Full Answer
What are the different terms used in golf?
The list, although not exhaustive, is designed to be a complete A to Z of all Golf Terms/Lingo used in golf. Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers. Address – The way you stand and position your club before a shot is known as address.
What is a turf tee in golf?
During the Payne’s Valley Cup last week, the camera panned close to Justin Thomas as he teed up his ball. Except, he didn’t use a tee at all. He used his club to kick-up a tuft of turf, placed his ball delicately on top of it, and hit his shot. That is called a “turf tee”, as it’s known in the biz.
What is it called when you hit a ball on turf?
He used his club to kick-up a tuft of turf, placed his ball delicately on top of it, and hit his shot. That is called a “turf tee”, as it’s known in the biz.
What is a flight in golf tournaments?
In a golf tournament, a "flight" is a division or grouping of golfers within the tournament, who are competing against one another rather than against the entire field of golfers.
What are terms used in golf?
BackThe last nine holes of a golf course. Also a tee position that makes hole the longest.Best Ball / Better BallBest score on a hole by partners in a best-ball match.BirdieOne under par score on a hole.BogeyOne over par score on a hole.9 more rows
What are the 4 types of strokes in golf?
Most shots in golf can be categorized into the following types of shot:Drive. This is a long distance shot usually taken from the tee, but can also be taken from the fairway if necessary. ... Approach. ... Putt. ... Lay-Up. ... Chip. ... Punch. ... Flop. ... Draw.More items...
What does airmail mean in golf?
Golf Compendium "Air mail" is a slang term in golf that is most commonly applied to approach shots that are hit too far, so that they fly over the green.
What does a flyer lie mean in golf?
Traditional golf instruction tells you that when your ball is sitting in light rough, you have what's called a 'flyer' lie. At impact the grass will come between your clubface and ball, producing a shot with little backspin - sort of a knuckleball.
What are the 9 basic golf shots?
Looking to add another dimension to your shot shaping ability when on the course? This simple drill will have you ready for anything the course throws at you. Shots include a High Draw, Mid Draw, Trap Draw, High Straight, Normal, Punch, High Fade, Mid Fade, and Low Fade.
What is 4 birdies in a row called?
1 = Strike. 2 = Double. 3 = Turkey or Gobbler. 4 = Hambone. 5 = Recently heard referred to as yatzee or five bagger.
What is a chicken run in golf?
A "chicken run" is any golf tournament that is played in the late afternoon and over nine holes. Typically, a chicken run tees off after the workday ends, on one of the long weekday afternoons of summer when the sun stays up just long enough for all those playing to complete the 9-hole round.
What is a Linksman?
Definition of linksman : one who plays golf.
What does Pop mean in golf?
Term Definitions: • Pops – The number of handicap strokes a player gets on each hole. Most tournament scoring systems use dots on a scorecard to indicate the. handicap strokes.
What is a lye in golf?
The 'lie angle' of any golf clubhead is the angle between the center of the shaft and the sole. About.com. The "lie angle" of any golf club is the angle formed between the center of the shaft and the sole, or ground line, of the club when the club is soled in its proper playing position (as at address).
What does it mean to catch a flyer?
US, informal. : to do something that could have either good or bad results : to gamble on something risky He took a flier in politics soon after getting his degree.
What is a knuckleball in golf?
Grass gets trapped between the clubface and the ball at impact, so the face can't grip the ball like it normally does. As a result, the shot flies like a knuckle ball and runs hard after it lands.
What is turf grass?
Commonly referred to as "turf grass," the grasses used on golf courses are traditionally tough, fast-repairing grasses that can withstand plenty of traffic. Grass on golf courses differs from region to region based on how the grass will stand up to heat or cold.
What is the grass used on golf courses?
Golf courses require grass that can repair quickly and withstand heavy traffic. Commonly referred to as "turf grass," the grasses used on golf courses are traditionally tough, fast-repairing grasses that can withstand plenty of traffic. Grass on golf courses differs from region to region based on how the grass will stand up to heat or cold.
What is the best grass for golf greens?
Bentgrass is a member of the poa family and is considered the best grass for golf course greens in the South, according to Aggie Horticulture. Bentgrass is used on the greens at Augusta National. It has a fine texture and can stand up to constant and low mowing.
What grasses are used in deserts?
Zoysia. Zoysia can be used in a wide range of climates, with the exception of desert or cold western locations. Because of its range, zoysia is a popular choice throughout the country. This grass, which is a member of the poa family, is deep-rooted, clumping and holds its color well.
Is Bermuda grass drought resistant?
Among the most time-tested and well-known golf course grasses, Bermuda grass is used in warm-weather golf locations, including Florida and Georgia, according to Golfways. Bermuda grass withstands heat, can be mowed low, repairs quickly and is drought resistant. On the negative side, Bermuda grasses will die back in colder weather ...
What is the name of the grass that runs through a golf course?
Bermudagrasses have thicker blades than bentgrass, resulting in a grainier appearance to putting surfaces. Burn: A creek, stream or small river that runs through a golf course; the term is most common in Great Britain.
What grasses are used in golf courses?
Some examples of cool-season grasses cited by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America include colonial bentgrass, creeping bentgrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue and tall fescue.
What is a water hole in golf?
Water Hole: Any hole on a golf course that includes a water hazard on or alongside the hole (in a position where the water can come into play).
What causes a putt to move in the direction of the grain?
If the grain is running across the line of the putt, it can cause the putt to move in the direction of the grain. Grass Bunker: A depression or hollowed-out area on the golf course that is filled with grass (usually in the form of thick rough) rather than sand.
What is a cup in golf?
Cup: The hole on the putting green or, in a more specific usage, the (usually plastic) liner-slash-receptacle sunk down into the hole on the putting green. Daily Fee Course: A golf course that is open to the public but is privately owned and operated (as opposed to a municipal course).
What is an alternate tee box?
Alternate Tees: A second tee box on the same golf hole. Alternate tees are most common on 9-hole golf courses: Golfers play one set of tee boxes on the first nine holes, then play the "alternate tees" on the second nine, giving a slightly different look to each hole. Approach Course: Also called a pitch-and-putt.
What is the second mowing in golf?
The second mowing is usually in a direction perpendicular to the first mowing. Double cutting is one way a golf course superintendant can increase the speed of the putting greens. Facing: A grassy incline up out of a bunker that slopes in the direction of a putting green.
What is a fat shot in golf?
The specifics and colors can vary from course to course. Fat – A fat shot is when the club strikes the ground before the ball.
What is a local rule in golf?
Local Rule – Specific rule or rules that are not mainstream and only for that particular golf course. Long – A term for a golfer who hits the ball far (Dustin Johnson). Long Game – Refers to hitting long irons, woods, hybrids, and driver. Lob Wedge – A type of wedge that is usually in the 60 to 64-degree range.
What is a baseball grip?
Baseball Grip – A type of grip that resembles a baseball bat grip. Others might call it a 10-finger grip. Below the Hole – A term that refers to a putt where the hole is at a higher elevation than the ball. Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling.
Why is backspin important in golf?
It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.
What is the back nine of a golf course?
Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. Backswing – As the term suggests, this is simply the action taking when swinging back before striking the golf ball. It is important for distance and accuracy.
What is a big dog in golf?
Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling. Bladed Shot – A chip shot from just off the green purposely hit with the bottom of the club. Played often from when the ball rests against the collar of the green. Runs like a putt.
What is a stick in golf?
A stroke made above the equator of the ball which is mis-hit, resulting in a line-drive trajectory. Sticks: The plural “sticks” means golf clubs not to be confused with flagstick. Stroke play: A golf format in which the objective is to finish the game using the fewest total shots.
Why is it called a bite in golf?
Bite: If a ball has lots of backspin it is said to “bite” because it stays close to where it landed or may spin back toward the player. If a ball appears to be going past the hole a player may shout “pray” or a more humorous way can be to shout, “grow teeth!”. Bogey: A score of one over par. Bracket:
What is the best game of golf?
A golfer’s best game which is executed on a regular basis. Hitting the ball into the hole in one swing of the club. When the putted ball refuses to fall into the hole. A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.
What is a cabbage in golf?
Cabbage (aka Spinach): If you hit the ball into inescapable thick rough. Can: Refers to the “Cup” on the Green. Carpet: Term which refers to the “Green”. Casual water: A build-up of water on the golf course after heavy rain that is not part of a water hazard. The player can move the ball without penalty.
What does "double eagle" mean in golf?
Albatross (aka Double Eagle): This means a score of three strokes under Par, which as you can imagine is very rare. All square: Tied score in match play. Army Golf: Like a marching rhythm: Left-right-left, in the game of golf it means hitting the ball out of bounds to the left then to the right the next time.
What is Mickey Mouse golf?
Mickey Mouse course: Refers to a course with many short holes and bad maintenance. Mulligan: Referring to a second shot from the Tee, after a bad first shot. Match play: A golf format where the goal is to win individual holes rather than tallying the total of all the strokes.
What is dead hand golf?
Dead Hands: A shot in which the hands remain relatively passive in the hitting area, resulting in a shot that flies a shorter distance than it normally would. ( He dead-handed a 5-iron on the par 3, which confused his fellow players ).
What is a caddie in golf?
Caddie: A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance. ( A good caddie can be worth several strokes a round ). Cambered: Sole A rounding of the sole of the club to reduce drag. A four-way cambered sole is one that is rounded at every edge of a wood.
What is the backswing of a golf club?
Backswing: The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club away from the ball and setting it in position at the top of the backswing from which the club can be delivered to the ball at impact. ( John Daly has an unusually long backswing that causes the club to go past parallel at the top of the swing ).
What is the force that pulls the clubhead outward and downward?
Centrifugal Force: The action in a rotating body that tends to move mass away from the center. It is the force you feel in the downswing that pulls the clubhead outward and downward, extending the arms and encouraging it to take a circular path. ( Tiger Woods' swing creates powerful centrifugal force ).
What is the axis of a golf swing?
Axis: Generally refers to a straight line (the spine) that the upper body rotates around in the course of the golf swing. ( One reason for her consistent ballstriking is that her axis remains in a constant position throughout the swing ).
Why do baseball players use balata covers?
Many players prefer balata or balata-like covers because it provides a softer feel. And can provide increased spin. ( Most of the players in the championship played with balata-covered balls ). Baseball Grip: A grip in which all ten fingers are placed on the grip of the club.
What is a gimmie putt?
Gimmie: A putt that other players agree counts as made without being played. It's only officially used within the rules of golf during match play — known as a conceded putt — and unofficially used during casual stroke play to help pace of play ( Suzy had a 2-foot putt that her partner said was a gimmie and good ).
What is golf slang?
Golf slang is a colorful part of the game, and golf slang terms can be universally used or be specific to a very small region. Small groups of golfers might even develop their own terms, unique to their rounds.
What is a golf shot with a lot of spin?
Pole Dancer: When your shot into the green hits the flagstick, it's a pole dancer. Popeye: A shot with lots of "spinnage" (lots of spin). Rainmaker: A golf shot with a very high trajectory. Usually applied to pop-ups, skyballs or other mis-hits, but can be applied to a shot played intentionally.
What is a golf cart jockey?
Cart Jockey: A golf course employee who greets golfers before the round, offers them help getting their bags onto the golf cart, and/or gives them a lift from the parking lot to the pro shop . After the round, the cart jockey usually greets the golfers again as they leave the 18th green, offers to give their clubs a wipe-down, ...
What is a sunblock golfer?
Sunblock: A golfer who spends a lot of time in bunkers (a k a, at the beach). Sunday Ball: Same as a "lunch ball" - another term for a mulligan (do-over). Tiger Tees: The teeing grounds used in professional tournaments, or the rearmost tees at any golf course. U.S.G.A .:
What does "off the deck" mean in golf?
Off the Deck: A stroke played this way means the golf ball is sitting on the ground, as opposed to a tee. This phrase is typically used when talking about hitting one's driver off the fairway — "hitting driver off the deck.".
What is the golf club called when you cheat?
Hand Wedge: The "club" a golfer uses when he cheats by picking up the golf ball and tossing it into a better spot. Sometimes called a "hand mashie.". Hangman: A score of 9 on a hole. Because the numeral "9" looks like a person hanging from a noose in the children's fill-in-the-blanks game called Hangman. Sort of.
What is a four jacked golf ball?
Four-Jack: When it takes you four putts to get your ball in the hole, you four-jacked it. Fried Egg: A golf ball that has plugged, or buried, in a sand bunker, so that the top of the ball resembles the yolk in a fried egg. Frog Hair: The fringe around a putting green.
Why do you use flight in golf?
Benefit of Using Flights in a Golf Tournament. The primary benefit of flighting is that it allows more golfers to compete for gross championships. If you flight golfers by skill level, then the golfers within each flight have a better chance of competing against each other based on gross score. A 15-handicapper will never win a tournament ...
What is a flighted tournament?
(Ordinal names—first, second, third—are most common). When a tournament uses flights, it is called a flighted tournament, or said to be "flighted by handicap," "flighted by age," etc.
What is a championship flight?
The Championship Flight is for the best golfers (at or close to scratch); the First Flight for the next-best group, and so on. The number of flights required depends on the number of golfers in the field; the more golfers, the more flights, because a wider range of handicaps will be present. One possible method of flighting a tournament based on ...
Can a 15 handicapper win a tournament?
A 15- handicapper will never win a tournament that includes scratch golfers. But a 15-handicapper who is playing in, for example, a 10-15-handicap flight does have a chance to win that flight. Many tournament organizers that use flights not only crown gross champions within each flight, but also an overall net score winner.
Who decides whether to use flights?
The Committee or tournament organizers (the people who are in charge, in other words) are responsible for deciding whether to use flights and, if so, how those flights will work. That means deciding on the criteria for the flights (handicap, age or some other factor) and what range of such criteria makes up each flight within the tournament.
Is a 10-25 handicap too large?
A flight that encompasses golfers with handicaps from 10-25 is too large a range, for example: Any 25-handicapper in the flight has no chance of winning (at gross) against a 10-handicapper. Organizers have to keep that in mind when deciding how to build their tournament flights. We've seen tournaments that go to an 11th or 12th flight or even more.