Golf is a game that originated in Scotland, but is played throughout the world. Golf is an international game today and there are worldwide championships for professional golf like the Masters, the Open Championship, the US Open and the PGA Championship. Golf is generally considered to be an elite game, but there are many kinds of golf games that can be played by anyone.

It is played by hitting a ball with a club from the ground into a hole. There are certain rules applicable for playing golf. It is played in a golf course that is designed as per certain standards. A typical golf course has 18 holes, although it can have 9 or 36 holes also. One round of golf implies playing all 18 holes in a particular order. A ball is hit with various strokes until it reaches the cup. The goal is to use a minimum number of strokes, regardless of various obstructions like water bodies or bunkers. There are different kinds of strokes or shots: tee shots, fairway shots, bunker shots and putts. There are also approach shots: pitch, flop and chip. The main equipment required for golf is golf balls, golf clubs, and special equipment like golf carts, bags, shoes, gloves and tees. The rules of golf are determined by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), and the United States Golf Association (USGA).

There are also several other games that are similar to golf, or just share the name. They are: golf card games, golf solitaire, Kolven, farmers’ golf, miniature golf, golf trivia hangman and others. There are many online versions of golf that can be played on the computer. These games can be downloaded for free, through the Internet. Advanced versions, however, have to be purchased. These virtual games provide all the excitement of the real game. Furthermore, they have several options that allow the player to customize the game according to requirements. Mario Golf, ultra golf, hot shots golf, touch golf, kolf and SimGolf are some of the virtual golf games. The main providers of these games are Sony, Maxis, Camelot, Skyworks, Candystand and others. Most of these games can be played online with other players also.