Can you learn golfing terminology?
Learning golfing terminology can be like learning a foreign language at times. Here at Golf Drives, we have put together an A-Z list of our favourite and the most commonly used golf phrases and terms, so you can be completely prepared the next time you hit the green.
What is a a course in golf?
A golf course that is shorter and has a lower par than regular golf courses suitable for beginner golfers and juniors. A golf shot (right handed golfer) in which the ball gradually moves left to right. The centre, short-mown portion of a golf hole in between the teeing ground and the green.
What is golf slang and how is it used?
Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. 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.
What is a long game on a 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. Usually the highest lofted wedge in a golfer’s bag.
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What does golf mean in 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.
What are some golf phrases?
19 Different Golf Sayings 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...•
What is the origin of saying for in golf?
A possible origin of the word is the term "fore-caddie", a caddie waiting down range from the golfer to find where the ball lands. These caddies were often warned about oncoming golf balls by a shout of the term "fore-caddie" which was eventually shortened to just "fore!".
What are golf terms and their meanings?
Golf Terms and Definitions. Ace - A hole in one. Address - the final position taken by a golfer just before the swing. Adjusted Gross Score - Your score after you apply your handicap stroke allowance. Alternate Shot - Another twist of stoke play.
How is golf a metaphor for life?
Golf reminds you of your mortality. Like life, a round of golf begins in easy optimism, progresses through a lengthy middle period in which hope and despair are mingled, deteriorates into regret, confusion, and resignation, and comes abruptly to an end.
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.
Why do you say 4 in golf?
It Is Derived from the Word 'Forecaddie' Forecaddies were in charge of watching the golf balls and indicating where the golf balls landed. To let the forecaddie know when the ball was being struck, the golfers would yell out forecaddie. Eventually, the caddie part was dropped, leaving just the fore.
Why do they shout 4 in golf?
The reason golfers shout fore is pretty simple. It's used to alert - or forewarn - anyone standing or moving into the flight of a golf ball. By dictionary definition, 'fore' means: the front part of something, especially a ship (noun) or situated or placed in front (adjective).
Why do they say Fore please at the Masters?
He just wanted everyone around to know who was playing, and the respectful onlookers were quiet enough to hear him. The word 'fore' in golf is meant as a word or warning to those standing nearby or ahead of where a player is in intending to hit, so it's easy to command attention.
How do I learn golf terms?
2:314:43Basic Golf Terminology for Beginners // Being Basic with Paige SeriesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you make a four on a par. Three that's a bogey or plus one. So you are adding one on to yourMoreIf you make a four on a par. Three that's a bogey or plus one. So you are adding one on to your score. If it's a double adding. Two if it's a triple adding. Three if it's a quad you're adding.
What is a mistake in golf called?
Golf terms related to golf shot errors are explained – and illustrated – in this section. Fat | Thin – Blade | Top | Whiff | Shank | Toe | Sky. Double Tap – Double Hit. Overclub | Underclub | Mulligan | Happy Ball.
What do you call a golf beginner?
Starter: The woman or man stationed at the first tee who makes sure you tee off on time. Stroke: What you have when you miss a short putt; just kidding, refers to the act of making a swing. Tee Box: The designated area that marks the beginning of each hole (It's where you tee off from).
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 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 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 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.
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 does "lie" mean in golf?
Lie: This term has two uses in golf terms and meanings- How the golf ball is resting on the ground, whether it may cause any difficulty to the next stroke. The angle creates between the center of the shaft and the sole of the clubhead.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace: Ace is also known as ‘a hole in one. ’ It is basically an act of hitting the golf ball directly from the tee into the hole with just one stroke.
What is the flagstick on a golf course called?
It will allow a good lie for the golf ball. Flagstick: Flagstick is a metal pole marker with a flag at its top. It is also called the “pin,” and it is used to spot the position of the hole on the green.
How many clubs can a golfer carry?
A device used by the golf players to hit a golf ball. According to the golf terms and. rules, a golfer is allowed to carry up to fourteen golf clubs during one round of golf. Apart from the golf terms, by the general meaning, it may state as an organized group. of golfers owning or managing a golf course.
What does "out of bounds" mean in golf?
Out-of-bounds: The area labeled as being outside of the boundaries of the golf course. O.B areas are generally indicated by white posts. When a shot lands “O.B.,” the golfer “loses stroke and distance,” which means that he/she must hit another shot from the actual spot and is evaluated as a one-stroke penalty.
What are the hollows on a golf ball cover?
Dimples: The round hollows on a golf ball cover which had been scientifically designed to enable the ball to take off a steady flight. Dimples allow a golf ball to stay in the air for a longer flight by reducing drag than it could be possible with a smooth ball.
What is the meaning of the word "fourball"?
Fourball: In golf terms and meanings, Fourball is the opening match played on Friday and Saturday mornings of the Ryder Cup.
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 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 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 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 alignment in golf?
Alignment: The position of the body in relation to the initial target. ( One reason she plays so well is that her alignment is so consistent from one shot to the next ).
What is dead hand golf?
Dead Hands: A shot in which the hands remain relatively passive in the hitting area, resulting in a shot that flies a shorter distance than it normally would. ( He dead-handed a 5-iron on the par 3, which confused his fellow players ).
What is the backswing of a golf club?
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 force that pulls the clubhead outward and downward?
Centrifugal Force: The action in a rotating body that tends to move mass away from the center. It is the force you feel in the downswing that pulls the clubhead outward and downward, extending the arms and encouraging it to take a circular path. ( Tiger Woods' swing creates powerful centrifugal force ).
What is the axis of a golf swing?
Axis: Generally refers to a straight line (the spine) that the upper body rotates around in the course of the golf swing. ( One reason for her consistent ballstriking is that her axis remains in a constant position throughout the swing ).
What is a caddie in golf?
Caddie: A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance. ( A good caddie can be worth several strokes a round ). Cambered: Sole A rounding of the sole of the club to reduce drag. A four-way cambered sole is one that is rounded at every edge of a wood.
What is a gimmie putt?
Gimmie: A putt that other players agree counts as made without being played. It's only officially used within the rules of golf during match play — known as a conceded putt — and unofficially used during casual stroke play to help pace of play ( Suzy had a 2-foot putt that her partner said was a gimmie and good ).
What is a marker on a golf course?
The markers that you play from on the teeing ground. They are colour coded to depict different areas of play for different days players or events. You should always confirm before your round which tees the club would like you play from
What is the definition of a grip on a golf club?
A description of a type of grip used on the club when the last finger of the right hand interlocks with the first finger of the left hand. (See also baseball and overlap)
What is the stroke index in golf?
The stroke index indicates which holes golfers will receive a stroke at in matchplay or stableford competitions.
What is a stimey in golf?
Stimey. An old matchplay rule that is no longer used where you were allowed to play a strategic shot or putt to deliberately block your opponents clear route to the hole by getting your ball in the way. In the modern rules your opponent will ask you to mark your ball in this event which is compulsory. top.
Why do you hold a pin when you putt?
Holding the pin for your playing partner while they are playing a putt, usually to provide a visual aid. When you are attending the pin it is your responsibility to remove it as the ball approaches the hole. If the ball hits the pin your playing partner would incur a penalty.
What is a captain in golf?
The Captain is the figurehead at any golf club who heads the management committee. This person on route to becoming captain will have worked towards this position over years of being involved in most departments in the running of the club
What is loft on a golf club?
A straight faced driver has minimal loft showing on the face normally eight degrees or less. This is not a club that a beginner will find easy to play to get the ball air born
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 chef in golf?
Chef: A golfer who can't stop slicing. Chicken Run: A golf tournament (such as a league or association outing) that is 9-holes and played late in the afternoon, typically after the end of the workday. The term is popularly used in South Africa.
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 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 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 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 a four jacked golf ball?
Four-Jack: When it takes you four putts to get your ball in the hole, you four-jacked it. Fried Egg: A golf ball that has plugged, or buried, in a sand bunker, so that the top of the ball resembles the yolk in a fried egg. Frog Hair: The fringe around a putting green.
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 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 is a snowman in golf?
A snowman is when you score an 8 on a hole. Worm Burner – When you strike a shot that barely gets off the ground and just rolls. Ace – Another word for a hole-in-one. Fore – The word you shout as loud as you can when you hit your ball in the direction of another golfer. You need to warn them!
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.