All merit badges
Requirements
NOTE: The official merit badge pamphlets are now free and downloadable HERE or can be purchased at the Scout Shop.
1.
Discuss safety on the golf course. Show that you know first aid for injuries or illnesses that could occur while golfing, including lightning, heat reactions, sunburn, dehydration, blisters, animal or bug bites, poison ivy exposure, sprains, and strains.
Resource:
First Aid on the Golf Course (video)2.
Complete ONE of the following options:
Complete 1 of the following
Option A—Traditional Golf. Do ALL of the following:
(1)
Study the USGA Rules of Golf now in use.
(a)
Tell about the three categories of golf etiquette.
Resource:
Three Categories of Golf Etiquette (PDF)(b)
Demonstrate that you understand the definitions of golf terms.
Resource:
Basic Golf Terminology (video)(c)
Show that you understand the Rules of Amateur Status.
Resource:
Rules of Amateur Status (video)(2)
Tell about your understanding of the World Handicap System.
Resource:
World Handicap System (video)(3)
Do the following:
(a)
Tell about the early history of golf.
Resource:
History of Golf (video)(b)
Describe golf's early years in the United States.
(c)
Tell about the accomplishments of a top golfer of your choice.
(4)
Do the following:
(a)
Tell how golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically.
Resource:
Health Benefits of Golf (video)(b)
Tell how a golf exercise plan can help you play better. Show two exercises that would help improve your game.
Resource:
Exercises to Improve Your Game (video)(5)
Show the following:
(a)
The proper grip, stance, posture, and key fundamentals of a good swing
(b)
Driver played from a tee
(c)
The fairway wood shot
Resource:
How to Hit a Fairway Wood (video)(d)
The long iron shot
Resource:
How to Hit a Long Iron Shot (video)(e)
The short iron shot
Resource:
How to Hit a Short Iron Shot (video)(f)
The approach, chip-and-run, and pitch shots
Resource:
How to Hit a Chip Shot (video)(g)
A recovery shot from a bunker or heavy rough
(h)
A sound putting stroke
(6)
Play a minimum of two nine-hole rounds or one 18-hole round of golf with another golfer about your age and with your counselor, or an adult approved by your counselor. Do the following:
(a)
Follow the Rules of Golf.
Counselor approval required
(b)
Practice good golf etiquette.
Counselor approval required
(c)
Show respect to fellow golfers, committee, sponsor, and gallery.
Counselor approval required
(7)
Find out about three careers related to traditional golf. Pick one and identify the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this interests you.
Option B—Disc Golf. Do ALL of the following:
(1)
Study the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf now in use.
(a)
Tell about the six areas of Courtesy (812).
Resource:
Disc Course Etiquette (video)(b)
Describe the seven areas of Scoring (808).
Resource:
Disc Golf Scoring Rules (website)(2)
Tell about the history of disc golf and why it is an inclusive game.
Resource:
PDGA Disc Golfer's Code (website)(3)
Do the following:
Resource:
The History of Disc Golf (video)(a)
Tell about the history of disc golf and why it is an inclusive game.
(b)
Discuss with your counselor the contributions Ed Headrick made to the sport of disc golf.
(c)
Describe the evolution of disc design.
(d)
Tell about the accomplishments of a top disc golfer of your choice.
Resource:
Top Disc Golfers in the World (website)(4)
Do the following:
(a)
Tell how disc golf can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, mentally and physically.
Resource:
Health Benefits of Disc Golf (video)(b)
Tell how a disc golf exercise plan can help you play better. Show two exercises that would help improve your game.
Resource:
Disc Golf Exercise Plan (video)(5)
Show the following:
(a)
A good throwing grip
Resource:
A Throwing Disc (video)(b)
A good runup (X-step) when throwing a disc
Resource:
The X-Step Runup (video)(c)
Backhand shot
Resource:
The Backhand Shot (video)(d)
Forehand shot
Resource:
Forehand Shot (video)(e)
Overhand shot
Resource:
Overhand Shot (video)(f)
Rolling shot
Resource:
The Rolling Shot (video)(g)
A good (in-line) putting stance
Resource:
The Putting Stance (video)(h)
A good straddle putting stance
Resource:
The Straddle Putt (video)(i)
A good putting grip
Resource:
Disc Golf Putting Grip (video)(j)
A good putting motion & follow through
Resource:
The Putt (video)(k)
The proper use of a mini-marking disc
Resource:
Using a Mini Marking Disc (video)(6)
Play a minimum of 18-holes of disc golf with another disc golfer about your age and with your counselor, or an adult approved by your counselor. Do the following:
Resource:
Playing a Round of Disc Golf (video)(a)
Follow the PDGA Official Rules of Disc Golf.
Counselor approval required
(b)
Practice good disc golf etiquette.
Counselor approval required
(c)
Show respect to fellow disc golfers and other people in the park along with any wildlife, trees, and plants on the property.
Counselor approval required
(7)
Find out about three careers related to disc golf. Pick one and identify the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this interests you.