To be successful in golf, ACE recommends the following three fitness components. These components also happen to be the most important components of any well-rounded fitness program. Without these basics, players cannot reach their full potential no matter how talented they are in golf:

1. Strength and power - Helps generate club head speed, which determines how far the ball is hit.

Do one or more sets of eight to 12 repetitions of a strength or power exercise three times per week.

2. Flexibility - Helps develop a full, fluid golf swing.

Do flexibility exercises every day, and always warm up before stretching to increase range of motion and prevent injury.

3. Cardiovascular conditioning - Is essential to keep energy up during a long round of golf. Also helps with the stresses of the game.

To improve overall conditioning, consider at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity three times per week.

Gear

Clothing: Comfortable, appropriate, lightweight clothing and golf-specific shoes (with or without spikes) are needed. A golf glove, which is worn to improve grip, is optional.

Golf bag: Specially designed carrier for an individual's golf clubs and other equipment.

Golf balls: Small resilient balls, not greater than 1.62 ounces and not less than 1.68 in diameter as specified by the USGA. (However, in international competition, golf balls must not be less than 1.62 inches in diameter.)

Golf cart: Two or more players can share the golf carts; they may be motorized.

Golf clubs: Standard set is up to 14 clubs divided into woods (with heads of wood or metal) used primarily for tee shots and irons (with heads of forged steel, usually chromium plated) used for closer, more accurate shots.

Miscellaneous: Tees are small pegs that lift the ball at least one half inch off the ground. Coins may be used to markthe position of a ball. Water is recommended for drinking. A jacket for changing weather conditions and a towel for perspiration are recommended.

Glossary of terms

Caddie or caddy: Originally from the word cadet (student). Person who carries or handles a golfer's clubs. May assist in advice and rules.

Bogey: A score of one stoke over par for the hole.

Birdie: A score of one less than par for the hole.

Course: The entire area of play including fairways, putting greens, roughs, hazards and other areas. Usually consists of nine or 18 holes.

Double bogey: A score of 2 over par.

Double eagle: A score of 3 less than par.

Eagle: A score of 2 less than par.

Fairway: The main part of a golf course between the tee and the green, usually from 30 to 100 yards wide, carefully tended to make a good playing surface.

Hole-in-one: When a player drives the ball from the tee into the cup in one stroke.

Par: The number of strokes an expert would be expected to use at any particular hole without any mistakes. It is primarily based on the number of strokes to reach the green, plus two putts. Also, the total number of strokes for all holes, such as in "par for the course."

Putt: A gentle tap with a golf club to move the ball toward and into the hole.

Putting green: An area of smooth, low-cropped grass that surrounds the cup or hole.

Rough: An area of long grass, bushes, trees, sand or other natural or artificial obstacles on the playing field.

Stroke: The forward motion of a club meant to strike and move a golf ball.

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