how to golf terms

Why are the golf terms essential to know?

• 1. PAR: NUMBER OF STROKES A GOLFER NEED TO COMPLETE AN INDIVIDUAL HOLE. Par is the standard score of shots on the golf course; the golfers are ...
• 2. ALBATROSS: MOST GOLFERS WILL NEVER HAVE THE FORTUNE TO MAKE.
• 3. TEE BOX: TEEING AREA OR TEEING GROUND.
• 4. GREEN: HOLDS THE HOLE.
• 5. EAGLE: A SCORE OF TWO STROKES UNDER PAR ON A HOLE.

Full Answer

What are some common golf terms?

Why are the golf terms essential to know?

1. PAR: NUMBER OF STROKES A GOLFER NEED TO COMPLETE AN INDIVIDUAL HOLE. ...
2. ALBATROSS: MOST GOLFERS WILL NEVER HAVE THE FORTUNE TO MAKE. ...
3. TEE BOX: TEEING AREA OR TEEING GROUND. ...
4. GREEN: HOLDS THE HOLE. ...
5. EAGLE: A SCORE OF TWO STROKES UNDER PAR ON A HOLE. ...
6. BIRDIE: A SCORE OF ONE STROKE UNDER PAR AT A HOLE. ...
7. FORE: WATCH OUT OR HEADS UP. ...
8. FAIRWAY: CLOSELY MOWN AREA. ...

More items...

What are the terms used in golf?

Golf Terms Explained – A Complete A to Z of Common Golfing Terms and Sayings

• A. Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke.
• B. Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. ...
• C. Cat Box – Another name for a bunker. ...
• D. Dance Floor – The Green. ...
• E. ...
• F. ...
• G. ...
• H. ...
• I. ...
• J. ...

More items...

What do golf terms mean?

Golf Terms That Every Golfer Needs to Know: The Beginner’s Guide

• Basic Golf Terms For Dummies: Scoring 101. An ace, commonly known as a hole-in-one, is the best score out there. ...
• Golf Terminology for Beginners. ...
• Funny Golf Terms For Beginners. ...
• FAQs about Common Golf Terms. ...
• Final Thoughts of Golf Terms. ...

What are common slang term for golfers?

Leafy Greens

• Radicchio
• Turnip greens — a golfer who keeps hitting into the rough is "falling off the turnip truck."
• Bok choy
• Ch-ch-ch-Chia — as in the TV commercial for the Chia Pet, which is also slang for a golfer who keeps hitting into the chia.
• Pokey — "Pokey" is slang for jail, which might qualify as a synonym for rough on that basis. ...

How do I learn golf terms?

Beginner Golf TermsBirdie: 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?).Eagle: Completing the hole in two fewer strokes than the par.More items...•

What are the 7 golf scoring terms?

Beta ProgramScoring TermWhat It MeansEagleTwo strokes under par on a holeBirdieOne stroke under par on a holeParScore a good player would expect to make on a hole or roundBogeyOne stroke over par on a hole3 more rows•Mar 15, 2022

What are all the terms in golf?

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 does F * mean in golf?

What Does F Mean On A Golf Leaderboard? Sometimes, in the blue circle on the image above, you will see the letter “F” instead of a number like a 65 or 1-18. This simply means “Finished” and is another way of saying that player has completed their round for the day.

What is 2 strokes on a par 5 called?

Albatross or Double Eagle An albatross is achieved when a player either aces a par 4, or scores a "2" on a par 5.

How do you write golf scores?

Write down your strokes taken on each hole as you normally would. The gross score (your actual strokes played) goes on top. Then, on holes where you are taking a stroke, write your net score (your actual strokes minus any handicap strokes) below the gross score.

What do golfers yell?

foreNowadays, most golfers yell "fore" only after they've hit an errant shot toward an unsuspecting golfer, but the term which translates to "watch out!" or "heads up!" was originally intended to be used before teeing off.

What is the first rule of golf?

1. “You must Tee your Ball, within a Club's length of the Hole.” Interesting Note: The first rules change in golf was to modify this from a single club length to two club lengths. Definition: Teeing Ground – The “teeing ground” is the starting place for the hole to be played.

What is 3 shots under par called?

An albatross is—you guessed it—a term for three under par. Like the bird itself, achieving an albatross in golf is rare indeed.

What is E stands for in golf?

Also, an uppercase "E" in a list of scores usually designates "even par." The Meaning of 'Over Par' in Golf, With Scoring Examples.

What does t mean in golf?

Applies to United States Golf Association (USGA) handicaps. A "T-Score" is any round considered to have been played under a formal competitive setting, such as a sanctioned tournament - i.e., one where a player would not be expected to sandbag.

What does r1 mean in golf?

Round 1 Scoring AverageRANKRANK LAST WEEKAVG1267.642367.803567.874467.9371 more rows

What are the golf scoring terms?

A birdie is a score of 1-under par on a hole (for example, scoring 4 on a par-5). A bogey is 1-over par on a hole. An eagle is 2-under par on a hole. A double bogey is 2-over par on a hole.

What is 7 under par called in golf?

Scoring in golf tournaments typically is based on stroke play, in which every shot counts as one stroke. A player's score often is expressed in terms of the number of strokes under, even with or over the par score. A golfer who shoots a score of 65 on a par-72 course is seven under par, or minus-seven.

What's after triple bogey?

A “Double Bogey” is a score of 2 strokes over par on any individual hole. A “Triple Bogey” is a score of 3 strokes over par on any individual hole. A “Quadruple Bogey” is a score of 4 strokes over par on any individual hole.

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 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 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 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 is the most common way to play golf?

While stroke play is the most common way to play golf, there are many formats that you can use to compete with other golfers. We’ve broken down the golf terms for the most popular formats below:

What is a hole in golf?

Hole – “Hole” can both describe the physical hole on the green that you have to hit the ball into or the (usually 18) individual sections of the golf course. The latter meaning includes everything from the tee box to the green (and the physical hole in the green). Examples of both uses:

What is the fairway in golf?

Fairway – The “Fairway” is the portion (s) of a golf hole where the grass is cut the shortest between the tee box and the green. On golf holes where you can’t reach the green in one stroke (most par-4s and all par-5s), your goal should be to keep your ball on the fairway before getting to the green.

What is a tee box?

Tee Box/Tees/Teeing Ground – The “Tee Box,” “Teeing Ground,” or “Tees” is the area of a golf hole where players begin the hole. This area is the only area that you can use a golf tee to “tee up” the golf ball. Golf courses use color-coding systems for their tee boxes. Historically, the most commonly used colors are red, white, and blue.

What is the meaning of stroke in golf?

Stroke – A “Stroke” in golf is any forward club swing/putt where a golfer is trying to hit the ball.

What is a course rating?

Course Rating – “Course Rating” represents an estimate of the average strokes a scratch golfer is expected to make in the best 50% of rounds they have for a given course. Therefore, a golf course with a higher course rating should be more difficult than a course with a lower rating.

How many putts are allowed on a par 4?

Par – “Par” is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make in their round or on an individual golf hole. All pars allow for 2 putts. On a par-4 hole, an expert golfer should reach the green in 2 strokes then have 2 putts for a total of 4 strokes. The current yardage guidelines from the USGA for men are:

Is golf a challenge in 2020?

Golf Terms 2020. Learning to play golf is one of the great challenges in all of sports. Learning the game’s golf terms and lingo may be just as difficult.

Is it hard to learn golf?

Learning to play golf is one of the great challenges in all of sports. Learning the game’s golf terms and lingo may be just as difficult.

What is forgiveness in golf?

Forgiveness refers to the edge that the club gives the golfer. When a club has higher forgiveness, it has less chance of producing mishits. A club with high forgiveness is called game improvement clubs. It’s widely used by beginners and senior golfers. All types of golf clubs can be made with a certain level of forgiveness.

What is a wedge in golf?

Wedges are types of iron clubs with higher lofts. It’s a series of clubs after the 9-iron. It can be a sand wedge, lob wedge, and a gap wedge. These are used for approach shots to the green and chip shots when the ball is stuck on the bunker, the sandy patches within the golf course.

How many yards can a driver drive a ball?

It’s also called a driver (1-wood) for its large clubhead that can drive a ball for as much as 320 yards. Beginners typically used fairway woods as these are easier to hit than a 1-wood type.

What is a blind shot in golf?

A blind shot is exactly what it is, a hit where you can’t see the landing area where you’re hitting or approaching from. It can be an area on the tee or the green itself. This happens mostly if the ball gets off the course and the golfer has to deal with trees and terrains that block the view.

How many shots under par for an eagle?

It’s a score that’s 2 shots under par. If you’re playing on a par 3 hole, you need a hole-in-one to have an Eagle. For a par 4, it would be two shots and three shots for par 5 holes. This is more prevalent than an Albatross.

What is the bounce on a golf club?

This is the measurement of how much the bottom part of the clubhead lifts the edge on the lead. The bounce is the part that rests on the ground when hitting the ball. Also, it’s the part that prevents the wedge from digging through the sand during a chip shot.

What is an iron in golf?

Irons are types of golf clubs that are made of either cast or forged iron. It’s numbered from 3 to 9 and may also include a few wedges. Usually, irons are used to hit shots between 120 to 190 yards. It can be bought as a set or as individual pieces based on your liking.

What does the handicap mean in golf?

The lower the handicap, the better the player. Handicaps allow payers with different skill levels to compete with each other.

What is a shank in golf?

Many consider this a rude golf term. Used to describe a shot you’ve hit off the hosel of your club. Shanks typically start severely right of your target (for right-handed players) and don’t travel far.

What is a links golf course?

Links-style golf courses are courses with a natural and open layout, lying on sandy soil heavily affected by the wind. Traditional links course have no trees but thick rough grasses.

What happens if you hit your ball out of bounds?

Designated areas on the golf course marked as unplayable. Often marked with white stakes and on scorecards. Players who hit their ball out of bounds have 3 minutes to find it or need to return to their original location and hit another shot. If you find it, you are allowed to take relief and play your next shot. Both will earn you penalties.

What is the best grass for putting greens?

Also called Turfgrass. It is classified as a “cool-season grass,” which means it grows far better in cooler climates than in warmer ones. Bentgrass is commonly the first choice of grass for putting greens in any location where it can be grown.

What is a fat shot in golf?

Used referring to golf shots where impact was behind the ball. For a good golf shot, your aim to hit the ball first, then the ground. Fat shots travel significantly shorter.

What is a short shot?

A short shot, but longer than a chip, you play with a higher-lofted club. Less distance than a full swing mainly used to flight the ball towards a target with accuracy, recover from the rough, or flight the ball below overhanging trees.

What does it mean to reach a green in regulation golf?

To reach a green in regulation means that you are at least putting for birdie on that hole. Your ball must be on the green in either 1 shot on a par-3, 2 on a par-4, or 3 on a par-5. You definitely want to make this a part of your golfing vocabulary as soon as possible.

How many irons are in a golf bag?

Iron: The metal clubs in your bag usually numbered 4 to 9 (sometimes people will carry lower irons, but not as often anymore). Usually the lower the number the farther it will travel and the higher the number the higher the trajectory will be.

What does the word "fore" mean in golf?

Fore is a word a golfer shouts very loudly when he hit the golf ball, and it is flying toward another player speedily close to them. A golfer must need to use this word to warn them for their safety.

What is the border of a golf course called?

The borders’ area of the fairway is called rough in the golf course. You can also say that the surrounding area of the fairway, tee box, and green. This area is longer and thicker than the fairway area.

What is par in golf?

Par is the standard score of shots on the golf course; the golfers are expected to complete a hole. Almost every hole is par-3, par-4, or par-5. At present, some new golf courses are adding extra-long par-6 holes. One of the other, par can also be applied as a collective the term in whatever way a golfer can scoring over various holes.

What does "one shot over par" mean?

BOGEY: ONE STROKE OVER PAR. Bogey means that when a golfer score of one over par. A golfer generally says “I shoot bogey golf”. When a golfer finished one shot over par is called a bogey, two over per is called a double bogey and when the player finished three over par is called triple bogey, and more.

What is the meaning of "slice" in golf?

If you use it, you will take a penalty. 14. SLICE: TENDENCY TO HIT THE GOLF BALL TO THE RIGHT/LEFT. Slice is the most popular golf term which uses when a golfer gives a shot that bends violently to the right for a right-handed golfer.

What is the hook on the golf course?

It is the part of the golf course where you start of every golf hole. It is a small hook that is made of wood or plastic in where a golfer gets permission to use it when he or she is hitting a shot.

What is the term for a hole in one?

You can define the term “ace” in one word, a hole-in-one. This term is used when a golfer needs only one shot in his game to put the ball into the hole.

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.

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.

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 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.