what are some golf terms

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. It is the dream of many golfers.
• 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. Eagle – A score of two under par on a hole is known as an eagle.

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What are some golf terms?

Nov 09, 2020 · 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 ...

What are the terms used in golf?

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 …

What do golf terms mean?

Jul 27, 2020 · Every hole on a golf course is rated either a par-3, par-4, or par-5. Anything below that number adds to your score in tournament play and anything below that number subtracts from it. Bogey: When you make 1 stroke above par. For instance, if it takes you 5 shots to get the ball in the hole on a par 4, you have just bogeyed that hole.

What are the terms of 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 head for cover and... Tee Box. The tee box is …

What is a good golf shot called?

Backhander:When you hit the ball casually with the back-side of the putter to “Hole” a very short putt.Banana Ball:The ball travels in a ”banana-shaped” curve. A very sharp fade shot known as a “slice”.Barkies:Hitting the golf ball at trees and obtaining a good score despite it.Beach:Term used for a sand bunker.5 more rows

What is the first swing in golf called?

Tee box. The start of each hole where you take your first swing. Also called the Teeing Area or Teeing Ground.

What do you call someone who loves golf?

1. golfer - someone who plays the game of golf. golf player, linksman. driver - a golfer who hits the golf ball with a driver.

What is the hole called in golf?

the cupHole A circular hole in the ground which is also called “the cup”, 4.25 inches in diameter.

What do you call a poor golfer?

"Duffer" is a colloquial or slang term within golf for a mediocre or poor golfer.Dec 2, 2019

What is golf slang?

A common misconception is that the word GOLF is an acronym for Gentlemen Only Ladies Forbidden. This is a 20th century joke and definitely not true. It is now generally accepted that the 'golf' is derived from an old word meaning 'club', though this in turn may have older cognate roots dating back to ancient times.

Why do golfers say sit?

Players yell 'bite' (or 'hold' or 'sit' or 'hit a house') when they want the ball to stop quickly. Most often used on an approach shot.Jan 28, 2011

What does golf stand for?

The word 'golf' is not an acronym for anything. Rather, it derives linguistically from the Dutch word 'kolf' or 'kolve,' meaning quite simply 'club. ' In the Scottish dialect of the late 14th or early 15th century, the Dutch term became 'goff' or 'gouff,' and only later in the 16th century 'golf. '

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 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?

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 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 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 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 "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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

What does "chippie" mean in golf?

Chippie: Chipping in from around the green. Chunk: Hitting the ground very hard thus taking a big honking divot out of the turf. Sometimes the divot, or the player’s club, goes further than the ball. Another way to say you hit a golf shot fat.

What is the most important meal of the day in golf?

Breakfast ball: An unofficial rule of golf that gives you a free mulligan on the first tee. For many golfers, it’s the most important meal of the day. Coast-to-Coast Flight: A ball that is hit from one green-side bunker to a bunker on the opposite side of the putting green. Chili-Dip: When you chunk a chip.

What is a flusher putt?

Flusher: A putt that circles the entire cup, then goes in. You might need to wipe after that one. Flyer: A golf shot that literally flies too far. Usually the result of catching a “flyer lie,” when grass gets trapped between the clubface and ball at impact, impeding the grooves on your club to spin the ball.

What is a Platypus in golf?

Platypus: Hitting a ball out of bounds and still making par. Platypuses aren’t normal and neither is making par after hitting one O.B. Pinseeker: When your golf shot never leaves the pin. Press: When a golfer chooses to open a new bet if they are down two or more holes on a current bet.

What is the 15th club called?

Foot Wedge: Also known as the golfer’s 15th club, employing the foot wedge is the not-so-legal action of kicking your golf ball into a more favorable spot before hitting it. Fried Egg: A golf ball buried in the bunker.

What is the dance floor in golf?

Dance Floor: Also known as the green, it’ s that place you want your golf ball doing a tango with the pin. If your ball is on the very edge of green, you are on the dance floor, but cannot hear the band. Double Cross: When you try to hit a fade but end up hitting a hook and then all hell breaks loose.

What is the rarest bird in golf?

Albatross: The rarest of all birds, an albatross is playing the hole three under par (like making a 2 on a par-5, or acing a par-4). For most, it’s an endangered species. Army Golf: Going from the left side of the hole to the right, then back to the left again (left, right, left… get it?).