
In short, it’s about “respect”: Respect for the course – leave the course as you would like to find it by repairing pitch-marks, replacing divots and raking bunkers. Respect for your fellow players – be sportsmanlike and polite, stay by the green to watch them hole out, and avoid distracting them.
What are the most important terms in golf?
There are numerous terms which a golfer cherishes and yearns to listen too. Those who are not in the thick of golfing action hardly know about many golfing terms, except for a very few like par, putting, PGA, and so on.
What does Good-Good mean in golf?
Good-Good: Agreement between two golfers on the green to give each other gimmes. As in, "if mine is good, yours is good." 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."
What is scoring in golf?
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 are the rules of golf?
Etiquette – Golf is a gentleman’s game and etiquette is the rules that govern a player’s conduct and behavior. Even Par – When a golfer’s score matches the 18-hole par for that golf course Fade – The opposite of a draw, a fade moves from left to right during flight, for a right-handed golfer.

What are the five rules of golf etiquette?
5 Golf Etiquette RulesSilence is golden. As a courtesy, do not move or make any noise when a fellow player is up to putt. ... Take your time, but not too much. ... Losing the game can be frustrating, but losing your cool is significantly worse. ... Watch where you stand. ... Respect the green.
What are the 3 categories of golf etiquette?
Let's look at some golf etiquette rules. We will break it down into three categories: before the game, during the game, and after the game.
What is golf etiquette when you are at the tee?
Please make sure to show up at least 20 minutes before your tee time. It's rude to fellow players and bad for your game when you scramble from the car to the 1st tee box. You want to arrive at least 20 minutes early so you can check in, stretch, get loose, and hit some range balls.
What does golf etiquette mean in golf?
Golf etiquette refers to a set of rules and practices designed to make the game of golf safer and more enjoyable for golfers and to minimize possible damage to golf equipment and courses. Although many of these practices are not part of the formal rules of golf, golfers are customarily expected to observe them.
What is the most important rule in golf?
Teeing up the ball is not only one of the most important rules of golf, it's one of the simplest to follow. However, it is often broken by excessively keen players looking to shorten a hole. The teeing area is a rectangle marked by the two tee markers and two-club lengths back, often around 40 square feet.
Where should you stand when someone is teeing off?
Directly behind. To either side. It shouldn't matter. So long as you're at a safe distance and you aren't moving, your presence is no different than that of a parked cart, or a ball washer or any number of inanimate objects one encounters on a course.
Can you stand behind your partner when he is putting?
When it comes to reading a putt's break, members of a four-ball team may stand nearly anywhere on the green to watch a partner putt, with one exception: They're not allowed to stand on or close to an extension of the player's line of putt behind the ball (Rule 14-2b).
What are examples of poor etiquette on the golf course?
The 35 rudest things you should never do on the golf course'Driving the cart ahead of the group' ... 'Taking calls on the course' ... 'Order way too many drinks' ... 'Get mad about their game' ... 'Standing over the ball too long' ... 'Talk too much' ... 'Drives their cart too close to your ball' ... 'Unsolicited swing advice'More items...•
What are 3 etiquette rules when on the green?
10 practice putting green etiquette rules most golfers don't knowDon't make footmarks in the green. ... Don't putt through other people's lines. ... Don't walk through other people's lines. ... Don't putt to holes that other people are using. ... If the green is small and busy, don't set up a big putting drill.More items...•
Why do golfers remove their hats at the end of the round?
The simple act of taking off your hat or visor and shaking your playing partner's hand is the way it's always been done and the way it always should be. It's a sign of respect and friendship for the other player, even in defeat.
Why do you put without a glove?
Golfers take off their glove when they are putting because they want to have a better feel. The golf glove is used to help give players a better grip and more control when they are swinging a club at a fast speed.
Why do pro golfers leave the pin in when putting?
He concluded that keeping the pin in prevented some breaking putts from entering the hole, specifically those putts that began to drift away from the hole's center as they approached it. The same putts succeeded every time with the pin out.
Where does the term ‘golf’ come from?
Many believe it is derived from the Scots-language word “goulf”.
What is an ace in golf?
An “ace” is one of the most coveted accomplishments in the golf. It is simply an alternate golf term for “ hole-in-one “, which is when a player needs only one shot to get his ball in the hole. Virtually all “aces” or “holes-in-one” occur on par 3s. That’s because all players are expected to reach the green on par 3s with their tee shot ...
What is a par? A birdie? A bogey?
Let’s start simply with the golf terms “par”, “birdie” and “bogey”. All three of these golf terms refer to scoring.
What does ‘mulligan’ mean 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. Rather than start off on a bad note, golfers in casual games will sometimes “take a mulligan” and re-play their first shot with a new ball without counting the original bad shot.
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 does it mean when you make a 4 on a par 4?
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. If a player needs one stroke more than par to finish a hole, he makes a “bogey.”.
Why do you yell "fore"?
But if you hit a wild shot that flies toward golfers on other holes, bystanders, or spectators, you must yell “fore” loudly to warn them about the incoming ball. Like many other golf terms, the origin of “fore” is not entirely known.
What does "away" mean in golf?
Away – The player that is farthest away from the hole and is up to play.
What is the importance of alignment in golf?
Alignment – This refers to the position of the player’s body relative to the intended target. Good alignment is critical for accurate shots.
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 bump and run golf?
Bump and Run – A chip shot around the green involving a low lofted iron. This type of chip is great for a large part of the green to work with.
What is the center of gravity in golf?
Center of Gravity – While this term can also be used to talk about a player it is generally related to the design and balancing of the golf club. To keep the concept simple, the farther back and lower the center of gravity (CG), the higher the trajectory will be according to the loft angle. This will give golfers an easier launch that generally has good backspin. Low handicap players do not need this advantage as much and tend to prefer a progressive CG with a higher CG on the longer irons.
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 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 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 is sandbagging in golf?
Sandbagging – When a golfer claims they have a handicap that is much higher than their actual playing ability. If golfers compete against each other based on handicap this practice is frowned upon because that golfer will get extra strokes that they technically don’t deserve – don’t be a sandbagger, be honest!
What is a block in golf?
Block – A block is when a golfer hits a shot directly to the right (for a right-handed golfer)
What is a snowman in golf?
A snowman is when you score an 8 on a hole. Worm Burner – When you strike a shot that barely gets off the ground and just rolls. Ace – Another word for a hole-in-one. Fore – The word you shout as loud as you can when you hit your ball in the direction of another golfer. You need to warn them!
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 it mean when a golf ball is juicy?
Offers a nice clean hit. A juicy lie indicates the ball is sitting on top of grass as if it is mounted on a short Tee.
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.
How many strokes does it take to get a golf ball into the hole?
Only taking two strokes to get the golf ball into the hole when your ball is resting around the green.
What is a lumberjack in golf?
Lumberjack: When a golfer hits a ball into a wooded area numerous times during a round and continues to hit the trees trying to get out of the woods. Lie: While in play the Lie is the position/location of the golf ball.
What is the right to tee off first?
The right to tee off first based on having the best score on the last hole or being furthest away from the hole.
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 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 does "above the hole" mean in golf?
Above the Hole: To describe the position of the golf ball in connection with the cup, or hole, when the ball is on the green, the golf phrase ‘above the hole’ is used. Ace: When a ‘hole in one ‘ is scored, or a player has scored 1 on any hole, it is an ‘Ace’ .
How many clubs are there in a golf tournament?
Five of Clubs: It is a format of a golf tournament, where each golfer is allowed to use just 5 golf clubs.
What is a country club?
Country Club: Country club refers to a social and recreational facility, either private or semi private and has a golf course most of the time.
What is the name of the golf ball that spins backwards?
Backspin: When the ball rotates backward (towards the player)in flight along its horizontal axis, it is called the backspin. Back Tees: The tees at the extreme rear of a golf course are the back tees. Backweight: Any weight attached to the back of the head of golf club is referred to a back weight.
What is the area around the putting green called?
Apron: The area which is neatly moved, especially around the putting green and between the putting surface and any kind of undulated ground surrounding the putting green is called apron . Army Golf: Army golf is a slang amongst the golf terms.
What is an alternate shot in golf?
Alternate Shot: This is basically a golf competition format , also called the Foursomes. Here, two-member teams hit the same ball alternately. Alternate Tees: A golf hole is said to have alternate tees when there are two different sets of tee boxes built on that same hole.
What does "good good" mean in golf?
Good-Good: Agreement between two golfers on the green to give each other gimmes. As in, "if mine is good, yours is 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 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 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 flub in golf?
Flub: Usually applied to badly botched chip shots, especially ones hit fat. 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.
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 does "chef" mean in golf?
Chef: A golfer who can't stop slicing.
