Keep score and share the course
Understand the scorecard and know where to check a ruling.
Agree the format before starting. In stroke play, record strokes and any penalties that apply; match play compares holes. Par describes the hole's reference score, not a personal target every beginner must meet.
Read the course's local rules and the official Rules of Golf when a situation is unclear. Respect the group around you, care for the course and stay ready to play.
Course ratings and handicap
Course Rating and Slope Rating describe the rated difficulty of a set of tees. Your Handicap Index is a separate measure of your playing ability.
Course Handicap uses your Handicap Index, the applicable tee ratings and par. Use the current ratings for your category and the method provided by your handicapping authority.
Practice
Open a course's tee table. Identify length, Course Rating and Slope where published. Check whether the rated category is stated before trying to calculate a Course Handicap.