokes under par on a single hole. It is quite rare.

• Flagstick ("Pin" or "Stick") - The pole (with flag) that stands in the cup on each green. The pin is a marker at which players shoot when approaching or aiming for the green. The flag is usually removed when players begin putting.

• "Fore!" - A warning shouted by players who fear a hit golf ball may strike another person on the course.

• Green (or Putting Surface) - The short grassy surface where the cup is located.

• Handicap - A rating system reflecting the average number of strokes above par a player normally scores in one round of golf. It allows amateur golfers to play along side more skillful players on somewhat equal terms. The higher the handicap, the weaker the player. Handicaps are never used in professional golf.

• Hole-in-one (or Ace) - This rare score occurs when the golfer's tee shot goes into the hole. Most hole-in-one shots occur on the shorter par three holes.

• Hook (or Draw) - Occurs when a golf ball starts straight, but then hooks left while in flight. (For right-handed golfers.)

• Par - The number of strokes per hole it should take a player to sink the ball in the cup. Holes measuring up to 250 yards are called par threes; from 251 to 475 yards are par fours; and any hole above 475 yards is considered a par five.

• Tee - The small stick used to hold the ball off the ground on drives. A tee may only be used when in the tee box.

• Water Hazard - A pond or stream. If a ball lands in water and is unable to be played, the golfer takes a penalty stroke.

A club is a club right?...Wrong!

Woods

These are long-distance clubs, meant to drive the ball a great distance down the fairway towards the hole. They generally have a large head and a long shaft for maximum club speed.

Even though most 'woods' are made from different metals they are still called 'Woods' to denote the general shape and their intended use on the golf course. Most woods made today have a graphite shaft and titanium head.

Irons

These are golf clubs with a flat angled face and a shorter shaft than a wood, designed for shots approaching the green or from more difficult lies such as the rough, through or over trees, or the base of hills.

As with woods, "irons" get their name because they were originally made from cast iron.

Wedges

These are irons with a higher loft than a 9 iron, which is typically lofted at about 44 degrees.

Wedges are used for a variety of short-distance, high-altitude, high-accuracy shots such as hitting the ball onto the green, placing the ball accurately on the fairway for a better shot at the green, or hitting the ball out of hazards or rough onto the green.

Hybrids

These are a cross between a wood and an iron, giving these clubs the wood's long distance with the iron's familiar swing.

These clubs generally are used instead of either fairway woods or low-numbered irons; though some manufacturers produce entire sets of hybrids or "iron replacements" that incorporate hybrid design to add distance and forgiveness to a player's entire setof irons from 3 or 4 all the way to pitching wedge.

Putters

Putters are a special class of clubs with a loft not exceeding ten degrees, designed primarily to roll the ball along the grass, generally from a point on the putting green towards the cup.

Getting started

Now before you decide to tackle the game of golf, there are a few basic things you will need:

• You will need comfortable clothes. Think a nice clean cut golf tee that won't interfere with your swing and some nice light weight shorts or pants.

You don't necessarily have to purchase golf shoes, so wear something comfy. Its eighteen holes remember?

• Get some entry level golf balls.

• Golf glove to make sure you avoid blisters.

• Lastly, of course, your golf clubs. (And a golf cart, but these can also be hired.)

Where to go

It's basically up to you where you would like to go so choose the golf course that is nearest to you.

Why not try:

Greenway Woods Resort (Kruger and surrounds)

In a beautiful setting of forests, dames, rivers and a championship 18-hole golf course White River Country Estate, near the Greenway woods resort, is the perfect environment avid golf lovers.

Protea Hotel King George (Garden Route)

George Golf Club has for many years maintained a worthy rating amongst the top ten golf courses in South Africa. Currently rated 7th in the country, some rate it as the best in the Southern Cape. This course comes highly recommended and is in peak condition.

Don't let this information go to waste.

If you fumble, don't worry. Remember, it gets easier the more you practice...