A-Z Glossary of Golfing Terms

A


Ace – A hole-in-one is when a golfer hits the ball directly into the hole on the first shot of a hole. It is the rarest and most exciting shot in golf.

Address – The address position is the position of the golfer’s body and club before the swing. It is important to have a good address position in order to hit the ball consistently and accurately.

Albatross – An albatross is a score of three under par on any given hole. It is the second rarest score in golf, after a hole-in-one.

Alignment – The alignment of the player’s body, clubface, and target is essential for hitting accurate shots. The player’s feet, hips, shoulders, and head should all be aligned with the target line. The clubface should also be square to the target line at impact.

Approach – An approach shot is a shot played with the intention of landing on the green. Approach shots are typically played with mid- or long irons, depending on the distance to the green.

Approach shot – An approach shot is a shot played from the fairway to the green. It is typically played with a mid- or long-iron, and the goal is to hit the ball close enough to the hole to make a birdie or par.

Approach wedge – An approach wedge is a wedge with a loft between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge. It is typically used to hit approach shots from 100-150 yards.

Apron – The apron is the fringe around the green. It is the area of short grass between the fairway and the green. It is a good place to chip the ball onto the green if you are not close enough to putt.

Away – The player farthest from the hole is said to be away. The away player hits first on each hole.

B


Back Door – When a golfer putts the ball into the hole by rolling it around the lip of the cup and then dropping in from the back side, the putt is said to have gone in the “back door.”

Back in Stance – A special stance in golf where the ball is positioned closer to the golfer’s rear foot, making it suitable for shorter shots.

Back Nine (The Back9) – The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

Back Side – Another term for the back nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

Backspin – A backward rotation of the golf ball that causes it to stop quickly or even spin backward after hitting the ground. Backspin is essential for controlling the ball’s trajectory and distance.

Backswing – The upward movement of the golf club from the address position to the top of the swing.

Back Tees – The most rearward set of tees on a golf course, typically used by more skilled golfers.

Backweight – A weight added to the back of a golf clubhead to adjust its weight distribution and swingweight.

Baffy – An obsolete wooden club with characteristics similar to a modern 4-wood.

Bag – A golf bag is used to carry a golfer’s clubs, balls, and other equipment.

Bag Raid -A matchplay game where the loser of each hole must remove a club from their opponent’s bag.

Bag-Tag – A tag attached to a golfer’s bag that identifies their home golf club.

Bail Out – A shot played to a safer area of the golf course to avoid a more difficult or risky shot.

Bail-out Area – A safe landing area on the golf course that provides an alternative to a more challenging shot.

Balance – Proper balance is crucial for a golfer to execute a consistent and powerful swing.

Balance Point – The physical center of gravity of a golf club. Modern club designs often shift the balance point closer to the clubhead for improved accuracy.

Balata – A type of golf ball with a soft, rubber-like cover that provides high spin rates and a soft feel. Balata balls are popular among professional golfers but less common among amateurs due to their susceptibility to damage.

Ball – A golf ball is a precisely manufactured sphere with a dimpled cover and specific weight, size, and compression. Golfers choose balls based on their playing style and preferences. Balls marked with an X are not allowed in tournaments due to potential manufacturing defects.

Ball in Play – The state of a golf ball from the time it is struck off the tee until it is holed.

Ball in Pocket – The term “ball in pocket” refers to a situation where a golfer has conceded the hole and picked up their ball.

Ball Mark – A ball mark is a depression in the putting green caused by a golf ball landing and stopping abruptly.

Ball Marker – A ball marker is a small object used to mark the position of a ball on the putting green before it is lifted.

Ballmark Tool – A ballmark tool is used to repair ball marks on the putting green.

Ballooning – Ballooning is a type of miss-hit where the ball flies too high and loses distance.

Ball Retriever – A ball retriever is a tool used to retrieve golf balls from water hazards.

Ballstriking – Ballstriking is the art of making solid contact with the golf ball, resulting in a long, straight shot.

Ball Washer – A ball washer is a device used to clean golf balls.

Banana Ball – A banana ball is a severely sliced shot that curves sharply from left to right.

Bandit – A bandit is a golfer who cheats by playing to a lower handicap than they actually have.

Bare Lie – A bare lie is a situation where the golf ball is lying on bare ground with no grass underneath it.

Barnes Wallis – A Barnes Wallis is a shot that bounces off a water hazard and back onto dry land.

Barky/Barkie – A barky is a side bet in which golfers agree to pay a certain amount if they hit a tree during the round.

Barranca – A barranca is a dry gully or ravine filled with rocks that is considered a hazard on some golf courses.

Baseball Grip – The baseball grip is a grip in which all ten fingers are placed on the club without overlapping or interlocking.

Battlefield Promotion – A battlefield promotion is when a golfer earns their PGA Tour card by winning three times on the Web.com Tour in a single season.

The Bear – The Bear is a betting game in which the goal is to have the lowest score on a hole. The pot starts at a certain amount and doubles each time someone new catches the bear. After the ninth hole, the pot is paid out to the player who holds the bear. The game then starts over again for the back nine holes.

Beat the Worst – Beat the Worst is another betting game in which one player on each hole is on the spot and must beat the worst score of the other players in their flight. The flight rotates on being the on the spot player.

Belly Putter – A belly putter is a putter with a long shaft that is anchored to the belly. This type of putter is designed to reduce hand and wrist movement, which can help to improve putting accuracy.

Below the Hole – A position on the green where the next putt will be uphill to the hole is called below the hole. This occurs if the hole is located on a slope. It is generally easier to putt uphill than downhill, so it is often advantageous to be below the hole.

Ben Hogan Award – There are two Ben Hogan Awards. One is given annually to the best collegiate male golfer in the United States. The other is given to golfers who have overcome a serious illness, physical handicap, or accident and are still playing competitively.

Ben Hogan Tour – The Ben Hogan Tour was the original name of the Web.com Tour. It was renamed in 2012 after Web.com became the title sponsor.

Bending – Bending is the process of adjusting the lie angle of a golf club. This is done to make the clubhead sit more square at impact, which can help to improve accuracy.

Bend Point – The bend point is the point on the shaft of a golf club where it bends the most. The location of the bend point can affect the flight characteristics of the ball.

Bentgrass – Bentgrass is a type of grass that is commonly used on putting greens. It is a very fine-bladed grass that can be mowed very closely.

Best at Something – Best at Something is a betting game in which points are awarded for different things, such as making a fairway hit or a one-putt green. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins the bet.

Best Ball – Best Ball is a format in which two teams of two players each compete against each other. The best score of each team on each hole is counted.

Best Holes – Best Holes is a betting game in which each player picks their three best holes on the course. The player with the lowest score on their three best holes wins the bet.

Best Nines – Best Nines is a betting game in which the scores for the first nine holes, the second nine holes, and the entire round are all counted. The player with the best score in each category wins a point. The player with the most points at the end of the round wins the bet.

Better Ball – Better Ball is the same as Best Ball.

Biarritz Green – A Biarritz green is a putting green that has a deep swale or gully running through it. The hole is usually located on one side of the swale, and the golfer must putt the ball over the swale and into the hole.

Big Bertha – Big Bertha is a driver manufactured by Callaway Golf. It is known for its large clubhead.

Big Dog – Big Dog is a slang term for a driver.

BIGGA – BIGGA is the acronym for the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association. It is a professional organization that represents the interests of greenkeepers.

Bingo Bango Bongo – Bingo Bango Bongo is a betting game in which players are awarded points for being the first to reach the green, the first to have their ball closest to the pin, and the first to hole out.

Birdie – A score of one stroke under par for a hole. This means that the golfer holed out in one fewer stroke than the par for the hole. For example, if a hole is a par 4, and the golfer holes out in 3 strokes, that is a birdie.

Bisque – A type of golf competition in which players can choose which holes to use their handicap strokes on. This is different from traditional stroke play, where handicap strokes are awarded based on the difficulty of the hole. In bisque, players have more flexibility in how they use their handicap strokes.

Bisque Par – A variation of match play in which players can use their handicap strokes on any hole, but they must decide before teeing off on the next hole. This is similar to bisque stroke play, but the goal is to score better than par, rather than to simply beat the other players.

Bisque Stroke – An illegal gifted stroke. This means that one golfer can give another golfer a stroke. The golfer who receives the stroke can use it on any hole, but they must announce it before teeing off on the hole.

Bite – The amount of spin that a golf ball has when it hits the ground. This spin is caused by the grooves on the face of the club, and it can help the ball to stop more quickly on the green.

Blade – A type of iron with a thin topline and a small sweet spot. Blades are typically more difficult to hit than cavity-back irons, but they can also offer more control and feel.

Blast Out – A shot that is played out of a bunker when the ball is buried in the sand. This shot requires a lot of loft and clubhead speed to get the ball out of the sand and onto the green.

Blind Bogey – A variation of stroke play in which the winner is the player whose score is closest to a randomly selected number. This can be a fun way to add an element of chance to a round of golf.

Blind Hole – A hole that cannot be seen from the teeing area. This can make it difficult for golfers to judge how far to hit the ball, and it can also add an element of surprise to the game.

Blind Nine – A variation of stroke play in which only nine holes are counted, and the players do not know which nine holes will be counted until after the round is over. This can add an element of excitement to the game, as players will be trying to guess which holes will count.

Blind Shot – A shot that is played to a hole that cannot be seen from the player’s current position. This can be a challenging shot, as the player will need to rely on their knowledge of the course and their ability to hit the ball accurately.

Block – A shot that is hit severely to the right. This is typically caused by the golfer swinging too much across the ball from out to in.

Blocks – The objects that mark the forward boundary of the teeing area. These are also known as tee markers.

Bloodsomes – A variation of match play in which two teams of two players compete against each other. Each player tees off on each hole, and then the opposing team chooses which ball to play next. The teams alternate shots until the ball is holed.

Blue Monster – A nickname for the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida. The course is known for its challenging layout and numerous water hazards.

Blue Tees – The rearmost tees on a golf course. These tees are typically used by the most experienced golfers.

Bo Derek – A slang term for a score of 10 on a golf hole. The term is thought to have originated from the 1979 movie “10,” in which the main character, played by Dudley Moore, fantasizes about Bo Derek.

Bobbing – A movement of the golfer’s head or body during the swing. Bobbing can lead to inconsistent ball striking and should be avoided.

Bogey – A score of one stroke over par for a hole.

Bogey Golfer – A golfer who typically scores bogeys on most holes.

Bogey Rating – A measure of the difficulty of a golf course for bogey golfers. The USGA uses the bogey rating to calculate handicap indexes.

Bonito – A ball that lands in a water hazard but bounces out and remains in play.

Bore-Through – A type of golf club in which the shaft goes through the clubhead to the sole. This design is said to improve balance and feel.

Borrow – The amount of break (deflection) that a golf ball will take on a sloped putting green.

Bounce – The angle of the sole of a golf club from the leading edge to the low point. Bounce helps to prevent the club from digging into the ground and helps to control the trajectory of the ball.

Bounce Back – A term used to describe when a golfer scores a birdie or better on a hole after scoring a bogey or worse on the previous hole.

Bowed – A term used to describe a wrist position in the golf swing where the top wrist is bent slightly inward at the top of the backswing.

Bowmaker – A type of golf tournament that is popular in the United Kingdom. Teams of four players compete against each other, and the two lowest scores per hole count for the team.

Bramble – A type of golf tournament that is similar to the Scramble. Teams of four players compete against each other, and the team’s score is determined by the best two scores on each hole.

Brassie – A type of golf club that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was a wood with a brass plate on the sole and a large loft.

Break – The amount of curvature in a putting green.

Breaky – A term used to describe a putting green that has a lot of curvature.

Bridge – A type of golf game that is played by two or four players. The players bid on the number of strokes they think they will need to complete the hole, and the team with the lowest bid wins the hole.

British Ball – A type of golf ball that was legal to use in the United Kingdom until 1990. It was smaller than the golf ball that was legal to use in the United States.

Broomstick Putter – A type of putter that has a very long shaft. It is often used by golfers who have trouble with the yips.

Bubbas – A type of side bet in golf that is named after Bubba Watson. The winner of the bet is the golfer with the longest drive on the hole.

Buggy – A device that is used to transport a golfer’s bag of clubs.

Bulge – The slight curve from side to side of the clubface of a wood.

Bullarding – A term used to describe golfers who consistently play above their regular handicap.

Bump-and-Run – A type of approach shot that is played along the ground.

Bunker Shot – A shot that is played out of a bunker.

Buried Elephant – A term used to describe a large mound or hump on the surface of a putting green.

Buried Lie – A situation in which a golf ball comes to rest in a pitch mark that it created.

Burn – A small river, stream, or creek that crosses a golf course.

Buzzard – A slang term for a score of two strokes over par on a hole. It is a synonym for a double bogey.

Bye – A term used to describe the remaining holes in a match that has been decided early. The players may choose to play the bye for fun or practice.

Byron Nelson Award – A trophy awarded to the winner of the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour.

C


Cabbage – The deep rough or thick vegetation outside the fairway. It is difficult to play a golf ball from the cabbage because the grass is too high.

Caddie – A caddie is a person who carries a golfer’s clubs and provides assistance during a round.

Calcutta – A type of betting pool in which golfers wager on the outcome of a tournament.

Call Up – A signal that is given to allow the next group of golfers to tee off.

Callaway System – A scoring system that is used to calculate handicaps for golfers who do not have handicap indexes.

Camber – The curvature of the sole of a golf club.

Canadian Foursome – A team competition in which two teams of two golfers each play alternate shot golf.

Cape Hole – A golf hole that doglegs around a hazard, such as a water hazard or a large bunker.

Captain’s Choice – A type of team competition in which the team captain chooses which ball to play after each player tees off.

Captain’s Pick – A golfer who is selected for a team by the team captain, rather than qualifying automatically.

Carry – Carry is the distance the golf ball travels through the air before landing. This distance is affected by a number of factors, including the club used, the swing speed, and the wind conditions.

Carryover – A bet that is carried over to the next hole if the previous hole is tied.

Cart – A vehicle that is used to transport golfers and their equipment around a golf course.

Cart Jockey – A person who is responsible for maintaining and cleaning the golf carts at a golf course.

Cart Path – A designated path that golf carts are required to follow on a golf course.

Cart Path Only – A rule that requires golfers to keep their golf carts on the cart path at all times.

Carve – A shot that is shaped or bent to fit the terrain of the hole or to avoid an obstacle.

Casting from the top – A swing flaw in which the golfer releases their wrists too early, resulting in a loss of power and control.

Casual Water – Temporary water hazards on a golf course, such as puddles of rainwater. Casual water is not penalized, and golfers may take relief without penalty.

Cat Box – A slang term for a bunker that resembles a cat litter box.

Cavity Back – A type of iron club with a hollowed-out back, which makes it more forgiving of mis-hits.

Cubic Centimeters/CC – A unit of measurement used to indicate the volume of a clubhead. A larger clubhead has a larger sweet spot and is more forgiving.

Center Cut – A term used to describe shots that travel down the middle of the fairway or green, or to describe a hole or flagstick that is located near or directly in the middle of the green.

Center of Gravity – The point where the weight of a clubhead is evenly distributed. A lower center of gravity can help to launch the ball higher.

Center Shafted – A type of putter with the shaft inserted into the center of the clubhead. It is designed for golfers who prefer to have their eyes directly over the ball at address.

Centrifugal Force – The force that pulls an object away from the center of rotation. In golf, this force helps to extend the arms and take a circular path during the downswing.

Center of Rotation – The point around which the body rotates during the swing.

Championship – A tournament that is officially recognized by a governing body, such as the R&A or the USGA.

Championship Course – The most challenging course at a golf club, typically used for championships.

Championship Tees – The tees that are farthest from the hole, typically used by the best players in a tournament.

Chapman System – A two-person team format in which the players alternate shots with the best ball.

Characteristic Time – A measure of the spring-like effect of a driver’s clubface, used to ensure that it conforms to the Rules of Golf.

Chicago – A tournament format in which players start with a negative score and try to add positive points during the round.

Chicken Run – A short, informal tournament, typically played in the late afternoon or evening.

Chicken Stick – A slang term for a 3-iron, often used to describe a conservative club choice.

Chicken Wing – A swing flaw in which the leading elbow bends away from the body, resulting in a blocked or pushed shot.

Chili Dip – A mis-hit in which the club digs into the ground behind the ball, causing the ball to pop up and not travel very far.

Chip/Chip Shot – A shot in golf that is played from close to the green, in which the ball is popped into the air and lands softly before rolling to the hole.

Chip-In – A chip shot that holes out, meaning the ball goes directly into the hole without needing to be putted.

Chip-Off – A playoff between two or more golfers to determine who hit a chip shot closest to the hole.

Chip Out – A chip shot played from a difficult lie, such as from a tree or a bunker, to get the ball out of trouble.

Chip and Run – A type of chip shot that is played with a low trajectory and rolls more than it flies.

Chippies – A side bet in golf in which golfers wager on whether or not a player will chip the ball into the hole.

Chipping Iron – A type of iron club that is designed for chipping shots.

Choke – A mis-hit shot that is caused by a golfer’s inability to handle pressure or by poor grip position.

Choke Down/Choke Up – To move one’s hands closer to the clubface, which can help to increase control over the club.

Choker Tournament – A tournament in which teams of three or four players rotate a designated “choker” who plays alone at each hole.

Chunk/Chunk Shot – A mis-hit shot in which the club hits the ground behind the ball, resulting in a poor shot.

Church Pews Bunker – A famous bunker at the Oakmont Country Club that is named for its 12 grass rows that resemble church pews.

Circle on the Scorecard – Another term for a birdie, which is a score one stroke under par on a hole. The name comes from the practice of circling the score on the scorecard to make it easy to count birdies after the round.

Claret Jug – The trophy awarded to the winner of The Open Championship in Great Britain. The trophy is officially known as the Championship Cup, but it is more commonly known as the Claret Jug because of its shape.

Claw Grip – A method of gripping the putter in which the fingers of the bottom hand curl over the top of the grip instead of under it. Other terms for this grip include the gator grip and the psycho grip.

Cleek – A former golf club that was similar to today’s 1-iron. There were also variations of the cleek, such as the wooden cleek, which was equivalent to a 4-wood, and the putting cleek.

Clone – A golf club that copies the look and characteristics of a more expensive club but does not have any patents.

Closed Face – A clubface that is turned slightly inward at the moment of impact, which can cause a hook or a pull.

Closed Grip – A very strong grip in which both hands are turned away from the hole.

Closed Stance – A stance in which the rear foot is pulled back away from the target line, while the front foot is closer to the golf ball.

Closed-to-Open – A swing in which the clubhead is closest to the target line on the backswing and open at impact.

Closest Point of Relief – The point at which a golfer is allowed to drop the ball without penalty within the play. This is usually done to relieve the ball from an immovable obstruction, abnormal ground conditions, or a wrong green.

Closest to the Pin – A contest on a par-3 hole in which the golfer who hits the ball closest to the pin wins a prize.

Club – A device used to hit a golf ball.

Club Loft – The angle of the clubface, which affects the flight and distance of the golf ball.

Club Professionals – Golf professionals who are connected with a particular golf club and are responsible for teaching lessons, running tournaments, and maintaining the course.

Clubface – The surface of a golf club that strikes the ball. Irons have grooves in the clubface, while woods have cosmetic lines called scorelines.

Clubfitting – The process of adjusting a golf club to fit a player’s individual needs.

Clubhead – The part of the golf club that strikes the ball. It can be flat, rounded, or hollow.

Clubhead Speed – The speed of the clubhead at impact. It is measured in miles per hour and can affect the distance the ball travels.

Clubhouse – The main building at a golf course, where golfers can check in, eat, and relax.

C.O.D. – A variation of the game in which golfers are partnered based on their cart assignment.

Cocked Wrists – A position of the wrists during the backswing.

Coefficient of Restitution – A measure of the energy transferred from the clubhead to the ball at impact. A higher COR means more energy is transferred.

Coil – The turning of the body during the backswing.

Collar – The turf around the putting green that is slightly longer than the green but shorter than the fairway.

Collection Area – A lower area on the side of a green that collects approach shots.

Come-Backer – A putt that is required after a missed putt.

Come Over the Top – A swing in which the clubhead is taken outside the ideal swing path and over the target line at impact.

Committee – A group of elected club members who are responsible for setting and enforcing local rules of golf.

Competition Scratch Score – The handicap recalculated after a competition using all recorded scores in the competition.

Compression – A measure of the density of a golf ball. A higher compression means a harder ball.

Conceded Putt – A putt that a player’s opponent allows them to not actually hole out, as it is considered “good” and would have been holed out anyway.

Condor – A score of four strokes under par on a hole.

Connection – A swing in which all parts of the body work together in a fluid motion.

Conservation of Angular Momentum (COAM) – A physical law that states that the total angular momentum of a system remains constant in the absence of external torque.

Continuous Putting – Putting immediately again without waiting for the rest of the flag.

Contour – An undulation in the putting green, causing a break in the ball.

Contoured Green – A putting green with a lot of undulations, making it difficult to putt.

Cool-Season Grasses – Grasses that grow best in cool conditions.

Coring – A method of maintaining putting greens or fairways by removing small cores of sod to aerate the soil.

Count-Back – A method of determining a winner when the round ends in a tie.

Country Club – A social and recreational facility that sells memberships and provides access to a golf course, tennis or swim facilities, and other amenities.

Course – The entire designated area in which it is allowed to play golf, including all 18 holes, fairways, putting greens, and the driving range.

Course Furniture – Accessories and amenities on the golf course, such as ball washers, tee markers, yardage markers, and on-course benches.

Course Handicap – A number that tells golfers how many handicap strokes they get to apply in one round of golf.

Course Handicap Conversion Chart – A chart that lists the stroke index for each hole on a golf course.

Course Management – The tactics, decisions, and strategies a golfer uses to play the golf course.

Course Rating – A rating of the difficulty of a golf course for scratch golfers.

Cricket – A side bet in golf in which groups of three golfers play and points are awarded for the lowest, middle, or highest score on each hole.

Criers and Whiners – A betting game in golf where golfers earn free shots based on their handicap.

Criss Cross – A variation of golf in which the front 9 holes are compared to the back 9 holes.

Cut Shot – A controlled golf shot that curves from left to right (for a right-handed golfer) or from right to left (for a left-handed golfer). This can be useful for avoiding hazards or playing around obstacles.

Cut Throat – A variation of golf played from the tee box. Each player tees off from the side of the tee box, aiming for the far tee marker. If they hit the marker, they move to the other side of the tee box and try to hit their partner’s ball with their own ball. The game continues until one player fails to hit the marker or hit their partner’s ball.

D


Dalys – A side bet in golf in which players bet on who will hit the longest drive on each hole.

Dance Floor – A slang term for the putting green.

Dawn Patrol – Golfers who play very early in the morning.

Daytona – A golf betting game in which players are paired up and their scores are combined.

Dead – A shot that has no possible positive outcome.

Dead Hands – A swing in which the hands do not move much during the hitting area, resulting in a shorter shot.

Decelerate – To slow down the speed of the clubhead during the downswing.

Defender – A player in a golf betting game who tries to make the lowest score on a hole.

Delayed Hit – A physical principle that is utilized in golf. It involves the golfer shifting their body towards the target during the forward swing, while also extending their mass to regain their position. This results in the clubhead lagging behind the hands, which can produce more power. Also known as conservation of angular momentum, lag loading, or late hit.

Demo Day – An event at which golfers can test out different golf clubs from various manufacturers. These events are typically held at pro shops or driving ranges and are free to attend.

Deep-faced Driver – A driver with a taller clubface than a standard driver. This is designed to provide more forgiveness and higher launch.

Derby – A golf tournament format in which the golfer with the highest score after each hole is eliminated, until only one golfer remains.

Desert Course – A golf course located in a desert environment. These courses often require heavy irrigation and maintenance due to the harsh conditions.

Desert Swing – A nickname for a series of golf tournaments played on desert courses in the Middle East during the European Tour.

Deuce – A score of two on a hole.

Devil Ball – A variation of golf in which the score of one golfer, known as the “devil ball player,” is combined with the lowest score of the other three players to form the team score. The devil ball rotates among the players throughout the round.

Dew Sweeper – A golfer in a professional tournament who has an early tee time in the third or fourth round.

Die in the Hole – A putt that barely makes it into the cup.

Dimple Pattern – The arrangement of dimples on the cover of a golf ball. The dimple pattern affects the flight of the ball, such as the distance, spin, and trajectory.

Dimples – The dents on the surface of a golf ball. Dimples affect the flight of the ball by reducing drag and lift.

Disaster – A variation of golf in which points are awarded for poor play. The winner is the player or team with the most points.

Divot – A piece of turf that is removed from the ground during a golf swing. Divots should be repaired after each shot.

Divot Tool/Divot Fixer – A tool used to repair ball marks on the putting green.

Dog-Balls – A score of eight strokes on a hole.

Dogleg – A golf hole that bends to the right or left.

Dog Licence – A victory in match play in which the winner is seven holes up with six holes remaining.

Dog Track – A poorly groomed golf course.

Dormant – A term used to describe grass that turns brown in the winter months and is considered to be resting.

Dormie – A term used in match play to indicate that one golfer or team has a lead that cannot be overcome by their opponent even if they win all remaining holes.

Dormie House – A building on a golf course that provides overnight accommodations.

Dots/Dot Game – A variation of golf in which golfers bet on side bets and mark their winnings with dots on their scorecards.

Double Bogey – A score of two strokes over par on a hole.

Double Cut – A mowing technique in which the putting green is mowed twice a day in perpendicular directions to increase the speed of the green.

Double D – An action in which a golfer uses a driver for both their tee shot and their second shot on a hole.

Double Eagle – A score of three strokes under par on a hole.

Double Green – A large putting green with two flagsticks, allowing two groups to play separate holes on the same green.

Doubles – A situation in golf where a single caddie carries two sets of clubs.

Down – A term used to indicate the number of strokes or holes a golfer is behind his or her opponent.

Downhill Lie – A situation in golf where a golf ball is resting on a downward slope.

Downswing – The part of the golf swing that follows the backswing and ends with the impact of the clubhead on the ball.

Draw – A type of golf shot in which the ball curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) or from left to right (for a left-handed golfer). A draw is similar to a hook, but it is a more controlled shot that is intended to curve.

Drive – The first stroke in golf, typically played from the tee with a driver.

Driver – A type of golf club with the longest shaft, largest head, and least amount of loft, designed to hit the ball the farthest distance.

Driving Iron – A type of golf club with a larger head, more bulk, and more weight than a standard iron, designed to provide better control than a driver.

Driving Range – An area at a golf course where golfers can practice their swing and other skills.

Drop – To let a golf ball fall to the ground from shoulder height. This is typically done when a ball is unplayable or out of bounds.

Dropout Scramble – A variation of the scramble format in golf. In a dropout scramble, all four players in a group tee off, and the best drive is selected. The player who hit the drive is then ineligible to hit the next shot, and the remaining three players hit. This process continues until the hole is completed.

Duck Hook – A severe hook shot that curves sharply from right to left (for a right-handed golfer) or from left to right (for a left-handed golfer).

Duff – A mishit golf shot.

Duffer – A mediocre or poor golfer.

Dunk – A golf ball that lands in a water hazard.

Dynamic Balance – The ability to maintain body control while shifting weight during the golf swing.

E


Eagle – Scoring two strokes under par on a hole. For example, scoring a hole-in-one on a par-3 hole, scoring two on a par-4 hole, or scoring three on a par-5 hole.

Early Hit – A downswing in which the golfer prematurely unlocks his or her wrists, resulting in a loss of power and control.

Eclectic – A special variation of a golf tournament in which players play several rounds, and only the lowest score on each hole is recorded, resulting in an 18-hole round.

Effective Loft – The loft of a golf club at impact, which can be different from the loft stamped on the clubhead due to factors such as hand position and lie.

Effective Playing Length (EPL) – The adjusted length of a golf course that takes into account factors such as elevation, slope, and weather.

Elevated Green – A green that is higher than the surrounding area, with sides that slope upwards.

Eliminator – A golf tournament format for four-person teams in which the lowest score on each hole is used as the team score, but the player who hit that score is eliminated for the next hole. The process continues until all players have been eliminated and then starts over again.

Embedded Ball – A golf ball that is embedded in the ground as a result of impact.

English – A betting game in golf in which three players compete for six points on each hole. The player with the lowest score earns four points, the player with the middle score earns two points, and the player with the highest score earns no points. Ties are split, with each player earning three points.

Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) – A factor in the USGA Handicap System that helps to minimize the impact of occasional bad holes on a golfer’s handicap index.

Etiquette – The guidelines for proper behavior on the golf course, covering aspects such as clothing, pace of play, and respect for other players.

European Tour – A professional golf tour that is roughly equivalent in level to the PGA Tour. The European Tour is primarily played in Europe.

Even/Even Par – A score that is equal to par.

Event Qualifiers – A tournament format that is typically played before each professional tour event. The winners of event qualifiers earn spots in the main tournament.

Everything but Putts – A game variation in golf in which only strokes from outside the putting green count towards the final score.

Executive Course – A shorter-than-average golf course with mostly par-3 holes, designed to be played more quickly than a traditional course.

Explosion – A shot in which a golfer hits the golf ball out of a bunker, causing a large amount of sand to accompany the ball.

F


Face – The front part of the clubhead that strikes the ball.

Face Angle – The angle of the clubface relative to the target line. A square face angle is aligned with the target line, an open face angle is to the right of the target line (for a right-handed golfer), and a closed face angle is to the left of the target line.

Face-Balanced Putter – A putter with a clubface that is flat and points straight up in the air when balanced on the index fingers.

Facing – A grassy slope out of a bunker that faces the green.

Fade – A shot in which the ball curves to the left (for a right-handed golfer) and then back to the right.

Fairway – The mowed area between the tee box and the green.

Fairway Bunker – A bunker located in the fairway.

Fairway Hit – A shot in which any part of the ball touches the fairway surface.

Fairway Markers – Markers that give the distance from the marker to the center of the green.

Fairway Wood – A wood with a higher loft than a driver, used for shots from the fairway that require long distances.

Fairways & Greens (F&G) – A betting game in which golfers bet on whether they will be the only one to hit the fairway or the green in regulation.

False Front – A false front refers to a unique design feature on putting greens. Essentially, it is the front part of a green that slopes towards the fairway. If a golf ball hits the false front, it will roll backward into the fairway. To keep the ball on the green, golfers aim to carry their shots beyond the front of the putting green.

Fan – The term “fan” describes a golf swing in which the player completely misses the ball. Whether the golfer includes this embarrassing mis-hit in their score is their decision. Another term for this mishap is a “whiff.”

Fanning – Fanning refers to a position of the clubface. In fanning, the clubface is excessively open when the backswing begins.

Fat/Fat Shot – A “fat” shot occurs when a golfer strikes the ground with the club before making contact with the ball, resulting in a layer of turf or sod between the clubface and the ball. The ball only travels a short distance as a result. Commonly known as a mis-hit, it is also called a “heavy shot,” “chunk shot,” or “chili dip.” The depth of the resulting divot is proportional to the severity of the fat shot.

Favorite Holes – “Favorite Holes” is a side betting game played among golfers during a round. Before the round begins, each participating golfer contributes an agreed-upon amount to a pot. Each golfer then selects three holes they believe they will score best on, considering the scoring in relation to par. The golfer with the best score at their chosen holes wins the Favorite Holes game, also known as “Best Holes.”

Featherie/Feathery – Featherie or Feathery refers to former golf balls with a leather surface and filled with chicken or goose feathers. These balls were hand-sewn and white colored. Although the featherie had drawbacks, such as irregular flight characteristics and vulnerability to splitting upon impact, it represented an improvement over wooden balls used earlier.

Feel – “Feel” or “touch” refers to a golfer’s sensitivity to the golf ball and their strokes, particularly in putting. A golfer’s high feeling for the golf ball is crucial for achieving a low score.

Ferret – is the term for holing a cup from outside the green, resulting in par or better. Some variations may exclude holing with a putter.

Ferrule – The ferrule is a cosmetic part of most golf irons and some woods. It is a plastic cover that conceals the point where the shaft enters the hosel. While it has no functional impact, a loose ferrule can usually be easily glued.

Fescue – is a type of grass commonly used on links courses. It is sturdy, turning golden, and can grow up to three feet high. Fescue may be used for rough, fairways, teeing grounds, or putting greens. Examples of courses using fescue include Chambers Bay and Whistling Straits.

Field – “All players in one tournament are designated as the field.”

Finish (Position) – In golf, “finish” or “finish position” refers to the ending stance a golfer takes after a swing. It can also refer to the final battle within a match play.

Finishing Hole – can refer to the last hole on a golf course, typically hole No. 18, or, in a 9-hole course, hole No. 9. It can also refer to the hole that completes a golfer’s round, especially in shotgun starts where each group starts at a different hole.

First Cut – The “first cut” is grass mown higher than the fairway grass but lower than the primary rough. Shots from the first cut are generally easier than those from the primary rough.

Fish – is a betting game in golf played in groups. It includes three separate bets: the first birdie, the longest birdie putt, and the most birdies. Each bet has an agreed-upon dollar amount, and eagles’ value and other specifics are determined before the game begins.

Fishies/Fishy – is a side bet played with a group of golfers. To win, a golfer must make par on a hole despite hitting into a water hazard. The group must determine the fishie’s value and whether to play with the side bet before starting the round.

Five of Clubs – is a golf tournament format where golfers are allowed to use only five golf clubs in the round. Variations exist, such as whether the putter counts as one of the five clubs.

Flags/Flag Competition – A variation of golf where players carry a flag and play until they run out of strokes. The player who plays the farthest wins. This game can be played using full handicaps or partial handicaps. If full handicaps are used, some players may finish the round with strokes remaining. In this case, the round can either continue from hole 1 or end with the player who has the most strokes remaining winning. This game is also known as Tombstone or Last Man Standing.

Flagstick – The flagstick marks the location of the cup on the green. It is a stick with a flag on it, which is easy to recognize. There are some variations of denoting the location of the cup, such as color coding the flags or putting the flag high, low, or middle on the stick. Golf etiquette dictates that golfers should tend the flagstick for other players to create a sense of community. A synonym for the flagstick is pin and it is sometimes abbreviated as flag.

Flange – The flange is a component of the putter clubhead that lies on the sole. It was originally designed to make the clubhead heavier, but it has since been shown to also increase the moment of inertia and perimeter weighting, which makes the putter more forgiving of mistakes.

Flare – A flare is a shot that curves severely to the right. It begins on the right side of the target line and curves even further to the right as it flies. When the ball finally reaches the cup, it is too far to the right to hole out. This effect is also called a block or push.

Flat Swing – A flat swing is a golf swing that is played with less vertical and more horizontal movement.

Flatstick – A flatstick is a slang term for a putter. It comes from the fact that most putters have a flat or vertical clubface. However, most putters actually have a loft of 3-4 degrees.

Flex/Shaft Flex – The flex of a golf club shaft is the amount of bend it has. It is measured on a scale from L (ladies) to X (extra stiff). Players with faster swings typically use shafts with less flex, while players with slower swings use shafts with more flex.

Flexpoint – The flexpoint is the point on the shaft where the shaft bends the most. It affects the flight of the ball significantly. If the flexpoint is closer to the clubhead, the ball will fly higher. If the flexpoint is further away from the clubhead, the ball will fly flatter. However, the flexpoint does not have a significant impact on whether a player has a good or bad game. Players can choose a flexpoint that works best for their swing, but it is important to get a professional fitting to make sure you are using the right flex for your game. Synonyms for the flexpoint include bend point and kickpoint.

Flier/Flyer – A flier is a shot that flies farther than intended. It is most commonly hit from the rough or in wet conditions. Fliers have little or no spin, which causes them to overshoot the target. The lie of a flier is a lie in the rough or in wet conditions. Synonyms for flier include flyer or jumper.

Flight – A flight is a division of golfers in a gross stroke-play tournament. Golfers in the same flight are typically of similar skill level, as determined by their handicaps. This is important because it ensures that all golfers have a fair chance to win. Each flight has a name that indicates its level, such as the championship flight. There is typically one winner crowned in each flight at the end of the tournament.

Flip Shot – A flip shot is a special type of golf shot that is typically hit with a wedge. It is a wristy shot that is designed to hit the ball high but not far.

Flip the Bird – A flip the bird is a variation of the Daytona or Las Vegas betting game. In this variation, the team score is calculated by pairing the two individual scores of the team, but the lower score always comes first. For example, a score of 2 and 3 would be calculated as 23, not 32. Flip the bird is an optional rule that can be used to reverse the scores if a golfer makes a birdie. However, it is important to agree on whether or not to use this rule before the game begins.

Flop/Flop Shot – A flop shot is a type of pitch shot that is typically played shorter than a standard pitch shot. It is hit with a high-lofted wedge to create maximum height in the ball flight. The ideal result is a shot that lands softly on the green and stops quickly. Flop shots are often used when there is a hazard between the golfer and the flagstick.

Fly – The term “fly” in golf is used to describe the distance that a golf ball travels through the air. It can also be used to describe the distance that a shot travels over an intended target.

Flyer/Flyer Lie – A flyer is a shot that travels farther than the golfer intended. It is most commonly hit from the rough or in wet conditions. Flyer lies are typically found in the rough, and they are usually caused by the ball sitting up on top of the grass.

Follow Through – The follow through is the final part of the golf swing. It begins after the clubhead strikes the ball and ends when the golfer’s arms are fully extended and the clubface is pointing at the target.

Footgolf – Footgolf is a hybrid sport that combines elements of golf and soccer. It is played with a soccer ball and the rules of golf. Players kick the ball into a hole using their feet, rather than hitting it with a golf club.

Footprinting – Footprinting is the act of leaving footprints on the ground of a golf course. This can damage the turf and make it difficult for the grass to recover. Golf clubs often have rules against golfing in frosty conditions, as this can lead to more footprints.

Footwork – Footwork is the coordination of the golfer’s feet and lower body during the golf swing. Good footwork is essential for generating power and accuracy.

Foot Wedge – A foot wedge is an illegal move in golf. It is when a golfer uses their foot to move their ball into a better position.

Forced Carry – A forced carry is a shot that must be hit over a hazard in order to reach the fairway or green.

Fore! – Fore! is a warning shout that is used in golf to alert other players to a wayward shot. It is important to shout fore as loudly as possible and to duck if you hear it, as a golf ball can travel a long distance.

Forecaddie – A forecaddie is a caddie who accompanies a group of golfers and tracks their golf balls. They are not responsible for carrying the golfers’ golf bags. Forecaddies are typically only found at resorts and luxury country clubs, and they are usually hired by golfers who play in tournaments.

Forged clubhead – A clubhead made from a single piece of metal or alloy.

Forgiving club – A club that helps golfers make better shots, even on mishits.

Fort Lauderdale variation – A golf game where two teams of two or four players compete against each other. Each team chooses the best ball after each shot and plays from that position.

Forward press – A small movement of the hands and arms at the beginning of the golf swing.

Forward swing – The downward movement of the club from the top of the backswing to impact.

Fourball – A golf game where two teams of two players compete against each other. Each player plays their own ball and the team with the lowest score on each hole wins.

Fourball alliance – A golf game where two teams of four players compete against each other. Each player plays their own ball and the best four scores on each hole are combined to form the team score.

Four-Man Cha Cha Cha – A golf game where four players form a team and play their own balls. The best ball on the first hole is used as the team score, the two best balls on the second hole, and so on.

Four-point game – A golf game where two teams of two players compete against each other. Each hole is worth four points, and teams earn points based on their best score and the lowest high score on each hole. Birdies are worth four points instead of two.

Foursome – A golf game where two teams of two players compete against each other. Each team takes turns hitting the same ball.

Free drop – The ability to drop the ball without penalty in certain situations.

Frenchy – A golf shot that hits a tree and still ends up on the fairway.

Frequency matching – A process of ensuring that the vibration frequency of golf shafts in a set of clubs is consistent.

Fried egg lie – A situation where the golf ball is buried in sand and only the top is visible.

Fringe – The area of grass around the green that is slightly taller than the grass on the green itself.

Frog hair – A slang term for the fringe.

Front nine – The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

Front side – The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

Full finger grip – A method of holding the golf club with all ten fingers.

Funnies – Informal achievements that golfers can earn during a match.

G


GOLF GLOSSARY

Gallery – The gallery is the spectators who watch a round of golf. Galleries can be large or small, and they can be very enthusiastic.

Gimme – A gimme is a putt that is so short that the other player concedes it. This means that the other player agrees that you will make the putt, even if you don’t actually hit it into the hole. Gimmies are typically conceded on putts that are less than a foot long.

Green – The green is the putting surface. It is the area of short grass where golfers putt the ball into the hole. Greens are typically very smooth and level, and they are carefully maintained by greenskeepers.

Greenskeeper – A greenskeeper is a person who maintains the greens and other areas of a golf course.

Greenskeepers – Are responsible for cutting the grass, watering the greens, and repairing any damage to the course.

Greensomes – Is a two-person golf format in which each player hits a tee shot, and then they choose the best tee shot and play alternate shot from there until the hole is complete. This format is a good mix of individual and team play, and it can be a lot of fun to play with a friend or family member.

Grip – The grip is the way the golfer holds the club in their hands. There are a number of different grip styles, but the most common is the interlock grip. The grip is important because it affects the clubface angle and the clubhead speed.

Groove – A groove is a depression on the face of a club that helps to impart spin on the golf ball. Spin can help the ball to travel further, land more softly, and roll less. Different types of clubs have different groove patterns, which are designed to produce different types of spin.

H


Handicap
– A handicap is a system used to equalize the playing field between golfers of different skill levels. Handicaps are calculated based on a golfer’s past scores, and they are used in tournaments to give all golfers a fair chance to win.

Hazard – A hazard is any area of the golf course that can make it more difficult to play, such as a water hazard or bunker. Hazards are typically marked with red or yellow stakes, and golfers are penalized for hitting their ball into them.

Hole-in-one – A hole-in-one is a shot that lands directly in the hole. It is the rarest and most exciting shot in golf.

Honor – The honor is the golfer who has the lowest score on the previous hole. The golfer with the honor gets to hit first on the next hole. This is a tradition that dates back to the early days of golf.

I


Impact
– Impact is the moment when the clubhead hits the golf ball. It is the most important moment in the golf swing, as it is when the ball is given its direction and speed.

Iron – An iron is a type of golf club with a metal head and a long shaft. Irons are used to hit a variety of shots, from long approach shots to short pitch shots.

J

Jigger – A jigger is a tool used to clean the grooves on the face of a club. The grooves help to impart spin on the golf ball, which can affect the distance and trajectory of the shot. Over time, the grooves can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can reduce their effectiveness. A jigger can be used to remove this dirt and debris, which can help to improve the performance of the club.

K

Kick – A kick is the sudden change in direction that a golf ball can take after hitting the ground. This is typically caused by the unevenness of the ground or by a defect in the ball. A kick can be difficult to predict and can cause the ball to go offline.

L

Lie – The lie is the angle of the clubface relative to the ground at address. The lie of the club can affect the direction and height of the shot.

Lift, clean, and place -Lift, clean, and place is a rule that allows golfers to move their ball away from a hazard without penalty. This rule is typically used when the ball is in a water hazard or bunker.

Links – A links golf course is a type of golf course that is built on sandy terrain. Links courses are typically found along the coast, and they are known for their strong winds and undulating greens.

Loft – The loft is the angle of the clubface relative to the shaft. The loft of the club determines the trajectory of the ball. Irons with higher lofts will hit the ball higher, while irons with lower lofts will hit the ball lower.

M

Marker – A marker is a small object used to mark the position of a golf ball on the green. This is done when another player needs to putt and their ball is in the way of yours. The marker is placed behind your ball, and then you remove your ball from the green. After the other player has putted, you replace your ball on the green and putt it out.

Match play – Match play is a format of golf in which two or four players compete against each other hole-by-hole. The player with the lowest score on a hole wins the hole. The first player to win a certain number of holes (usually 18) wins the match.

Medal play – Medal play is a format of golf in which each player competes to score the lowest total number of strokes. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round wins.

Mulligan – A mulligan is a slang term for a second chance to hit a shot. Mulligans are not allowed in competitive golf, but they are often used in casual rounds with friends.

N

Nine iron – A nine iron is a type of iron with a loft of 41-45 degrees. Nine irons are typically used to hit shots from 130-150 yards.

Notch – A notch is a small indentation on the hosel of a club that helps the golfer to align the clubface. The notch should be aligned with the target line at address.

O

Out of bounds – Out of bounds is any area outside of the boundaries of the golf course. If a ball goes out of bounds, the player must hit a new ball from the previous spot.

Over par – Over par is a score that is higher than the expected score on a hole. For example, if par on a hole is 4 and you score a 5, that is over par.