A ball game played by individuals competing against one another in which the object is to hit a ball into each of a series of (usually 18 or nine) holes in the minimum number of strokes.
"After spending hours on the green, Sarah finally sank her putt and celebrated after completing the round with the lowest score against her friends."
In plain English: Golf is a game where you try to hit a small ball into holes on a large field using clubs while taking as few swings as possible.
"They decided to play a round of golf after work."
Usage: Use "golf" as a noun to refer specifically to the sport itself, such as when mentioning that you enjoy playing golf or attending a golf tournament. Do not use it to describe the individual balls, which are also called golf balls but require the modifier for clarity.
To play the game of golf.
"I'm heading to the driving range this morning to practice my swing before I go out to play a full round of golf later."
In plain English: To golf means to hit a small ball with clubs toward a hole on a large grassy field.
"I like to golf in the park on sunny weekends."
Usage: Use "to golf" to describe the act of playing the sport, often when emphasizing regular participation or skill rather than just visiting a course. It functions as a standard verb in casual conversation, such as saying, "I plan to golf this weekend."
The word golf entered English in the 17th century from Middle Scots, where it originally referred to a club used for striking balls. While its exact roots are uncertain, it most likely derives from Middle Dutch words meaning "club," which are related to German terms for a piston or rod.