Contributing Sports Writer
Nazia Hassan
Nazia Hassan is a contributing writer at SportsMonkie, covering a broad mix of sports — from rules and explainers to rankings and player features across cricket, football, tennis and beyond.
Articles by Nazia Hassan (119)
Average Golf Score for Beginners: 90 to 120
The average golf score for beginners is about 100-120 over 18 holes, and often higher in the first months. What is normal, and how fast it drops.
Best Celebrity Golfers, Ranked by Handicap
The best celebrity golfers, from Tony Romo and Steph Curry to Justin Timberlake. Who has the real game, and why most celebrity handicaps are self-reported.
Vegas Golf Game: Rules, Points, Flipping
The Vegas golf game pairs two teams' scores into two-digit numbers. Full rules, the birdie flip, doubling, and a worked hole-by-hole example.
What Does MC Mean in Golf? Missed Cuts
MC in golf means Missed Cut: a player finished 36 holes outside the cut line and does not play the weekend. What the cut is, and who still gets paid.
What Is a Stinger in Golf? Tiger's Shot
A stinger is a low, penetrating golf shot that bores under the wind with heavy rollout. What it is, why Tiger made it famous, and how it is hit.
Stableford Scoring Explained: Points & Rules
Stableford scoring awards points per hole against a fixed target: 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 0 for double bogey. Full points table, handicap use and strategy.
Why Golf Courses Aerate Greens (and When)
Golf courses aerate greens to relieve soil compaction, remove thatch and get air and water to the roots. Here is why it is done, how often, and when.
The Hardest Golf Courses in the World, Measured
Which courses are genuinely hardest? Ranked using three independent measures: USGA slope and rating, championship scoring evidence, and playability for amateurs.
How Far Do You Walk in 18 Holes? Miles and Steps
Walking 18 holes covers about 4 to 6 miles and 9,500 to 13,000 steps. Convert any course's yardage into the distance you will actually walk, with a table.
How Many Calories Does Golf Burn? Walking vs Riding
Walking 18 holes with a bag burns roughly 1,400 calories in measured research; riding a cart cuts it to about 800. The numbers, sourced, with the caveats.
Pinehurst No. 2 Green Fees: What a Round Really Costs
Pinehurst never publishes a standalone No. 2 green fee. Here is what the round actually costs once the package, caddie fee and gratuity are stacked up.
St Andrews Green Fees: Old Course Cost and the Ballot
St Andrews Old Course green fees were £340 in high season on the last published schedule. Full fee table for all seven courses, plus how the ballot works.
Slope Rating Explained: Course Rating vs Slope
Slope rating measures how much harder a course plays for a bogey golfer than a scratch golfer. The 55-155 scale, the 113 baseline and a worked example.
Average Driving Distance by Age: Where Do You Stand?
The average male amateur drives it around 225 yards, peaking in the 20s and 30s and dropping roughly 30 yards by the 60s. See the full breakdown by age and handicap.
Average Golf Swing Speed by Age (And What's Good)
Average golf swing speed by age: how driver clubhead speed changes from your 20s to your 70s, what counts as a good number, and how it maps to distance.
Best Golf YouTubers: Who to Watch
The best golf YouTubers cover club reviews, coaching, and entertainment. Here are the real channels worth following and what each does best.
Bingo Bango Bongo: The Golf Game That Rewards Everyone
Bingo Bango Bongo is a golf betting game with three points per hole: first on the green, closest once all are on, and first in the hole. Here is how to play.
Blades vs Cavity Back Irons Explained
Blades reward pure ball strikers with feel and shot control; cavity back irons add forgiveness for everyone else. Here is how the two designs compare.
The Bump and Run: Golf's Highest-Percentage Short-Game Shot
The bump and run flies low and rolls to the hole like a putt. Here is the best club to use, when to play it over a chip or flop, and how to hit it.
Cart Path Relief: How to Take Your Free Drop Correctly
A cart path is an immovable obstruction, so you get free relief. Here is how to find the nearest point of relief and drop correctly under Rule 16.1.
The Chapman Format Explained: Rules and Strategy
The Chapman format is a two-person golf game: both partners drive, swap balls for the second shot, then pick one and play alternate shot to the hole.
Early Extension in the Golf Swing: What It Is and Why It Hurts You
Early extension is when your hips thrust toward the ball on the downswing. Here is what causes it, why it wrecks contact, and the drills that fix it fast.
Four-Ball vs Foursomes: Ryder Cup Formats Explained
In four-ball, each player plays their own ball and the team counts the better score. In foursomes, partners share one ball and alternate shots. Here's the side-by-side.
Forged vs Cast Irons: Does the Difference Matter?
Forged irons are pressed from soft carbon steel for feel; cast irons are moulded for forgiveness and value. Here is which one actually suits your game.
Golf Club Lofts Chart: Standard Lofts for Every Club
A full golf club lofts chart: standard degrees for driver, woods, hybrids, irons and wedges, plus how modern 'strong' lofts changed the numbers.
Golf Etiquette for Beginners: The Unwritten Rules
Golf etiquette for beginners comes down to safety, pace, and course care. Here are the unwritten rules that keep you welcome on any course.
Golf Skins Game Rules: Carryovers, Validation and Payouts
In a golf skins game each hole is a skin, won only by an outright low score. Ties carry the skin forward. Here are the rules, carryovers and payouts.
How Long Does 9 Holes of Golf Take? Times by Group Size
Nine holes of golf takes about 2 to 2.5 hours for a foursome, and closer to an hour on your own. See how long 9 holes take by group size and cart use.
How Many Acres Is a Golf Course? Size by Course Type
Most 18-hole golf courses cover about 110 to 190 acres, averaging near 150. Here is how course type, layout and land use change the acreage.
How Many Dimples on a Golf Ball? Why They Exist
Most golf balls have 300 to 500 dimples. A Titleist Pro V1 has 388. Here is why the count varies and how dimples cut drag and add distance.
How Much to Tip a Caddie: A Practical Guide
How much to tip a caddie: plan on $20 to $60 on top of the bag fee for a single round, more at resorts. Here are real ranges by course type.
How Much Water Does a Golf Course Use? The Real Numbers
A typical 18-hole golf course uses roughly 90–130 million gallons of water a year, but desert courses use far more and rainy ones far less. The real figures, by region.
How to Get a Golf Handicap Without Joining a Club
You can get an official golf handicap without joining a club by signing up to a virtual or online club through your national association. Here is how, and the cost.
How to Keep Score in Golf: Reading and Marking a Scorecard
To keep score in golf, count every stroke on each hole and write the number in the box, then total the nine and eighteen. Here is how to read a scorecard.
Hybrid vs Iron: When to Make the Switch
Hybrid vs iron: hybrids launch higher and are easier to hit than long irons. Here's the equivalence chart and exactly when to swap an iron for a hybrid.
Interlock vs Overlap Grip: Which Should You Use?
Interlock locks the pinky and index finger together; overlap rests the pinky on top. Interlock suits smaller hands, overlap suits most players. Here is how to choose.
The Longest Golf Courses in the World
The longest golf course in the world is Australia's Nullarbor Links at 1,365 km. The longest conventional 18-hole course is Jade Dragon in China at 8,548 yards.
The Longest Drive Ever Recorded: Golf's Distance Records
The longest drive ever recorded in competition is Mike Austin's 515-yard bomb in 1974, credited by Guinness. Here is the truth behind golf's biggest drives.
Low Compression Golf Balls: Who Should Play Them and Why
Low compression golf balls (roughly 70 and under) suit slower swing speeds, seniors and beginners with a softer feel. See who should play them and top models.
The Oldest Golf Courses in the World
The oldest golf courses in the world sit in Scotland: Musselburgh Old Links has documented play from 1672, while St Andrews traces golf to the 1400s.
Shallowing the Golf Club: What It Means and Why It Matters
Shallowing means dropping the club onto a flatter plane in transition so it approaches from the inside. It cures the over-the-top slice. Here are the drills and feels that work.
Spikeless vs Spiked Golf Shoes: Which to Buy
Spikeless vs spiked golf shoes: spikeless win on comfort and versatility, spiked on grip and wet-weather traction. Here is which pair most golfers should buy.
What Is a Texas Wedge? Putting From Off the Green
A Texas wedge is a putter used from off the green. Named for windy, hard-baked Texas courses, it is the safe, low-risk play on firm ground. Here is exactly when to use it.
What Does 3&2 Mean in Golf? Match Play Scoring Explained
What does 3&2 mean in golf? It means a player was 3 holes up with 2 to play, so the match ended early. Here is how match play scoring works.
What Is a Driving Iron? Who Should Carry One
A driving iron is a low-lofted, strong long iron built for control off the tee. Here's what it's equivalent to, and who should carry one over a hybrid.
What Is a Flyer Lie? Why the Ball Jumps From the Rough
A flyer lie is rough grass that gets between clubface and ball, killing spin so it flies farther. Here is how to spot one and how each lie affects the shot.
What Is a Forecaddie? Role, Cost and Tipping
A forecaddie works ahead of your group to spot balls, give yardages and speed play. Here is what they do, what to tip, and how they differ from a caddie.
What Is a Mid Handicapper? Handicap Ranges Explained
A mid handicapper carries a Handicap Index around 10 to 20 and usually shoots in the 80s to mid-90s. Here are the low, mid and high ranges explained.
What Is a Shank in Golf? Why It Happens
A shank is a shot struck by the hosel that shoots sharply sideways. Here's what causes a shank, how it differs from a slice, and how to fix it fast.
What Is a Tight Lie in Golf? How to Play It
A tight lie is a ball sitting on firm, closely mown turf with little grass underneath. Move the ball back, hands ahead, and strike ball-first. Here is how to play every lie.
What Is an Executive Golf Course? Length and Par Explained
An executive golf course is a shorter, lower-par layout with more par 3s and a quicker round. Here is the typical length, par and how it compares.
What Is GIR in Golf? Greens in Regulation Explained
GIR means greens in regulation: reaching the green in par minus two strokes. Here is what counts, what a good GIR is, and typical figures by handicap.
What Is Lag in the Golf Swing? Explained Simply
Lag is the angle held between your lead arm and the club shaft on the downswing. Here is what lag does for power and contact, and drills to create it.
What Is Offset in Golf Clubs?
Offset sets the clubface slightly behind the hosel, giving you a split-second longer to square the face. It helps fight a slice and launch the ball higher. Here's how it works.
What Tees Should You Play From? A No-Ego Guide
What tees should you play from? Match the total yardage to how far you hit your driver. Here is the USGA Tee It Forward chart to pick right.
What to Wear Golfing: Dress Codes Decoded for Every Course
What to wear golfing: a collared shirt, golf trousers or tailored shorts, and soft-spike shoes cover almost every course. Here is how dress codes change by venue.
Why Do Golfers Yell Fore? Origin and When to Shout It
Golfers yell 'fore' to warn anyone ahead that an errant ball is heading their way. The word likely comes from 'forecaddie' — but the origin is genuinely disputed.
3 Wood vs 5 Wood: Which Fairway Wood Do You Actually Need?
3 wood vs 5 wood: the 5 wood's extra loft makes it easier to hit off the deck, and most amateurs get similar distance. Here is the data.
The Average Cost of a Round of Golf in 2026
The average US public round costs about $41 (NGF), $25-$40 at a muni and $100-$250+ at a resort. Real 2026 US, UK and AU green fees plus twilight tips.
Blade vs Mallet Putter: Which Suits Your Stroke?
Blade vs mallet putter: mallets add forgiveness for a straight stroke, blades reward an arc. See the data and which one suits your stroke.
Can You Ground Your Club in a Bunker? The Rule Explained
No, you cannot ground your club in a bunker right behind the ball. Here is USGA and R&A Rule 12.2, the penalty, and exactly what you can and cannot do.
Draw vs Fade: The Difference and Which to Play
Draw vs fade in golf: a draw curves right-to-left for distance, a fade left-to-right for control. Which shot shape you should play, and why.
The Embedded Ball Rule: When You Get Free Relief
The embedded ball rule (Rule 16.3) gives free relief when your ball plugs in its own pitch-mark. When it applies and how to take your drop.
Golf Ball Compression Chart by Swing Speed
A golf ball compression chart rating Pro V1, TP5, Chrome Soft, Supersoft and more from ~35 to 100, matched to the driver swing speed each ball suits.
Golf Club Distances Chart: How Far Each Club Goes
A golf club distances chart for every club, driver to wedges, by skill level. Real average yardages from Arccos and Shot Scope data. Find your row.
Golf Shaft Flex Chart: Regular, Stiff or Senior
A golf shaft flex chart matching driver swing speed to flex: ladies, senior, regular, stiff or extra stiff, plus how to find your speed.
Graphite vs Steel Iron Shafts: Which to Play?
Graphite vs steel iron shafts compared: weight, feel, distance, control and cost, with a table showing which shaft suits your swing speed and game.
How Long Does 18 Holes of Golf Take? Real Times
How long does 18 holes of golf take? About 4 to 4.5 hours for a foursome, 3 to 3.5 for a twosome. Real times by group size, walking vs riding, and traffic.
How Many Clubs Are Allowed in a Golf Bag? The 14 Rule
How many clubs are allowed in a golf bag? A maximum of 14, under Rule 4.1b. Carrying more costs two strokes per hole, up to four. Penalty and a sample set.
How Much Do Caddies Make? Club to PGA Tour Pay
Country club caddies make $50-$100 a round plus tips; PGA Tour caddies earn a $1,500-$3,000 weekly base plus 5/7/10% of winnings. Real 2026 pay figures.
How Much Do Golf Carts Cost? New & Used Prices 2026
New Club Car, EZGO and Yamaha carts cost $7,000-$14,000; used from $2,000; street-legal lithium models $10,000-$20,000+. Real 2026 prices by type.
How Much Does the Driving Range Cost? Bucket Prices
A driving range bucket costs $5-$15 in the US (25-100 balls); Topgolf runs $25-$70 an hour per bay. UK buckets are £10-£20. Real 2026 prices.
How to Break 100 in Golf: The Strategy That Actually Works
Breaking 100 is bogey golf with a cushion: all bogeys makes 90, giving a 10-stroke buffer. The course-management strategy that actually lowers your score.
Over the Top Golf Swing: Why It Causes Your Slice
An over the top golf swing throws the club outside the line, cutting across the ball. What it means, why it slices, and the drills that fix it.
The Single Plane Golf Swing: Moe Norman's Method
The single plane golf swing, made famous by Moe Norman and taught by Todd Graves, keeps the club and lead arm on one line. How it works and who it suits.
Smash Factor Explained: What It Is and a Good Number
Smash factor is ball speed divided by club speed. A good driver number is about 1.50 and drops with loft. See what's good by club, with a full chart.
Stack and Tilt Golf Swing: The Method Explained
The stack and tilt golf swing keeps weight forward all swing for centered contact. How the Bennett-Plummer method works, its costs, and who it helps.
Strong vs Weak Golf Grip: What Each Does to Ball Flight
Strong vs weak golf grip: a strong grip closes the face for a draw, a weak grip opens it for a fade. What each does to ball flight, and which to use.
What Is a Condor in Golf? The Rarest Score in the Sport
A condor is four under par on one hole: a hole-in-one on a par 5. Fewer than ten have ever been recorded. Here are the confirmed condors.
What Is a Good Golf Score? Benchmarks by Skill & Age
A good golf score is anything under 90 on a par-72 course, which beats about 75% of players. See the benchmarks by skill level and age, for 9 and 18 holes.
What Is a Scratch Golfer? Plus Handicaps Explained
A scratch golfer has a 0.0 handicap index and plays to par on a rated course. Only about 1.6% reach it. What it takes, plus what a plus handicap means.
What Is an Eagle in Golf? How Rare It Really Is
An eagle in golf is two under par on one hole, usually a par 5 in three shots. See where it ranks on the scoring ladder and how rare eagles really are.
Wedge Bounce Explained: Pick the Right Bounce
What is bounce on a wedge? It is the angle on the sole that stops the club digging. Here is how to pick low, mid or high bounce for your turf and swing.
What Percentage of Golfers Break 100? The Real Data
About 55% of golfers break 100, roughly 26% break 90, and only 5% break 80. The real distribution from USGA handicap and NGF data, in one table.
Why Do Golfers Wear One Glove? (And Which Hand)
Why do golfers wear one glove? It goes on the lead hand for grip and protection. Here is which hand it fits, why only one, and when pros wear none.
Why Is Golf So Expensive? Where the Money Goes
Golf is expensive because of clubs ($300-$3,000), green fees ($25-$250+) and memberships ($10,000+). Here's the 2026 breakdown and where to cut.
Winter Rules in Golf: Lift, Clean and Place Explained
Winter rules in golf are preferred lies (Model Local Rule E-3): lift, clean and place on the fairway. When they apply and how far you can move the ball.
What Is a Double Dribble in Basketball?
A double dribble is a violation: dribbling with two hands at once, or picking the ball up and then dribbling again. It costs your team possession. Here's exactly what counts.
Largest Stadiums in the World by Seating Capacity
From India's 132,000-seat Narendra Modi Stadium to college-football giants in the US, here are the largest stadiums ranked by seating capacity.
LeBron James Net Worth (2026): How He Became a Billionaire
LeBron James is worth around $1 billion as of 2026, built on NBA salary, a Nike lifetime deal, and stakes like SpringHill and Fenway Sports Group.
What Is Play Action in Football?
Play action is a pass play where the quarterback fakes a handoff first to freeze the defense, then throws. Here's why it works and when teams use it.
What Is an Albatross in Golf? The Rarest Score Explained
An albatross in golf is three under par on one hole, also called a double eagle. It is rarer than a hole-in-one. Here is what counts and how scoring works.
Best Gymnasts in the World: All-Time and Modern Era Rankings
Simone Biles, Nadia Comaneci, and Larisa Latynina rank among the greatest gymnasts ever. Here are the top artistic gymnasts and their Olympic records.
How to Bowl a Teesra in Cricket: Grip and Action
The teesra is an off-spinner's mystery ball that goes straight on instead of turning. A pronated wrist and altered fingers deceive batters expecting spin.
Most Followed Sports in the World: Global Fan Base Ranked
Football leads with an estimated fan base above 3 billion, but cricket, basketball, and tennis are not far behind. See how the world's sports rank by fans.
How to Play a Perfect Square Cut in Cricket: Step-by-Step
The square cut is played to a short, wide delivery outside off stump. Learn the grip, back-foot movement, and bat swing to send the ball through point.
Most Popular Cricket Tournaments in the World
The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament by viewership and value, but the ICC World Cup, Big Bash, PSL, and Test series also draw massive audiences.
Robert Bobroczky: The Tallest Basketball Player Ever?
Robert Bobroczky is a Romanian basketball player famous for his height, reported around 7 ft 7 in, among the tallest players in the sport's history.
Easiest Sports to Learn and Play for Beginners
Some sports need little gear and no experience to enjoy. This guide ranks the easiest sports to learn by accessibility, skill, and how fast you begin.
Greatest Cyclists of All Time: Legends Who Defined the Sport
The greatest cyclists ever, from Eddy Merckx's Grand Tour dominance to modern icons like Tadej Pogacar and Marianne Vos who redefined the sport.
How Long Are Tennis Matches? Average Duration Explained
Tennis match length varies widely: a best-of-three match runs 90 minutes to 2 hours, while a best-of-five Grand Slam match can last 3 to 5 hours or more.
How to Bowl the Doosra: Grip, Action, and Technique
The doosra is an off-spinner's secret weapon, a ball that turns away from a right-handed batter instead of into them. Learn to bowl it safely and well.
Tallest Athletes of All Time
From basketball courts to volleyball nets, the tallest athletes ever turned extraordinary height into dominance. Meet the most remarkable giants in sports.
What Is a Grand Slam in Tennis? The Four Major Tournaments
A Grand Slam in tennis is the four biggest events: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. Winning all four in a year is a Calendar Slam.
Worst Players in NBA History: Busts, Struggles & Legends of Bad
A look at the NBA players widely regarded as the worst — from high draft picks who never panned out to journeymen who barely cracked rotation minutes.
Richest Football Clubs in the World: Who Tops the List?
The wealthiest football clubs sit in England, Spain, and Germany, earning hundreds of millions yearly through matchday, broadcast, and commercial income.
Tennis Court Surfaces Explained: Hard, Clay, Grass, and More
Tennis is played on four surfaces, hard, clay, grass, and carpet, each with its own bounce, speed, and conditions. Here's what to know about every one.
Good vs Bad Batting Average in Cricket and Baseball Explained
Batting average means very different things in cricket and baseball. Learn what a good, average and poor average looks like in each and why they differ.
How to Play a Hook Shot in Cricket: Technique and Timing
The hook shot punishes short-pitched deliveries, hitting them fine behind square on the leg side. Learn the grip, footwork, and head position to play it.
What Is a Match Point in Tennis? Rules Explained
A match point in tennis is when the leading player needs one more point to win. It can come on serve or return, and several may occur before one is won.
Best-Looking Female Hockey Players: Talent Meets Style on the Ice
A look at female hockey players who are known both for their on-ice excellence and their strong presence off it, from Marie-Philip Poulin to Hilary Knight.
The Most Insane Sports Riots in History
Sports riots have caused deaths, destroyed cities, and ended careers. These are the most extreme cases of crowd violence the sporting world has ever seen.
Richest Indian Footballers: Earnings, Clubs, and Careers
India's top football earners built wealth through ISL contracts, national team caps, and endorsements, with Sunil Chhetri leading as the biggest star.
Types of Pool Games: 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Snooker & More
There are many types of pool games with different rules and objectives. The most popular are 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, one-pocket and snooker.
What Is a CDM in Soccer? The Defensive Midfielder Role Explained
CDM means central defensive midfielder in soccer, a player set in front of the defence to break up attacks, shield the back line and recycle possession.
Most Popular WWE Superstars of All Time
From Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock to John Cena and Roman Reigns, these are the most popular WWE superstars ever by reactions, sales, and impact.
Tennis Shoes for Teens: What to Look For and Why It Matters
The right tennis shoes for teens match sole type to court surface, support growing feet, and offer durability that keeps up with heavy practice schedules.
Fastest Football Goals in History: Record-Breaking Early Strikes
The fastest football goals in history came within seconds of kick-off, some under 10 seconds. Meet the record holders at club and international level.
What Does Ad Mean in Tennis? Advantage Scoring Explained
Ad in tennis means advantage, the point after deuce when one player needs one more to win. Win it to take the game; lose it and the score returns to deuce.