What does OB mean in golf?
Alec Guinness: A shot that goes out of bounds, or O.B. (from Guinness' Star Wars character, Obi-Wan Kenobi) Afraid of the Dark: A ball that just doesn't want to go in the hole (a missed short putt, for example) is afraid of the dark.
What are the golf terms that relate to scoring?
In this section you will find the golf terms that relate to scoring – scores – in golf. A par is obtained on a hole when a golfer uses a number of strokes that is in line with what is deemed standard. It is a score that golfers strive to match – if not beat – and is referred to as “even”, or “even-par”.
What is a bogey in golf?
A bogey is obtained when a golfer uses one more stroke than is deemed standard for a given hole. Or in other words when he requires one stroke more than the par for that hole. As such, a golfer that scores a bogey is said to be one over par for that hole. In practice, it occurs when scoring a 6 on a par-5, a 5 on a par-4 ,or a 4 on a par-3.
What does Birdie mean in golf scoring?
Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. "Birdie" is one of the basic scoring terms used by golfers, and it means a score of 1-under par on any individual golf hole.
What is considered ob in golf?
A ball is in bounds when any part of the ball: Where out of bounds is defined by white stakes or a fence, the out of bounds line is the nearest inside points at ground level of the stakes or fence posts.
How many strokes is OB in golf?
The penalty for OB is commonly called “stroke and distance.” This means that a one-stroke penalty is added to the score, and the ball must then be dropped as nearly as possible to the spot from which the original shot was played.
What happens if you hit OB in golf?
The penalty for losing a ball or hitting it out of bounds is "stroke and distance": if your first shot vanishes or ends up on the wrong side of the white stakes, you count that stroke (one), add a penalty stroke (two), and hit again from the original spot (three).
Can you hit out of OB golf?
Topic Overview: If you hit your ball out of bounds or lose it (you have three minutes to search for your ball before it becomes lost), your only option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke to play under stroke and distance.
Is OB stroke-and-distance?
The new stroke-and-distance local rule allows players the option of dropping in the fairway if they so choose. Players must find where their ball went out of bounds and create an imaginary perpendicular to the fairway, no closer to the hole. From there, you can now drop anywhere within two club-lengths behind the line.
What's the difference between OB and hazard?
If a golfer hits their ball out of bounds, the golfer must return to the location from where the previous shot was hit (at the cost of a stroke). Unlike hazards, there is only one sort of out of bounds, as out of bounds often marks the course's property lines and/or the boundaries of the golf course.
Is a lost ball a 2 stroke penalty?
Local rule for out of bounds, lost ball If a player hits a ball out of bounds or loses a ball, the general rules still require the player to return to the spot of the previous stroke and take a one-stroke penalty - a standard stroke-and-distance scenario.
Is out of bounds a 2 stroke penalty?
Regardless of whether you choose to take relief, you must take a 2-stroke penalty. For example, if your drive went out of bounds, that is your first shot. Now, add two strokes for your penalty and your next shot after your new placement will be your fourth shot.
What if I hit my tee shot out of bounds?
What this means is that you incur a one-stroke penalty and need to go back to the point from where you hit your last shot. For example, if you hit your tee shot out of bounds, you incur a one-shot penalty, must go back to the tee, hitting your third shot.
Can I ground my club in a bunker 2022?
Not allowed to ground your club in the bunker The main rule to follow in bunkers is you are not allowed to touch the sand with your club whether that be grounding it behind the ball, shifting sand on your backswing or having a practice shot in the sand.
Is there a 2 stroke penalty in golf?
Players who deliberately interfere with any moving ball receive a two-stroke penalty. Incidental, unavoidable contact is generally not penalized, and additional rules determine how the ball must be played (generally as it lies). Playing a ball out-of-turn or while someone else's ball is in motion.
Can you ground your club in a hazard 2022?
If you decide to play a ball from a water hazard as it lies, you were previously not allowed to touch the ground or the water before your stroke. Now, you are allowed to ground the club in or out of the water when you play the ball out of a penalty area.
Is there a 3 stroke penalty in golf?
The penalty stroke assessed is not the stroke made on the new ball; it is counted in addition to any and all swings made at the ball. For instance, hitting a ball into a water hazard, dropping a new ball at the position from which the last one was hit, then hitting the new ball counts as three strokes, not two.
Is a lost ball a 2 stroke penalty?
Local rule for out of bounds, lost ball If a player hits a ball out of bounds or loses a ball, the general rules still require the player to return to the spot of the previous stroke and take a one-stroke penalty - a standard stroke-and-distance scenario.
How many strokes is a drop?
Under the Rules of Golf the word “drop” is taken literally. The player may not spin the ball to try to influence its final location. Doing so incurs a 1-stroke penalty, according to U.S. Golf Association Decision 20-2a/1.
Is out of bounds a 2 stroke penalty?
Regardless of whether you choose to take relief, you must take a 2-stroke penalty. For example, if your drive went out of bounds, that is your first shot. Now, add two strokes for your penalty and your next shot after your new placement will be your fourth shot.
What does "off the deck" mean in golf?
Off the Deck: A stroke played this way means the golf ball is sitting on the ground, as opposed to a tee. This phrase is typically used when talking about hitting one's driver off the fairway — "hitting driver off the deck.".
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 sunblock golfer?
Sunblock: A golfer who spends a lot of time in bunkers (a k a, at the beach). Sunday Ball: Same as a "lunch ball" - another term for a mulligan (do-over). Tiger Tees: The teeing grounds used in professional tournaments, or the rearmost tees at any golf course. U.S.G.A .:
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 is the golf club called when you cheat?
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.". Hangman: A score of 9 on a hole. Because the numeral "9" looks like a person hanging from a noose in the children's fill-in-the-blanks game called Hangman. Sort of.
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 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 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 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 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 does the letter A mean in a golf summary?
If you see the letter “a” before a player’s name in a golf tournament summary -- also known as a box score -- it means the player is an amateur. Amateurs occasionally play in professional tournaments, but they do not receive prize money. In a match play summary, a line may read “Player A def.
What does PGA stand for in golf?
By M.L. Rose. PGA stands for "Professional Golfers' Association of America.". As with any large undertaking, the golfing world has developed its own language, including a variety of abbreviations and shorthand terms. Some are used for convenience in conversation, while others are mainly employed in print. Understanding these abbreviations can help ...
What is the USGA?
Organizations. Numerous golfing entities are known by their initials. Most notable in the United States is the USGA, which stands for United States Golf Association. The USGA generally regulates golf in the United States and Mexico, publishes the standard Rules of Golf, and runs the U.S. Open and a few other tournaments.
How many holes does Player A lead in golf?
In this example, therefore, Player A has won the match by taking a three- hole lead after 16 holes of play.
Where does the word "golf" come from?
According to Snopes website, the word “golf” may derive from either the Dutch word “kolf,” a word used to describe a stick, club or mallet, or the Scottish verb “goulf,” meaning to “strike or cuff.”. Sorry, the video player failed to load. (Error Code: 100013)
What is the Ladies Professional Golf Association?
The Ladies Professional Golf Association is an organization made up of the LPGA Tour and club professionals. Another worldwide organizational abbreviation of note include the R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club, based in Scotland), the governing body of golf worldwide, except in the United States and Mexico.
What does it mean to be up in golf?
In Match Play, a golfer is said to be up when he is leading his opponent in the match. For example, a golfer who is 2-up leads his opponent by 2 holes. That means that he has bested his opponent two times more often than his opponent has bested him. The ultimate goal in match play is to be up by more holes than there are holes left to play. When that happens, the golfer who is up at that point will win and the match will end.
What does "1 up" mean in golf?
The term can also be used to characterize the final score of a match played using the match play format. Indeed, a golfer who is successful in winning the last hole of a round while the match was all square at the tee will win the match. That golfer will be said to have won his match 1-up.
What does triple bogey mean?
Similarly, a triple bogey occurs when using 3 strokes over par, a quadruple occurs when using 4 strokes over par, and so on. On the scorecard a golfer who has hit a double bogey will mark his score as +2 or will put the number of strokes hit inside two squares.
What is a birdie on a hole?
As such, a golfer that posts a birdie on a hole can be referred as having shot one under par. Consequently, a birdie is achieved when using 4 strokes on a par-5, 3 strokes on a par-4, and 2 strokes on a par-3. On the scorecard the golfer who has hit a birdie will ...
What is par in golf?
A par is obtained on a hole when a golfer uses a number of strokes that is in line with what is deemed standard. It is a score that golfers strive to match – if not beat – and is referred to as “even”, or “even-par”.
What is an albatross in golf?
An albatross – or double eagle – is achieved when a golfer uses three strokes less than is deemed standard for a hole. Or in other words when he requires three strokes fewer than the par number for that hole. As such, a golfer who scores an albatross is said to be 3 under par for that hole. In practice, this will happen for a score ...
What is double bogey?
A double bogey is obtained when a golfer uses two strokes more than is deemed standard for a given hole. Or in other words, when he requires 2 strokes more than the par for that hole. As a result, a golfer who scores a double bogey is said to be two over par for that hole. Consequently, such a score occurs when posting 5 on a par-3, 6 on a par-4, ...
What does 18 mean on a golf scorecard?
18 means that it is the expected easiest hole on the golf course and 1 means that it is the expected hardest hole on the golf course. The handicap strokes section of a scorecard is fundamental for golfers when calculating their score based on their golf handicaps.
What format is golf played under?
Pay Attention To The Format. There are different formats that golf is played under. Ranging from stroke play to stableford. It is important to factor this in when completing your score card, especially in competition. Depending on the type of competition that you are playing will impact how you mark your scores.
Why do golfers use scorecards?
The golf scorecard is used by golfers all over the world when they are playing a round of golf at any of the vast amount of golf courses. This can range from the PGA Tour to even crazy golf! It helps players to track their performance both individually and in competition against others.
What does the circle symbol on a golf scorecard mean?
These represent a golfers score on a particular hole. Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) By using these golf symbols for scores it makes it quicker and easier to identify scoring when reading a golf scorecard.
How long is a golf scorecard?
Typically the scorecard will be around 6 inches long by 4..5 inches when it is folded. This makes it easy to carry in a pocket or golf bag without taking up too much room. Each golf scorecard has some common elements that are important to understand when playing a round of golf.
How to score a birdie in golf?
They work as follows: 1 Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) 2 Circle symbol – Represents a Birdie 3 No symbol – Represents a Par 4 Square symbol – Represents a Bogey 5 Solid square symbol – Represents a Double-bogey or worse
How long to write down scores for 18 holes?
Therefore, it is worth taking the 10 seconds to write down scores each time that you complete a hole.
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.
What does "Birdie" mean in golf?
Brent Kelley. Updated May 24, 2019. "Birdie" is one of the basic scoring terms used by golfers, and it means a score of 1-under par on any individual golf hole. Par, remember, is the expected number of strokes it should take an expert golfer to complete a hole.
What is a birdie putt?
A "birdie putt" is a putt that, if the golfer makes it, results in a score of birdie on the hole. A "natural birdie" is a term some golfers use for a gross birdie. On a par-4 hole, if you take only three strokes, you made a "natural birdie.".
How many strokes does a golfer need to play a hole?
Every holf on a golf course is given a par rating, those ratings usually being either par-3, par-4 or par-5. That means that an expert golfer should need three strokes, four strokes and five strokes, respectively, to play those holes.
What does "circle on the scorecard" mean?
Some golfers like to mark their scorecards in away that makes under-par and over-par scores stand out. The tradition is to circle birdies on the scorecard. If you write down a "3" on a par-4 hole, you can circle the "3" to make it stand out as a birdie. Hence, "circle on the scorecard.".
What score do you get for a birdie?
The Scores That Result in a Birdie. As for your actual score: If you make a "birdie" on a hole then you have: Scored a 2 on a par-3 hole. Scored a 3 on a par-4 hole. Scored a 4 on a par-5 hole. Par-6 holes are rare in golf, but they do exist. So you can also claim a birdie by making a score of five on a par-6 hole.
Where did the term "birdie" come from?
How Did Birdie Become a Golf Term? "Birdie" isn't just a golf term that originated in the United States , it's one of the earliest innovations in the game that originated in America.
Is a 2-under birdie a double birdie?
If 1-under is a birdie, do golfers call 2-under a "double birdie"? No. Two-under on a hole is an " eagle .". And 3-under on a hole is an " albatross " ... or a " double eagle .". Hey, nobody ever claimed golf's scoring terms make any logical sense. A "birdie putt" is a putt that, if the golfer makes it, results in a score of birdie on the hole.
