Above The Hole: Opposite of "below the hole". If the approach shot leaves the ball "above the hole", it means that the subsequent putt is going to be downhill. Distance control is more difficult when your ball is accelerated by gravity on its way to the hole.
Ace: Hitting the ball directly from the Tee into the hole or "cup" with one swing of the club. It is usually executed on a par three (3). It is also, known as a "hole-in-one".
Address: Stepping up to the ball (taking a stance) and setting the club down behind the ball (grounding the clubhead). This is the final position taken prior to the start of the take-a-way.
Adjusted Gross Score: A player's gross score when adjusted (reduced) according to the rules of Equitable Stroke Control and / or any special local conditions when approved by a sanctioning body.
Aiming: Aligning the clubface to the target.
Alignment: The position of the player's body relative to the target-line of the ball.
Approach Shot: A shot hit with intentions upon landing the ball on the green. For the average player, the approach shot is usually from 150 to 180 yards to the green.
Apron: The closely mowed grass between the green and the fairway, usually around three to five feet in width. Also, called the "fringe".
Attend (The Flagstick): When a player holds and removes the flagstick for another player.
Away: Describing the golfer whose ball is farthest from the hole (or cup). The player who is "away" should always play first.
Back Foot: Refers to the golfer's, foot farthest from the target when addressing the ball.
Back in Stance: At address, placing the ball further back from your front foot. (Right-hander).
Back Nine: The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course. Playing the "back nine" is referred to as "heading in" (towards the clubhouse).
Backspin: Rotation imparted to the ball, by utilizing a highly lofted club to strike the ball. During ball flight, the underside will be spinning in the direction of ball travel.
The top side of the ball will be spinning back towards the golfer. Backspin is desired when the golfer wishes the ball to "Sit" or stop upon landing.
Backswing: The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club "back" away from the ball and setting it in position at the top of the backswing from which the club can be delivered to the ball at the point of impact.
Bag (golf): A container which holds the golf clubs and club covers, golf glove, balls, tees, divot tool, club brush, rain gear, selective clothing articles, umbrella, water canteen, and miscellaneous items such as sun screen etc.
The bag has a multitude of pockets with zipper or Velcro fasteners, and usually separators or pockets to slip the clubs into. Sometimes it has a hood that will cover the entire bag.
Most bags are made of leather or nylon with plastic and aluminum re-enforcement connectors. The bag also has a large shoulder strap for ease of transporting on the golf course.
Bag Stand: A stand which is designed to hold a players golf bag while they are practicing on the driving range. Bag stands are there for your convenience.
But don't walk away from your bag because golf clubs are expensive and are very attractive to thieves. Most golf courses will not accept liability for your negligence by leaving a bag unattended.
Ball (golf): A small sphere used in playing golf, which is intended to be struck by a golf club and travel in the direction of the green for a particular hole on a golf course. (Golf Balls are like eggs; they're white, small, sold by the dozen, and you need to buy fresh ones every week!)
Ball Mark: A sharp indentation or cup-like depression caused by the ball landing on the green from a significant distance. "Ball marks" are to be repaired by the player causing the mark, but all players should repair ball marks as they see them.
Unrepaired ball marks can and most probably will deflect or inhibit a putt from reaching the cup as intended. If a ball rests in a ball mark, or there is a ball mark on the target-line of the putt, a player is encouraged to repair the ball mark prior to putting.
Ball Marker: A token or small coin used to spot the ball's position on the green prior to being lifted. Generally used when two or more players are involved in putting on the same green, and primarily to move balls out of the way prior to subsequent putts to the cup.
Ball Washer: A device found at most tee boxes for cleaning golfballs.
Bare Lie: When the ball lies directly on hard ground without any grass to buoy-up the ball, i.e.; where there is no grass creating a gap between the ball and the ground.
Behind: Golf etiquette demands that other golfers playing on the same hole, are not to stand behind the player who is hitting (caddies included). It applies everywhere on the golf course.
Below The Hole: Opposite of "above the hole". If the approach shot leaves the ball "below the hole", it means that the subsequent putt is going to be uphill. Distance control is less difficult when your ball is not accelerated by gravity on its way to the hole.
Birdie: A hole played in one stroke par (below)
Blading: "Blading" means to strike the ball with the leading edge of the sole of your club rather than on the clubface. The ball will be propelled with very little loft and likely no backspin, and even sometimes over-spin. Also known as "Hitting it thin".
Blast (Explosion Shot): Depending upon the circumstances, a golfer may opt to hit the ball out of a sand trap using a technique called an "explosion shot".
The explosion shot is a strong swing of the club, deliberately intended to hit the ball out of the sandtrap by striking the sand just behind the ball and following through with the clubhead, plowing through the sand under the ball.
This propels both the sand and the ball at a high loft angle, perfect for landing the ball softly on the green. The explosion shot can only be used when sand is fine and dry. Wet or granular sand does not work very well on an explosion attempt.
The explosion shot is used mainly for greenside bunkers where the ball does not need to travel very far. You hit an explosion shot because you don't want your ball to travel very far. You just want it out of the sandtrap and onto the green with very little roll. Also known as a "blast".
Block Shot: A shot hit directly to the right (right-handed player). Similar to a severe "push" shot.
Bogey: A hole played one (1) stroke over par.
Bogey Golf: "Bogey Golf" Refers to the level of proficiency for a player. Playing "Bogey Golf" means that this person generally shoots around 90 on a par 72 course.
In other words, the golfer averages a bogey on every hole. For the new golfer, improvement should be done with reachable objectives and in steps. So the first task for the new golfer is to "break 100" which means to shoot a score of 99 or lower on a regulation course.
Once the golfer has become good enough to break 100 frequently, the next objective is to play "bogey golf".
Boundaries: There are "boundary markers" along the fairways indicating the field of play. Generally white posts are used to mark the "out of bounds" areas. Hitting the ball "out of bounds" will result in penalty strokes if your ball comes to rest there.
The "boundary markers" themselves are considered to be "out of bounds". In order for your ball to be considered in bounds, any portion of it must occupy space inbound of the stake.
Brush (Club): A "club brush" or device with special bristles for cleaning dirt and debris from the grooves on the club face of all clubs but the putter. Generally, golfers have the club brush in their golf bag.
Break: The amount of curve or "break" a putted ball will traverse due to the slope of the green, grain and dryness of the grass, speed of the putt, and extreme wind.
Bump and Run: A low trajectory approach shot that is intended to get the ball rolling along a fairway and up onto the green. Similar to a chip shot "bump & run" but hit from a greater distance.
Bunker: In basic Golf Terms, a "Bunker" is a rather large depression or hollow in the ground along a fairway or around the green, which is sodden or filled with sand. If filled with sand it is called a "sand trap". In the Rules of Golf, it is considered a hazard!
Bunker (Grass): A rather large depression or hollow in the ground along a fairway or around the green, which is sodden.
Bunker (Greenside): Generally a sand trap located adjacent to the green.
Bunker (Fairway): Generally a sand trap located on the fairway. (If there is a ball on the green, and a ball in the sand trap, Murphy's Law says that your ball is the one buried in the trap!)
Bunker (Waste): In basic Golf Terms, a "Waste Bunker" is a rather large depression or hollow in the ground along a fairway which is left in a "natural" state.
Caddie: A person who is hired to carry a player's bag and clubs from hole to hole on the golf course. Players are responsible for the actions of their caddies.
Cart (Hand): According to Golf Terminology, a "Hand Golf Cart" is a two or three-wheeled cart pulled or pushed by the player. The cart holds all clubs and accessories for the golfer.
There are some hand carts that are electric-powered and controlled by a remote device operated by the player.
Cart (Motorized): A four-wheeled cart powered by batteries or propane gas for use in transporting players and their equipment from hole to hole around the golf course.
Cart Path: In Golf Terminology terms, a rather narrow path extending from hole to hole on the golf course. This path is for motorized golf carts in transporting players and their equipment.
The cart paths are usually prepared with concrete or asphalt. Driving the carts primarily on the Cart Path saves wear and tear on the fairway turf.
Casual Water: Any temporary standing water.
Chip-in: A chip shot from outside the green or fringe, that runs to and drops into the hole.
Chip Shot (Chipping): A short shot typically played close to and around the green. The chip shot is usually made with a medium- lofted club to produce a medium loft on the ball with the intention of having the ball run to the hole.
Chip Bump and Run: In Golf Terminology terms, a low-trajectory golf shot played around the green where the ball spends more time on the ground than in the air.
Choke Down: Gripping further down the club shaft to shorten the distance from the hands to the ball, usually providing better control of the club.
Chunk: In golf terminology terms, a poor swing that results in the clubhead contacting the ground well before the ball, causing a large "chunk" of turf being taken as a divot. Also known as a "fat shot".
Closed Clubface: When the clubface, relative to the target-line, is angled left towards the player's body (right-hander), which generally results in shots hitting to the left of the target.
Closed Grip: A golf grip referred to as a strong grip because both hands are turned away from the target, and rotated clock-wise from the centerline of the club shaft.
Closed Stance: In Golf Terminology terms, for a right-handed player, when the front foot is set closer to the target-line. Used primarily to prevent a slice, or to draw the ball left.
Club Cover: Factory or Custom-Made covers slipped over each golf club in the bag for protection of the clubs from rubbing or bumping against one another while being transported form hole to hole, or to and from the golf course. The covers also protect the clubs from the elements.
Club (golf): An implement utilized by a Golfer to hit a golf ball. A maximum of fourteen clubs are allowed to be carried in a golf bag by the player.
Clubface: The front or leading edge of the clubhead, which is designed to strike the golf ball.
Clubhead: The impact or hitting part of a golf club.
Clubhead Speed: The absolute maximum velocity of the clubhead passing through the impact zone during a normal golf swing (usually measured while swinging the "Driver").
There are a variety of mechanical and electronic devices on the Market to measure the Clubhead Speed in "Miles per Hour".
Clubhouse: Where play begins (1st Hole) and ends (18th Hole). It is also a gathering place for players and usually contains a restaurant and bar (19th Hole).
It is also a source for information concerning local rules and events. Golf equipment and clothing may also be found here.
Club-Length: In golf terminology terms, a term relating to the club-at-hand utilized for measuring distances relative to elements on the golf course; such as penalty "drops" on the fairway, distances on the Tee Box, and other miscellaneous applications by using the golf club for measuring purposes.
Club Shaft: The long cylindrical tubing which attaches to the clubhead at the hosel. These club shafts are made of a variety of materials which have different "flex" properties.
Come-backer: A putt required after the previous putt went past the hole.
Course (Golf): A large tract of land dedicated to the game of Golf. Usually, the tract contains a regulation 18-hole playing area with each hole consisting of a teeing ground, fairway, rough areas, a fringe or apron, and a putting green.
The distance covered in traversing the 18-hole course is generally about 7200 to 7500 yards.
Course Slope): The Course Slope is determined by the USGA Slope Rating System, which is a number ranging from 55 to 155 that represents the difficulty of a golf course for "bogey golfers" relative to the USGA Course Rating (which represents the difficulty for "scratch golfers").
Slope rating is expressed as a ratio, not as the number of strokes. The higher the slope, the more difficult the golf course plays for "bogey golfers".
An average slope rating would be considered at a 113 ratio. Slope rating is used to figure Course Handicap as well as figuring Handicap Indexes. Cup (golf): A plastic retainer or "cup" is inserted into the hole in the green which is 4 1/2 inches in diameter, and 4 inches deep.
The flagstick is placed in the cup to indicate where the cup is located on the green. The cup and flagstick are moved to a different location on the green each day. There is only one cup per green. The cup is also referred to as the "hole".
Decelerate: A slowing or decreasing clubhead speed through the impact area.
Dimples: According to Golf Terminology, the round or cupped indentations on the cover of the ball. They are designed to enable the ball to make a steady and true flight.
The "dimples" reduce the air drag, allowing the ball to stay in the air for a longer flight than would be possible with a smooth surface.
Divot: The chunk of grass (either on the "teeing ground" or in the fairway or rough) displaced when the club has swung through impact with the ball.
Divot Tool: In golf terminology terms, the term "divot tool" refers to a two-pronged hard plastic or metal tool utilized to repair ballmarks on the putting green surface.
Actually "divot tool" is the wrong name for this tool. It is really a Ballmark Repair Tool, and not used to "fix" divots in the fairway or Tee Box)!
Dogleg: A pronounced bend either left or right in the fairway.
Double Bogey: A Score of two (2) above par on a hole.
Double Eagle: A hole played three (3) strokes under par. Also known as an "albatross". Double eagles almost always occur on par five holes when a golfer holes their second shot.
Downswing: The motion of swinging the club from the top of the swing through to the point-of-impact.
Draw: A shot made with the clubface slightly closed at impact, causing the ball to take a moderately curved trajectory to the left (for a right-handed golfer). Opposite of a fade.
Drive: The first shot at each hole executed from an area called the "tee box", usually performed with a club known as the "driver".
Driver: The longest club of the set of fourteen (14) allowed. Also utilized as the primary club for driving the ball from the tee, usually creating the greater distance for ball flight.
Driving Range: A term used for a practice area utilized for "driving" balls with irons and woods. Also known as a golf range, practice range, or golf learning center.
Drop: A term defining the action taken by a player when they hit a ball into a hazard, or area in which the ball is unplayable, which consists of holding the ball at arm's length horizontal to the ground, and "dropping" it a minimum of two (2) club-lengths away from the hole to a new position for hitting.
Eagle: A hole played in two (2) strokes under par.
Electric Caddie: A self-propelled Golf Hand Cart. It's an electric "scooter" to carry your golf bag. The older models require you to guide them with one hand.
The newer models come with a wireless remote control and the cart follows you wherever you walk on the course.
Even: Having a score equal to that of par.
Etiquette (Golf): Within Golf Terminology, "Golf Etiquette" is a set of rules, both written and unwritten, that governs behavior on a golf course. Otherwise known as good manners!
The rules of golf etiquette are designed to keep golf enjoyable for everyone on the course by making sure that golfers keep moving (preventing the rounds from becoming interminably long) and that everyone remains safe.
Explosion Shot: Depending upon the circumstances, a golfer may opt to hit the ball out of a sand trap using a technique called an "explosion shot". The explosion shot is a strong swing of the club, deliberately intended to hit the ball out of the sandtrap by striking the sand just behind the ball and following through with the clubhead, plowing through the sand under the ball.
This propels both the sand and the ball at a high loft angle, perfect for landing the ball softly on the green. The explosion shot can only be used when sand is fine and dry. Wet or granular sand does not work very well on an explosion attempt.
The explosion shot is used mainly for greenside bunkers where the ball does not need to travel very far. You hit an explosion shot because you don't want your ball to travel very far. You just want it out of the sandtrap and onto the green with very little roll.
Also known as a "blast".
Fade: Within Golfing Terms, a shot made with the clubface slightly open at impact, causing the ball to take a moderately curved trajectory to the right (for a right-handed golfer). Opposite of a draw.
Fairway: The area of the course that lies between the "tee box" and the green. It is well-maintained with the grass mowed shorter than the "rough", and allows for a good lie of the ball.
Fairway Hit: A fairway is considered "hit" if any part of the ball is touching the fairway surface after the tee shot on a par four or par five hole.
Fairway Markers: Fairway Markers indicate the distance (in yards) from the Marker in the fairway to the center of the green. Some courses use a sunken and anchored, colored metal disk in the center of the fairway as a marker.
Others may use a colored pole set back from the fairway a distance, with an opposing pole of the same color directly on the opposite side of the fairway. Sometimes a course may have opposing shrubs or trees of different types used as markers.
Fat Shot: Within Golfing Terms, a "Fat Shot" is a shot where the club strikes the turf behind the ball, resulting in very poor impact, and generally comes up well short of the target distance. Also known as a "chunk".
Flagstick: Within Golfing Terms, "Flagstick" is a tall pole used to indicate the position of the hole on a green. The flagstick is usually an aluminum pole with a triangular "flag" attached to the top.
Follow-through: According to Golfing Terms, "Follow Through" is that part of the swing that occurs after the ball has been struck.
Fore: "Fore" is shouted as a warning when it appears a ball may possibly hit other players or spectators. (The "hitting" player is required to shout the warning)
Free Drop: The following are excerpts from the Rules of Golf:
Dropping and Re-dropping
a. By Whom and How
A ball to be dropped under the Rules must be dropped by the player himself. He must stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length and drop it.
If a ball is dropped by any other person or in any other manner and the error is not corrected as provided in Rule 20-6, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke.
If the ball when dropped touches any person or the equipment of any player before or after it strikes a part of the course and before it comes to rest, the ball must be re-dropped, without penalty.
There is no limit to the number of times a ball must be re-dropped in these circumstances.
(Taking action to influence position or movement of ball — see Rule 1-2.)
b. Where to Drop
When a ball is to be dropped as near as possible to a specific spot, it must be dropped not nearer the hole than the specific spot which, if it is not precisely known to the player, must be estimated.
A ball when dropped must first strike a part of the course where the applicable Rule requires it to be dropped. If it is not so dropped, Rules 20-6 and -7 apply.
Fringe: In golfing terms, the "Fringe" is the closely mowed grass between the green and the fairway, usually around five feet in width. Also, called the "apron".
Front Foot: According to basic Golfing Terms, "Front Foot" refers to the golfer's foot, closest to the target when addressing the ball.
Front Nine: Holes one through nine on a golf course. The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course. Playing the "front nine" is referred to as "heading out" (away from the clubhouse).
Gimme: Within basic Golf Terms, (in non-tournament play), a "Gimmie" refers to a putt that the other players agree can count automatically without actually being played. Therefore, conceding the Score for that putt.
Glove (golf): In Golfing Terms, a "glove" worn on the left hand (right-hander) for purposes of maintaining a good "grip" on the golf club.
Golf: A game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a prescribed course having natural or artificial obstacles.
The object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.
Golfer: A "sportsperson" who uses a flawed swing, a poor stance, and a weak grip to hit a small ball badly, towards the wrong hole.
Green: In Golfing Terms, a "Green" is the area of specially prepared grass where the hole or "cup" and flagstick are located, and where the putting action occurs. Also, known as the putting green.
Grip: The act of placing and subsequently positioning the hands on the golf club shaft. There are several recognized "grips" involved in the game of golf.
The most prevalent is the "Vardon or overlapping grip named after a famous golfer. There are other accepted grips as well.
Grip (equipment): That part of the golf club where the hands are placed for striking the ball.
Grip (Overlapping): The "Overlapping Grip" was made famous by Harry Vardon, an avid Golfer in the late 19th/early 20th centuries. The Vardon Grip is the method of holding the golf club that is most popular among advanced as well as amateur golfers.
To use the Vardon grip, place the little finger of your trailing hand between the index and middle finger of your lead hand, overlapping those fingers.
The thumb of your lead (top) hand should fit in the lifeline of your trailing (bottom) hand.
Grip (Strong): A term referring to the position of the right hand when gripping the club at address (For right-handed golfers).
With this grip position, the hands are rotated in a clockwise manner, right of the club shaft center line.
This in turn, encourages the right hand to twist over the left at impact, causing the club to rotate closed and the ball to draw or hook.
Grip (Weak): A term referring to the position of the right hand when gripping the club at address (For right-handed golfers).
With this grip position, the hands are rotated in a counter-clockwise manner, left of the club shaft center-line.
This in turn, encourages the left hand to twist over the right at impact, causing the club to rotate open and the ball to fade or slice.
Groove (equipment): The horizontal crevices or "grooves" on the clubface that impart reverse spin to the golf ball when struck, which causes the ball to rise during flight.
Grounding-the-clubhead: To place the clubhead behind the ball on the ground at address. Grounding-the-club is prohibited when playing from marked" hazards" or when playing from a sand bunker.
Ground under Repair: According to basic Golfing Terms, "Ground under Repair" is an area of the golf course that is being repaired or altered. A "free drop" is allowed if the ball lands in an area marked "GUR" (Ground under Repair).
Handicap: According to basic Golfing Terms, "Handicap" is a number assigned to each golfer on their ability, which in turn is used to adjust each player's score in providing equality among the players.
The handicap number, based upon the course slope, is subtracted from the player's gross score which then gives that player 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.
Heading In: Playing the "back nine" is referred to as "heading in" (towards the clubhouse). The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
Heading Out: Playing the "front nine" is referred to as "heading out" (away from the clubhouse). The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
High Side: The side of the hole that a putt breaks from, towards the hole. Also, known as the "Pro Side".
Hit (Placement): A term referring to placing the ball in the fairway or on the green.
Hitting (Action): A term referring to the action taken when striking the ball.
Hitting It Thin: "Hitting It Thin" means to strike the ball with the leading edge of the club sole rather than on the clubface. The ball will be propelled with very little loft and likely no backspin, and even sometimes over-spin. Also known as "Blading".
Hole: A 4 ½" diameter hole bored 4" in the ground which is located on the green. There is only one hole per green and is designated by a pole or flagstick inserted in the hole. The hole is also known as the "cup".
Hole (Par 3): A hole or green meant to be reached in one stroke from the "Teeing Ground". Generally 125 yards to 220 yards in length. Two successful putts would secure a par for that hole.
Hole (Par 4): A hole or green meant to be reached in two strokes from the "Teeing Ground". Generally 350 yards to 450 yards in length. Two successful putts would secure a par for that hole.
Hole (Par 5): A hole or green meant to be reached in three strokes from the "Teeing Ground". Generally 490 yards to 550 yards in length. Two successful putts would secure a par for that hole.
Hole in One: Hitting the ball directly from the tee into the hole or "cup" with one swing of the club. It is usually executed on a par three (3). It is also, known as an "ace".
Holes (Verb): When a player "holes" a putt, it means the ball has been struck successfully, and drops into the "Cup".
Honor: The side or player having priority on the tee to hit their drive first. The "honor" is usually decided by the side or player winning the previous hole.
Hosel: The cylindrical portion of a clubhead into which the shaft is cemented.
Iron: A golf club with a flat-faced, lofted, solid metal clubhead, generally numbered from one (1) to nine (9). The higher the number, the greater the loft.
Impact: In Golf Glossary terms, the "Impact" is defined as the moment in the golf swing when the club strikes or comes in contact with the ball.
Improving The Lie: The most basic of concepts in golf, is that it is a game of both skill and fortune. Outcomes determined not just by the talent of the golfer, but also by the whims of nature and luck.
From this comes the principle of "playing it as it lies". The phrase means that if fortune has seen fit to cause your ball to come to rest within a divot or below an inch of sand, you will have to extricate your ball from those circumstances with the normal swing of the club.
Or, you will suffer a one-stroke penalty for manually repositioning the ball in a more favorable location.
Improving one's lie literally means to manipulate the ball, either by foot or hand or instrument in a manner that makes the ball easier to strike.
Knock-down Shot: Within Golf Glossary terms, a "Knock-down Shot" is a type of shot designed to have a very low trajectory (hit with a low-lofted club), usually employed to combat strong winds, or to hit under low-hanging tree branches.
Lag: A long putt designed to simply get the ball close to the hole.
Leading Edge (Club): The front-most surface or edge of the sole of the golf club. The "front" of the club that leads in a golf swing, and the part which touches the ball first at impact.
Lie: In relationship to the ball, the "lie" is the position of the ball in which it has come to rest. A good lie would be on the fairway, fringe, or the green. A bad lie would be in the rough or a bunker.
Line: The expected path of the ball to the cup while putting.
Line of Flight: The actual path the ball takes after being struck by the golf club.
Loft Angle: The loft, or "loft angle," is a measurement in angular degrees, of the angle at which the clubface lies relative to a vertical surface represented by the club shaft.
Loft (equipment): The designed and manufactured angle between the golf club shaft and the clubface.
Lofted Clubs (Low): (Average or approximate Lofts)
LOW LOFT
| GOLF CLUB | LOFT DEGREES |
| Driver | 10 |
| 3-Wood | 13 |
| 5-Wood | 16 |
| 2-Iron | 19 |
| 3-Iron | 22 |
Lofted Clubs (Medium): (Average or approximate Lofts)
MEDIUM LOFT
| GOLF CLUB | LOFT DEGREES |
| 4-Iron | 25 |
| 5-Iron | 28 |
| 6-Iron | 31 |
| 7-Iron | 34 |
| 8-Iron | 37 |
Lofted Clubs (High): (Average or approximate Lofts)
HIGH LOFT
| GOLF CLUB | LOFT DEGREES |
| 9-Iron | 41 |
| PW | 45 |
| GW | 50 |
| SW | 55 |
| LW | 60 |
Long Irons: Within Golf Glossary terms, "Long Irons" are those clubs with a lower loft. Normally considered the one (1), two (2), and three (3) irons.
Looking Up: Prematurely lifting your head to follow the flight of the ball after impact.
Markers (Boundary): Markers designating those areas outside the golf course from which play is not allowed.
Out-of-bounds will normally be marked by the use of stakes or barriers such as fence lines, property walls, etc. These items utilized to designate "Out-of-Bounds" are not considered obstructions, or to be considered fixed, therefore may not be removed in order to continue play.
In all cases, the innermost portion of whatever is designating "Out-of-Bounds" is itself considered out of bounds. A ball is considered out of bounds when all of it is outside the boundaries.
Miss-read: To incorrectly discern the proper line of a putt or to "miss-read" the green.
Middle Irons: According to the Golf Glossary of golf terms, "Middle Irons" are those clubs with a medium loft. Normally the four (4), five (5), six (6), seven (7) and eight (8) irons.
Mulligan: In non-tournament play, the custom of hitting a second ball without a penalty stroke, usually taken on the first hit or drive off the tee. This practice is not allowed according to the official Rules of Golf.
Off-Green Putting: When a player elects to putt from off the green rather than chipping with a lofted club.
One-piece Takeaway: When the shoulders, arms, wrists and hands move as one unit during the beginning of the backswing.
Open Clubface: When the clubface is angled away from the player's body (relative to the target-line). Angled to the right for right-handed players.
Open Grip: When the hands are turned counter-clockwise beyond the typical center position on the grip of the club. Also known as a "weak grip".
Open Stance: When the player's front foot is pulled back farther from the target-line than the back foot. Usually promotes a left-to-right ball flight (for a right-hander). Also known as a designed "fade" shot.
Out-of-Bounds: The area outside the boundaries of the course, usually indicated by white posts.
Pace: The speed or tempo of the golf swing. Also, the speed of the greens. Also known as "Green Speed". The speed at which a putt must be struck to get to the cup.
Par: The score an accomplished player or "Pro" is expected to achieve on a hole. An abbreviation for "Professional Average Result".
Par (Above): A level attained when having a score higher than the designated par for the particular hole being played. Anything one stroke or more over par is considered "Above Par".
Par (Below): A level attained when having a score lower than the designated par for the particular hole being played. Anything one stroke or more under par is considered "Below Par".
Par 3: A par 3 hole is a hole that an advanced golfer is expected to require only three (3) strokes to finish or complete. The shortest holes on the golf course are Par-3 holes that usually a golfer can hit the Green with one tee shot.
A hole's par designation includes two putts; therefore a Par 3 is a hole where the advanced golfer is expected to hit the Green in one stroke, subsequently take two putts to drop the ball into the "Cup".
Par 4: A par 4 hole is a hole that an advanced golfer is expected to require four (4) strokes to finish or complete.
A par 4 hole is the most common par for holes on full-sized golf courses. You can consider par-4 holes the standard golf hole for the majority of golf courses. (Except Par 3 Courses)
A hole's par designation includes two putts, therefore a par 4 is a hole where the advanced golfer is expected to hit the Fairway with his tee shot, then to proceed to hit the green with his second shot, and subsequently take two putts to drop the ball into the "Cup".
Par 5: A par 5 hole is a hole that an advanced golfer is expected to require five (5) strokes to finish or complete.
On most golf courses, a par 5 is the longest hole, discounting the rare Par 6 Hole.
A hole's par designation includes two putts, so a par 5 is a hole where the advanced golfer is expected to hit the Fairway with his tee shot, then to advance the ball farther up the Fairway with the second stroke, hit the green with his third stroke, and subsequently utilize two putts to drop ball into the "Cup".
Golfers who drive the ball long distances might be able to reach the green of a par-5 hole in two strokes, rather than three, therefore securing an opportunity for and "Eagle".
Path: The direction the club or ball travels during the swing or the putting stroke.
Penalty Stroke: A one-stroke addition to a player's score. See the official "Rules of Golf" for all conditions under which strokes may be assessed.
Pendulum Swing: During putting, a swing that moves the clubhead back and forth on a line without deviation. Like the pendulum movement of a grandfather clock.
Pin: A slang term for "flagstick".
Pin-High: Golf Terminology referring to a landed ball, adjacent to or on the green that is positioned along an imaginary horizontal line through and across the width of the green.
Pitch: A short shot, usually from within fifty (50) to seventy five (75) yards, normally played with a higher lofted club utilizing a shortened swing.
Pitch-and-Run: A shot from adjacent to the green, usually with a higher lofted club, where the ball carries in the air for a short distance then runs towards the cup.
Pitch Mark: A minor depression on the green caused by a ball "pitched" onto the green. Players are required to repair their pitch marks with a tee or divot tool.
Pop-up: A poor tee shot where the top of the clubhead strikes under the ball, causing it to go almost straight up in the air. Also, known as a "sky shot".
Practice Green: A specially prepared green with a multitude of holes or "cups" installed for warm-up and practice putting. Usually there are small or modified "flagsticks" inserted in the cups.
Pre-shot Routine: A series of predetermined actions a player takes, from the time a club is selected until the beginning of the golf swing. Usually including but not limited to, taking practice swings and visualizing the intended shot.
Pro Side: During a putting stroke, if there is a slope or break in the green, the traverse of the ball will curve either from the high-side of the hole towards the hole, or fall to the low-side or away from the hole.
Balls coming from the high-side are said to be the "Pro Side ", and the balls following the low-side are said to be the "Amateur" side.
Provisional Ball: A second tee shot taken when the first ball looks as if it may be lost or out of bounds. The provisional ball may be used if the first ball has been lost, with a one-stroke-penalty. This type of ball is not allowed in tournament play.
Pull: A poor shot played severely and directly to the left (for a right-hand player).
Push: A poor shot played severely and directly to the right (for a right-hand player).
Punch Shot: A shot played with a very low trajectory, commonly to avoid low-hanging tree branches or played during high winds.
Putt: A shot typically played on the green with a putter.
Putter: A club primarily used on the greens to stroke the ball into the hole or cup".
Putting Green: The putting green or most commonly described as the "Green", is comprised of a golf hole or "Cup", in which the flagstick and plastic retainer "Cup" are placed.
Putting or rolling the golf ball into the hole on the "Putting Green" is the object of the game of golf.
Greens vary widely in size and configuration, but are usually oblong or oval in shape. The Green will sit level with the fairway or can be elevated higher than the fairway. The Greens can be flat, contoured around the perimeter, or sloped from one side to the other.
The Rules of Golf define the "putting green" as any ground on a hole "that is specially prepared for putting." The putting green has the shortest turf grass found on the golf course, and offers the smoothest surface found on the golf course.
Putting Stroke: A swing with the Putter on the "Putting Green" which is completed with the intent to strike the ball, "Putting" it into play.
Reading the Green: The entire process involved in judging the line and break of a potential putt.
Recover: To successfully hit a shot from a poor location, usually with a bad "lie" involved.
Rhythm: The smooth coordination and timing of movement throughout the golf swing or putting stroke. Rhythm describes the relative duration of the parts of a complete swing.
Rough: The turf or grass that is outside and adjacent to the fairway, usually taller and coarser than the fairway.
Rules Of Golf: The Official Rules of Golf take up around 100 pages of a booklet published by the USGA (United States Golf Association). Basically, the "Rules" govern every aspect of the game, for both tournament and >non-tournament play.
Sand Trap: A fairway or greenside bunker filled with sand, as opposed to a grass bunker or waste bunker.
Sand Wedge: In the Golf Dictionary terms, a "Sand Wedge" is a highly lofted club designed especially for playing out of a sand bunker.
Score: The numerical summation of the strokes taken to finish a hole, or the strokes taken to play the entire round of golf.
Score (Gross): The total number of strokes taken by the player during a round of golf, plus any penalty strokes resulting from breaches of rules, losing a ball, going out-of-bounds or going into a hazard. There are no downward adjustments made to this number.
Score (Adjusted Gross): A player's gross score when adjusted (reduced) according to the rules of Equitable Stroke Control and / or any special local conditions (when approved by a sanctioning body).
Score (Net): In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Score" is a player's net score is their adjusted gross score minus any handicap strokes resulting from competition against a superior golfer.
Score Card: A rigid rectangle of paper used to record hole-by-hole scores for each player. A typical score card is pre-printed with a grid of squares containing useful in-formation such as each hole's yardage, par and handicap sequence number.
Setup: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Setup" is the process of taking a stance and addressing the ball with good posture, knees slightly flexed, with the club and the player's body properly aligned and aimed to the target-line.
Shaft (Club): A long narrow rod of circular cross-section used to lever and hold the clubhead to the grip.
Shank: A shot when the ball is struck on the "hosel" of the club, normally sending the ball severely to the right (for a right-hander).
Short Game: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Short Game" is comprised of Golf shots played on or adjacent to the green including, pitching, chipping, and greenside bunker shots.
Short Irons: Clubs with a higher loft. The eight (8), and nine (9) irons, as well as the pitching wedge, lob wedge, gap wedge and sand wedge. The sand wedge is considered a specialty club.
Shot: "Slang" for the execution of a golf swing. Also considered stroking or hitting the ball towards a target.
Sit: "Slang" for describing the landing of a ball hit from an approach shot to the green, when the player wants the ball to stop rolling, or even to "backspin".
Sky Shot: A golf shot that travels very high with little distance. This elevated shot is usually caused by teeing the ball up too high, and/or getting the clubhead (usually a driver) too far under the ball at impact.
Slice: A poor golf shot that curves from left to right (for a right-hander) to a much greater degree than a fade. The curved shape of the flight-of-the-ball is a result of "sideways spin" imparted to the ball at impact.
Sliding (Sway): An exaggerated lateral movement ("sliding" motion) of the body on either the backswing, downswing or both, which results in inconsistent shot-making.
Slope (Green): It's the slope of the green or contours that cause the ball to deviate from a straight line. If the putting green or surface is flat, the ball will roll fairly straight and true. If there are any contours to the green, the ball will "break" away from the straight line.
The "Break" refers to the degree the path of the putted ball curves, or to the amount the green slopes or curves.
Sole (Club): In golf terminology terms, the Sole of a golf club is cambered both (heel to toe) front to back and side to side. Camber assists golf clubs, especially the irons, to travel more smoothly across the turf, and burrow less into the ground when taking divots. A cambered sole, allows a golf club too perform much better than one who's sole is not cambered.
Observing the "sole" of a golf club you will see that the sole is not perfectly flat, it is rounded and curved a noticeable amount.
Speed (Of Green): In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Speed of the Green" is a term used to describe the "pace" of a putt. Proper "speed" of a putt will either hole-the-putt or appropriately leave it about sixteen (16) inches beyond the cup.
Speed (Swing): The velocity reached with the clubhead upon impact with the ball.
Spot: A term for "marking" the ball on the green so it can be lifted.
Spot Putting: Utilization of an intermediate target as a means of establishing a target-line for putting.
Stance: The posture assumed by a golfer when addressing the ball. The types of stances are usually categorized as; Open, Square, or Closed.
Stance (Closed): The term "closed stance" means that a line drawn from the player's right toe to the left toe would point to the right of the target-line rather than directly at the target or to the left of the target-line.
It indicates that the golfer's body is closed to the target-line. (For a right-handed golfer). A closed stance is normally used to affect a "Draw".
Stance (Open): In golf terminology terms, the term "Open Stance" means that the player's body is open to the target.
For a right-handed golfer, having an "open stance" means that a line drawn from the golfer's right toe to their left toe would point to the left of the target-line rather than parallel to the line.
An open stance is used primarily to affect a "Fade" shot. This is a golf shot that will play from left to right. (For a right-handed golfer).
Stance (Square): A position taken at address where the feet, shoulders, knees and hips are all parallel to the target-line, either open or closed.
Stroke: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Stroke" is generally speaking, a player's score grows by one stroke whenever the golfer strikes the ball with their golf club. Under the USGA Rules of Golf in tournament play, a stroke is incurred even when contact is not made with the ball if a player's intent was clearly to strike the ball with the swing.
The complete miss is also known as a "Whiff". A player's score can also include penalty strokes.
Swaying: An exaggerated lateral movement ("sliding" motion) of the body on either the backswing, downswing or both, which results in inconsistent shot making.
Sweet-spot: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Sweet-Spot" is the location on the clubface where optimal ball-striking happens.
Swing (golf): The motion a player makes with their club to hit the ball. A complete golf swing consists of a series of complex mechanical body movements.
Swing (practice): A golf swing taken just prior to the actual swing used to propel the ball towards the target. The practice swing should be as close to identical to the actual swing as possible.
Take-a-way: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Take-a-way" is the initial movement of the club at the start of the backswing.
Tap-in: A ball that has come to rest very close to the cup, leaving only a very short putt to be made. Often, non-tournament players will concede "tap-ins" (gimmies) with one another to save time on the green.
Target: The "target" actually represents the goal the player has in mind for the initial trajectory of the ball as it is impacted by the club, and/or the final destination for the landing of the ball.
Target-Line: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Target-Line" is an imaginary line visualized by a player, consisting of a line drawn from behind and through the ball to the point or target for which a player is aiming.
Target (Intermediate): When a player selects an imaginary line or "Target-Line" from behind his golf ball forward to the chosen target, he then can choose an "Intermediate Target" a few feet in front of the ball to help with alignment or aiming properly.
This "Intermediate target" can be used for any golf shot, including for putting purposes.
Tee (equipment): In golf terminology terms, a small wooden or plastic peg inserted in the teeing ground in line with the "tee markers", upon which the ball is mounted prior to being hit by a club during the first stroke (drive) on a hole.
Tee Box: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Tee Box" is the designated area where a player hits the "drive" or "tee shot". Also known as the "teeing ground".
Teeing Ground: The designated area where a player hits the "drive" or "tee shot". The teeing ground for a particular set of tees is generally two club lengths in depth. The ball must be teed between the tee markers that define the teeing ground's width, and no further back than its depth.
The areas where the tee markers are placed are called "tee boxes".
Tee Markers: Markers which are made up of a variety of designs and colors, which are placed on the "teeing ground" or within the "tee box" to designate to the players where they are to place their ball prior to executing the "drive".
Tee markers are colored, but there is no standard for the colors. Generally the championship tees are blue, the men's tees are white, and the women's tees are red.
Tees (Championship): A colored rock, monument, marker or plaque situated in the Teeing Ground or Tee Box at a precisely measured distance from the center of the putting green on each hole. Different colors correspond to different distances and these colors have significance as follows:
BLUE Referred to as the "Championship Tee" or "Pro Tee". This Tee Marker is place farthest away from the putting green, at a significantly more challenging distance, suitable for a male player of superior skill.
Black-Colored markers are also used to designate the championship tees on some courses.
GOLD markers when located at a distance greater than the blue markers are then utilized as the championship tees, used for tournament play.
GREEN These are the novice or amateur tees. These are typically located significantly closer to the putting green*** than even the red tee markers.
Tees (Men's): A colored rock, monument, marker or plaque situated in the Teeing Ground or Tee Box at a precisely measured distance from the center of the putting green on each hole. Different colors correspond to different distances and these colors have significance as follows:
WHITE Referred to as the "men's tee". Located from the putting green at a distance reasonable for a male player of average proficiency.
GOLD The gold markers are sometimes situated closer to the putting green than the white tees, these are the markers used by seniors.
GREEN These are the novice or amateur tees. These are typically located significantly closer to the putting green*** than even the red tee markers.
Tees (Women's): A colored rock, monument, marker or plaque situated in the Teeing Ground or Tee Box at a precisely measured distance from the center of the putting green on each hole.
Different colors correspond to different distances and these colors have significance as follows:
RED Referred to as the "women's tee". Situated a reasonable distance from the putting green for an average female golfer.
GREEN These are the novice or amateur tees. These are typically located significantly closer to the A colored rock, monument, marker or plaque situated in the Teeing Ground or Tee Box at a precisely measured distance from the center of the putting green on each hole.
Tempo: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Tempo" is the speed of a player's swing from "take-a-way" to the point-of-impact. Tempo measures the absolute speed of the complete swing.
Thin Shot: A poorly executed shot where the clubhead strikes too high on the ball. Also known as "blading".
Topped Shot: In Golf Dictionary Terms, a "Topped Shot" is a poor shot where the clubhead connects with the top of the ball, causing the ball to bounce rather than fly.
Trajectory (golf ball): In golf terminology terms, the path or angle and height the ball travels when struck.
Trajectory (High): A high-trajectory flight path refers to a high-altitude three-dimensional path taken by the golf ball from the moment of impact and is propelled by the clubhead until its initial contact with the ground, on either the fairway or the putting green.
The trajectory is also referred to as the "Launch Angle", and can be accurately measured.
Trajectory (Low): A low-trajectory flight path refers to a low-altitude three-dimensional path taken by the golf ball from the moment of impact and is propelled by the clubhead until its initial contact with the ground, on either the fairway or the putting green. The trajectory is also referred to as the "Launch Angle", and can be accurately measured.
Unplayable: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Unplayable" refers to when a player is allowed to declare his "lie" unplayable at any time when it is in play (other than at a tee), and can drop the ball a minimum two club-lengths away from the hole, and in line with the hole.
A penalty of one stroke is applied. A ball declared unplayable within a hazard must be dropped within that hazard.
USGA: The United States Golf Association is America's primary sanctioning body for amateur golf competition. Together with the Royal & Ancient Golf Club, they publish The Rules of Golf, regulate Equipment and maintain the USGA Handicap System.
Vardon Grip: In Golf Dictionary Terms, a "Vardon Grip is a golf grip style named for Harry Vardon, a champion golfer of the early 20th century. The grip (for right-handers) consists of the right little finger overlapping the top of the left index finger.
Also, known as the "overlapping grip". It is the most popular grip among golfers universally.
Waggle: A back-and-forth sweeping motion initiated by wrist movement, behind the ball with the clubhead raised at address, designed to keep a player relaxed and help establish a smooth pace in the take-a-way and swing.
Water (Hazard): Water hazards*** tend to consist of a pond or small lake within the golf course boundaries. Water hazards can also be any body of water into which your ball can land whether or not it contains water at the time, such as a dry stream or ditch.
Water hazards normally are bounded by prescribed, colored stakes. If a golf ball lands and stops on the grass within the boundary described by the stakes, the ball is considered to be within the "water hazard".
Water (Permanent): Permanent Water is considered those "Water Hazards" located within the parameters of the golf course that are of a permanent nature which virtually "never" dry up. Typical are lakes and ponds, rather than streams or ditches.
Wedge: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Wedge" is a type of club with a steep loft used for hitting a high soft-landing shot. The types of wedges used during tournament and non-tournament play on the golf courses are the following: Pitching Wedge, Lob Wedge, Gap Wedge, and the Sand Wedge.
Wedge (Gap): A golf club within the "irons" category utilized within the "short game" of golf. The club has an average or approximate loft angle of 50 degrees.
Wedge (Lob): A golf club within the "irons" category utilized within the "short game" of golf. The club has an average or approximate loft angle of 60 degrees.
Wedge (Pitching): A golf club within the "irons" category utilized within the "short game" of golf. The club has an average or approximate loft angle of 45 degrees.
Wedge (Sand): A golf club within the "irons" category utilized within the "short game" of golf. The club has an average or approximate loft angle of 55 degrees. The Sand Wedge is considered a "Specialty Club" among the Wedges.
Whiff: In Golf Dictionary Terms, "Whiff" is an attempt to hit the ball where the player fails to make impact with the ball, a "complete miss". A penalty of one stroke is assessed in tournament play.
Wood: In golf terminology terms, a type of golf club where the clubhead is rather bulbous in shape with a flat face. Originally made of wood, but now almost all new "woods" are made of metal.