
What do the numbers on a golf club mean?
The number markings in clubs are often found on its head, and it is indicative of the golf club’s loft. You will often see them in fairway irons and woods, as well as various specialty clubs. Aside from the head, you will also see the numbers in club covers.
Why is it important to know the most important golf terms?
In order to demystify the sport and give players a better understanding, we will take you through some of the most important and commonly used golf terms. This will give you more confidence on the course and allow you to focus on your game without trying to decipher what the other person just said.
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.
Why do golf balls have two digits?
Titleist and TaylorMade are two brands using two digits as a standard in their golf numbers. The double-digit golf balls will have anywhere from 00 to 99. In the 1990s, the numbers on golf balls also used to indicate the compression rate.

Is +12 a good golf score?
Good Golf Score for Young Golfers: Under 12 Years Old – 120 would be a good golf score (150 for beginners) 12 Years to 14 Years Old – 70's & 80's would be a good golf score (120 for beginners) 15 to 18 Years Old – under par and par golf are good golf scores (90-100 for beginners)
What is a 12 handicap in golf?
Your friend, with a golf handicap of six, is expected to play 78 strokes, or six over par. While you and your twelve handicap are expected to hit 84 strokes, 12 more over par. Your handicap, in short, is the number of strokes over par you should take in the course of the 18-hole round.
What does 22 handicap mean in golf?
The USGA defines course handicap as a number that "indicates the number of strokes a player receives from a specific set of tees at the course being played to adjust the player's scoring ability to the level of scratch or zero-handicap golf." For instance, a golfer with an 18 handicap can expect to shoot 18 over par on ...
What does 11 mean in golf?
(Remember, by "taking a stroke" we mean that you get to reduce your score on that hole by one stroke.) If you get to take 11 strokes, then you find the 11 highest-rated holes on the handicap line, and take one stroke on each of those holes. If you get to take 18 strokes, then you get one stroke on every hole.
Is 12 a low handicap?
Low Handicap In most cases, a low golf handicap is one that is a single digit. In other words, it is a handicap of between 1 and 9. Different people may have different definitions of a low handicap. For example, a golfer with a handicap of 2 might not feel that 9 is considered low.
What does a 12 handicap usually shoot?
In other words, if your Course Handicap is a 12, you'll likely shoot about 12 strokes above the Course Rating on that course and set of tees. Generally speaking, you should play to your Course Handicap (net score of even par) about 20% of the time.
What handicap is a 100 golfer?
a 28What is your handicap if you shoot 100? If you shoot around 100 for 18 holes, your handicap is roughly a 28 (100-72 = 28).
What's my handicap if I shoot 85?
If you shoot a 85, you can say that your handicap is an 13. You are a mid handicap golfer, which is an average handicap (more golfers fall into this group than any other).
What is the highest handicap in golf?
54.0Rules of Handicapping FAQs A. The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0 for all players.
What does 15 mean in golf?
The USPAG puts the “official” average at a 15 handicap. This would mean a player who typically scores around 90 on the average course. Another measurement for the average golfers is what is known as a bogey golfer.
Is 70 a good golf score?
Golf courses normally have a par that ranges between 70 and 72; any score that is at par or under par is considered good.
What does t3 mean in golf?
Example: Johann's favorite club was his three wood/3 wood. Three-Ball a Match Play format where three players play against each other, so each player is playing two matches at the same time. In a Three-ball each player plays his own ball and has a match going with each of the other two players in the group.
What does the number mean on a golf club?
Golf club numbers refer to the loft, which is the angle of the golf club face. When you adjust the loft, you are changing the height and distance the golf ball will travel when struck. The lower the golf club number, the less loft, the less intense the angle on the golf club face; this means the golf ball will travel more distance at a lower height.
What are the different types of golf clubs?
The three common types of golf clubs are wood, iron and putter. You can find these types of golf clubs at our golf pro shop in South Florida.
What is a wood golf club?
Wood golf clubs are long-range clubs used at the beginning of every hole when you tee off. For longer courses, use wood golf clubs in the second swing. Woods have large, circular club heads with a flat front where you strike the golf ball.
Why are putters so easy to remember?
Putter Golf Clubs. Putters are easy to remember because they have short shafts and smaller club heads. You may recognize this club from the last time you played mini-golf, but, hopefully, your putter is much better than those!
Is it hard to learn to play golf?
Learning to play golf can be difficult due to the golf rules and regulations that come with it. A common question asked by rookies and veteran golfers alike is the meaning behind the various golf club numbers.
Why use a 12 degree driver?
Using a 12 degree driver as opposed to a lower amount of left can help many struggling golfers. The main benefits of using a 12° driver is the higher launch trajectory you’ll experience off the tee. The higher launch will help the ball clear trees and move with the wind easier.
Which is better, 9.5 or 12 ° driver?
A 12 ° driver is a better choice for a beginner golfer as the higher degree of loft will help them hit the ball at a higher angle. 9.5° drivers are better suited for golfers with more experience and a faster swing speed.
What is a Titleist 917F2 driver?
Titleist offers an excellent driver called the 917F2. This driver actually allows you to adjust the amount of loft! This is a great idea for golfers who either don’t know which loft is right for them or who would just like to adjust club specs in the future.
Why is loft lower in golf?
A lower amount of loft will cause the ball to fly at a lower height, create more roll and generally travel further. This is why drivers in particular tend to fall under the lowest range of loft. The ultimate aim of a golf drive is to hit the ball as far as possible, so a lower amount of loft is ideal.
What is the shaft size of Taylormade Aeroburner 12?
It would be difficult to miss a golfer using the Taylormade Aeroburner 12 driver. With its white colored head, 46 inch shaft, and stiff flex; this is a driver worth looking at.
How much loft do you need for a driver?
The standard amount of loft for a driver is 10.5 degrees. However many players have found out just like I did, that moving up to 12 degrees could mark a significant improvement in your driving results.
What is the average club head speed?
The average club head speed for a male golfer is about 95 MPH (15 km). Most players who fall under this average should use a loft of 10.5 degrees. This is a good starting point and should allow you to enjoy a perfect combination between launch and distance for your swing speed.
What does 9.5 mean on a golf club?
A driver, however, usually has a number such as 9.5 or 10.5 to indicate the loft of the club. Drivers are available in a variety of lofts. Wedges typically don't have numbers. Instead that have letters such as P or PW ...
What are the numbers on golf clubs?
Numbers. The numbers stamped or marked on the heads of golf clubs relate to the club's loft. Fairway woods and irons are the clubs that are always stamped, although specialty clubs also carry some form of identification. A 4-iron, for example, has less loft than a 9-iron.
Why do golfers use clubhead covers?
Most golfers use clubhead covers to protect their driver and fairway woods from damage sustained in their golf bag. These covers are always marked with corresponding numbers so that even when a clubhead is covered, you can still identify the club with ease.
Why are golf clubs stamped with a number?
Clubs are labeled clearly for identification. Most golf clubs are stamped with a number as a means of identification. Although experienced golfers are often able to differentiate between their clubs simply by viewing their size, shape and loft of their clubface, the number helps make this distinction certain.
Do sand wedges have numbers?
Wedges typically don' t have numbers. Instead that have letters such as P or PW for pitching wedge and S for sand wedge. The sand wedge, gap wedge and lob wedge might also be identified by the degrees of loft. The sand wedge, for example, might say "56" for 56 degrees of loft, rather and "S." Putters also are not marked with a number because ...
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 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 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 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.
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.
Where are links golf courses located?
Links courses are also usually located on ocean coasts, where strong, changing winds play a major factor. “Links” golf courses began in Scotland with the very first golf courses ever built.
What is the magic number for golf?
If this is the first time to establish your handicap, the magic number is 10. That means that for every shot you take over ten, you subtract from your final score.
How many rounds of golf are required to get a handicap?
The USGA Handicap System. The USGA dictates that in order to find the most accurate handicap of a golfer is to have a minimum of 12 established rounds of golf. The best and worst rounds are typically discarded to find the most adequate representation of your skills.
What is a good golf handicap?
A good golf handicap is usually below 10. This would mean that a player with a handicap of 10 typically shoots around 82 for 18-holes. The average golf handicap for men and women golfers is around 15. This would mean that this golfer shoots around 90.
How many rounds are required to calculate handicap?
This allows you to consistently measure your handicap year-to-year with no more than 20 rounds being used to compute the formula.
Does a golf scorecard have slope rating?
Most golf scorecards will have the course slope rating listed on them. If there isn’t one on the card, you should ask the person at the pro shop for the information to keep your information legit.
Can you calculate your handicap on a daily basis?
The great thing about the system is that you can calculate a handicap no matter which golf course you play on a daily basis. It is important to note that the most accurate handicaps will come from playing the same course.
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 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 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 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 Golf Handicap?
Ok, let’s get straight down to business. As an amateur player, a golf handicap allows you to play golf against any other player, any skill level, on any course, and have a reasonable chance of competing against each other.
Why Does the Handicap System Exist?
Ok, while a handicap is an indicator of how ‘good’ a golfer is, it wasn’t designed to be used purely as a tool to measure excellence.
How to Get a Golf Handicap
If you are brand new to the game, don’t worry about getting a golf handicap just yet. Just work on your technique and enjoy your game. There’s nothing that kills enthusiasm more than putting pressure on yourself.
How to Calculate Golf Handicap (as of 2020 onwards)
As of 2020, the rules and formula regarding how handicaps were calculated changed slightly along with the introduction of the World Handicap System (WHS). The good news is that this system has already been adopted by the USGA!
Golf Handicap FAQ
A ‘playing handicap’ is a variable total number of strokes you are allowed on a specific course on a specific day, say for a competition or in match play. The playing handicap is based on a percentage of your course handicap. It is devised by multiplying your course handicap by an ‘allowance’.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to golf handicaps, there is quite a lot to think about. The rules have changed recently to make them much more standard across the world.
Bump-n-MI
2. Not taking enough club. Playing for that absolutely perfectly struck 7 iron that happens maybe once every 5 shots, rather than the one that they hit the other 80% of the time.
SpringBokVol
I couldn't agree more with No. 2. Most high handicappers I play with want to look cool by hitting their PW 160 yards... I learned, not that long ago, that it doesn't matter how you get it there as long as you get it there. Also, a lot of high handicappers are not very good at reading the greens or judging the greens speed.
shankapotamus
To all the low handicap people out there, tell me why I'm a 12. Meaning, let's say you're a 3 handicap or whatever and you play rounds with guys who are in that 10,12,15 handicap range. What do you see from them that makes you scratch your head and say..."why the hell did you do that?"
shankapotamus
Well, the example was 250 yards out in the rough. Not too many people hit a 3-wood straight and 150 yards, certainly not at that level.
jonnythan
But, then you have to hit a longer club instead of a shorter club to the green, thus making it harder to get it close.
Posts
Missed the cut at the 2022 Farmer’s Insurance Open. Looks like he’s still got a lot of work to do.
What is bounce angle in golf clubs?
The higher the bounce angle, the more the leading edge of the sole is off the ground at address. And different levels of bounce angle (higher or lower) in a wedge lead to slightly different playing characteristics. Bounce and bounce angle are elements present in all iron golf clubs, not just wedges. But the terms are commonly used almost ...
What is the lowest part of a wedge called?
Brent Kelley. Updated April 22, 2018. "Bounce" is a golf term referring to the lowest part of the sole of a wedge, that part of the wedge sole that is actually in contact with the ground at address and that causes the front of the sole to be off the ground at address. "Bounce angle" is a measurement, expressed in degrees, ...
What does higher bounce mean on a wedge?
The more bounce a wedge has—the higher its bounce angle—the better it will resist digging. Another way of saying it: Higher bounce equals smaller, shallower divots . You can also think of bounce as a feature that reduces the drag on a wedge moving through sand, or through longer grass or thicker grass.
What is the average bounce angle?
Bounce angle can range anywhere from zero degrees to 14 degrees or higher. You can think of bounce angles of four degrees or less as low bounce; 5-10 degrees as medium bounce; and anything above 10 degrees as high bounce.
What is a bounce angle?
Bounce and bounce angle are elements present in all iron golf clubs, not just wedges. But the terms are commonly used almost exclusively in reference to wedges.
Does swing type affect bounce?
Yes, swing type does have an impact on how much bounce will work best for you. "Golf course conditions and the way the golfer swings the wedges down into the ball have a bearing on how much bounce is good or bad for any golfer," says club designer and clubfitting researcher Tom Wishon, founder of Tom Wishon Golf Technology .
Do you need more bounce when swinging wedges?
These are the general guidelines: Golfers who swing their wedges steeply into impact (a steep angle of attack) need more bounce; Golfers who sweep into the ball (shallow angle of attack) require less bounce.
