
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.
Back | The last nine holes of a golf course. Also a tee position that makes hole the longest. |
---|---|
Best Ball / Better Ball | Best score on a hole by partners in a best-ball match. |
Birdie | One under par score on a hole. |
Bogey | One over par score on a hole. |
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. 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?
Frequent golf terms searches in our golf glossary: Term: Hole. Term: Fore. Term: Bogey. Term: Birdie. Term: Ace. Term: Bunker. Term: Par. Term: Handicap.
What do golf terms mean?
· 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 are the terms of golf?
A. “A” Game: A golfer’s best game which is executed on a regular basis. Ace: Hitting the ball into the hole in one swing of the club. Afraid of The Dark: When the putted ball refuses to fall into the hole. Airmail: A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.

What are the 7 golf scoring terms?
We've compiled a list of 100+ golf terms that are useful to know, but the golf scoring terms we'll cover in this guide are among the most essential when you're out on the course or watching televised golf.
What is a golf shot called?
Each shot, whether it's a three-hundred metre drive or a two-centimetre putt, counts as one stroke. For each hole, a number known as par indicates the number of shots a very good player would normally take to complete the hole.
What are the 4 types of strokes in golf?
Most shots in golf can be categorised into the following types of shot:Drive. This is a long distance shot usually taken from the tee, but can also be taken from the fairway if necessary. ... Approach. ... Putt. ... Lay-Up. ... Chip. ... Punch. ... Flop. ... Draw.More items...
What are the 9 basic golf shots?
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 are the 5 basic shots in golf?
Most shots in golf can be categorized into the following types of shot:Drive. This is a long distance shot usually taken from the tee, but can also be taken from the fairway if necessary. ... Approach. ... Putt. ... Lay-Up. ... Chip. ... Punch. ... Flop. ... Draw.More items...
What is best shot in golf called?
“A” Game:A golfer's best game which is executed on a regular basis.Airmail:A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.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.3 more rows
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 3 shots under par called?
For hole completions three strokes under par is recognized in golf as Albatross. This is also known as “double eagle” in relation to the “birdie” and “eagle” theme. More on albatross in golf here. The reasoning for the name is that albatross is a very rare bird and so is scoring three under par.
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.
Where did the word "golf" come from?
Many believe it is derived from the Scots-language word “goulf”.
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 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.
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 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 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.
Where is the centre of a golf hole?
The centre, short-mown portion of a golf hole in between the teeing ground and the green.
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 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 does "aiming" mean in golf?
Aiming: The act of aligning the clubface to the target. (She had a problem aiming the club properly all day and missed several shots to the right of her target).
What is borrowing in golf?
Borrow: The amount of break a player allows for when hitting a breaking putt. (One of the confusing factors for young players at Augusta National is learning how much they have to borrow on their putts).
What is the act of raising and lowering (or lowering and raising) the swing center in the course of the
Bobbing: The act of raising and lowering (or lowering and raising) the swing center in the course of the swing. (Because of an inconsistent knee flex in her swing, her bobbing led to inconsistent ball striking).
What is the motion of the club that takes the club away from the ball?
Backswing: The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club away from the ball and setting it in position at the top of the backswing from which the club can be delivered to the ball at impact. (John Daly has an unusually long backswing that causes the club to go past parallel at the top of the swing).
What is the backspin of a golf ball?
Backspin: The rotational movement or spin of the ball produced by contact with the clubface. The greater the backspin, the higher the ball will fly and the more it will spin, and therefore stop or even spin backwards on impact with the turf.
What is the proper distribution of weight both at address and throughout the swing?
Balance: The proper distribution of weight both at address and throughout the swing. (Tom Watson's swing has always been characterized by perfect balance).
What is an approach shot?
Approach: A shot hit towards the green (His approach shot to the 17th hole came up short of the green) or towards the hole (Sam Snead was a great approach putter).
How many golf terms are there?
Below you’ll find 100+ golf terms commonly used on courses and in clubhouses around the world.
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 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.
What does "out of bounds" mean in golf?
Out of Bounds – “Out of Bounds” is the area of a golf course that the course staff or tournament committee has ruled play is not allowed. In casual play, many golfers will just drop a ball where they think their ball went out of bounds and add a penalty stroke to their score.
How big is a golf hole?
The physical golf hole has a diameter of 4.25 inches. Flag/Pin/Flagstick – A “Pin” or “Flagstick” is placed inside the cup so the cup's location can be seen from further away. Once on the green, you can choose between leaving the pin in the hole, removing the pin, or having someone tend to the pin.
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 does "up and down" mean in golf?
Up and Down – If you have missed a green in regulation, and you are still able to make par. For example, if you hit your approach shot in the rough, and then pitched the ball on the green and made your putt – you have successfully gotten up and down for par.
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 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 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 golf course called?
Course: A place to play golf is called a golf club or golf course, either with 9 or 18 holes. Cross-handed (putting grip): Usually right handed players have right hand below left hand. Some golfers such as Jordan Spieth putt with the left hand below the right.
What is the grass around the edge of a golf course called?
Apron: The usually less than a yard wide grass around the edge of the green, separating the fairway and the green surface. Alternative: Fringe
What is the function of the grooves on a golf ball?
Backspin: When you hit a ball, the grooves create a spin on the ball that rotates backward and is responsible for stopping the ball on the green or fairway and often can roll backwards. Alternatives: zip, rip, bite
What is bump and run golf?
Bump and run : A pitch or chip shot that is played lower with the aim to bump the ball into the air and let it run or roll for most of the journey to the hole. It can be performed from the fairway or green-side.
What is the unit of measure for golf balls?
Compression : The unit of measure to tell you how hard a golf ball is. Lower compression is softer, higher compression is harder. There has been a marked trend in manufacturers producing lower compression (softer) golf balls for high handicappers and slower swingers.
What is the club head?
Club head: The heavy piece at the end of the golf club you use to hit the ball.
What is the back swing in golf?
Back-swing: Initiation of the swing by take the club from behind the ball to behind your head. Opposite and complement to the follow-through or down-swing.
