A-Z of golfing terms and jargon

A
Above the hole	Refers to a ball on any sloping green positioned so that the next putt is downhill. Downhill putts are harder to judge for speed and slope, and also riskier, so the good golfer aims to keep his ball 'below the hole' at all times.
Ace	A hole in one.
Albatross	Three under par score at a hole. Known as a 'double-eagle' in the US.
Approach	Short or medium shot to either the pin or putting green.
Attend the flag	To remove and hold flag whilst another player putts.
Away	The person furthest way from the hole and the first to play.
B
Back	The last nine holes of a golf course. Also a tee position that makes hole the longest.
Banana	A slice, or shot that curves strongly left to right. For some reason, 'banana' always refers to a slice, although a 'hook' is simply a banana facing the other way. Also what professional golfers munch several times a round to maintain their energy levels.
Below the hole	Your ball is 'below the hole' on a green if your next putt is uphill. Uphill putts can be struck firmly, meaning that any break is less important and there is less risk of running way beyond the hole. This is particularly true of fast greens, such as one finds in high-level tournaments. The opposite of 'above the hole'.
Best Ball / Better Ball	Best score on a hole by partners in a best-ball match.
Birdie	One under par score on a hole.
Bogey	One over par score on a hole.
Break	In putting, the curve the ball will follow due to slope and/or grain in the green.
C
Carry	Distance a ball travels from impact to hitting the ground.
Chip	Short shot played with minimum loft from off the green.
Compression	Degree of resilience of a golf ball.
Condor	Probably the rarest of all scores in golf: four under par on a hole, ie a hole in one on a par five. Only four examples have ever been recorded, three of them by 'cutting the corner' on par fives with a dogleg, which considerably shortens the hole. Also called a 'triple-eagle' or double-albatross' in the US.
D
Divot	Turf removed when hitting a shot.
Dogleg	Left or right bend in fairway.
Dog Licence	If the winning margin in match play is 7&6, the victory (or defeat) is called a dog licence. In Great Britain, until 1987, dog owners bought a licence for their pet which cost 7/6d (pre-decimal currency = 37p).
Dormie	In match play, having a lead equal to the number of holes remaining to be played, ie. two up and two to play.
Draw	Controlled right to left shot with a moderate curve (or left to right for left-handers).
Drop	When the ball is lost, or there is an unplayable lie, a ball is dropped from arm's length at shoulder height onto the course.
E
Eagle	Two under par score on a hole.
F
Fairway	The short-grass area between the tee and the green.
Follow-through	The latter part of the swing from striking the ball to completion of the motion.
Fore!	Warning shout when a shot may endanger another player.
Four-Ball	Group of two pairs of golfers recording the better ball score of each pair based on gross or net scores.
Foursome	Group of two pairs of golfers playing shots alternately with the same ball. The partners drive at alternate holes, so one will drive the even numbers and one the odd numbers.
Free drop	When a player is entitled to make a drop without a penalty stroke.
G
Gilligan	The opposite of a Mulligan. When gilligans are agreed in a match, your opponent has the right to ask you to play a shot again - typically a good drive or a long putt holed.
Gimmie	Very short putt close to a hole, awarded by other players. Only used in match play, or in friendly golf - in stroke play everything must be holed out.
Grain	Direction in which blades of grass grow and influence the speed and roll of the ball on the putting green. When looking 'into the grain' a green will appear darker, and 'with the grain' it will appear lighter or shinier. When putting 'across the grain' the ball will move left or right.
Green	Area of course around the hole with very short grass, for putting.
Gross score	The total number of actual strokes played within a round, before handicap is taken into account.
Ground under Repair (GUR)	If an area of the couse is under maintenance and your ball lands there, you can remove your ball without penalty. Normally identified by stakes or a line.
H
Half Shot	Reduced swing when taking a shot. Used for shorter shots, or when extra control is required.
Hole out	To finish a hole by getting the ball in the cup or hole. Usually done with a putt, but sometimes with a chip from off the green, and occasionally with a full shot.
Honour	Given to the player scoring lowest on last hole, and granting the right to tee off first on the next.
Hook	Shot that curves strongly from right to left (or the opposite, if you play left handed!).
Hosel	Hollow part of clubhead where the shaft is attached. Sometimes called the 'neck'.
I
In play	A shot that comes to rest within the boundaries of the course (the opposite of 'out-of-bounds').
Interlocking grip	A right-handed player using this grip will interlock the little finger of his right hand with the index finger of his left hand (vice versa for lefties). A good grip for players with small hands. Used by Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, among others.
In the leather	A ball that lies very close to the hole; so called because it was measured by the leather of the putter grip. In friendly play, a putt 'within the leather' is often conceded .
J
Jigger	Name of an old club with similar loft to a modern 4-iron. Confusingly, it was also sometimes used to describe a short pitching club for work around the green, otherwise called a pitching niblick, or lofting iron, roughly equivalent to a modern pitching wedge.
K
Kikuyu	Fast-growing, thick African grass that like full sunshine and hot weather. Not suited to woodland or temperate climates. A feature of courses in southern Africa, requiring great skill to play from around the greens.
Knee knocker	A short putt, which you really shouldn't miss, but often do.
Knickers	American name for golf trousers that stop just below the knee, worn with knee socks. Called 'plus fours' or 'plus twos' in Britain.
Knife	Golfing slang for the 1-iron. In the days when all all iron heads were forged, they were often known as 'blades', and the 1-iron was the sharpest (and most dangerous to use) blade of all.
L
Lie	Resting place of the ball on the course, hence a 'good lie', or 'poor lie'. Also the angle at which the clubhead is set on the shaft. Tall people usually have clubs with an 'upright' lie (making the shoft more vertical) and shorter people use a 'regular' or 'flatter' lie (placing the cubhead further away from the body).
Links	Golf course on coastal terrain, usually with sand dunes and very few trees, and exposed to the wind. Literally a piece of ground that 'links' the mainland to the sea.
Lip	Edge of the hole.
Lip-out	A putt that catches the lip of the hole and turns around the rim without falling in.
Lucy	Rhyming slang: Lucy Locket = socket, or shank. Arguably the worst shot in golf.
M
Marker	Thin, flat item used to mark the position of a golf ball on the green to prevent your ball obstructing other player's shots. Small coins may be used, or specifically designed discs of metal or plastic. Also a person who keeps the score in a match, either as a spectator accompanying the players, or one's opponent.
Match Play	Competition scored by the number of holes won or lost. The opposite of 'stroke' or 'medal' play. In this format, matches often do not go the full 18 holes.
Medal Play	Another name for 'Stroke Play', keeping the score on every hole. The lowest number of strokes, gross or net, wins.
Mixed	Man and woman playing together, eg: 'Mixed Foursomes'. Each partner plays off their own tees.
Mulligan	Chance to replay one's last shot, granted in a friendly game by an opponent. Not permitted in competition. (See also Gilligan)
N
Net score	Score after the handicap strokes have been deducted from the gross score.
Niblick	Old-fashioned Scottish term for nine iron.
Nobble	To nobble is to top a ball, or catch it on the upper half, causing a low, weak, running shot, called a 'nobbler'
O
OB	Short for 'out of bounds'. Area outside the course play area, usually marked by a white line or white stakes, or boundaries such as walls, fences or railings.
P
Par	Standard number of strokes for each hole, always including two putts. Almost all golf holes are par 3, 4 or 5, although some new courses are building ultra-long par 6 holes.
Penalty	Extra stroke(s) added to a player's score for violation of the rules, loss of ball, out of bounds, etc...
PILS	No... not yet. You can enjoy a Pils or three in the 19th when you're done with your putting practice. This PILS stands for 'Pure In Line Square' - the putting method advocated by scientist turned short game guru Dave Pelz, and many others. Essentially it involves a pendulum motion from the shoulders, eliminating all independant hand and arm movement, keeping the putter-face square throughout the stroke.
Pin	Flagstick.
Pin-high	A ball which is level with the pin, but to one side.
Pitch	Shot used to approach the green, shorter swing than normal, but longer and more lofted than a chip.
Play Through	When a group of slower golfers or those searching for a ball allow others to pass them. It is good etiquette to allow faster players to 'play through'.
'Plus' Golfer	A golfer whose handicap is better than scratch, so he has to add or 'plus' strokes to his gross score after a round, rather than subtracting them.
Plus Fours / PlusTwos	Golfing trousers once very popular because they end just below the knee, avoiding getting mud on the trousers when playing. Plus fours are more traditional and fuller cut, folding over 4 inches below the knee, while plus twos are slimmer and more modern, folding only two inches.
Q
Quarter Shot	Greatly reduced swing in taking a shot. Used for short shots, or when great control is required. (Also 'three-quarter' shot, somewhere between a 'half-shot'and a full swing.)
R
Range	Practice area (also called the Driving Range).
Recovery	Shot played back into a good position from an unfavourable one.
Redan
Relief	Permission to lift and drop the ball without incurring a penalty.
Rough	Longer and thicker grassed area of the course.
S
Sandie	Term used when playing for money, betting against an opponent. Either a) making par on a hole after being in a bunker at some point, or b) getting out of a bunker and into the hole in two (an 'up and down').
Sand Save	Professional equivalent of a 'sandie' (version b). Getting out of a bunker and into the hole in two shots. Whether the player makes par or not is immaterial, it is the 'up and down' which counts. Expressed as a percentage of the number of times achieved out of the number of attempts, and one of the many statistical categories computed on the various pro tours.
Shank	Shot struck by the hosel of the club which causes the ball to go sharply right. Also called a 'socket'.
Shiperio	Similiar to a Mulligan, ie a second shot graciously allowed by your opponent, but in this case you can choose which of the two balls you will play.
Skinny	Said of a shot hit thin, which flies lower than usual and with no control.
Slice	A shot that curves violently to the right, banana-shaped. Usually caused by striking the ball with an open clubface and an in-to-out swing. The commonest shot shape among beginners and high-handicappers.
T
Thin	A shot somewhere between a top (see below) and a well-struck ball. The ball is hit below the equator, but not enough to get properly airborne, causing a low and uncontrolled shot. Especially destructive when chipping or pitching around the green.
Top	To hit the ball above the centre, causing the ball to dive down and roll rather than rise.
Turn	After the 9th hole, ie the halfway point on a golf course, where you 'turn' for home.
U
Unplayable lie	When it is impossible to play a shot because of ground conditions or an obstruction. The player may drop the drop the ball in a better position, in accordance with the rules, under penalty.
Up and Down	When a player fails to be on the green in regulation, but gets on it with an approach shot and one-putts into the hole.
V
Vardon Grip	Another name for an overlapping grip made popular by Harry Vardon. The little finger of the right hand (for right-handers ) overlaps the forefinger of the left hand.
W
Whiff	To swing and miss the ball completely. Counts as a stroke. Also called an 'air-shot', or 'fresh air'.
Worm-burner	A topped, or thinned shot that runs along the ground, thus endangering the useful invertebrates that might be getting a breath of fresh air.
X
X-outs	Balls that do not meet a manufacturer's stringent quality controls, either because of a small cosmetic blemish or because they are very marginally outside the size or weight tolerances (1.680" and 1.620oz). They are sold at a reduced price and the manufacturer's name is 'x'-d out. Otherwise perfectly normal and very good value, but beware of using them in competition as incorrect tolerances will make them illegal.
Y
Yardage	The distance between the player's ball and the target he is aiming for. The 'yardage' of a hole is officially the figure given on the scorecard from a specific tee, but will vary according to the position of the tee-markers and the pin position on the green. Top players use 'yardage charts' to calculate their distance from specific points on the course and to help with club selection.
Yips	Chronic missing (or fear) of short putts, usually because of a nervous twitch. Very difficult to overcome, but can be alleviated by unorthodox grips or long (eg 'broom-handle' or 'belly') shafted putters.
Z
Zoysia	A very thin bladed, slow-growing grass with deep roots that is resitant to drought and extreme temperatures.

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Golf terms and their Definition

Reading the Green (or Putt)	The entire process involved in judging the break and path of a putt.
Release	The act of freely returning the clubhead squarely to the ball at impact, producing a powerful shot.
Rhythm	The coordination of movement during the golf swing or putting stroke.
Scorecard	The scorecard tells you the length of each hole from each tee box as well as the "par" rating for the hole. Golfers keep track of their score on these cards.
Scramble	To recover from trouble or a popular form of team play in which the team members pick the ball in the best position and everyone plays from that spot.
Setup	The process of addressing the ball, so that the club and body are properly aimed and aligned.
Shaft	The thing that connects the grip and the clubhead. Typically made of metal or graphite.
Shank	When the ball is struck on the hosel of the club, usually sending it shooting off to the right.
Shape	To curve a shot to fit the situation. The word is also used to describe the flight of the ball. (The usual shape of his shots was a fade.)
Short Game	Those shots played on and around the green, including putting, chipping and pitching, and bunker shots.
Sky	A high, short shot caused by the clubhead striking the underside of the ball. Also known as a "pop-up."
Slice	A ball that curves from left to right to a greater degree than a fade.
Sole	When referring to equipment, it is the bottom of a club. When referring to the swing, it is the point when the sole of the club touches the ground at address.
Square	A term frequently used in golf. It can be used to describe a stance or to describe contact with the ball. It can also refer to the status of a match (they were all-square (tied) at the turn.)
Stance	The position of the feet at address.
Stroke Play	Also known as medal play, it is a form of competition based on the cumulative number of strokes taken, either over one round or several.
Swaying	An exaggerated lateral movement of the body on either the backswing, forward swing, or both, which results in inconsistent shotmaking.
Sweet Spot	The point on the clubface where, if it is struck with an object, the clubface will not torque or twist to either side.
Swing Plane	An imaginary surface that describes the path and angle of the club during the swing.
Takeaway	The movement of the club at the start of the backswing.
Target Line	An imaginary (often visualized) line drawn behind and through the ball to the point a player is aiming. If the player is planning to curve the ball, this point is the initial – not the ultimate – target.
Tee Box	The area where players tee off to start a hole.
Tee Time	A "tee time" is the time your group is assigned to begin play. This is the time the group should be on the tee ready to play rather than the time you should arrive at the golf course.
Tempo	The speed of the swing (not necessarily the clubhead speed.)
Texas Wedge	A term describing a shot played with a putter from well off the green. It is a good shot for players who lack confidence in their chipping and pitching, or in extremely windy conditions.
Three-Quarter Shot	A shot played with a shortened backswing and lessened arm speed.
Timing	The sequence of motions within the golf swing.
Toed Shot	Any shot hit off the toe of the club.
Topped Shot	A low, bouncing shot caused by the bottom of the club striking the top half of the ball.
Touch	A player’s sense of feel, generally around the greens.
Visualization	A mental image of a swing or shot or even an entire round.
Wedge	A "wedge" is a special type of iron used for hitting the shortest shots in golf. This club usually has an "S", "W", "L", or a number such as 55, 56, or 60 on it.
Whiff	A complete miss. Also known as an "air ball."
Yips	A condition, generally believed to be psychological, which causes a player to lose control of his hands and club. In Great Britain, the condition is referred to as the "Twitchies."

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Golf terms and their Definition

Heel	The part of the clubhead nearest the hosel. A shot hit off the heel is said to be “heeled.”
Hook	A shot that curves sharply from right to left for righthanded players.
Hosel	The part of the club connecting the shaft to the clubhead.
Hybrid Club	This type of club is new in the last few years and is a cross between an iron and a fairway wood. Hybrids usually replace longer irons (3, 4, 5, 6 irons) or fairway woods.
Impact	The moment in the swing when the club strikes the ball.
Iron	Irons are typically the thinnest club heads in your bag. A typical player's bag may have numerous irons numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and/or P. Clubs with smaller numbers have less loft (point more horizontal, less "up in the air") and are longer.
Lag	A shot (usually a pitch, chip or putt) designed to finish short of the target.
Learning Center	A complete practice and instruction facility, which may or may not be on the site of a golf course.
Lie	As it relates to the ball, the position of the ball when it has come to rest. As it relates to the club, it is the angle of the sole of the club relative to the shaft.
Line	The intended path of the ball, usually referred to in the context of putting.
Line of Flight	The actual path of the ball.
Link Up 2 Golf	Link Up 2 Golf is a group lesson program covering all you need to know to start playing the game. The program includes eight hours of on-course group instruction over a 4- to 5-week period on etiquette, speed of play and proper behavior.
Links	The term for a course built on linksland, which is land reclaimed from the ocean. It is not just another term for a golf course.
Lob Shot	A short, high shot, usually played with a wedge, designed to land softly.
Loft	The degree of angle on the clubface, with the least loft on a putter and the most on a sand wedge. It also describes the act of hitting a shot.
Looking Up	The act of prematurely lifting your head to follow the flight of the ball, which also raises the swing center and can result in erratic ballstriking.
Mulligan	The custom of hitting a second ball—without penalty—on a hole, usually the first tee.
Off-Green Putting	When a player elects to putt from off the green rather than chip.
Overclub	To pick the wrong club, usually for an approach shot, causing the ball to go over the green.
Pace	The speed of the golf swing or the speed of the greens
Par	The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five.
Pinch Shot	A shot played around the green in which a player strikes the ball with a crisp, clean descending blow.
Pitch-and-Run	A shot from around the green, usually with a middle or short iron, where the ball carries in the air for a short distance before running towards the hole.
Plugged Lie	The condition when the ball comes to rest in its own pitch mark, usually in a bunker or soft turf.
Plumb-bob	A method many players use to help them determine the amount a putt will break. When you position yourself behind the ball and hold the putter vertically so it covers the ball, the shaft of the putter indicates how much the ball will break.
Practice Green	Area maintained like an actual 'green', but is not part of the golf course. Golfers use the practice green to warm up before playing.
Pre-Shot Routine	The actions a player takes from the time he selects a club until he begins the swing.
Private Lesson	Generally speaking, when a PGA Professional gives a lesson to a single pupil.
Punch Shot	A low-flying shot played with an abbreviated backswing and finish. The key to the shot is having the hands slightly ahead of the clubhead at impact, which reduces the effective loft of the club.
Putt	A putt is a very short swing taken with the putter that is intended to move a ball that is on or near the green into the hole.
Putter	The putter is the club in your bag that has a completely flat side and a flat base. Putters come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Putters are intended to roll the ball along the ground and are typically used when on or near the green.

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Golf terms and their Definition

Downswing	The swing forward from the top of the backswing.
Draw	A shot that flies slightly from right to left for righthanded players.
Driver	A "driver" is typically the longest club in the bag. It is intended to advance the ball as far as possible. This club requires the most skill to use and some newer golfers will find they hit other clubs further with a driver.
Driving Range	Another term for a practice area. Also known as a golf range, practice range or learning center.
Eagle	A score of two-under-par on a hole.
Explosion	A shot played from a sand bunker, usually when the ball has buried or settled down into the sand.
Fade	A shot that flies slightly from left to right.
Fairway Wood	Sometimes now called a fairway metal since they are now made from metal. The fairway wood is typically a rounded club and looks a bit like a smaller version of a driver. They often come numbered 3, 5, 7 and 9.
Fat Shot	A description of a shot when the clubhead strikes the turf behind the ball, resulting in poor contact and a shot that comes up well short of the target.
First Swing	The “First Swing” program is a “Program in a Box” lesson program specifically designed to introduce the non-golfer to the game of golf in a non-threatening, non-intimidating way.
Flop Shot	Similar to a flip shot except that it involves a long, slower swing.
Fluffy Lie	A lie in which the ball rests atop the longish grass. This can be a tricky lie because the tendency is to swing the clubhead under the ball, reducing the distance it carries.
Follow-through	That part of the swing that occurs after the ball has been struck.
Fried Egg	The slang term for a buried lie in the sand.
Golf Range	A facility where people can practice their full swings and, in some cases, their short games.
Grain	The direction which the blades of grass grow, which is of primary importance on the greens (particularly Bermuda grass greens) as this can effect how much and in which direction a putt breaks.
Green	The green is that big, closely mown area where the flag and hole are located.
Greenkeeper	An older, outdated term for the course superintendent.
Grip	The placing and positioning of the hands on the club. The various types include the Vardon or overlapping, the interlocking and the 10-finger or baseball grip. (The Vardon grip is the most popular grip today.)
Grip (Equipment)	That part of the golf club where the hands are placed.
Group Lesson	A teaching session in which several pupils work with one or more PGA Professionals. This type of lesson is particularly effective for beginners, especially juniors.

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Golf Terms and their Definition

Address	The act of setting the body and club up to the ball when preparing to hit a shot.
Aiming	The act of aligning the clubface to the target.
Alignment	The position of the body in relation to the initial target.
Backswing	The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club away from the ball and setting it in position at the top of the backswing from which the club can be delivered to the ball at impact.
Baseball Grip	A grip in which all ten fingers are placed on the grip of the club.
Birdie	A score of one-under par on a hole.
Bogey	A score of one-over par on a hole.
Bump and Run	A pitch shot around the green in which the player hits the ball into a slope to deaden its speed before settling on the green and rolling towards the hole.
Bunker	A hollow comprised of sand or grass or both that exists as an obstacle and, in some cases, a hazard.
Caddie	A person hired to carry clubs and provide other assistance.
Carry	The distance a ball will fly in the air, usually to carry a hazard or safely reach a target.
Cart Path	Usually a black top, concrete or dirt path that connects the tee box to the green.
Chip	A chip is a very short shot used when the ball is close to the green but not on the green. The intention of the chip is to make the ball roll low to the ground and go in or near the hole.
Chip and Run	A low-running shot played around the greens where the ball spends more time on the ground than in the air.
Club Face	The actual part of the club you want to hit the ball on. This is the flat part of the clubhead (which may be at an angle).
Club Head	The part of the club you hit the ball with.
Divot	The turf displaced when the club strikes the ball on a descending path. It also refers to the hole left after play.
Double Bogey	A score of two-over-par on a hole.
Double Eagle	A score of three-under-par on a hole.

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Gold Terms

RANGE – This is the area where you go to practice. It usually has many stations to hit practice shots.

READING THE GREEN – Determining which way the putt will curve based upon the slope of the green.

ROUGH – Long grass area adjacent to the fairway. Normally you try to avoid the rough.

ROUND – Complete 18 holes of golf. (i.e. a round of golf is the playing of 18 holes)

RUN – The distance the ball will travel along the ground after it lands.

SANDBAGGER – This is a golfer who purposely tells others that he is a worse golfer than he really is in order to gain an edge in competition.

SAND TRAP – The common name for a sand hazard. These are areas that are filled with sand and should be avoided.

SAND WEDGE – An iron normally used to hit the ball out of the sand. It can also be used on short pitch shots.

SANDY – A player makes a sandy when he hits a shot out of the sand and sinks the following putt.

SCRATCH GOLFER – A player who has a handicap of 0. This player will theoretically shoot even par or better every time out.

SHORT GAME – The part of the game made up of chipping, putting and other shots around the green.

SHOTGUN START – A method of starting play where players go to every tee box on the golf course and hit their tee shots at the same time. Sometimes a horn is sounded to start play.

SIDE – This is a term, which is interchangeable with the word “nine” as in front side which means the front nine or front nine holes. Now if you are really smart, you can also figure out that the back side is the back nine or last nine holes!

SIDEHILL LIE – This refers to a lie when the ball is resting on a slope and the golfer’s feet are either above or below the ball.

SLICE – This is either a piece of bread or a shot struck by a golfer which curves pretty severely from left to right (for a right handed golfer).

SLOPE RATING – USGA term that represents the difficulty of a course for bogey golfers relative to the USGA Course Rating (which represents the difficulty for scratch golfers). The higher the slope, the more difficult the course plays for bogey golfers. Slope ratings range from 55 to 155 and 113 is considered average.

SNAKE – An award given to a player in a friendly game when the player three putts. Whoever has the snake at the end of the round usually ‘gets’ to treat the other players to a beverage.

STARTER – The person who is responsible for sending the groups of players off the first tee. Usually the starter is located somewhere close to the first hole.

STIMPMETER – This is a device which is used to calibrate the speed of the greens. Often referred to as ‘stimp’. A reading of 5 to 11 is the normal range with 5 being slow and 11 being extremely (PGA) fast!

STROKE – This is often used in the following context, “how many STROKES are you giving me” which means how many shots or additional swings are you giving me to even out the match. It can also be the term used for the actual process of swinging the club through the ball.

SUDDEN DEATH – This is a method of breaking a tied match by playing extra holes. The first player to win a hole is the winner.

SUMMER RULES – Ordinary rules according to the rulebook.

SWEET SPOT – The center point on the face of the club. When you hit it here it feels really good!

TAKEAWAY – This is what a golfer does when he starts the backswing.

TEE – This is the wooden (usually) peg which is used to hold the ball up for driving. It is also the term for the area where play begins on a particular hole (i.e. the third tee is where the third hole starts)

TEXAS WEDGE – The term for the putter when it is used from off the green.

THREESOME – Hmmm… now if you think about this you might just get it. Hint: it refers to three players playing in the same group.

TIGHT FAIRWAY – A narrow fairway with not much area on either side to miss.

TOE – This is a term for what you have on your feet OR it refers to the part of the club farthest from where it joins the shaft.

TRAJECTORY – The flight path of the ball. If it goes way up in the air it is referred to a high trajectory.

TURN – To start the back nine holes. To “make the turn” means you have finished the 1st nine holes and are “turning” to the 2nd nine.

UNDERCLUBBING – Using a club that does not provide enough distance to hit the ball to the intended target.

UNPLAYABLE LIE – A lie from which the ball can not be hit. (i.e. it is up against a tree and the player can not hit it)

WAGGLE – The movement of the clubhead just prior to the player taking a swing.

WEDGE – An iron with a high loft used for short shots requiring a high trajectory.

WHIFF – Swinging and missing the ball.

WINTER RULES – Local golf rules that permit the player to improve the lie of the ball in the fairway. There may be additional winter rules allowed depending on the golf course condition.

WOOD – A club (either wood or metal) which is used for shots requiring a lot of distance.

WORMBURNER – A shot which skims very low along the ground. Thus killing any worms that may be poking their heads up.

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Golf Terms

OFFSET – A club with the head slightly behind (or offset) the shaft.

OUT-OF-BOUNDS – The area outside of the golf course limits in which play is prohibited. If you hit the ball out of bounds you must hit again from the same spot and take a penalty stroke.

OVERCLUBBING – Using a club that will hit the ball farther than necessary.

PAR – The number of stokes that is recommended to take to complete a hole (or 18 holes).

PENALTY STROKE – An additional stroke which is added to a golfer’s score for a rules violation, going out of bounds, losing a ball, or various other situations.

PIN – This is the flagstick or the pole that is in the cup.

PITCH – A short high arcing shot that lands on the green and usually stops quickly.

PITCH AND RUN – Same as a pitch but hit with a lesser lofted club which causes it to roll farther.

PIVOT – The rotation of the shoulders, waist, and pelvis during the golf swing.

PLAYING THROUGH – The process of slower players in front of faster players allowing the faster players to move ahead of the slower group.

PREFERRED LIE – A lie that may be improved by a player.

PRO SHOP – The golf course shop operated by the golf pro.

PROVISIONAL BALL – An additional ball which is hit in case the first ball can not be found. If the first ball is found, it is played. If the first ball is not found, the provisional must be played and the player is assessed a penalty stroke.

PULL – A ball that is pulled (or hit) to the left of the target (for right handers).

PUSH – A ball that is pushed (or hit) to the right of the target (for right handers).

PUTT – A shot that rolls on the green hit with the putter.

PUTTER – The club with a flat face used to putt. Often called the “flat stick”

PUTTING GREEN – The surface area around the hole that is specially prepared for putting.

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Golf Terms

INTERLOCKING GRIP – A type of grip where the little finger of the lower hand is interlocked with the index finger of the upper hand.

IRON – A club with a metal head which is not a wood!

JAIL – A golfer’s term for a ball hit into a lot of trees which makes it very difficult to hit your ball out of…”in jail”

JUNGLE – A golfers term for heavy rough or in the woods. (i.e. in the jungle)

KICK – A golfer’s term for bounce. (I got a bad kick means I got a bad bounce)

LAG – To putt the ball with the intention of leaving it short of the hole so that the golfer is able to have a very easy putt on the next shot.

LATERAL HAZARD – Any hazard that runs parallel to the fairway.

LIE – This is what you tell your wife when she asks if you went to work and you really went golfing OR it is the position that the ball ends up when it comes to rest on the ground.

LINKS – Another word for a golf course. This originally meant a seaside course.

LIP – The top rim of the cup or what you have two of on your face.

LOB SHOT – A shot that goes straight up in the air and stops very quickly on the green.

LOCAL RULES – A set of rules for a particular golf course as determined by that course.

LOFT – This is an apartment in England OR it is the angle of the clubface from vertical.

MATCH PLAY – This is a form of competition by holes. Each hole is worth one point no matter how many strokes one player beats another by.

MEDAL PLAY – This is a form of competition decided by the overall number of strokes. This may also be referred to as stroke play.

MULLIGAN – An extra shot which your opponent MAY allow you to take if you hit a really bad first shot. NOTE: this is NOT the way we suggest to play golf.

MUNICIPAL COURSE – A public course which is owned by a local government agency.

NASSAU – A form of competition which breaks down the play into front nine, back nine and overall 18 holes. A point is allowed for each nine and the total 18.

NINETEENTH HOLE – Another term for the clubhouse or in particular the bar at the clubhouse. This is Waggle’s favorite hole!

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Golf Terms

EAGLE – This is a bird in real life, but in golf it means a score of 2 under par on a hole. (I.e. a score of 3 on a par 5 hole)

FACE – This is what you see when you look in the mirror and it is also the part of the clubhead that makes contact with the ball.

FADE – This is a shot (for a right-handed golfer) which curves gradually from left to right.

FAIRWAY – This is the area on the golf course which lies directly between the tee box and the green and is cut really short and maintained really nice. You want to hit from this area if at all possible.

FAT SHOT – This is a shot which is not good. The club hits the ground behind the ball and results in a poorly struck shot that usually doesn’t go very far.

FLAGSTICK – Come’on, you gotta know this one.

FLUB – See dub above.

FOLLOW-THROUGH – The continuation of the golf swing to the end.

FORE – This is spelled differently than the number 4. This is the term yelled when one hits a shot toward another person on the golf course to alert him/her of impending doom from being hit by the ball.

FOURSOME – A term given to a group of… come’on how many do you think players? (hint: 4!)

FREE DROP – A drop that you don’t have to pay for, really that is correct, you get to drop the ball and don’t have to add a stroke to your score. This can happen when there is casual water on the course or ground under repair.

FRINGE – The closely cut area just around the edge of the green.

FRONT SIDE – The first nine holes is usually referred to as the “front side”.

GIMME – A term for a putt that is close enough to the cup that it will certainly be made so the other player says “it’s a gimme” and the player doesn’t have to putt it. However, he does need to add this stroke to his score!

GRAIN – This is the direction that the grass on the green is growing. A golf ball will roll faster with the grain and slower against it.

GREEN – This is a color and also the term used to describe the putting surface on the golf course.

GRIP – This refers to either the part of the shaft by which the club is held by the golfer or the manner in which the golfer holds the club. (i.e. an overlapping grip)

GROSS – The total number of strokes a player takes on his round.

GROUNDING THE CLUB – Placing the clubhead on the ground behind the ball at address position.

GROUND UNDER REPAIR – An area on the golf course that is being repaired. Golfers are able to take a “free drop” if their ball ends up in ground under repair.

HACKER – A golfer who is not very skilled. Same as a duffer.

HANDICAP – The number of strokes a player may deduct from his actual (or gross) score to adjust his score to that of a scratch golfer.

HAZARD – A hazard is any sand trap, lake, pond, bunker, etc. that may cause problems on the golf course. It is normally a good idea to avoid a hazard on the golf course.

HEEL – What you tell your dog to do when walking him/her OR the part of the clubhead nearest the shaft.

HOLE – A 4 inch round receptacle on the green that you try to get your ball into.

HOLE HIGH – An approach shot which is even with the hole but off to one side.

HOLE-IN-ONE – See ACE above.

HOLE OUT – the process of a player completing the hole.

HONOR – the privilege of hitting first on the next tee. The “honor” is gained by having the lowest score on the preceding hole.

HOOK – To hit the ball and have it curve gradually from right to left (for right-handed golfers).

HOSEL – The hollow part of the clubhead that the shaft fits into.

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Golf Terms

CADDIE – A person who carries a player’s clubs during play and offers assistance in accordance with the rules.

CARRY – The distance in the air that a ball must travel before it hits the ground. (i.e. you need 160 yards to carry the water means you need to hit the ball 160 yards in the air to clear the water)

CASUAL WATER – No this is not water dressed in blue jeans and T-shirt but rather any temporary puddles of water on the course which are not supposed to be there, like say for instance after a rainstorm. There is no penalty for a player to move his ball out of casual water.

CHIP SHOT – A short approach shot with a low trajectory usually hit from close to the green.

CHIP IN – This happens when you hit a chip shot (see above) into the cup. (Note: this is usually good!)

CHOKE – This word has two meanings. One is to grip lower on the club than normal (you may hear the term “choke down” on the club) The other definition in golf (and most other sports) means to collapse under pressure (i.e. he “choked” under the pressure of the Master’s).

CHOP – To hit the ball with a hacking motion or the word immediately after “pork”.

CLUBHEAD – The hitting area of the golf club.

CLUBHOUSE – The main building at the golf course where players usually go to have refreshments and tell about their 2 under par round (note: at times, you can actually see their noses grow!)

COURSE RATING – The difficulty of a course. Usually the higher the course rating the harder it is.

CUP – The thing in the hole that holds the flagstick.

DEUCE – Hmmm, now lets see, if an ace is a hole in one, then a deuce must be a hole in two! That’s right Sherlock! It is a score of 2 on a hole!

DIMPLE – The small round indentations on the golf ball. A lot of really smart guys (some call them scientists) got together and figured out how many dimples would help the ball fly straight and true.

DIVOT – A piece of ground that is taken up by the club after hitting the ball. A good golfer ALWAYS replaces his divots and tamps them back down so they will grow back again!

DOGLEG – This is one of two things. It is either one of four things that Rover walks on or it is a hole that goes straight for a while then has a bend (or “dogleg”) to the left or right. You decide which fits here!

DOUBLE BOGEY – A score of two over par for one hole. These are not very good!

DOUBLE EAGLE – NO, this is NOT two eagles, but it is a good score for one hole! In fact it is an excellent score for one hole – three under par for one hole! (i.e. a two on a par five!) This is also referred to as an “albatross”.

DOWNHILL LIE – The ball is on the downslope of a hill. When a right handed player addresses the ball his right foot will be higher than his left foot.

DRAIN – To make a putt (“drain it”).

DRAW SHOT – This is when a right handed player hits a controlled hook, which goes from right to left.

DRIVE – This is the term which means your tee shot. It is also usually the way you get to the golf course.

DRIVER – This is the club known as the 1 wood. It is usually the club that hits the ball the farthest. It is also a person that very rich people have to haul them around.

DROP – This is a way that you get the ball back in play after hitting a shot into the water or out of bounds. This also happens to waitresses when they carry too many plates.

DUB – A poorly hit shot. I “dubbed” that shot.

DUFFER – One who hits a lot of bad shots. Can also be called a “hacker”.

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Golf Terms

Ever wonder what all those golf terms mean? What’s a bogey? What is all this talk about the back side? How much does a free drop cost? Unless you know the answers to these questions, you had better read up here. We’ve tried to make it a little easier for you and even inserted a couple of funnies too. We’ve researched our massive memories (that is the 1st funny!) and come up with a whole bunch of golf terms to assist you on the course and in the clubhouse. That’s right, you can be that guy who knows all the cool things to say… read on!

ACE – This is a term used when a golfer makes a hole in one! In other words, the tee shot is hit and it goes into the hole – how about that!

ADDRESS – Contrary to popular belief, this is not where the mailman delivers to but it is the position of one’s body taken just before the golfer hits the ball. You will often hear the term “addressing the ball” which means the golfer is standing there preparing to hit the ball.

ALBATROSS – An old British name for a double eagle. What’s that you say, two eagles? No, it means you scored 3 under par on a single hole! In other words, you scored a 2 on a par 5 hole. It’s a very good score and doesn’t happen very often.

APPROACH – This is a short or medium iron which is played into the green. Often referred to as an “approach shot”.

APRON – The closely cut area just around the edge of the green. Often referred to as the “Fringe”.

BACKSPIN – This is a reverse spin, which causes the ball to stop very quickly on the green.

BACKSWING – The backward part of the swing starting from the ground and going back over the top of the golfer’s head.

BAIL OUT – A shot played to the “safe” part of the course. For example if the flag is right next to the water and the golfer intentionally shoots away from the flag to avoid the water – thus “bailing out”

BALL MARKER – A token or small coin which is placed directly just behind the ball in order to mark the position of the ball on the green. This is usually done to allow another player who is farther away to putt without hitting any other balls.

BALL RETRIEVER – A long pole with a scoop on the end of it used to get balls out of water hazards.

BALL WASHER – Come on, this one is self explanatory. These are found all over the golf course usually at the tee boxes. They clean and wash your ball.

BANANA BALL – A slice that curves in a banana like shape from left to right (for right-handed golfers).

BASEBALL GRIP – Holding the golf club like one would hold a baseball bat. All 10 fingers are on the grip.

BEACH – An expression for sandtrap. (i.e. I’m in the beach)

BENT GRASS – Type of grass which is found in mostly in northern climates.

BERMUDA GRASS – Now think about this one for just a minute. This is a type of grass found mostly in southern climates, as it is tougher and more resilient to harsh sunlight. Kind of like you would find in… that’s right Bermuda! You are a genius!

BIRDIE – A score of 1 under par for a hole. (i.e. a score of 3 on a par 4 hole)

BITE – A term used for the action of the backspin on the ball stopping it very quickly on the green.

BOGEY – A score of 1 over par on a hole. (i.e. a score of 5 on a par 4 hole)

BUNKER – Another name for a sandtrap.

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Dictionary of Golf Terms: Y - Golf Terms

Yardage Chart	A printed card detailing the layout and yardage of each hole on the course.
Yardage Rating	The stroke index of the hole, Index 18 being the easiest on the course, 1 the most difficult.
Yips	To miss simple putts because of nerves. © Copyright 1995-2013 WorldGolf.com

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Dictionary of Golf Terms: W - Golf Terms

Waggle	The movement of the club head as the golfer prepares to swing.
Water Hazard	Ponds, lakes, rivers or ditches on the course, always marked by yellow or blue posts.
Water hole	A hole where the approach necessitates hitting the ball over a water hazard.
Wedge	A metal club designed to give loft rather than distance. Used for high shots into the green.
Whiff	Missing the ball during a swing.
Whins	Heavy Rough.
Whipping	The straps used to re-inforce the join between the club head and shaft.
Whippy	A shaft with greater than normal flex.
Winter Green	A temporary green used in winter to protect the permanent green.
Winter Rules	Local rules which apply during the winter season only.
Wood	Clubs used for long range shots. Traditionally made with wooden head they are now mostly made with metal alloy heads.
Woodie	When the ball hits any part of a tree and the golfer still completes the hole with a par.
Worm Burner	A shot which rolls along the ground.
Wrong Ball	Any ball which a golfer plays that is not the ball they began the hole with or which was brought into play after losing their original.

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Dictionary of Golf Terms : T - Terms

Takeaway	When the clubhead is moved back from the ball at the start of a swing.
Tee	A small peg stuck into the ground on which a golf ball is placed. Also area where golfers play first stroke of any given hole.
Tee Marker	Boundary on the tee behind which a drive must be made. The ball must be placed onto the tee within two club lengths of the tee marker.
Tee Time	Scheduled start time.
Teeing ground	Area from which players start each hole.
Tempo	The speed of a golfer's swing.
Temporary green	A green used when the normal green is under repair or when the club wish to preserve the permanent green.
Tending the Flag	To hold the flagstick such that a player may aim for it and then remove it as the balls approaches.
Texas wedge	Name given to putter when used anywhere other than the green.
Thin Shot	To strike the ball above it's centre causing it to skip and bounce along the ground rather than rise through the air.
Thread	To coax the ball through a tight gap.
Three ball	A group of three golfers playing their own ball.
Three Jack	To three putt a green.
Threesome	A group of three golfers.
Through the Green	Any part of the course which is not 'out of bounds' except the tees, greens and hazards.
Tiger tee	The tees used in a pro competition.
Tight fairway	A Fairway (the cut grass area between tee and green) that is only a few yards across.
Tip	Instruction on how a ball should be played. Only partners and caddies may be consulted without penalty.
Toe	That part of the club head at the opposite end to the heel.
Top	To strike the ball above it's centre causing it to skip and bounce along the ground rather than rise through the air.
Torque	How far a shaft twists during a swing.
Tour	A series of tournaments over a season.
Tournament	An organised competition for both amateurs and professionals.
Tournament Score	Your gross score for each round added together.
Track iron	Old fashioned club with metal head used to lift balls from tracks and carriageways.
Trap	Sand or grass hazard.
Trolley	A two wheeled device used to aid the carrying of a golf bag around the course.
Trouble shot	Having to play a ball that is in deep rough, behind on object (such as a bush or tree) or from a bad lie.
Turn	The midway point on a golf course, the end of the 9th hole.
Two Piece Ball	A ball made from a core of rubber, metal or other wrapped in strands of rubber encased in a surlyn or balata shell.
Twosome	A group of two golfers.

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