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what are some common golf terms

by Prof. Colton Kulas Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Golf Terms 2022

Golf Terms Definitions
Bentgrass Grass strain used on courses
Bermuda Grass Grass strain very common
Best Ball A type of tournament played
Between Clubs When a golfer faces a shot
Apr 15 2022

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

Full Answer

What are some common golf terms?

Apr 25, 2019 · 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...

What are all the golf terms?

Apr 19, 2019 · An ace is probably the most common golf term you should know. It’s a hole-in-one or a score of one shot in a hole. Address The stance the player takes on to prepare to make a stroke. Albatross Also known as a “double eagle,” an Albatross is a score of 3-under-par for a single hole. Back Nine The final 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course Ballooning

What are the terms used in golf?

Golf Terminology for Beginners Caddie. A caddie is a person that is hired to carry your clubs and give advice during the round. Caddies tend to have... Fore. Fore is one of the commonly used golf terms ever! If you hear the word “fore” you need to …

What do golf terms mean?

Feb 09, 2021 · Without further delay, here is our comprehensive list of the most commonly-used golf scoring terms and what they mean. Par. Par is likely the term that you are most familiar with and is one of the easiest golf terms to understand.

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What are basic golf terms?

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?).Dec 15, 2021

What are some golf sayings?

19 Golf Phrases For Good LuckGood Luck.Enjoy The 19th Hole.Hit 'Em Long And Straight.May The Fores Be With You.Play Well.Swing Easy.Only Birdies.Have A Great Round.More items...•Nov 17, 2021

What are golf shots called?

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 the 7 golf scoring terms?

Golf Scoring Terms (Par, Bogey, Birdie, Eagle, Albatross, and More)Jul 15, 2021

What to say to a guy that plays golf?

It may seem simple, but it absolutely works as a way to wish a golfer the best. Simply saying, “Good luck,” means that you hope the golfer plays well. This is a good thing to say even if you are playing a match against someone else.

What does Scooby mean in golf?

Staff picks: For golfers on the go “[The words] mean anything you want them to mean, really,” Wolff said. “Scooby's one of them, you could be like 'Hey, I'm going to get some Scooby snacks' or like 'What up, Scooby? ' describing someone.”Dec 8, 2020

What are the 9 shots in golf?

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 a turkey in golf terms?

Three consecutive birdies during one round of golf.

What is a bogey in golf terms?

If a player needs one stroke more than par to finish a hole, he makes a “bogey.” So, if you finish a par 4 with only 3 strokes, you make a “birdie”, but if you take 5 strokes to complete a par 4, you make a “bogey”.Apr 25, 2019

What does eagle mean in golf terms?

a score 2-under parAn “eagle” in golf means a score 2-under par on each hole. This golf term is really easy to understand. All there is to know to get the equivalent strokes you need to target to get an eagle score on a particular hole is the par.

What is a green in golf?

Definition of putting green : a smooth grassy area at the end of a golf fairway containing the hole also : a similar area usually with many holes that is used for practice.

What is a good score in golf?

In golf, scores less than 120 strokes are seen as respectable, or "good" scores among amateur golfers. While 90 stroke scores are considered average, scores below 120 strokes on an 18-hole course are seen amongst the golf community as relatively good.

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 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 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.

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 the famous link course?

Famous links courses include the Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Turnberry in Scotland. The Open Championship, or British Open, is always played on links courses. Links golf usually requires golfers to play their balls on a lower trajectory, using the ground to their advantage.

What does par mean in golf?

What it means: Par refers to the number of set strokes recommended to complete a given hole. Usually, this number will be 3, 4, or 5 depending on the length of the hole. These will be called par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s, respectively. Golfers use this term when comparing their score to the recommended number of strokes for the hole.

What does "fore right" mean in golf?

If you hit an errant shot that is traveling dangerously close to other golfers, you are expected to use this term. This term will often be used in combination with a direction. For example, if you’re shot is heading towards people on the right side of a hole, you should yell, “fore-right!”.

What does it mean to have an eagle on a par 5?

An eagle in golf is when you score two under par on a hole. On a par-5, this would mean you only needed three shots to get the ball into the hole. Eagles are by far most common on par-5s, although they happen occasionally on par-4s and 3s. An eagle on a par-3 is the same thing as a hole-in-one.

What is a bogey in golf?

A bogey is when you shoot one over par on a given hole. For example, if you take four strokes on a par-3, you could say you got a bogey on the hole. This is a decent score for beginners, but advanced players might be slightly disappointed if they get a bogey.

What is a golf handicap?

What it means: A golf handicap is a scoring system used to determine how well a golfer can shoot. Handicaps are used so that players of different skill levels can fairly compete against each other. The lower the handicap, the better the player, and vice-versa.

What does it mean when a golfer hits a shank?

A shank is a shot that makes contact with the hosel of an iron, causing it to shoot straight sideways. If a golfer hits several shanks in a row, you might say they’ve got “a bad case of the shanks.”. This is arguably one of the most frustrating shots in golf.

What is the longest club in a golf bag?

The driver is the longest club in a player’s bag and it will also be used to hit the golf ball the furthest. This club will be used from the tee box, however, in rare circumstances, advanced players might hit it from the fairway. Drivers are generally used on par-4 or par-5 holes.

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.

Albatross

Also known as a “double eagle,” an Albatross is a score of 3-under-par for a single hole.

Ballooning

The disproportionate amount of climbing or lift for a shot surpassing its normal course. Once shot into the wind, the shot can fall short of the desired distance.

Caddy

Someone who assists a golf player by carrying their bag of golf clubs and/or gives the player helpful tips and the status of the game.

Clubhouse

The main building of a golf course which can house the pro shop, dining area, locker rooms, lounge, offices, and so on.

Committee

A person or group overseeing the competition, or the course if no competition is taking place.

Depth Charge

A putt that has lingered softly down a slippery slope and meant to just get near rather than a score the mark.

Drop

A scenario where the ball is discharged by hand with an extended arm-shoulder height to only be put back in the game after being lifted under various conditions within the guidelines of golf.

What is the S word for a golf shot?

A “ shank ”, commonly known as “The S Word” is another nightmare among all golfers, even pros! A shank is shot that is hit off the neck or heel of the golf club which promotes it to shoot right immediately.

What is the rough in golf?

Rough. The rough on a golf course is the longest grass that surrounds the fairway and green. If you hit a shot into the rough it usually results in a tougher next shot. Depending on the golf course you are playing, the rough length can vary greatly.

What does "bogey" mean in golf?

Bogey. A bogey” is used when a golfer finishes the hole one above par. If you hear golfers say “I shoot bogey golf”, they are referring to averaging a bogey per hole. This would mean that they shoot a 90 on a par 72 golf course.

What is an eagle in golf?

Eagles are more common than the previous two golf terms but still rare for most amateur golfers. An eagle is two shots below par. So if you’re playing a par-5, you score a 3 on the hole. These are most common on Par 5’s as golfers can hit on in two shots and make a putt for eagle.

What does scratch mean in golf?

A “scratch” golfer is what almost all amateur golfers strive for. A golfer who has played at a “scratch” level means they have a handicap of 0. These highly skilled golfers usually shoot par or better on the course.

What is a handicap in golf?

A handicap is the measurement of the average number of strokes over par during a round. For example, if you are a 10 handicap, you should shoot around an 82 (10 shots more than par). If you’re a scratch golfer (or a zero), you should shoot around 72.

What is a mulligan in golf?

Mulligan. Every golfer should know the definition of a mulligan. A mulligan is when you re-hit your previous shot because you didn’t like the outcome of the shot. Mulligans are commonly used among beginning golfers. If you are playing with friends, you might get “ first hole mulligans ” as you aren’t warmed up.

What does "par" mean in golf?

Par. Par is likely the term that you are most familiar with and is one of the easiest golf terms to understand. The reason that we’ve started with par, is that many of the other terms that you’ll encounter in this guide build upon and are defined by their relation to par. The term par refers to the number of strokes that a golfer would be expected ...

What is par in golf?

The term par refers to the number of strokes that a golfer would be expected to take to complete a hole. Different holes will require a different number of strokes, and par is determined by the length, difficulty, and terrain of any given hole. It’s a rule of thumb that par will always account for two putts.

What is the most common stroke required to complete a hole in golf?

Most of the time, a hole will be either a par-3, par-4, or par-5. Scorers assessing golf courses have determined that these are the most common amount of strokes needed to complete holes on a golf course. It is possible for you to play a par-6 hole, but these are extremely rare.

What does it mean when a golf ball is shanked?

This occurs when the golfer strikes the ball not with the head of the club, but rather with the shaft before the head. You have to have a pretty strange swing to accomplish this, but it can certainly be done.

What is double cross golf?

Double Cross. A double cross is a slightly more complicated term. This actually refers to the direction that your ball goes after you make contact with your club. A fairly common situation for beginners, in particular, is when you are trying to curve the ball one way, and it ends up going the complete opposite way.

Why is an eagle important in golf?

In a game like golf, every stroke matters because the leaders are often so closely grouped together. That’s why an eagle is considered to be incredibly valuable and is well sought after during a round of golf.

Is golf slang?

Some terms are fun and can be considered golf slang, while others are significant and a necessity to understand if you’re to be considered a serious golfer; all terms are deeply rooted in the game’s history.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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 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.

How many letters are there in golf?

During the game of golf, you’ll encounter some terms. Some of the words will have four letters…especially after a bad shot. But those words aren’t necessarily specific to golf. The following words usually are used during golf.

What is the par number in golf?

Par. All the holes on the golf course will have a par number. They’ll either be a par 3, 4, or 5. This refers to the number of strokes the golf gods say you should be able to complete the hole in. Another term you may hear is “ even .”.

What does it mean when you birdie a golf hole?

If you’ve managed a birdie, it means you completed the hole using one fewer stroke than par. For example, if it’s a par 5 hole, and it only took you 4 strokes to get the ball in the hole, you got a birdie.

What happens if you get a bogey in golf?

Now let’s dive into what happens if it takes you additional shots over par. Bogey. If you got a bogey, it’s not the end of the world, but it means it took you one more shot than par to get the ball in the hole.

How many mulligans per nine holes?

It’s a very unofficial free shot. Outside the pros and even the amateur competition a player typically gets one mulligan per nine holes. This will vary from golfer to golfer. Beach.

What is the opposite of hook shot?

It’s one of the most common shots for beginners. Slice. A slice is the opposite of the hook shot. It’s when the ball moves left to right and the opposite for left-handed players. Again, this is one of the most common problem shots for beginners.

What is a hook shot in golf?

Hooks. A hook shot is when the ball moves right to left (for right-handers) and the opposite way for left-handed players. When this happens some elite four-letter words might be expressed.

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Golf Scoring Terminology

Golf Equipment Terminology

  • Tee
    What it means: A golf tee is a wooden or plastic peg that is placed in the ground to hit a golf ball off of.You may only use a tee when you are hitting from the tee-box.
  • Driver
    What it means: The driver is the longest club in a player’s bag and it will also be used to hit the golf ball the furthest. This club will be used from the tee box, however, in rare circumstances, advanced players might hit it from the fairway. Drivers are generally used on par-4 or par-5 holes.
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Golf Playing Terminology

  • Dogleg
    What it means: A dogleg is an architectural term for a hole on a golf course that has a straight fairway before veering either left or right. If it curves to the left, it’s called a dogleg-left hole and if it curves to the right, it’s known as a dogleg-right. Architects will add this design feature to force pl…
  • Fore
    What it means: “Fore” is a term that’s shouted as a warning to other golfers ahead of your group that an incoming ball is heading in their direction. If you hit an errant shot that is traveling dangerously close to other golfers, you are expected to use this term. This term will often be use…
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Golf Course Terminology

  • Round
    What it means: The act of playing golf (18 holes) on a course. For example, you might ask a friend if they want to go for “a round.”
  • Links
    What it means: Links is a unique style of golf course. These courses are most popular in Europe and usually involve a layout that blends with the natural geography of the area. For example, instead of having manicured rough, many links-style courses will have tall fescue on the outskirt…
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The Takeaway…

  • As you begin to learn the game, you’ll start noticing that there are certain common golf terms that are often used. They can be used to represent equipment, score, and many other important facets of the game of golf. It’s important to take a few minutes to brush up on these terms so you’ll be ready when you finally hit the course! Hope this was helpful. For more beginner golf content, fee…
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