Jack Young Golf Terminology

Ace: a hole in one.
Address: the act of taking a stance and placing the clubhead behind the ball.
Alignment: The position of a player's body relative to the target line of the ball.
Angle of Attack: Also referred to as "Angle of Approach". The angle at which the club head strikes the ball. This affects the trajectory the ball will travel and spin
Apron: The grass surface on the perimeter of the green that separates it from the fairway
Back Nine: Holes 10 through 18 on a golf course
Backspin: The spin imparted to a ball when struck with a sloping clubface. In the air, backspin generates aerodynamic lift causing the ball to follow a higher trajectory than would otherwise be the case, often resulting in a significantly longer carry. On landing, backspin causes the ball to stop more quickly, even to spin backward. Also called bite .
Ball Marker: any small object used to indicate where a player's ball is on the green. Coins are common ball-markers .
Banana: An extreme slice.
Bare lie: When the ball is lying directly on hard ground, making it difficult to get the clubface on the ball.
Barkie: achieving a score of par or better on a hole after the ball hits a tree on the same hole.
Baseball Grip: Hand position in which all ten fingers are on the club. Also called a “Ten Finger Grip
Birdie: A hole played one under par
Bite: Heavy backspin which causes the ball to stop quickly instead of rolling after it lands
Blade: 1) Type of club created by forging metal instead of from a cast mold. Little or no perimeter weighting. 2) Striking the ball with the leading edge instead of the face of the club. Also called thin, belly, in the forehead.
Blind: A shot that does not allow the player to see where the ball will land.
Block: A shot that, for the right handed golfer, goes far right on a straight line, unlike a slice which curves from left to right. Also called push.
Bogey: A hole played one over par.
Bounce: the measure of the angle from the front edge of a club's sole to the point that rests on the ground when addressing the ball.
Clubs (usually wedges) with a higher bounce angle will resist digging into the turf.
Break: The amount of curve one must account for on a putt. Across the pond it is known as “borrow.”
Bump and Run: a low-trajectory shot that is intended to get the ball rolling along the fairway and up onto the green. Similar to a chip shot, but played from a greater distance.
Bunker: Another name for a sand trap.
Caddie: Person who carries a players clubs and often offers advice.
Carry: The length a ball travels or needs to travel in the air.
Casual Water: Any temporary accumulations of water that are visible before or after a player takes his stance and is not a hazard or in a water hazard. A player may lift his ball from casual water without penalty.
Chili Dip: To hit the ground before the ball, usually producing a shorter than planned shot.
Chip: (also “chip and run” or “bump and run”) a shot designed to roll farther than it flies.
Closed: refers to clubface or stance. For a right handed golfer, the face is aligned left of the intended target. A closed stance is when the righty golfer’s feet and/or shoulders are aimed right of the target line.
Collar: see apron.
Cut: 1) for a right handed golfer, a “cut” or “cut shot” curves gently from left to right. 2) The highest score allowed for further play in a tournament. 3) the height that the grass is mowed ( 1^st cut, 2^nd cut, etc.).
Dimple: Indentations on golf ball designed to increase turbulence and cause the ball to spin and lift.
Divot: A piece of turf removed by a club during a swing.
Dogleg: a hole in which the fairway has a bend in it, like a dog’s rear leg.
Draw: A shot which, for the right handed golfer, curves from right to left.
Duffer: an unskilled golfer. See also hacker, chop.
Eagle: 2 strokes under par for a single hole.
Fade: a shot that, for the right handed golfer, curves gently from left to right.
Fairway: the closely mown area between the tee and green, usually with rough on either side.
Fat shot: A shot where the club hits the ground before the ball, resulting in significant loss of distance.
Flier: a lie in which grass is likely to be caught between the clubface and ball at impact reducing friction and spin, often creating shots that go farther than intended.
Fore!: a warning to golfers who may be in danger of being hit by a ball in flight.
Fringe: see apron.
Frog hair: see fringe.
Grounding the club: placing the clubhead on the ground behind the ball at address. Not allowed in a hazard.
Ground under repair: A part of the course ( usually marked ) that is being repaired. A ball must be removed from this area and played without penalty.
Hardpan: a lie consisting of very hard turf (often bare).
Hazard: any bunker (usually a hollow of some kind with a prepared surface, generally sand or similar) or water hazard ( sea, lake, ditch, pond, etc. usually marked with red or yellow stakes or lines).
Heel: the part of the club that is nearest the hosel or shaft Hook: a shot that, for the right handed golfer, curves to the left.
Hosel: the neck of the club where the head connects to the shaft. Hitting the ball off the hosel is called a “shank.”
Hybrid: a club that is a combination of a wood and an iron.
Impact: the instant the club strikes the ball
Iron: the flat faced, narrower soled clubs, usually numbered 1 – 9 indicating increasing loft on the face.
Jail: when the ball is in a position where there is no favorable outcome.
Lateral water hazard: water hazard running on either side of the line of play. Marked with red stakes or lines.
Launch angle: the initial trajectory of a ball off a clubface relative to the ground.
Lay up: to purposely hit a shot short of the green, usually to avoid trouble and leave the player with a more manageable shot to the green.
Lie: 1) the ground that the ball is resting on 2) the number of strokes a player has played on the current hole.
Lie Angle: the angle between the sole of the club and the shaft.
Line: the expected path of the ball to the hole.
Loft: the angle between a clubs face and shaft.
Loose impediment: any natural object that is not fixed or growing.
Mulligan: taking a second attempt at a shot when the first is not desired. A “do over”(not allowed in the rules).
Nassau: a type of wager that is 3 separate bets – the front 9, back 9, and 18 hole score.
OB : out of bounds; usually marked by white stakes.
Offset: when the leading edge of a clubhead is set back from the shaft. Helps to stabilize the clubface at impact, resisting torque.
Out of Bounds: area or perimeter which is not part of the golf course, usually marked with white stakes or lines.
Par: Standard score for a hole or course – written on the scorecard.
Pin: (flagstick) the stick in the hole that holds the flag.
Pin High: when the ball is the correct distance to the flagstick, but is right or left of the flag.
Rough: Tall grass that borders the fairway, greens, hazards, and teeing areas.
Sand Trap: another name for a bunker.
Shank: when the neck or hosel of the club strikes the ball, resulting in a shot that can travel left or right and low.
Slice: a shot that curves sharply to the right for the right handed golfer.
Sole: the bottom of the clubhead.
Tee: 1) a wooden (normally) peg on which a ball may be placed for driving. 2) the area which is used to hit the first shot on a hole.
Turn: to start the back 9 holes of a round.
Unplayable Lie: when the ball has come to rest in a position where it would be next to impossible to advance. The player may then under penalty of one stroke take relief in order to continue.
Water hazard: ditch, pond, or stream usually marked by yellow or red (lateral water hazard) stakes.
Wood: a club with a long shaft and large, rounded head. Previously made of wood, the heads are now primarily metal.

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NewCastle Emlyn Golf Terminology A-Z

Golfing Terminology A-Z

Address – When a stance has been taken and the club has been grounded behind the ball
Albatross – Three below the par of the hole
Approach – A stroke played in towards the flag
Attending the flag – The holding of the flag. A player may have the flag attended at any time. The flag should either be removed or attended while on the green
Birdie – One below the par of the hole
Blade - Striking the ball with the leading edge, topping the shot
Block – Pushing the ball out to the right and failing to draw it back
Bogey – One over the par of the hole
Bunker – A hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground often hollowed and filled with sand
Caddie – A person who carries a player’s clubs and may offer advice to that player on how to play the course
Casual water – A temporary accumulation of water on the course from which relief can be obtained
Chip – A short shot from just off the green to the flag
Close – The toe of the club advanced at address
Cut - A shot which flies to the right, fade or slice, depending on its severity
Dip – A ducking movement on downswing
Dogleg – A hole which bends to the right or left
Dormie – When a player cannot be beaten – he is as many holes up as there are holes to play
Draw – A controlled shot which causes the ball to fly right to left
Duck hook - A shot which flies violently to the left
Eagle – Two below the par of the hole
Eclectic – The best score for each hole scored over a number of rounds
Explosion - A bunker shot that dispels sand, the clubface hitting behing the ball
Fade – A controlled shot which causes the ball to fly left to right
Fairway - The mown area of the course between tee and green
Fat – The club striking and digging into the ground before hitting the ball
Flyer – A shot that travels further than usual, normally caused by wet grass getting between the club face and the ball
Fore – A golfer’s warning that cry when someone may be struck by a ball
Fourball – Four players each playing their own ball
Foursome – A pairs game with players taking alternate shots
Fringe – Short mown grass around the putting green
Grain – The direction the grass grows on the green, the nap
Green - A prepared putting surface
Green fee - Amount of money paid to play on a golf course
Greensome – A pairs game with both playres driving off, the preferred ball is then selected and alternate shots are played to completion of the hole
Gross – The total number of strokes taken to go around the golf course, including penalty strokes
Ground under repair – Ground marker unfit for play, any material piled for removal
Half - A hole completed in the same score, a tie match
Handicap – the number of strokes a player receives and deducts from his gross score
Hanging lie – The ball on uneven ground causing an uneven stance to be adopted
Hazard – Any bunker or water hazard
Heavy – The club face digs into the ground and reduces power
Hole – The hole is 4 1/4 inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep
Holed – The ball is holed when when it lies within the circumference of the hole below the lip
Honour – The right to drive off first
Hook – An often unintentional, uncontrolled shot which flies from right to left
Hosel – The insert section for the shaft to join the head
Lag – A putt which is run close to the hole with the intention of leaving a simple tap in
Lie – Where and how the ball comes to rest
Line of play – The preferred route to the hole
Links – A golf course built on sand near to or by the sea
Lip – The edge of the hole
Lob - A high flying shot which lands softly
Local rules - Rules to cover special conditions on the course, locally formulated
Loft – The angled setting of a club face
Loose impediments – Natural objects that are not fixed or growing
Match play – A game played by the number of holes won
Medal play – Stroke play
Nett score – The score taken after the handicap has been subtracted from the gross score
Obstruction – Anything artifical placed, left or erected on the golf course
Out of bounds – Ground on which play is prohibited, normally indicated by white stakes or white lines
Outside agency – Any agency that is not part of the match
Par – The norm for a hole. The par figure for a hole is based on length
Penalty stroke - A stroke or strokes added to a score for taking relief or for a breach of the rules
Pin-high – A ball that finishes level with the flagstick
Pitch – A short and often high floating approach shot to the green
Pitch and run – A short approach shot which rolls to the hole
Play through – When a game overtakes another game
Plugged ball – A ball buried in the ground
Pull – An off target shot that flies directly left
Punch shot – A low, hard shot played predominantly with the hands
Push – An off target shot that flies directly right
Putt – A golf shot played with a putter
Release – Wrist action as the clubhead comes into the ball
Rough – Area of longer grass bordering the fairway
Rub of the green – A moving ball stopped or deflected by an outside agency. A phrase used to describe good or bad luck on the course
Sand wedge – A golf club specifically designed for use in bunkers
Scratch - A zero rated handicap
Shaft – The section of the club that connects the head to the grip
Shank – A shot hit with the neck or hosel of the club often forcing the ball to fly violently to the right
Skull – To hit the top of the ball a glancing blow with the leading edge of the club
Sky – A ball hit high into the air that travels little distance
Slice – An unintentional, uncontrolled shot which flies from left to right
Sole – The base of the clubhead
Stableford – A form of golf where players score by points, one point for one over par, two points for par, three points for one under par and so on
Stance – The position of the feet in readiness to make a stroke
Stroke play – A form of golf where a player counts the number of strokes he takes to complete the course, including penalty strokes
Stymied – Any form of obstruction between the ball and the hole
Swing – The motion of playing a stroke
Takeaway – The start of the backswing
Tee – A peg which is inserted into the ground and on which the ball rests
Teeing ground – The starting place for the hole. A rectangular area two club lengths in depth with its outside limit defined by two markers
Texas wedge – A shot played from off the green with a putter
Through the green – The whole area of the course except the teeing ground and the putting green
Top – A mis-hit shot that strikes the top half of the ball

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Fairway Clubhouse Golf Terminology

The next time the guy in the plaid shorts next to you talks about crossing over, it will help to be up on your golf terminology before you get too nervous! See many of the most common golf terms below, and let us know if we have missed any!

Abnormal Ground Conditions:

An abnormal ground condition refers to any casual water, ground under repair or hole, cast or runway on the golf course which has been made by a burrowing animal, reptile or bird.

Ace:

You are said to make an 'ace' when you sink your ball in one shot on a par 3 hole.

Address:

The way that a golfer positions his or her body immediately before hitting the ball. Every golfer has his or her own unique address.

Alignment:

The way that you position the clubface and line up your body at the address.

Amateur:

Golf players who play competitive golf but who do not play for prize money. In order to earn prize money from golf tournaments, a player has to compete as a professional.

Approach Shot:

A shot which aims to place your ball on the green area.

Away:

You are said to be 'away' when you are the farthest distance from the hole.

Baby Shot:

A shot which is much shorter and softer than would normally be expected from a club which is ordinarily used for that shot.

Back Nine:

The second half, or last 9 nines holes, of an 18-hole course.

Backspin:

A reverse spin on a golf ball which has been hit towards a target.

Backswing:

The initial part of the golf swing which finishes as the club stops moving above your head in preparation for the downswing.

Balata:

A type of tree sap which was formerly used the manufacture of golf ball covers.

Ball In Play:

A ball is in play as soon as a player makes a stroke on the teeing ground and remains in play until it is holed, except when it is lost, out of bounds or lifted, or another ball has been substituted, whether or not the substitution is permissible. A ball which is substituted becomes the ball in play.

Ball Marker:

Any small flat object which is used to mark the position of your ball when it is on the green.

Ball Mark Repair Tool:

A fork-shaped tool which is used to fix marks made when your ball lands on the green.

Baseball Grip:

A specific grip used to hold the club in which all 10 of your fingers remain in contact with the club grip.

Best Ball:

A golf game in which the better score from a 2-person team is counted.

Birdie:

You are said to make a 'birdie' when you sink your ball in one less shot than the par for a specific hole. For instance, if the hole is a par 4 and you sink your ball in only 3 shots then you have made a birdie.

Blade:

A term which can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun it is used to describe the club head of an iron. As a verb it refers to hitting the ball on its equator with the bottom of the blade.

Blocked Shot:

A blocked shot occurs when a ball is hit straight ahead by a right handed golfer but then sweeps to the right of the intended target.

Bogey:

You are said to make a 'bogey' when you sink your ball in one more shot than the par for a specific hole. For instance, if the hole is a par 4 and you sink your ball in 5 shots then you have made a bogey.

Break:

When you are putting on the green and your ball begins to turn, the term break is used to refer to the amount of turn which occurs.

Breaking Down:

The term breaking down refers to the movement of your wrists as you bend them while putting.

Bump & Run:

As the name suggests a bump and run describes a ball which is hit into the air flies towards the target and then 'bumps' into the ground and 'rolls' the rest of the way towards its target.

Bunker:

A bunker is a hazard area which is filled with sand in his usually sited near the green or on the fairway.

Caddie:

Caddies are individuals who are paid to carry your golf clubs around the course for you and who are also able offer advice on how to play the course.

Carry:

The carry is a term which refers to how far your golf ball flies through the air.

Cart:

A golf carts can either be a small vehicle which players use to drive around the course or a small dolly which travels on 2 wheels and is pulled manually.

Casual Water:

Casual water refers to puddles of water which have accumulated on a course as a result of rain, as distinct from designed water hazards on a course.

Cavity Back Iron:

A cavity back iron is a particular type of iron which has the majority of the club head's weight distributed around its perimeter. The back of the club head is basically just a large cavity and this helps to reduce the mass in both the center and the back of the head, thereby creating a bigger head and a larger 'sweet spot' on the face.

Certified PGA Professional:

A certified PGA professional golf player is any individual who has attained or exceeded the golf teaching standards of the Professional Golfer's Association of America.

Check:

A check refers to the action of the golf ball as it stops rolling as a result of the amount of backspin on it.

Chip:

The chip is a shot that is normally played from just off the green.

Closed Face:

A club face is described as being 'closed' when it points to the left of the target (This term is normally applied to right handed golfers).

Closed Stance:

A closed stance refers to a stance in which your body alignment is facing to the right of your intended target (This term is normally applied to right handed golfers).

Club Face:

The club face is the bottom part of the golf club which makes contact with the ball.

Clubhouse:

A clubhouse is normally an indoor area located on a golf course which provides services such as the golf pro shops, restaurants, restrooms and sometimes conference rooms.

Collar:

The collar, which is similar to a fringe, is the strip of grass which runs around the green and which is usually longer in length than the grass on the putting surface.

Coming Over The Top:

Coming over the top is a phrase used to describe the movement of the club as it travels through the downswing and into a right-to-left pathway across the ball (for right handed golfers). Another term sometimes for this movement is the out-to-in blow.

Compression:

Compression refers to the squeezing in of a golf ball when it is impacted by the head of a golf club.

Course Rating:

Every golf course is given a rating which refers to the degree of difficultly of the course. The higher the course rating, the more difficult the golf course is to play.

Crossed Over:

Crossed over is the term which describes the shaft of a golf club when it is at the top of the backswing and facing towards the right of the target (for right handed golfers).

Cross Handed:

A 'cross handed' grip is a specific putting grip in which the left hand is positioned below the right hand (for right handed golfers).

Cup:

The cup is simply another word the hole in the green which is the ultimate target for the golf ball.

Cupped Lead Wrist:

A cupped lead wrist refers to a backward bend in your lead hand when you strike the ball. The lead hand is the hand which is nearest to the hole once you are set up for your swing. (For a right handed golfer the lead hand is the left hand)

Cut:

A cut is another term for a shot which bends towards the right (for right handed golfers).

Deloft:

'Delofting' a club is simply decreasing the amount of loft on the club face by tilting your club shaft in the direction of your target.

Dimple:

Dimples are small indentations which cover the surface of a golf ball.

Divot:

A divot is a small piece of turf which is removed by your golf club when you hit a ball. Divots should be repaired (replaced) as a matter of basic golf course etiquette.

Dogleg:

A 'dogleg' refers to the curved pathway (right or left) from the tee to the cup.

Double Bogey:

You are said to make a 'double bogey' when you sink your ball in two more shots than the par for a specific hole. For instance, if the hole is a par 4 and you sink your ball in 6 shots then you have made a double bogey.

Double Eagle:

The double eagle describes the completion of a hole in 3 shots under par.

Downhill Lie:

A downhill lie refers to a stance in which your front foot is below your back foot when you are addressing the ball.

Draw:

A draw describes a shot which bends to the left (for right handed golfers).

Drive:

The drive is the initial shot on each hole which is taken from the tee.

Driver:

The driver is the longest club in your golf bag and is the club which gives you greater distance than any other golf club.

Driving Range:

A driving range is an off-course facility which is designed to allow golfers to practice their swing. Driving ranges has individual 'booth-like' areas from which you can practice hitting balls as long and as far as you want. In some cases driving ranges also have areas for you to practice your short game.

Drop:

A drop is the practice of returning your ball to the course by dropping it onto the playing surface after it has been hit out of bounds or into an area from which it is unplayable.

Duff:

To duff is simply to miss or totally mess up a shot.

Eagle:

You are said to make an 'eagle' when you sink your ball in two less shots than the par for a specific hole. For instance, if the hole is a par 5 and you sink your ball in only 3 shots then you have made an eagle. You can also 'eagle' a par 3 hole but, in this case, you are said to have made an 'ace'.

Executive Course:

An executive course is a small 9-hole par 3 course that can be played in under 2 hours.

Explosion Shot:

An explosion shot is a bunker shot which sends an 'explosion' of sand flying through the air.

Fade:

A fade is a shot which sends the ball veering slightly to the right (for right-handed golfers).

Fairway:

The fairway is the entire in-bounds distance which runs from the tee to the green and which is kept neatly trimmed.

Fat:

A 'fat' occurs whenever your clubface strikes the ground before hitting the ball.

Flagstick:

The flagstick is the flagged pole that rests inside the cup to mark the position of the hole on each green.

Flex:

Flex refers to the amount of bend within the shaft of a golf club.

Flier Lie:

A flier lie is the lie that you have after you take a swing and too much grass comes between the ball and your clubface. This also has a tendency to reduce the amount of backspin on the ball.

Flop Shot:

This is a form of pitch shot which shoots the ball high up into the air after which it falls short and lands softly.

Follow Through:

Having taken your swing and made contact with the ball, the 'follow through' refers to the subsequent movement of your club and your body.

Forecaddie:

A forecaddie is an individual employed by the Committee to indicate the position of balls to players during play and is an outside agency.

Fore:

The word 'fore' is shouted loudly as a warning signal when a ball is hit and heading in the direction of another player.

Forms of Match Play:

• Single: A match where one player plays against another player.
• Threesome: A match where one player plays against two other players and where each side plays one ball.
• Foursome: A match where two players play against two other players and where each side plays one ball.
• Three-Ball: Three players play a match against one another with each playing his own ball. In effect, each player is playing two distinct matches.
• Best-Ball: A match where one player plays against the better ball of two other players or the best ball of three other players.
• Four-Ball: A match where two players play their better ball against the better ball of two other players.

Forms of Stroke Play:

• Individual: A competition where every competitor plays as an individual.
• Foursome: A competition where two competitors play as partners and play one ball.
• Four-Ball: A competition where two competitors play as partners with each playing his own ball. The lower score of the partners is taken as the score for the hole. If one partner does not complete the play on a hole then there is no penalty.

Fringe:

The fringe is a collar of grass which surrounds the green in which the length of this grass is typically shorter than that of the fairway but longer than the green itself.

Front Nine:

The first half, or first 9 nines holes, of an 18-hole course

Gimme:

A 'gimme' occurs when your ball lies on the green so close to the hole that your playing partner does not require you to actually hit the ball in.

Glove:

Golfers typically wear a glove on their lead hand to help their grip.

Grain:

The grain refers to the direction in which the grass on the green is growing.

Green:

The green area is a closely mowed area on which the hole is situated. It is also referred to as the putting surface.

Green In Regulation:

This is a term used for getting your ball onto the green in one shot on a par 3 hole, in two shots on a par 4 hole, or in three shots on a par 5 hole.

Greens Fee:

This is the sum of money charged for playing a round of golf.

Grip:

The grip refers to either the manner in which you hold your club or the rubber covering on the shaft of a club where you place your hands.

Grooves:

Grooves are the etched lines on the face of the club which are designed to help you to put the desired backspin on the ball.

Ground Under Repair:

Ground under repair refers to any part of the course marked as such by order of the Committee. All of the ground (and any tree, bush, grass or other growing thing) within the ground under repair are deemed to be part of the ground under repair. Ground under repair includes such things as material piled for removal or a hole made by a greenkeeper. Grass cuttings and other similar material left on the course which have been abandoned and which it is not intended to remove are not considered to be ground under repair unless so marked.

Handicap:

A handicap is a system of adjustment to the score system so that golfers of different skill levels can compete with one another without the better players dominating the game.

Hard Pan:

Hard pan refers to areas of ground on the golf course that are extremely hard-packed.

Hazard:

Hazards are area of the golf course (typically sand and water) which are designed to make life difficult for players.

Hole:

The hole (or cup) is the ultimate target for the golf ball on each hole.

Holed Out:

A player is said to 'hole out' when his ball enters the hole.

Honor:

To be 'given the honor' is to be granted the privilege of playing first within your group.

Hook:

A hook shot is a shot which bends to the left (for right-handed golfers).

Hosel:

The hosel is the part of the clubhead which attaches it to the shaft of the club.

Impact:

Impact refers to the moment at which that you hit the ball and the clubface 'impacts' the ball.

Impediment:

An impediment is loose debris around the ball which is obstructing your shot and which can be moved away from your ball.

Interlocking Grip:

This is a form of grip in which the index finger of one hand is 'interlocked' with the small (pinky) finger of the other hand.

Iron:

An iron is a club which uses a metallic blade for the clubhead. Most golfers carry in the region of 8-10 irons which range from a number 2 iron to a sand wedge. Each club is designed to provide a different degree of loft on the ball.

Lag Putt:

A lag putt is a long putt the goal of which is to have the ball stop within a short distance (typically 2 feet or less) of the hole.

Laid Off:

This occurs when the club shaft is pointing to the left of the target at the top of the backswing (for right-handed golfers).

Lateral Water Hazard:

A lateral water hazard is a water hazard or that portion of a water hazard which is situated so that it is impossible, or impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water hazard. All of the ground and water within the margin of a lateral water hazard are considered to be part of the lateral water hazard.

Lay Up:

This term refers to a shot which is deliberately intended to fall short of the green in order to avoid getting into trouble.

Lie:

The lie is the position of your ball following a shot and, in particular, refers to the condition of the ground in the area in which the ball has landed.

Line of Play:

The line of play is the direction which a player wants his ball to take after playing a stroke, together with a reasonable distance on either side of the intended direction. The line of play is considered to extend vertically upwards from the ground, but does not however extend beyond the hole.

Line of Putt:

The line of putt is the line that a player wants his ball to take following a stroke on the putting green. The line of putt includes a reasonable distance on either side of the intended line but does not extend beyond the hole.

Lip Out:

A lip out occurs when the golf ball travel right up to the hole and teeters on the edge of the cup but, instead of dropping into the hole, rolls back from the hole.

Loft:

Loft can refer to the angle that the head of a golf club with the ground and to the relative height to which a particular club will hit the ball.

Loose Impediments:

Loose impediments are natural objects including leaves, twigs, branches, stones, dung, worms and insects (and the casts and heaps made by them) which are not growing or fixed, solidly embedded or ahering to the ball.

Lost Ball:

A ball is said to be lost if:

It is not found (or identified as his) by the player within five minutes after the player, his partner(s) or caddies(s) have begun to search for it.

The player has hit a provisional ball from the spot where the original ball is likely to be or from a point nearer the hole than that place.

The player has put another ball into play under the penalty of stroke and distance.

The player has put another ball into play because it is known or almost certain that the ball has been moved by an outside agency, is in an obstruction, is in an abnormal ground condition or is in a water hazard.

The player has made a stroke at a substituted ball.

Marker:

A marker is an individual who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor's score in stroke play. A marker may be a fellow competitor. The role of the marker is solely to record the competitor's score and he is not a referee.

Matchplay:

This term refers to the original manner in which golf was played, which was on a hole-to-hole basis. The player with the lowest score on the first hole is the winner of that hole and goes 'one up'. If that player is then the winner on the second hole then he goes 'two up' and this scoring pattern continues for each hole thereafter. Should you lose a hole then you go 'down one' and if a hole is tied you then 'halve' the hole. The outcome of the matchplay is decided by how many holes you are either up or down by in relation to the number of holes left. For instance, if you are 4 up with only 3 holes left in the game then you are the winner of the match.

Mulligan:

A mulligan is an illegal second attempt at a shot which went wrong.

Municipal Course:

This is a golf course which is both owned and operated by the local authority and is also often referred to as a 'muni'.

Nuked Shot:

A nuked shot is a shot which is hit far harder and longer than you would normally hit the ball with a particular club.

Nearest Point Of Relief:

The nearest point of relief is the reference point used for taking relief without a penalty from interference by an immovable obstruction, an abnormal ground condition or a wrong putting green.

Neutral Grip:

This grip is one in which a right-handed golfer is able to see 2 knuckles of the left hand when looking down at the grip during address.

Neutral Stance:

This stance is one in which both feet are in line and parallel to the target line.

Observer:

An observer is an individual who is appointed by the Committee to assist a referee in deciding questions of fact. An observer is also responsible for reporting any breach of a Rule.

Obstruction:

An obstruction is anything which is artificial (including the artificial surfaces and sides of roads and paths and manufactured ice) except:

• Objects defining out of bounds areas, such as walls, fences, stakes and railings.
• Any portion of an immovable artificial object which is out of bounds.
• Any construction which is declared by the Committee to be an integral part of the course.
  

An obstruction is said to be a movable obstruction if it can be moved without undue effort, without overly delaying play and without causing damage.

Open Face:

The club is said to have an 'open' face when it is aligned to the right of the target line (for right-handed golfers).

Open Stance:

This stance in one in which your body alignment points towards the left of the target when set up (for right-handed golfers).

Out-of-Bounds:

This is the area which is outside of the course and which is often marked with white stakes.

Out-to-in Blow:

This term is simply another way of saying 'Coming Over The Top' which describes the movement of the club as it travels through the downswing and into a right-to-left pathway across the ball (for right handed golfers).

Outside Agency:

In match play, an outside agency is any agency other than either the player's or opponent's side, any caddie of either side, any ball played by either side at the hole being played or any equipment of either side. In stroke play, an outside agency is any agency other than the competitor's side, any caddie of the side, any ball played by the side at the hole being played or any equipment of the side.

An outside agency includes a referee, a marker, an observer and a forecaddie. Wind nor water are not considered to be outside agencies.

Partner:

A partner is a player who is associated with another player on the same side. In threesome, foursome, best-ball or four-ball play, where the context so admits, the word player is taken to include his partner or partners.

Penalty Stroke:

A penalty stroke is one which is added to the score of a player or side as specified within the rules. When playing in a threesome or foursome, penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.

Provisional Ball:

A provisional ball is a ball played for a ball which may be lost outside a water hazard or which may be out of bounds.

Putting Green:

The putting green is all of the ground surrounding the hole being played which is specially prepared for putting or otherwise defined as such by the Committee. A ball is said to be on the putting green when any part of the ball touches the putting green.

Referee:

A referee is an individual appointed by the Committee to accompany players in order to decide questions of fact and to apply the rules. He is obliged to act on any breach of a rule which he observes or which is reported to him. A referee ought not to attend the flagstick, stand at or otherwise mark the position of the hole, or lift a ball or mark its position.

Rub of the Green:

A rub of the green is said to occur when a ball which is in motion is accidentally deflected or stopped by an outside agency.

Stance:

A player is said to be taking his stance when he places his feet in position for and in preparation of making a stroke.

Stipulated Round:

The stipulated round consists of playing the holes of the course in their correct order (unless otherwise authorized by the Committee) and the number of holes in a stipulated round is 18 (unless a smaller number is authorized by the Committee).

Stroke:

A stroke is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball. Should a player check his downswing voluntarily before the clubhead reaches the ball then he has not made a stroke.

Substituted Ball:

A substituted ball is a ball which is put into play in place of the original ball which was in play, lost, out of bounds or lifted.

Tee:

A tee is simply a device which is designed to raise the ball off the ground. A tee must not be longer than 4 inches and it must not be either designed or manufactured in a manner which would enable it to indicate the line of play or to influence the movement of the ball.

Teeing Ground:

The teeing ground is the starting point for each hole. It is a rectangular area of ground two club lengths in depth the front and sides of which are defined by two tee-markers.

Through The Green:

Through the green refers to the whole area of the course except for the teeing ground, the putting green of the hole being played and any hazard areas.

Water Hazard:

A water hazard is any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not it contains water) and anything of a similar nature on the course.

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Golf Terminology

Organizing a golf outing can be intimidating at times, so we have gathered some of the most common golf terms and phrases you might encounter.  If you come across something not on the list, just ask and we’ll be happy to explain.  A more comprehensive listing can be found on the PGA.com website.

[#] 19th Hole The clubhouse bar.  Players typically gather in the 19th Hole after their round to tally scores, settle bets and enjoy some beverages.

[A] Ace When a player hits the ball directly from the tee into the hole with one stroke. Also called a hole in one.

Albatross A hole played three strokes under par, also called a Double Eagle.

Approach shot A shot intended to land the ball on the green.

Apron The grass surface on the perimeter of the green that separates it from the surrounding fairway or rough. Also known as the fringe.

Automatic Two-putt When a golf course, or tournament, declares that players may consider the ball to be holed in no more than two putts once their ball is on the putting surface (most commonly used as a tournament rule to speed up play) Example: Automatic two-putt is not allowed within the rules of golf, but courses can institute it as a local rule in casual play when conditions warrant.

Away Describing the golfer whose ball is farthest from the hole. The player who is away should always play first.

[B] Back nine The last nine holes of an 18 hole golf course.  Playing the back nine is called “heading in”.

Backswing The backward part of the swing starting from the ground and going back behind the head.

Ball-marker A token or a small coin used to spot the ball’s position on the green prior to lifting it.

Ball-washer A device found on many tee boxes for cleaning golf balls.

Best ball A form of team play using two, three, or four person teams.  The team score on each hole is the lowest score obtained by one of the team members.  For example, if player A has a 5, player B has a 6, player C has a 4, and player D has a 5, the “best ball” and team score is a 4.

Birdie A hole played in one stroke under par.

Bogey A hole played one stroke over par.

Break The tendency of a putted ball to roll left or right of a straight line.  This deviation may be a result of a number of factors or combination of factors including uneven surface, grain of the grass, how firmly the putt is struck or, in extreme circumstances, wind.

Bump and run A low-trajectory shot that is intended to get the ball rolling along the fairway and up onto the green.  Similar to a chip shot, but played from a greater distance.

Bunker A depression in bare ground that is usually covered with sand. Also called a “sand trap”.  It is considered a hazard under the Rules of Golf.

[C] Caddy or Caddie A person, often paid, who carries a player’s clubs and offers advice.  Players are responsible for the actions of their caddies.  Players cannot receive advice from anyone other than their caddy or partner.

Carry How far the ball travels through the air.

Casual water Any temporary standing water visible after a player has taken his stance. Snow and ice can also be taken as casual water, as well as water that overflows the banks of existing water hazards.  You may take relief from casual water no nearer to the hole according to the rules of golf.

Chip A short shot (typically played from very close to and around the green), that is intended to travel through the air over a very short distance and roll the remainder of the way to the hole.

Chunk A swing that results in the clubhead hitting the ground before the ball, resulting in a large chunk of ground being taken as a divot.  Also called a “fat” shot, or “chili-dipping”.

Club (i) An implement used by a player to hit a golf ball.  A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc.

Clubhead The part of a club that used to strike the ball.

Clubface The surface of the clubhead which is designed to strike the golf ball.  Striking the ball with the center of the clubface maximizes distance and accuracy.

Course Rating Course rating is a numerical value given to each set of tees at a particular golf course to approximate the number of strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete the course.

[D] Dimples The round indentations on a golf ball cover which are scientifically designed to enable the ball to make a steady and true flight. Dimples, by reducing drag, allow a golf ball to stay in the air for a longer flight than would be possible with a smooth ball.

Divot (i) The chunk of grass and earth displaced during a stroke. (ii) The indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach shot; more properly called a pitch mark or ball mark.

Dogleg A left or right bend in the fairway.

Double bogey A hole played two strokes over par.

Double eagle A hole played three strokes under par.  Also called an Albatross.

Downswing The motion of swinging a club from the top of the swing to the point of impact.

Draw A shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves to the left; often played intentionally by skilled golfers.  An overdone draw usually becomes a hook.

[E] Eagle A hole played in two strokes under par.

Even Having a score equal to that of par.

[F] Fade A shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves slightly to the right, and is often played intentionally by skilled golfers.  An overdone fade will appear similar to a slice.

Fairway The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball.

Flagstick A tall marker, often a metal pole with a flag at the top, used to indicate the position of the hole on a green.  Also called the “pin”.  An additional smaller flag, or other marker, is sometimes positioned on the flagstick to indicate the location of the hole (front, middle, or back) on the green.

Fore A warning shout given when there is a chance that the ball may hit other players or spectators.

Fourball In matchplay, a contest between two sides, each consisting of a pair of players, where every individual plays his own ball throughout. On every hole, the lower of the two partner’s scores is matched against the lower of the opposition’s scores.  (Fourballs are the opening matches played on the Friday and Saturday mornings of the Ryder Cup).  In strokeplay, a fourball competition is played between several teams each consisting of 2 players, where for every hole the lower of the two partner’s scores counts toward the team’s 18 hole total.  The term ‘fourball’ is often used informally to describe any group of 4 players on the course.

Foursomes In matchplay, a contest between two sides each consisting of a pair of players, where the 2 partners hit alternate shots on one ball. The first player tees off, the second player hits the second shot, the first player hits the third shot, and so on until the ball is holed. Also partners alternate their tee shots, so that one member of each team will always tee-off on the odd holes and the other will tee off on the even holes. (Foursomes are the afternoon matches played on the Friday and Saturday of the Ryder Cup).  In strokeplay, a foursome competition is played between several teams each consisting of a pair of players, where partners play alternate shots until the SINGLE ball is holed.  The term ‘foursome’ is often incorrectly used to describe any group of 4 players on the course.

Front Nine Holes 1 through 9 on a golf course.

[G] Gimme Refers to a putt that the other players agree can count automatically without actually being played (under the tacit assumption that the putt would not have been missed).  “Gimmes” are not allowed by the rules in stroke play, but they are often practiced in casual matches.  However, in match play, either player may formally concede a stroke, a hole, or the entire match at any time, and this may not be refused or withdrawn.  A player in match play will generally concede a tap-in or other short putt by his or her opponent.

Golf club (i) An implement used by a player to hit a golf ball.  A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc.

Green The area of specially prepared grass around the hole, where putts are played.

[H] Handicap A number assigned to each player based on his ability and used to adjust each player’s score to provide equality among the players. In simplified terms, a handicap number, based on the slope of a course, is subtracted from the player’s gross score and gives him a net score of par or better half the time.

Hazard Any bunker or permanent water including any ground marked as part of that water hazard.  Special rules apply when playing from a hazard.

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

Hole in One Getting the ball directly from the tee into the hole with one stroke.

[I] Iron A club with a flat-faced solid metal head generally numbered from 1 to 9 indicating increasing loft.

[K] Knock-down A type of shot designed to have a very low trajectory, usually employed to combat strong winds.

[L] Lie (i)  How the ball is resting on the ground, which may add to the difficulty of the next stroke. (ii) The angle between the center of the shaft and the sole of the clubhead.

Line The path the ball it expected to take following a stroke.  This is of particular importance on the green, where stepping on another player’s line is considered a breach of etiquette.

Links A type of golf course, usually along a stretch of coastline.

Loft The angle between the club’s shaft and the club’s face.

[M] Mulligan A do-over, or replay of the shot, without counting the shot as a stroke and without assessing any penalties that might apply.  It is not allowed by the rules and not practiced in official tournaments, but is common in casual rounds in some countries, especially the United States.  Charity tournaments can use the sale of mulligan tickets to raise additional revenue.

[O] Out-of-bounds The area designated as being outside the boundaries of the course.  When a shot lands “O.B.”, the player “loses stroke and distance”, meaning that he/she must hit another shot from the original spot and is assessed a one-stroke penalty.  Out-of-bounds areas are usually indicated by white posts.

[P] Par Apocryphally an abbreviation for “professional average result”, standard score for a hole (defined by its length) or a course (sum of all the holes’ pars).

Pin Slang for “flagstick”.

Pitch a short shot (typically from within 50 yards), usually played with a higher lofted club and made using a less than full swing, that is intended to flight the ball toward a target (usually the hole) with greater accuracy than a full iron shot.

Pitch mark Another term for a divot on the green caused when a ball lands.  Players must repair their pitch marks, usually with a tee or a divot tool.

Play Through Permission granted by a slow-moving group of players to a faster-moving group of players to pass them on the course.

Pro A professional is a golfer or person who plays or teaches golf for financial reward, may work as a touring pro in professional competitions, or as a teaching pro (also called a club pro).

Punch shot A shot played with a very low trajectory, usually to avoid interference from tree branches when a player is hitting from the woods.  Similar to the knock-down, it can also be used to avoid high winds.

Putt A shot played on the green, usually with a putter.

Putting green A green usually found close to the club house used for warm up and to practice putting.

Putter A special golf club with a very low loft that makes the ball roll.

[R] Rough The grass that borders the fairway, usually taller and coarser than the fairway.

[S] Sand wedge A lofted club designed especially for playing out of a bunker.  The modern sand wedge was invented by Gene Sarazen.

Scramble When a player misses the green in regulation, but still makes par or better on a hole.  Scrambling percentage is one of many statistics kept by the PGA Tour.  Also a two or four man format, similar to Best Ball, except in a scramble, each player strikes a shot, the best shot is selected, then all players play from that selected position.

Scratch golfer A player’s whose handicap equals zero.

Shamble A format, similar to a scramble, where every player hits from the tee, the best tee-shot is selected, and each player holes-out from the selected tee-shot.

Short game Shots that take place on or near the green.  Putting, chipping, pitching, and greenside bunker play are all aspects of the short game.

Slice A poor shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves sharply from the left to the right.  A shot that follows the same direction but to a lesser degree is referred to as a fade or a cut and is often intentional.  The curved shape of the flight of the ball is a result of sideways spin.  For that reason “slice” does not refer to a putt which “breaks”.

Slope Rating Slope Rating is a number, from 55 to 155, used to determine the level of difficulty of a golf course for a bogey golfer. An “average” course has a slope rating of 113.

Snowman To score an eight on a hole.  So-named because an eight (8) looks similar to the body of a snowman.

Stableford A points based scoring system.  The number of strokes taken on each hole relative to par translates into a set number of points, with the winner being the player who accumulates the highest number of points.

[T] Tap-in A ball that has come to rest very close to the hole, leaving only a very short putt to be played.  Often recreational golfers will “concede” tap-ins to each other to speed up the pace of play.

Tee A small peg, usually made of wood or plastic, placed in the ground upon which the golf ball may be placed prior to the first stroke on a hole.  May also refer to the teeing ground.

Teeing Group The area from which you hit your drive or tee shot.  The teeing ground for a particular set of tees is two club lengths in depth.  The ball must be teed between the markers, called tees, that define the teeing ground’s width, and no further back than its depth.  Tees are colored, but there is no standard for colors.  The “teeing ground” refers to one set of tees.  Most courses have at least three sets of tees, some have more than twice that many.  The areas where tee markers are placed are called “tee boxes”.

Tips The championship tees on a golf course are known as “the tips”.  At Silverstone, the tips would be our set of silver tees.

Topped An errant shot where the clubhead strikes on top of the ball, causing the ball to roll or bounce rather than fly.

[U] Unplayable A player can declare his ball unplayable at any time when it is in play (other than at a tee), and can drop the ball either within two club-lengths, or further from the hole in line with the hole and its current position, or where he played his last shot.  A penalty of one stroke is applied.  A ball declared unplayable within a hazard must be dropped within that same hazard.

Up and down Describes the situation where a player holes the ball in two strokes starting from off the green.  The first stroke, usually a pitch, a bunker shot or a chip, gets the ball ‘up’ onto the green, and the subsequent putt gets the ball ‘down’ into the hole.  A variation is called “up and in”.

[W] Wedge A type of golf club; a subset of iron designed for short range strokes.

Whiff An attempt to strike the ball where the player fails to make contact with the ball.  A whiff must be counted as a stroke.

Wood A type of club where the head is generally bulbous in shape except for the flatter clubface.  Named because the head was originally made of wood, although almost all are now metal.

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Glossary of Terms

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS
 
RHBH

• Right Hand Backhand Throw - All INNOVA flight descriptions are based on players throwing right-handed with a back hand style.

LHBH

• Left Hand Backhand Throw – Reverse the RHBH flight characteristics.

RHFH

• Right Hand Forehand Throw – Reverse the RHBH flight characteristics.

LHFH

• Left Hand Forehand Throw – Same flight characteristics as a RHBH throw.DESCRIBING FLIGHT

Stable

• The tendency of a disc to remain straight through most of the flight.

Understable/Turnover

• The tendency of a disc to turn to the right during the high speed portion of the flight for a RHBH thrower.

Overstable

• The tendency of a disc to turn to the left at high or low speeds for a RHBH thrower.

Hyzer

• Is an angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted downward for a RHBH thrower.

Anhyzer

• Is an angle of release where the outside edge or left edge of the disc is tilted upward for a RHBH thrower.

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GRIPS

Backhand Grip

• A grip with the thumb on the flight plate and the fingers curled under the disc with one or more finger pads pressed against the rim. Palm is in the handshaking position. There are many variations.

Two Finger/Sidearm/Forehand Grip

• A grip where the palm is up and the thumb is on the flight plate while the index and middle fingers are underneath the disc with one or both fingers pressed against the rim. There are many variations.

Hook Thumb Grip

• A grip in which the thumb pad is hooked on the inside of the rim and the rim is squeezed between the thumb pad and the crook of the index finger. The index knuckle is on the top of the outside rim. Hand position resembles using a disposable lighter.

Thumber Grip

• A grip in which the entire thumb, from base to thumb pad, is on the inside rim and all four fingers are on top of the disc. Used primarily for Thumber Rollers.

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SHOTS

 
Escape Shot

• A shot used to get out of a poor lie or tough situation. Usually these shots are verticals or rollers because it is extremely difficult to throw a normal backhand or sidearm shot.

Touch/Finesse Shot

• These are floating shots used for accuracy in tricky situations.

Power Shots

• These are shots where high speed is employed to go over, around or through obstacles.

Go For Shot

• A risky shot usually thrown from the fairway to land in the basket rather than next to it.

Approach/Lay up Shot

• A safe shot thrown to land next to the basket rather than into it.

Fairway Shot

• A drive or very long approach shot from the fairway designed to advance closer to the target or land next to the target from a distance.

Roller

• A throw where most of the distance comes from rolling the disc on the ground rather than flying through the air. Can be done with a backhand grip, sidearm/forehand grip, thumber grip, hook thumb grip or scooby grip. Different grips produce different rolling patterns for different situations.

Cut Roller

• A roller shot that never turns on its back as most rollers do.

Overhead Shot

• Any shot thrown vertically or with an overhead baseball throwing motion.

Tomahawk Shot

• A vertical/overhead shot resembling the chop of a tomahawk. Discs are usually held with a two finger grip or hook thumb grips.

Scooby Shot

• Using a backhand grip, hold the underside of the disc vertically next to your right ear and throw for a RHBH thrower.

Spike Hyzer

• A shot thrown high with an extreme hyzer angle to land vertically.

Flex Shot

• The Flex Shot is preformed by throwing and overstable disc with an anhyzer angle of release down the left side of the fairway (for RHBH thrower). The disc travels from left to right then the natural overstability of the disc and gravity turn the disc back to the left. It is a very reliable shot that pros use.

Hyzer Flip

• The Hyzer Flip is very similar to an S-shot but follows a straighter line. An understable disc is thrown very fast with a hyzer angle of release. The disc will naturally turn or “flip” and bring its nose down in the process. This allows for a long straight glide.

S-Shot

• This shot is thrown using an understable disc to the left side of the fairway. The natural turn of the disc causes the disc to turn over and fly to the right side of the fairway. As the disc slows down it will fade back to the left.

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OTHER TERMS

 
150 Class

• A class of discs weighing up to 150 grams. These discs usually weigh from 145 grams up to 150 grams but may be much lighter. These are the only class of discs approved for play in Japan.

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PUTTING TERMS GLOSSARY

 
Putt

• Any throw from within 10 meters or less, as measured from the rear of the marker disc to the base of the hole is considered a putt. A player may not advance beyond the marker disc until disc is at rest and player has successfully demonstrated full control of balance.

Holing Out

• This is a successful putt/shot that comes to rest suspended in the chains or at rest in the basket tray.

Straddle Putt

• A putting position where the player and both feet are facing forward. The feet are generally spread shoulder width apart or farther and equidistant to the target.

Jump Putt

• A putt where the player pushes off the ground with the lead foot at the time of release. Generally performed when a player is more than 10 meters from the basket so they can move forward of the marker disc after release and not be penalized for making a “falling putt”.

Falling Putt

• A follow though after a putt, within 10 meters of the target, where the player advances forward of the rear edge of the marker disc. If the player doesn’t demonstrate full control of balance before advancing toward the hole it will result in a stance violation. Players receive a warning for the first violation and all subsequent violations in the same round will incur a one stroke penalty, plus the player must re-throw from the lie.

Spit Out

• Also known as a Bounce Back or Kick Out– When a putt hits the chains solidly on target and the putt bounces out of the target instead of staying in the chains or dropping into the basket.

Blow-Through (Also known as a Cut-Through)

• Where a putt hits the chain assembly and proceeds to slip through all the chains and out the other side of the target and onto the ground.

Sweet Spot

• That area of the target where a player can aim with confidence knowing the putt will stay in the chains or drop nicely into the basket. The Sweet Spot is different for different players and different putting styles.

Turbo Putt (Also known as a Push Putt)

• A grip/throwing style where the disc is held with the fingers on the rim of the disc and “pushed” with enough spin to carry to the target. The disc is held above the player’s shoulders and is thrown much like a football. Most generally used for short shots and putting when there are tall objects between the lie and the target.

Go For

• When a player purposefully tries to get an approach shot or long putt into the basket. This shot must be high enough and travel far enough to actually make it to the basket. Missing this shot often requires a “Come Back Putt.” See below

Come Back Putt

• This is when an approach or missed putt has gone beyond the basket and the player has to make long putt or second putt to complete the hole.

Lay up

• When a player chooses to purposely not go in the target but instead right under or next to the target in an effort not to jeopardize going too far and having to make a come back putt. This shot generally ensures the next shot will go in with little effort.

Hyzer Putt

• A backhand putt (when performed by a right handed player) that travels from right to left towards the target. Can also refer to the angle of the release where the putter is tilted with the right side of the disc raised at an angle above the left side.

Floater

• A putting style where the putter is thrown with the nose up or at an increased altitude to float into the chains.

Bullet or Jam

• A putt which uses speed to make the disc go straight. If this putt misses the basket it can cause a long come back putt. This type of putt is prone to blow-throughs and spit backs.

Wedge Putt

• A putt that comes to rest wedged into the side of the basket. This is a successful putt as long the putt remains suspended in the basket assembly long enough for player to retrieve the shot.

DROT (Acronym meaning Disc Resting On Top)

• This is where a disc comes to rest on top of the basket. This does not count as “holing out” and the player must mark the lie and take another shot to complete the hole.

Sweep

• When the disc drops into the basket tray and proceeds to sweep through or bounce up and over the rim and onto the ground.

Tournament Roll

• During a tournament round putts seemingly take on different characteristics. Discs will tend to spit back, blow through or hit part of the target and roll much farther away than the original lie.

Doink

• The horrible sound a disc makes when it crashes into the side of the basket before falling to the ground.

Wus

• A weak putt that has no chance to go in the basket, not to be confused with a lay up.

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FLYING DISC SPORTS TERMS

 
WFDF

• World Flying Disc Federation is a worldwide organization providing rules, record keeping as well as continuity to the nine major flying disc events.

PDGA

• Professional Disc Golf Association is the worldwide official governing body of the sport of disc golf overseeing the official rules of play and sanctioning guidelines for tournaments.

Guts

• Like dodge ball, but with flying discs. 5 players stand side by side facing 5 players throwing one disc as hard as possible. Points are earned by throwing an uncaught shot or when the other team throws a bad shot. The team that first to score 21 points wins.

Ultimate

• Played with two teams of seven players each and with one flying disc on a 110 meter playing field including two end zones. Points are scored when a team catches a disc thrown into the opposing team's end zone.

Overall Events

• Are comprised of a mix of seven separate events. Players may participate in one or all of the events: Disc Golf, Discathon, Self Caught Flight, Distance, Double Disc Court, Accuracy and Freestyle.

DDC (Double Disc Court)

• Played by two teams of two players each and two discs. There are two courts, 13m x 13m and 17m apart. Two discs are thrown back and forth by the teams. Teams score by landing a disc in the opponent's court, failing to throw a disc in the opponent's court or causing opponents to touch both discs simultaneously. Games are generally played to 15 points and usually in matches of best three to five games.

SCF (Self Caught Flight)

• Self Caught Flight is an overall event combines MTA and TRC. In each round, a single SCF score is determined by multiplying the player's MTA score by a factor of 5.5 and adding it to the players TRC score in meters. Sometimes MTA and TRC are held as separate events. The current combined world record is166.19 (14.63 s/ 85.72 m).

MTA (Maximum Time Aloft)

• This is one of the SCF events. MTA measures the time a player's throw is in the air prior to it being caught cleanly with one hand. The current world record is 16.72 seconds.

TRC (Throw Run Catch)

• The second of the SCF events in an overall competition. TRC measures the distance in meters that a player can throw a disc and successfully catch it with one hand. The object is to cover the greatest distance. The current world record is 94 meters.

Discathon

• A race in which players alternately throw two discs through a 200 to 1000 meter course, using the prior throw as the mark for the next throw. The discs thrown by the players must traverse the entire course through obstacles and mandatories. The object is to have the discs complete the course in the shortest time possible.

Accuracy

• Players attempt to pass a disc through a target frame that is 1.5 by 1.5 meters and is 1 meter off the ground. Players attempt four throws at the target from seven different stations. A perfect score of 28 of 28 has not yet been achieved. The current world record is 25 of 28.

Distance

• Players throw as far as possible from behind a line. Distance is measured from the line to where the disc touches the ground. The current world record is 250 meters.

Freestyle

• Freestyle is simply throwing and catching in creative ways. It is also an Overall Event where teams of two to three players perform a catch and throw routine lasting from three to five minutes with one or more discs. Routines are judged on: difficulty (10), artistic impression (10) and execution (10).

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