Full Answer
What do you call a professional golfer?
Pro A professional is a golfer or person who plays or teaches golf for financial reward, may work as a touring pro in professional competitions, or as a teaching pro (also called a club pro). Punch shot A shot played with a very low trajectory, usually to avoid interference from tree branches when a player is hitting from the woods.
What is it called when a golfer wins the hole?
A golfer winning the hole is referred to as having won the skin and the value of that skin. Skull or Skulled Shot: To skull the ball means to have the impact of the ball with the leading edge of the iron. This is also called the skulled shot.
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 another name for up and in in golf?
A variation is called “up and in”. [W] Wedge A type of golf club; a subset of iron designed for short range strokes. Whiff An attempt to strike the ball where the player fails to make contact with the ball.
What do you call golf hits?
If a player completes a hole in one shot less than par, they have made a birdie. Two shots under par is an eagle and three shots under par is an albatross. One shot over par is a bogey, two shots over par is a double bogey and three shots over par is a triple bogey.
What are golfing terms?
Golf Terms and Definitions. Ace - A hole in one. Address - the final position taken by a golfer just before the swing. Adjusted Gross Score - Your score after you apply your handicap stroke allowance. Alternate Shot - Another twist of stoke play.
What do golfers say when they hit the ball?
foreGolfers yell fore to alert other golfers that they may be in danger of getting struck by their ball. You should always yell fore if you're unsure where your ball will land, and it is at risk of hitting a golfer. The term fore likely originated from the term forecaddie, although the exact history is unknown.
What do you call golf strokes?
You can essentially use "Stroke" as a synonym for a shot/putt, but keep in mind that it also includes "whiffs" if you miss the ball when trying to hit it. Par - "Par" is the number of strokes that an expert or "scratch golfer" is expected to need to complete a hole. Par always includes two putts for each hole.
What is the best shot in golf called?
An ace, commonly known as a hole-in-one, is the best score out there. When you get an ace, that means you get to write a “1” on the scorecard.
What do you yell in golf?
Fore!"Fore!", originally a Scots interjection, is used to warn anyone standing or moving in the flight of a golf ball.
Why do they shout fore in golf?
Fore as a word in itself means “situated in front” and it is argued that a cry of fore! was originally simply a way to warn those situated in front that a ball was coming their way.
Why do you say fore?
Fore is the shout that is traditionally used in golf to warn other golfers on the course that you have mishit your shot and it could potentially be heading in their direction in order to give them a warning so they can make themselves safe.
What are some of the basic golf terms I should know?
Beginner Golf Terms. Birdie: Completing the hole in one less stroke than the par. Bogey: Completing the hole in one more stroke than the par. Double Bogey: Completing the hole in two more strokes than the par (catch the trend?).
What is a handicap in golf?
Handicap: A handicap is a measurement of the average number of strokes over par a particular golfer makes during a round on an average golf course. So, a person with a handicap of 15 is expected to shoot a score of 87 on a par-72 golf course of average difficulty. A 5-handicapper is expected to shoot a 77 on the same course.
What is a bogey in golf?
A bogey? Let’s start simply with the golf terms “par”, “birdie” and “bogey”. All three of these golf terms refer to scoring. “Par” represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make on the hole or course. Every golf hole has a “par” assigned to it. Most holes are either a par 3, par 4, or par 5.
What is even par in golf?
If a golfer makes two pars to start a round, he is “even par” for the round. If a player opens with two birdies, he is “two under” for the round. If a player makes two bogeys to start a round, he is “two over.”. Similarly, if a player makes a birdie on the 1st hole and follows it with a bogey on No. 2, he is “even par.”.
What is scratch golf?
Scratch: A “scratch” golfer is a golfer with a handicap of 0. These expert golfers are expected to shoot even par or better on most golf courses. Yips: A condition in which a muscle spasm or mental block prevents you from performing a simple golf task. Most often it’s associated with putting.
How many strokes does it take to get a par 4?
On a par 4, an expert golfer is expected to take 4 strokes to get his ball in the hole. If you make a 4 on a par 4, you have just tallied a “par”. “Birdie” and “bogey” are simple once you understand the concept of par. A player makes a “birdie” when he uses one fewer strokes than the par of the hole.
What is a mulligan in golf?
A mulligan is a golf term that only applies to recreational golfers. Sometimes (and sometimes often) amateur players will hit a poor drive on the 1st hole, whether it is due to nerves or failing to warm up properly.
What is a forecaddie in golf?
Some think it comes from the golf term “forecaddie”, which is a person that stands in a forward position on each golf hole to pinpoint where the players’ balls go. “Forecaddies” are often in the line of fire and need to be warned when a ball is flying toward them.
What is an overdone fade?
An overdone fade will appear similar to a slice. Fairway The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball. Flagstick A tall marker, often a metal pole with a flag at the top, used to indicate the position of the hole on a green. Also called the “pin”.
What is a bogey in golf?
Bogey A hole played one stroke over par. Break The tendency of a putted ball to roll left or right of a straight line. This deviation may be a result of a number of factors or combination of factors including uneven surface, grain of the grass, how firmly the putt is struck or, in extreme circumstances, wind.
How many tees are there on a golf course?
Most courses have at least three sets of tees, some have more than twice that many. The areas where tee markers are placed are called “tee boxes”. Tips The championship tees on a golf course are known as “the tips”. At Silverstone, the tips would be our set of silver tees.
What does curved shape mean in golf?
The curved shape of the flight of the ball is a result of sideways spin. For that reason “slice” does not refer to a putt which “breaks”. Slope Rating Slope Rating is a number, from 55 to 155, used to determine the level of difficulty of a golf course for a bogey golfer. An “average” course has a slope rating of 113.
How many clubs can a golfer carry?
A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc. Clubhead The part of a club that used to strike the ball.
What is a dimple in golf?
Dimples, by reducing drag, allow a golf ball to stay in the air for a longer flight than would be possible with a smooth ball. Divot (i) The chunk of grass and earth displaced during a stroke. (ii) The indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach shot; more properly called a pitch mark or ball mark.
What is the back nine called?
Playing the back nine is called “heading in”. Backswing The backward part of the swing starting from the ground and going back behind the head. Ball-marker A token or a small coin used to spot the ball’s position on the green prior to lifting it. Ball-washer A device found on many tee boxes for cleaning golf balls.
What is a back door putt?
Back-door putt: A putt that catches the edge of the hole, spins around to the back of the hole, and falls into the cup off that back edge of the hole. Barkie: A bet won by a golf who makes par on a hole after his golf ball hit a tree. Also called a "woody" or "woodie" (and sometimes spelled "barky").
What is dawn patrol?
Dawn Patrol: Golfers or groups of golfers who prefer to play as early as possible in the morning - right at the crack of dawn if possible. Golfers who make up the dawn patrol are the first ones to get on the course. In that vein, dawn patrol is the same as "dew sweepers.".
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 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 an abominable snowman?
Abominable Snowman: A score of 9 (even worse than an 8, which is called a snowman) on a hole. Aircraft Carrier: A long, flat, rectangular teeing ground, one that is usually elevated a few feet above the level of the surrounding turf and that includes all the tees for that hole.
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 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 Calcutta bid?
Calcutta: Calcutta refers to a kind of a bid or an auction, where golfers stake claims on the golfer or the team they think will win. Callaway System: A kind of golf format, Callaway system is used in events where in maximum golfers do not have real handicap indexes. It is a one-day handicapping system.
What is the term for the part of the golf club that strikes the golf ball at impact?
Clubface: The clubface is the part of the golf club which strikes the golf ball at impact.
What is an approach course?
Approach Course: A golf course having short holes, may be a par 3 distance or shorter and falling short on designated teeing areas is called approach course. Approach Wedge: Another name for gap wedge, approach wedge is a name for a golf club which has a high loft.
What does the lip mean in golf?
The first means that around two inches above the level of sand, in a bunker, there is a rim of sod. This prevents the chance for a golfer to putt out of the bunker. The other meaning refers to the edge or rim of the hole or cup.
What is the golfer's decision making called?
Course Management: The golfer’s decision-making during a round of golf is called course management.
What is a ball striker?
It refers to the golfer’s ability in full swing. Ballstriking: Ball striking means the full swing abilities of a golfer. A great ball striker is a golfer who is excellent at full swing. Ball Washer: A device normally kept besides tee boxes to clean the golf balls is called a ball washer.
What is a bump and run?
Bump and Run: Usually played from approximately the same distance you would possibly play a pitch shot, bump and run is an approach shot to the green. Bunker: Filled in with sand, bunker is either a hole or depression and is categorized as a hazard. C.
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 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 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 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 green in regulation?
Green in Regulation – Occurs when the golf ball is on the green and the player is putting for a birdie or better. Green Fee – The cost of playing a round of golf at a certain golf course. Grip – There are a number of different grips golfers use to hold the club.
What does it mean when a golfer says "I chunked it"?
Chunk – When a golfer says “I chunked it” that usually means that they made contact behind the golf ball, and their club had dug into the ground too deeply. Also could be referred to as hitting it fat. Greenie – If you are playing a gambling format like Nassau usually groups will make side bets.
What does "pull" mean in golf?
Pull – When a golfer says they pull their shot, they have hit it directly to the left. Albatross – Another word for double eagle, or when scoring three under on a hole. This only occurs if you were to make a hole in one on a par 4, or hole out on your second shot in a par 5.
What is double cross in golf?
Double Cross – When a golfer intends to hit a fade, or a draw but does the complete opposite. For example, if a golfer wanted to hit a fade and then ends up hooking it. Instead of the ball flying from left to right, it goes from right to left. Gimme – When your putt is close enough to the hole that it is considered to be made.
What does it mean when a golf putt rolls around the cup?
Lip Out – When your putt rolls around the edge of the cup causing it to change directions. This is terribly frustrating because that means you almost made the putt! Slice – This is probably the most popular of golf terms as it relates to a player’s swing. A slice is occurs when a golfer puts excessive curve on the ball.
What is a divot in golf?
Divot – The small piece (sometimes large) of turf that comes out when your club makes contact with the ground. Sometimes you don’t even need to take a divot. Flyer – When your ball is in the rough, but propped up a bit then you might have a “flyer” lie. This will cause the ball to travel farther than it normally does.
What is a slice in golf?
A slice is occurs when a golfer puts excessive curve on the ball. For a right-handed golfer, they have sliced it if the ball is moving excessively from left to right. Hook – For a right-handed golfer a hook occurs when the ball travels from right to left, but in a much more exaggerated path.
What is a Texas wedge?
Texas Wedge – A Texas Wedge is another term for using a putter any time you are off the green. Some players will elect to putt from the fairway, rough, or even the bunker sometimes. Sandbagging – When a golfer claims they have a handicap that is much higher than their actual playing ability.
What wedges have bounce?
Typically a lob wedge, sand wedge and gap wedge would have bounce. Once you have selected the right club, then you need to make sure that you are setting the club properly on it’s bottom where the the clubface is square and the club shaft is pointing to your body center and not leaning too far forward.
What is the most embarrassing shot in golf?
2. The toe shank. This shot can often be more embarrassing than a whiff, especially if you hit one on the range. The ball travels straight sideways and can often enter the hitting area of the golfer hitting balls next to you.
What is the most embarrassing part of missing a short putt?
One of the most embarrassing parts of missing a short putt is that most of the time the rest of your group is right there with you to see the miss. You are in the center of the stage when you make the mistake.
What skills do you need to avoid a miss?
The two main skills you need to have to avoid this miss is the ability to aim your putter face well, which is something you could practice with an alignment aid, and to be stable and still. A good general rule is that if your putter is moving, your head and your body should not be.
Has there ever been a golfer who has never shanked the ball?
Has there ever been a golfer who has never shanked the ball? This miserable shot, off of the heel of the club often leaves the club at a 45 degree angle for an iron and feels terrible as the vibration often goes right up the shaft and into your hands. The problem with a shank is it tends to lead to more shanks, as adding tension is a normal reaction.
Who shouts "fore" when he misses a drive?
Swedish golfer Niclas Fasth shouts "Fore" as he misses a drive. Golf certainly can be a very rewarding game at times. Those times when your hard work pays off always seem to make the sun look a little brighter and the grass a little greener.
Can you hit the ground with a clubhead?
Finally, it can take some time for a newer golfer to feel comfortable hitting the ground with their clubhead. It can feel violent and sometimes even a bit messy to really take some turf, but this is a necessary skill to launch your golf ball and make solid contact.
What movie did Miles respond to hitting into him?
Don’t Go Sideways. In a memorable golf scene from the movie Sideways, Paul Giamatti’s character, Miles, responds to a group hitting into him by whacking the ball right back at them. This makes for a fine cinematic moment.
What to do if a shot nearly hit you?
If the shot that nearly hit you was a blind drive or approach and the group behind you can’t see your reaction, you can still send them a message. One common practice is to stomp the ball into the turf, a blunt-edged response without much personality.
What are the driving range rules?
Rules. The Etiquetteist: 9 driving-range rules you absolutely must follow. 1. Measure the Degree of Malice. As with the Rules of Golf, the rules of etiquette often hinge on intent.
Is it better to defuse or incite?
In almost every instance, it’s better to defuse than it is to incite. If the shot was clearly an innocent mistake, and the offender comes up quickly to apologize, wave off the transgression with a forgiving word or gesture.
