| has gloss | eng: Variations of golf are games or activities based on or similar to the game of golf, in which the player utilizes common golf skills. Some are essentially identical to golf, with only minor rules changes, while others are more distant and arguably not simple variations but distinct games. Other variations include contests or activities intended to help the player practice or reinforce skills, which may or may not have a competitive aspect. Most of the variations are played in non-professional settings, without the presence of officials and sometimes without strict adherence to official game rules. Some of the variations were created to level the playing field for players of varying skill levels to be able to compete. Often, the rules are in place to provide a structure for side-betting that is independent of the final "traditional" score. |