Golf is an individual sport played on a large outdoor course, consisting of 18 holes. The objective is to hit a small ball into each hole using the fewest number of strokes. Players use a set of clubs, each designed for different types of shots, to navigate the course's varied terrain, which can include fairways, roughs, sand traps, and water hazards.

Each hole has a tee area where play begins and a green with a flagstick and cup where the hole is located. Players aim to drive the ball from the tee into the fairway, then approach the green and putt the ball into the cup.

Golf is known for its emphasis on precision, technique, and strategy, as well as its traditions of etiquette and sportsmanship. The game can be played casually or competitively, with various formats including stroke play and match play. It is popular worldwide, with major tournaments like The Masters, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship attracting significant attention.