The most crucial rule in golf is that you must enjoy the game. Enjoy thinking about it. Enjoy planning your round. Enjoy the good and the bad shots. The bad ones teach you how to move forwards and no matter how bad the shot, it usually ends up closer to the hole which is progress - wouldn't you agree?

All other rules and skills can be learnt as you go along. Truly enjoying the game is something you must accept and nourish and if you do that you will be in the happy minority throughout your golfing career (be that social or professional).