Glossary
509 golf terms
Master golf terminology with Hole19's comprehensive golf glossary. From 'plays like distances' to breaking 90, find clear definitions for every golf term.
Above the Hole
Challenging ball position on sloped greens where the golfer faces a downhill putt.
Ace
Hole-in-one achievement where a golfer successfully holes their tee shot on the first attempt, representing one of golf's most exciting and celebrated accomplishments regardless of skill level.
Address
Preparatory position taken by a golfer immediately before beginning their swing.
Aggregate
Tournament scoring format where the total strokes from multiple rounds determine the winner, emphasizing sustained performance and consistency over several days of competition.
Aim Line
Imaginary line along which a golfer intends their ball to travel toward the target, serving as the fundamental reference for proper alignment and shot execution.
Albatross
Extraordinary golf achievement of scoring three strokes under par on a single hole, also known as a double eagle in North America.
All Square
Match play term indicating that competitors are tied with no advantage to either player or team, often abbreviated as A/S on scoreboards and creating neutral competitive positions.
Alternate
Player designated to potentially compete in a tournament if space becomes available due to withdrawals, providing opportunities for additional golfers to participate in competitive events.
Alternate Shot
Team format where two players use one ball and take alternating shots until the hole is completed, also known as foursomes.
Amateur Status
Classification of golfers who compete without receiving financial compensation, maintaining eligibility for amateur competitions and preserving the traditional distinction between amateur and professional golf.
Angle of Attack
Vertical angle at which the club head approaches the ball during impact, significantly affecting ball flight characteristics, contact quality, and shot trajectory.
Approach
Golf shot played toward the green, typically from 50-150 yards.
Apron
Closely mown area of grass immediately surrounding the putting green, also known as the fringe, providing a transition zone between the green and rough with intermediate grass height and playing characteristics.
Back Nine
Second half of an 18-hole golf round, consisting of holes 10 through 18, traditionally leading back toward the clubhouse and often featuring the course's most challenging and memorable holes.
Back Tees
Longest and most challenging set of tee markers on a golf course, typically reserved for professional tournaments, elite amateur competitions, and skilled golfers seeking maximum challenge.
Back-weighting
Club design feature that positions weight toward the back or rear portion of the club head to lower the center of gravity, increase launch angle, and improve forgiveness on off-center hits.
Backspin
Backward rotation imparted on a golf ball during impact that affects trajectory, carry distance, and landing characteristics, particularly important for approach shots and distance control around greens.
Ball Flight Laws
Fundamental physics principles that govern golf ball flight, including the relationship between club face angle, swing path, angle of attack, and impact location that determine ball direction, trajectory, and spin characteristics.
Ball Marker
Small, flat disc or coin used to mark the exact position of a golf ball on the putting green when the ball needs to be lifted for cleaning, to clear another player's line, or for other rules-related purposes.
Ball Position
Location of the golf ball relative to the golfer's stance and feet at address, crucial for consistent contact, trajectory control, and shot success across different clubs and shot types.
Ball Speed
Velocity at which a golf ball travels immediately after leaving the club face at impact, measured in miles per hour and directly correlating to potential distance and overall shot performance.
Ball Washer
Course amenity consisting of a cleaning station with brushes and water designed to help golfers clean their golf balls during play, essential for maintaining optimal ball performance and course etiquette.
Banana Ball
Golf slang for a severely curved shot that hooks or slices dramatically, resembling the curved shape of a banana and typically resulting in significant distance loss and accuracy problems.
Beach
Casual golf slang for a sand bunker, reflecting the sandy, beach-like conditions found in these hazards and adding colorful language to golf's vocabulary.
Belly Putter
Longer putter designed to be anchored against the golfer's abdomen or chest during the putting stroke, now prohibited under current Rules of Golf but previously used to improve stability and reduce putting yips.
Below the Hole
Favorable ball position on the putting green where the golfer faces an uphill putt to the hole, generally considered advantageous because uphill putts are more likely to hold their line.
Bent Grass
Type of cool-season grass commonly used on putting greens in northern climates, known for its fine texture, dense growth, and ability to provide smooth, consistent putting surfaces.
Best Ball
Team golf format where each player plays their own ball throughout the hole, with the lowest score among team members counting as the team score for that hole.
Better Ball
Team golf format where each player plays their own ball throughout the hole, with the better score between the two teammates counting as the team score, allowing for aggressive play while providing safety through partnership.
Big Dog
Casual golf slang for the driver, reflecting its status as the longest club in the bag and the primary club for achieving maximum distance from tee shots.
Bingo Bango Bongo
Fun, points-based golf game that awards points for three different achievements on each hole: first player on the green (Bingo), closest to the pin once all balls are on the green (Bango), and first player to hole out (Bongo).
Birdie
Golf score of one stroke under par on a hole, representing good performance and scoring opportunities that contribute to lower overall scores.
Blade
1. A thin putter. 2. Shot struck with the leading edge of the club.
Block
Golf shot that travels straight but to the right of the target for right-handed golfers, typically caused by an inside-out swing path with a square club face or alignment issues.
Bogey
Golf score of one stroke over par on a hole, representing a common outcome that indicates slightly above-average performance on that particular hole.
Bogey Golfer
Golfer who typically scores one stroke over par on most holes, representing the standard for bogey golfer calculations in handicap systems and course rating procedures.
Bogey Rating
Course difficulty rating that indicates how challenging a course plays for a bogey golfer (someone who typically shoots one over par per hole), used in conjunction with course rating to establish slope ratings.
Bounce
Angle between the leading edge and trailing edge of a golf club's sole, designed to help the club glide through turf and sand rather than digging in during impact.
Break
Curved path a putt takes due to green slope, grain, and other factors that cause the ball to deviate from a straight line to the hole.
Breakfast Ball
Informal, non-official mulligan taken on the first tee of a round, representing a traditional way to settle into the round and overcome first-tee jitters.
Bump and Run
Low-trajectory shot played around the green that lands quickly and rolls toward the hole like a putt, useful when there's plenty of green to work with and obstacles to avoid.
Bunker
Prepared sand hazard designed to penalize errant shots while adding strategic complexity and visual appeal to golf hole design.
Cabbage
Humorous golf slang for extremely thick, challenging rough that significantly impedes ball advancement and requires specialized recovery techniques.
Cap
Maximum handicap index allowed in a specific competition, designed to ensure appropriate competitive balance and maintain reasonable pace of play.
Carry
Distance a golf ball travels through the air before touching the ground, as opposed to total distance which includes roll after landing.
Cart Path Only
Course policy requiring golf carts to remain on designated paved paths rather than driving on grass areas, typically implemented to protect course conditions during wet weather or maintenance periods.
Casual Water
Temporary accumulation of water on the golf course that is not part of a marked water hazard, including puddles, standing water, or overflow from irrigation that affects normal play.
Center of Gravity
Point within a golf club head where the weight is perfectly balanced in all directions, significantly affecting club performance, feel, and ball flight characteristics.
Chapman
Two-person team format, also known as Pinehurst, where both players tee off, select the better drive, then play alternate shots from that position until the hole is completed.
Chip
Short approach shot played from around the green with a low trajectory, designed to land quickly and roll toward the hole like a putt.
Choke Down
Technique of gripping down on the club shaft below the grip, effectively shortening the club to reduce distance and increase control for specific shot requirements.
Chunk
Mishit golf shot where the club strikes the ground well behind the ball, taking a large divot and significantly reducing distance and accuracy due to poor energy transfer.
Cleek
Traditional Scottish golf term for a driving iron or long iron club, representing golf's historical nomenclature before the development of modern numbered club systems.
Closed Face
Club face position at address where the face points left of the target line for right-handed golfers, typically used to promote draw or hook ball flight patterns.
Coefficient of Restitution
Technical measurement of the spring-like effect or energy transfer efficiency between golf club faces and balls at impact, regulated by golf's governing bodies to maintain competitive equity.
Compression
Measure of how much a golf ball deforms upon impact with the club face, affecting feel, distance, and performance characteristics for different swing speeds and playing conditions.
Condor
Extraordinarily rare golf score of four strokes under par on a single hole.
Course Handicap
Number of handicap strokes a player receives when playing a specific course, calculated by converting the player's handicap index based on the course's difficulty rating and slope.
Course Rating
Numerical evaluation of golf course difficulty for scratch golfers under normal playing conditions, expressed in strokes and serving as the foundation for handicap calculations and course comparisons.
Cross Bunker
Sand hazard positioned perpendicular to the fairway, typically extending across the playing corridor and affecting strategy for multiple approach angles and shot options.
Cup
Hole on the putting green, measuring 4.
Cut
1. A fade shot shape (right to left for lefties, left to right for righties. 2. Elimination of some of the players in a tournament after a set number of rounds (normally 2).
Cut Line
Predetermined score in professional tournaments that determines which players advance to continue play for the remainder of the event, typically applied after 36 holes with the lowest scores making the cut.
Dancing
Golf slang describing a ball that remains on the putting surface near the hole after an approach shot, typically indicating good distance control and creating a birdie opportunity.
Dead
1. Golf shot with no spin. 2. Putt that has no chance of going in.
Deceleration
Swing fault of slowing down the club head through impact rather than maintaining or accelerating speed, typically resulting in poor contact, reduced distance, and inconsistent ball flight.
Density Rating
Course rating measurement that evaluates the concentration and difficulty of obstacles within the effective playing length of each hole, helping determine overall course challenge and appropriate handicap calculations.
Dimple Pattern
Specific arrangement and configuration of small indentations on golf ball surfaces, engineered to optimize aerodynamic performance, ball flight characteristics, and overall distance potential.
Distance Control
Ability to consistently hit golf shots the desired distance, representing one of the most crucial skills for effective course management and scoring consistency.
Divot
Piece of turf displaced when a golf club strikes the ground during shot execution, which should be properly replaced and repaired as part of fundamental golf etiquette and course maintenance.
Divot Pattern
Characteristic shape, depth, and direction of turf displacement that occurs when a golfer strikes the ground during shot execution, providing valuable feedback about swing mechanics and contact quality.
Dog License
British golf slang for winning a match by a score of 7 and 6, referring to the numerical digits on a dog license plate and representing a decisive victory in match play competition.
Dogleg
Golf hole design feature where the fairway curves significantly left or right between the tee and green.
Dormie
Match play situation where one player leads by the same number of holes remaining to be played, essentially guaranteeing victory since the trailing player cannot mathematically catch up.
Double Bogey
Golf score of two strokes over par on a single hole, representing a significant scoring setback that typically results from multiple mistakes, penalty strokes, or poor course management decisions.
Double Cross
Golf shot that curves in the opposite direction from the intended shot shape, typically occurring when golfers attempt to hit a draw but produce a fade, or vice versa, often resulting in significant accuracy problems and strategic disadvantages.
Double Eagle
American terminology for an albatross, representing an extraordinary score of three strokes under par on a single hole, achieved through exceptional shot-making and often favorable circumstances.
Double Hit
Illegal golf stroke where the club makes contact with the ball twice during a single swing motion, resulting in a penalty stroke and counting the original stroke plus one penalty stroke.
Draw
Controlled ball flight pattern that curves gently from right to left for right-handed golfers (left to right for left-handed golfers), typically produced by a slightly closed club face at impact relative to swing path.
Drive
Golf shot played from the teeing area, typically with a driver, representing the first shot on each hole and often the longest shot in golf.
Driver
Longest club in a golfer's bag, typically featuring the largest head, lowest loft (8-12 degrees), and longest shaft, designed specifically for maximum distance from tee shots.
Drop
Procedure for putting a golf ball back into play by releasing it from knee height in accordance with specific rules governing relief situations, penalty procedures, and unplayable lies.
Drop Zone
Designated area on golf courses where players may drop balls when taking relief from penalty areas, unplayable lies, or other rule situations, providing specific locations for proper relief procedures.
Duck Hook
Severe hook shot that curves dramatically and quickly from right to left for right-handed golfers, often starting on line but turning sharply and uncontrollably, resulting in significant distance loss and directional problems.
Duff
Poorly executed golf shot, typically involving hitting the ground before the ball or making inadequate contact that results in a weak, short shot that fails to achieve intended distance or trajectory.
Eagle
Exceptional golf score of two strokes under par on a single hole, representing outstanding performance that combines skill, strategy, and often favorable circumstances.
Effective Playing Length
Measurement system used in course rating that adjusts hole yardage based on factors like elevation changes, wind exposure, altitude, and other environmental conditions that affect playing difficulty beyond simple distance measurements.
Entry Fee
Required payment for participating in a golf tournament, covering administrative costs, prize funds, course fees, and event operations.
Equipment Rules
Comprehensive regulations established by golf's governing bodies (USGA and R&A) that specify acceptable standards for golf clubs, balls, and other equipment used in competitive play.
ESR
Exceptional Score Reduction in the World Handicap System, a mechanism that prevents sandbagging by reducing handicap indexes when players post scores significantly better than their established playing ability.
Etiquette
Unwritten code of conduct, courtesy, and behavior expectations that govern golfer interactions on the course, ensuring respectful, safe, and enjoyable experiences for all players.
European Tour
Premier professional golf circuit in Europe, now known as the DP World Tour, featuring tournaments across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with world-class fields competing for significant prize money and world ranking points.
Even Par
Golf score that matches the predetermined par for a hole or course, indicating performance that meets the standard expected for a competent golfer on that particular hole or round.
Exemption
Competitive status that automatically qualifies professional golfers for entry into specific tournaments without requiring additional qualifying procedures, typically earned through previous tournament victories, high world rankings, or other achievement criteria.
Expected Score
Statistical measurement used in handicap calculations and course rating that estimates the likely score a scratch golfer would achieve from any given position on the golf course.
Extra Hole
Additional holes played beyond the regulation 18 holes to determine a winner when competitors are tied, creating dramatic conclusions to matches and tournaments.
Face Angle
Direction the club face points at address position, measured relative to the target line and significantly affecting ball flight direction and curve patterns.
Face Insert
Specialized piece of material inserted into the striking surface of golf clubs, particularly putters, to enhance feel, sound, and performance characteristics through different materials and construction methods.
Fade
Controlled ball flight pattern that curves slightly from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers), typically produced by a slightly open club face at impact relative to swing path.
Fairway
Closely mown, well-maintained area between tee and green that provides optimal playing conditions and strategic corridor for approach shots, representing the ideal target area for most golf shots.
Fairway Bunker
Sand hazard positioned within or alongside the fairway, requiring strategic navigation and specialized recovery techniques while affecting driving strategy and course management decisions.
Fairway Wood
Category of golf clubs designed for longer shots from fairway lies, typically including 3-woods, 5-woods, and 7-woods, featuring larger heads and lower lofts than irons.
False Front
Green design feature where the front portion slopes severely toward the front edge, creating the illusion of more available landing area than actually exists.
Fat Shot
Mishit where the club strikes the ground before contacting the ball, resulting in poor contact, reduced distance,.
Feather Ball
Historical golf ball construction method used in early golf, consisting of leather covering stuffed with goose or duck feathers.
First Cut
Transitional area of slightly longer grass immediately adjacent to closely mown fairway areas, providing a buffer zone between fairway and rough conditions.
First Tee
Initial teeing area of a golf course where rounds begin, often featuring ceremonial elements, course information, and the psychological beginning of the golf experience.
Five Ball
Group of five golfers playing together, typically not permitted in standard competition formats due to pace of play concerns and logistical challenges.
Flag
Colored marker attached to the flag stick that indicates hole position and provides visual reference for golfers approaching greens and planning shots.
Flag Stick
Pole and flag assembly placed in the hole to mark its location from distance, helping golfers identify targets and judge distances during approach shots and putting.
Flat Swing
Golf swing characterized by a more around-the-body, horizontal swing plane rather than the upright plane typically associated with iron play, often used for power generation and certain shot types.
Flex
Amount of bending or loading that occurs in a golf shaft during the swing, categorized into standard ratings (Ladies, Senior, Regular, Stiff, Extra Stiff) that should match individual swing characteristics for optimal performance.
Flier
Shot from rough or other lies where grass or debris gets between the club face and ball, reducing backspin and causing the ball to fly farther than expected with lower trajectory.
Float
Putting technique where the putter head is held slightly above the ground at address rather than soled, often used to improve feel, reduce tension, and create smoother stroke initiation.
Flog
Golf spelled backward, representing a fun alternative scoring format where the highest score wins instead of the lowest, creating unique strategic considerations and entertainment value.
Flop Shot
High, soft-landing shot played with a lob wedge and open club face, designed to carry obstacles and land softly with minimal roll, particularly useful around greens with limited landing area.
Flourish
Exaggerated or stylistic movement at the end of the follow-through, often reflecting personal swing characteristics or attempted emphasis on swing completion.
Flush
Perfectly struck golf shot where the club makes ideal contact with the ball, producing optimal distance, trajectory, and feel with minimal effort or strain.
Follow Through
Portion of the golf swing that occurs after ball contact, involving the continuation of club and body motion through impact toward the finish position.
Footprints in the Sand
Impressions left in bunker sand by golfers' feet during shot execution, which should be carefully raked and smoothed after play to maintain fair conditions for subsequent players.
Fore
Traditional warning shout used in golf to alert other players that a ball is heading in their direction, potentially causing injury if they don't take evasive action.
Fore Caddie
Alternative spelling for forecaddie, referring to a person positioned ahead of players to spot ball locations and provide assistance with course navigation and ball tracking.
Forecaddie
Person positioned ahead of golfers to track ball locations, assist with yardages, and help locate balls in areas where visibility is limited, particularly common in professional tournaments and upscale golf experiences.
Forward Press
Subtle forward movement or pressure applied just before beginning the backswing, used to initiate swing rhythm and prevent static starts that can lead to tension and poor tempo.
Forward Tees
Alternative terminology for front tees, representing the shortest playing distances and most accessible tee positions designed to accommodate golfers with limited distance or those seeking more enjoyable playing experiences.
Four-Ball
Team competition format where two players each play their own ball throughout the hole, with the better score of the two counting as the team score for each hole.
Foursome
1. Group of 4 players playing together. 2. Scoring format where team members alternate hitting the same ball.
Fried Egg
Challenging bunker lie where the golf ball is partially buried or plugged in sand, resembling a fried egg with the ball sitting in a depression surrounded by sand.
Front Nine
First nine holes of an 18-hole golf course, traditionally leading away from the clubhouse and representing the beginning of the golf experience.
Front Tees
Most forward set of tee markers on each hole, typically offering the shortest playing distances and designed to accommodate golfers with limited driving distance or those seeking more accessible playing experiences.
Full Shot
Golf swing executed with maximum effort and complete follow-through, designed to achieve maximum distance and typically used for tee shots and long approach situations.
Function
Intended purpose and design characteristics of each golf club in a set, with each club engineered to perform specific shot requirements and distance ranges effectively.
Gallery
Spectators who follow professional golf tournaments, creating atmosphere, excitement, and support for players while observing golf etiquette and maintaining respect for the competition.
Gamble
Strategic decision to attempt a risky shot with potential for significant reward, often involving carries over hazards, aggressive pin positions, or challenging recovery situations.
Gap Wedge
Versatile wedge with loft typically ranging from 50-54 degrees, designed to fill the distance gap between pitching wedges and sand wedges while providing options for various short game situations.
Gimme
Putt so close to the hole that it's automatically conceded in match play, typically within a putter grip length, eliminating the need to complete the putt and speeding up play.
GPS
Global Positioning System technology integrated into golf devices to provide accurate distance measurements, course mapping, and strategic information that enhances course management and shot planning.
Grain
Direction of grass growth on putting greens, significantly affecting ball roll speed and direction, requiring careful observation and adjustment in putting technique and green reading.
Grand Slam
Rare and prestigious achievement of winning all four major championships (Masters, PGA Championship, U.
Graphite Shaft
Lightweight golf club shaft constructed from carbon fiber materials, offering advantages in weight reduction, vibration dampening, and customization options compared to traditional steel shafts.
Green
Specially prepared putting surface featuring closely mown grass, precise contouring, and optimal conditions for putting.
Green Committee
Group of club members responsible for overseeing course maintenance standards, setup policies, and playing condition decisions that affect member satisfaction and course quality.
Green Fee
Cost charged to play a round of golf at a particular course, varying based on course quality, location, time of day, season, and demand factors.
Green in Regulation (GIR)
Reaching the putting green in the regulation number of strokes (par minus two), representing a key statistical measure of ball-striking proficiency and approach shot effectiveness.
Green Reader
Detailed reference guide showing putting green contours, slopes, and break patterns to help golfers read putts more accurately and develop effective putting strategies.
Green Speed
Pace at which golf balls roll on putting surfaces, typically measured using a Stimpmeter and expressed in feet, significantly affecting putting strategy, green reading, and scoring.
Greenkeeper
Golf course professional responsible for maintaining optimal playing conditions, including turf health, course setup, and facility maintenance.
Greenside
Area immediately surrounding putting greens, typically within 20-30 yards, where specialized short game techniques are required for effective scoring and recovery.
Grip
1. Part of the club where the golfer holds the club. 2. Specific way in which the golfer holds the club.
Groove
Linear channels or lines cut into club faces, particularly irons and wedges, designed to increase friction, control ball spin, and remove debris between club and ball at impact.
Gross Score
Total number of strokes taken to complete a round or hole without any handicap adjustments, representing the actual score achieved during play.
Ground Under Repair (GUR)
Areas of a golf course temporarily under maintenance or repair, marked with stakes or signs and providing free relief options for players whose balls come to rest in these areas.
Grounding the Club
Act of allowing the golf club to make contact with the ground behind the ball at address, prohibited in hazards but permitted in most other course areas.
Group Play
Tournament format where players are organized into specific groups or teams for competition purposes, often featuring multiple formats within the same event or specialized scoring systems.
Half Shot
Controlled golf swing using approximately 50-75% of full power, designed for precise distance control and improved accuracy in approach shots and course management situations.
Half Turn
Shortened backswing technique used for improved control and consistency, typically stopping the club at a horizontal position rather than completing a full backswing.
Halved
Result when competitors tie a hole in match play competition, with neither player winning the hole and the match score remaining unchanged.
Handicap
Numerical system that measures a golfer's potential scoring ability, enabling players of different skill levels to compete fairly by receiving strokes on the most difficult holes.
Handicap Allowance
Percentage of a player's handicap used in different competition formats to ensure appropriate competitive balance, varying based on the specific format and number of players involved.
Handicap Index
Numerical representation of a golfer's potential scoring ability calculated under the World Handicap System, serving as the foundation for course handicap calculations and competitive equity.
Handle
Grip end of a golf club where players hold the club, featuring various materials, textures, and designs to provide secure grip and optimal feel during the swing.
Hard Cap
Maximum limit on handicap index increases in the World Handicap System, designed to prevent rapid handicap inflation while allowing for legitimate performance declines.
Hard Pan
Extremely firm, compacted ground conditions typically found in desert courses, dry climates, or areas with minimal grass coverage, creating challenging playing conditions that require adjusted technique and club selection.
Hazard
Any challenging course feature including bunkers, water areas, trees, or other obstacles designed to penalize errant shots and add strategic complexity to hole design.
Head Cover
Protective accessories designed to cover and protect golf club heads during storage and transportation, preventing damage to club faces, finishes, and overall club condition.
Head Speed
Velocity of the golf club head during the swing motion, typically measured at impact and expressed in miles per hour, directly correlating to potential ball speed and distance.
High Side
Uphill edge of the hole on a sloped green where putts have the best chance of staying in if they hit the rim, as opposed to the low side where balls are more likely to lip out.
Hole
1. The area from tee to the green. 2. The actual cup into where the ball goes.
Hole High
Golf shot that finishes at the same distance as the hole but to one side, indicating good distance control but directional inaccuracy.
Hole in One
Rare and celebrated achievement of hitting a tee shot directly into the hole in one stroke, typically occurring on par-3 holes and representing one of golf's most exciting moments.
Hole Location
Daily placement of the hole on the putting green, strategically selected to provide variety, distribute wear, and create appropriate challenge levels for different playing conditions.
Hole Out
To complete play of a hole by successfully getting the ball into the cup, representing the ultimate objective of each hole and the fundamental goal of golf.
Home Course
Golf facility where a player holds membership or plays most frequently, providing familiarity with course conditions, layout, and typical playing characteristics.
Honor
Traditional golf etiquette privilege of playing first from the tee, typically earned by having the lowest score on the previous hole or being determined by lot on the first tee.
Hook
Ball flight pattern that curves from right to left for right-handed golfers (left to right for left-handed golfers), typically caused by a closed club face at impact relative to the swing path.
Hosel
Cylindrical neck or socket of a golf club head where the shaft is inserted and secured, representing a critical structural component that affects club performance and durability.
Hybrid
Golf club design that combines characteristics of both woods and irons, typically featuring a wood-like head shape with iron-like versatility and forgiveness.
Impact
Precise moment when the club face contacts the golf ball, representing the culmination of the entire swing motion where all swing elements must coordinate perfectly.
Impact Position
Specific position and alignment of the golf club, hands, and body at the moment of ball contact, crucial for determining ball flight characteristics and contact quality.
Impact Zone
Critical area where the golf club head contacts the ball, encompassing the space immediately before, during, and after impact where proper technique and club position are most crucial.
In Play
Status of a golf ball that lies within the defined boundaries of the golf course and is available for normal play without penalty.
In-Course Rating
Method of evaluating course difficulty by assessing conditions during actual play rather than theoretical course rating procedures.
Index
Abbreviated reference to Handicap Index, the numerical measurement of a golfer's potential ability calculated from their best recent scores.
Initial Distance
Baseline measurement used to determine club distances and establish distance reference points for club fitting and course management.
Insert
Specialized material or component incorporated into golf club faces, particularly putters, to enhance feel, sound, and performance characteristics.
Inside Path
Swing path where the club head approaches the ball from inside the target line, typically producing draws or hooks depending on club face position at impact.
Inside the Leather
Traditional method for determining gimme putts by measuring with the putter grip, where putts shorter than the putter grip length are considered automatic and don't need to be holed out.
Inspection
Official examination of golf equipment to ensure compliance with established rules and specifications before use in competitive play.
Integrity
Fundamental principle of honest, ethical play that forms the foundation of golf's self-governing nature and distinguishes it from other sports.
Intended Line
Planned direction or path that a golfer aims to hit their shot, considering factors like target selection, course conditions, and strategic objectives.
Interlocking Grip
Golf grip style where the pinky finger of the trailing hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand, providing secure connection and unified hand action.
International Golf Federation
Global governing body responsible for golf's inclusion in the Olympic Games and coordinating international golf development and competition.
Inward Nine
Traditional terminology for the back nine holes of an 18-hole golf course, so named because these holes typically lead back toward the clubhouse.
Iron
Category of golf clubs with metal heads and angled faces, numbered from 1-iron through 9-iron, designed for various distances and trajectory requirements from approximately 120-200 yards.
Island Green
Putting green that is completely surrounded by water, creating a dramatic and challenging target that requires precise approach shot execution.
Jab
Short, quick putting stroke that lacks smooth acceleration and proper rhythm, often resulting in poor distance control and inconsistent results.
Jack
Golf slang for a ball that finishes just past the hole, often used to describe putts that roll slightly beyond the cup or approach shots that carry just over the green.
Jarred
Putt that goes into the hole with authority and force, often hitting the back of the cup firmly rather than dying in softly.
Jaws
Golf slang for when a ball spins backward dramatically after landing, often seen on approach shots with high-spin wedges that check up aggressively on the green.
Jerked
Golf shot that is hit quickly and impulsively, typically pulling to the left of the target due to rushed tempo and poor swing mechanics.
Jigger
Historical golf club that preceded modern chipping and pitching wedges, featuring characteristics between a putter and short iron for shots around the green.
Joint Initiative
Collaborative efforts between golf's governing bodies (USGA, R&A) and other organizations to address common challenges, develop unified policies, or advance the game's interests globally.
Jump
1. Unusual bounce of the ball. 2. The act of “overtaking” a group in front of you.
Junior Golf
Competitive golf programs and opportunities designed specifically for players under 18 years of age, featuring age-appropriate course lengths, modified rules, and developmental focuses.
Just Short
Golf shot or putt that finishes very close to but just short of its intended target, often causing frustration when a slightly firmer stroke would have been successful.
Kick
Bounce, roll, or deflection that occurs when a golf ball lands and contacts the ground, trees, or other objects, often producing unexpected or fortunate results.
Kick Point
Location along a golf shaft where maximum bending occurs during the swing, affecting ball flight characteristics, feel, and timing.
Kikuyu
Warm-season grass variety commonly used on golf courses in South Africa and other regions with similar climates, known for its drought tolerance and dense growth characteristics.
Kill
To intentionally reduce the power or distance of a golf shot through swing modifications, typically involving shorter backswing, controlled tempo, or altered follow-through.
Knee
Standard height from which golf balls must be dropped when taking relief under various rule situations, measured from knee height to ensure consistent drop procedures.
Knock Down
Golf shot technique that produces lower-than-normal ball flight trajectory, often used to combat wind conditions or navigate under obstacles.
Knockdown Shot
Controlled golf shot played with reduced power and lower trajectory, typically used in windy conditions or when trying to keep the ball under obstacles like tree branches.
Known Value
Golf score that has been properly posted and counts toward a player's handicap calculation, meeting all requirements for official handicap purposes.
Knuckle
1. Connecting point of the flagstick. 2. A specific grip position.
Lag
1. A lag putt is a putt where all you’re trying to do is getting it close to the hole. 2. The angle between your hands and the golf shaft during the downswing and impact.
Lag Putting
Putting technique and skill of controlling distance on long putts, focusing on getting the ball close to the hole rather than trying to make every putt.
Landing Area
Intended target zone where golfers aim to land their shots, considering factors like distance, hazards, pin position, and subsequent shot requirements.
Launch Angle
Initial vertical angle at which a golf ball leaves the club face, measured in degrees above the horizon, significantly affecting carry distance, trajectory, and landing characteristics.
Launch Monitor
Advanced electronic equipment that measures and analyzes golf ball and club performance data at impact, including ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and club head metrics.
Lay Up
Strategic golf shot played intentionally short of a hazard, green, or trouble area to ensure a safe position for the subsequent shot.
Laying the Sod
Golf slang for taking an excessively large divot when striking the ball, typically indicating poor contact where the club hits well behind the ball.
Lead Edge
Alternative terminology for the leading edge, referring to the front-most part of the club head that initiates contact with the ball and ground.
Leaderboard
Real-time display of player standings and scores during tournaments, showing current positions, scores relative to par, and recent performance updates.
Leading Edge
Sharp, front bottom edge of a golf club head that makes first contact with the ball during impact, particularly important for iron clubs and wedges.
League Play
Organized competitive golf between teams representing different clubs, organizations, or geographic areas, featuring regular season play and championship formats.
Lie
Angle between the club shaft and the ground when the club head is properly soled at address, affecting ball flight direction and contact quality.
Lie Angle
Angle between the shaft and ground when the club is soled.
Links
Golf course built on coastal sand dunes and natural linksland, featuring firm turf, natural hazards, and exposure to wind and weather elements.
Links Golf
Traditional style of golf played on seaside courses built on natural linksland, characterized by firm, fast conditions, wind exposure, and ground-level shot requirements.
Lip
Circular edge or rim of the hole on putting greens, crucial for putts that need to catch the edge to drop in or that hit the rim and bounce out.
Lip Out
Frustrating occurrence when a putt hits the edge of the hole but fails to drop in, often due to excessive speed, poor line, or unlucky bounces.
Local Rules
Course-specific regulations that modify or supplement the standard Rules of Golf to address unique conditions, hazards, or circumstances at particular venues.
Loft
Angle of the club face relative to the shaft that determines ball trajectory height and distance characteristics.
Loft Angle
Angle between the club face and the shaft, measured in degrees, which determines the trajectory and distance characteristics of each club.
Long Game
Aspect of golf involving shots played with longer clubs from greater distances, typically including driving, fairway woods, and long iron shots.
Long Iron
Iron clubs with minimal loft, typically including 2-iron, 3-iron, and 4-iron, designed for distance shots from 180-220 yards for average golfers.
Loop
1. To play a complete round of golf, typically 18 holes. 2. A caddie's work assignment for a single round or day of golf.
Looper
Casual slang term for a golf caddie, reflecting the caddie's job of 'looping' around the golf course carrying bags and assisting players.
Lost Ball
Golf ball that cannot be located within the three-minute search period allowed under the rules of golf, resulting in stroke-and-distance penalty where the player must return to the location of the previous shot and play again with a penalty stroke.
Low Point
Bottom or nadir of the swing arc where the club head reaches its lowest point relative to the ground, crucial for determining proper ball contact and divot patterns.
LPGA
Ladies Professional Golf Association, the premier professional golf organization for women, governing women's professional golf in the United States and conducting major championships and tour events.
Lucy
Slang term for a shank, the dreaded golf shot where the ball is struck with the hosel (neck) of the club rather than the face, typically sending the ball sharply to the right at a severe angle.
Lunge
Swing fault characterized by quick, jerky forward movement during the downswing, typically resulting in poor balance, inconsistent contact, and reduced power.
Maintenance
Ongoing care, preparation, and upkeep of golf course conditions including mowing, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and facility repairs.
Major Championships
Four most prestigious annual tournaments in professional golf: The Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.
Marker
1. The person who keeps score. 2. The object you use to mark your ball on the green.
Marshal
Course official responsible for monitoring pace of play, assisting players with rules questions, helping locate lost balls, and maintaining order during tournaments or busy periods.
Match Play
Competition format where players or teams compete head-to-head, with each hole representing a separate contest won by the player with the lowest score on that hole.
Maximum Score
Highest score a player can record on any hole in certain tournament formats, designed to prevent exceptionally high scores from dominating competition results.
Medal Play
Alternative term for stroke play, the scoring format where players compete based on total strokes taken over one or more rounds, with the lowest score determining the winner.
Member's Bounce
Humorous term for a fortunate bounce or favorable roll that helps a ball toward the target, supposedly more likely to occur for club members playing their home course.
Mid-Iron
Iron clubs with moderate loft angles, typically including 5-iron, 6-iron, and 7-iron, designed for approach shots from intermediate distances ranging from 120-160 yards for average golfers.
Minimum Number of Clubs
Regulated limit on the number of clubs a golfer may carry during a round, typically set at 14 clubs maximum in most competitive formats.
Misclub
Error of selecting an inappropriate club for a specific shot situation, resulting in poor distance control, trajectory problems, or strategic disadvantages.
Mixed Foursome
Golf group or team consisting of both male and female players, common in social golf events, member-guest tournaments, and mixed competition formats.
Modified Stableford
Variation of the Stableford scoring system that uses different point values than the traditional format, often featuring higher rewards for exceptional scores and different penalty structures for poor holes.
Monday Qualifier
One-day qualifying tournament held on Mondays before PGA Tour events, where non-exempt professionals compete for a limited number of spots in the main tournament field.
Most Likely Score
Scoring estimate used in handicap calculations when a player doesn't complete a hole, based on their demonstrated ability and typical performance on similar holes.
Moving Day
Traditional terminology for Saturday, the third round of a four-round professional tournament, when players typically make significant moves up or down the leaderboard that affect their final positioning.
Mulled
Golf shot played without full commitment or confidence, typically resulting in poor contact and weak ball flight due to deceleration through impact.
Mulligan
Informal, non-official practice of taking a second tee shot without penalty after hitting a poor first shot, named after David Mulligan who popularized this practice in the 1930s.
Municipal
Publicly-owned golf course operated by local government entities such as cities, counties, or municipal authorities, typically offering affordable golf opportunities to community residents.
Nassau
Popular golf betting format that combines three separate bets: the front nine, back nine, and overall 18-hole match, allowing multiple opportunities to win and creating sustained interest throughout the round.
Native Area
Unmaintained, natural areas on golf courses that are left in their original state to provide wildlife habitat, environmental benefits, and strategic challenges.
Nearest Point of Relief
Specific location where a player can obtain complete relief from interference by an immovable obstruction, abnormal course condition, or other rule situations requiring relief.
Net Double Bogey
Maximum score a player can record on any hole for handicap purposes, calculated as par plus two strokes plus any handicap strokes received on that hole.
Net Score
Player's gross score minus the handicap strokes they receive on specific holes, used in handicap competitions to level the playing field between golfers of different skill levels.
Niblick
Historical term for a 9-iron, reflecting golf's evolution from traditional club naming conventions to modern numbered iron systems.
Nineteenth Hole
Humorous reference to the clubhouse bar or restaurant where golfers gather after their rounds to socialize, share stories, and discuss their performance over drinks and food.
No Card
Withdrawal from a tournament round without completing all 18 holes and without submitting an official scorecard, typically due to injury, illness, or disqualification.
Nobble
British golf slang for topping a shot or making poor contact with the ball, resulting in a weak shot that doesn't achieve proper trajectory or distance.
Non-Conforming
Golf equipment that does not meet the official specifications and standards established by golf's governing bodies (USGA and R&A), making it illegal for tournament play and handicap posting.
Normal Stance
Standard, square setup position where a golfer's feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned parallel to the target line, providing the foundation for straight ball flight.
Number One
Common terminology for the driver or 1-wood, the longest club in the golf bag designed for maximum distance from the tee.
Obscured Ball
Golf ball that is difficult to see or locate due to its position behind obstacles, in tall grass, or in shadows, but is not necessarily lost according to the rules.
Obstacle Factors
Course design elements and conditions that contribute to playing difficulty, including hazards, rough, trees, slopes, wind exposure, and green complexity.
Official Guide
Comprehensive reference document containing the complete Rules of Golf along with detailed interpretations, clarifications, and guidance for unusual situations.
Offset
Club head design feature where the club face is positioned behind the leading edge of the hosel, helping golfers square the club face at impact and reduce slice tendencies.
One Ball Rule
Tournament regulation requiring all players to use the same model and type of golf ball throughout the entire competition, ensuring equipment equity and eliminating potential advantages from ball selection.
One-Piece Takeaway
Golf swing technique where the arms, hands, and club move together as a single unit during the initial takeaway from address position, promoting proper swing plane and consistent mechanics.
Open Championship
Oldest golf championship in the world, officially known as The Open Championship, held annually in the United Kingdom and representing one of golf's four major championships.
Open Club Face
Club face position at address where the face is angled to the right of the target line (for right-handed golfers), typically used to promote fade or slice ball flight patterns.
Open Qualifying
Tournament qualifying opportunities available to all eligible players, typically involving multiple rounds of competition to earn entry into elite professional events.
Open Stance
Setup position where the golfer's feet, hips, and shoulders are aligned left of the target line (for right-handed golfers), often used to promote draw ball flight or accommodate specific swing characteristics.
Order of Merit
Season-long ranking system used in professional golf tours to determine the leading player based on accumulated points or prize money throughout the competitive season.
Out of Bounds
Area beyond the official boundaries of a golf course, marked by white stakes or lines, where balls are considered lost and subject to stroke-and-distance penalties.
Outside Agency
Any person, animal, or object that is not part of the match or competition but may influence play, such as spectators, maintenance workers, animals, or moving equipment.
Outside Path
Swing path where the club head approaches the ball from outside the target line, typically resulting in pulls, pull-hooks, or slices depending on club face position at impact.
Over the Top
Common swing fault where the club head moves outside the ideal swing plane during the transition from backswing to downswing, typically resulting in an outside-in swing path that produces pulls, pull-hooks, or slices.
Overclub
Mistake of selecting a club with too much loft or power for the required shot distance, often resulting in shots that fly over the target or land with excessive force.
Overhanging Branch
Tree branches that extend over the fairway or playing areas, potentially interfering with golf shots and creating strategic challenges or relief situations.
Overlap Grip
Most common golf grip style, also known as the Vardon grip, where the pinky finger of the trailing hand overlaps between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand.
Pace of Play
Speed and rhythm at which golfers complete their rounds, crucial for course management, player enjoyment, and facility operations.
Par
Standard number of strokes that a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or course under normal playing conditions, serving as the benchmark for scoring and handicap calculations.
Par 3 Course
Golf facility featuring only par-3 holes, typically ranging from 80-150 yards in length, designed to provide practice opportunities and accessible golf experiences for players of all skill levels.
Parallax
Visual distortion effect that occurs when reading putts from different angles or positions, causing the slope and break to appear different than the actual green contours.
Partner
Teammate in golf competitions who plays alongside another golfer in formats such as fourball, foursomes, or team competitions.
Path
Direction and trajectory that the club head travels during the golf swing, particularly through the impact zone, which significantly influences ball flight direction and curve.
PCC
Playing Conditions Calculation in the World Handicap System, an adjustment made to score differentials when course conditions vary significantly from normal playing conditions.
Penalty Area
Designated areas on golf courses where balls are subject to penalty relief options, formerly known as water hazards and lateral water hazards.
Penalty Stroke
Additional stroke added to a player's score as punishment for violating golf rules, such as hitting into water hazards, out-of-bounds areas, or improper procedures.
Perfect Round
Extraordinarily rare golf achievement where a player scores birdie or better on all 18 holes in a single round, representing the ultimate display of consistent excellence and precision.
Perimeter Weighting
Club head design technology that distributes weight around the edges or perimeter of the club head rather than concentrating it behind the center of the face, increasing the moment of inertia and improving forgiveness on off-center hits.
PGA
Professional Golfers' Association, a organization dedicated to promoting the game of golf and supporting golf professionals through education, certification, and career development programs.
PGA Tour
Premier professional golf circuit in North America, featuring the world's top male golfers competing for significant prize money, FedEx Cup points, and prestigious tournament victories.
Pin
Common terminology for the flagstick that marks the hole location on putting greens, helping golfers identify targets from distance and judge depth perception during approach shots.
Pin High
Golf shot that finishes at the same distance from the tee as the hole location but to one side, indicating good distance control but directional inaccuracy.
Pin Position
Daily placement of the hole on the putting green, strategically selected by course maintenance staff to distribute wear, create varying challenges, and optimize playing conditions.
Pitch
High-trajectory golf shot typically played from within 50-100 yards of the green, designed to carry obstacles and land softly with minimal roll.
Pitch Mark
Indentation or depression created on a putting green when a golf ball lands with sufficient force, particularly from approach shots or high-trajectory shots.
Pitching Wedge
High-lofted golf club typically featuring 44-48 degrees of loft, designed for approach shots from 100-130 yards and various short game situations around the green.
Pivot
Rotation of the body around a central axis during the golf swing, involving the coordinated turning of shoulders, hips, and torso to generate power and maintain proper swing plane.
Play Through
Courtesy procedure where a faster-playing group is allowed to pass a slower group ahead, helping maintain appropriate pace of play and prevent course backups.
Player's Edition
Simplified, abbreviated version of the complete Rules of Golf designed for players who want essential rule information without the comprehensive detail found in the complete rules book.
Playing Handicap
Adjusted handicap used for specific tournament formats, calculated by applying the appropriate percentage of a player's handicap index based on the competition format and conditions.
Plugged Ball
Golf ball that has become embedded in the ground due to its own impact, typically occurring in soft conditions or wet turf where the ball creates its own depression upon landing.
Plus Handicap
Handicap index below zero, indicating a golfer who typically scores better than scratch (par) and gives strokes to other players in handicap competitions.
Point of Entry
Specific location where a golf ball last crossed the edge or boundary of a penalty area, used to determine proper relief options and drop zones when taking penalty relief.
Port
Opening, gap, or window between obstacles such as trees, bunkers, or other course features that provides a pathway for golf shots to reach their intended targets.
Preferred Lies
Local rule allowing golfers to lift, clean, and place their golf balls in closely mown areas when course conditions warrant improved lies for fair play.
Press
Betting term for starting a new wager during a match or round, typically initiated when a player or team is losing and wants to create new competitive stakes.
Pro Shop
Retail facility at a golf course or club where golf equipment, apparel, accessories, and services are sold, typically managed by the course's golf professional staff.
Pro-Am
Tournament format pairing professional golfers with amateur players, typically in a team format where both contribute to the team score.
Progressive Scoring
Tournament scoring format where point values increase throughout the round or competition, creating escalating stakes and maintaining interest in later holes.
Provisional
Second ball played from the same position as the original shot when the first ball may be lost or out of bounds, played under stroke and distance penalty to save time and maintain pace of play.
Pull
Ball flight pattern where the shot travels straight but to the left of the intended target for right-handed golfers, typically caused by an outside-in swing path with a square club face at impact or misalignment at address.
Pull Hook
Ball flight pattern where the shot starts left of the target and curves even further left for right-handed golfers, representing a double-miss that can cause significant accuracy problems.
Pull Slice
Ball flight pattern that starts left of the target but curves right toward the target line for right-handed golfers, often resulting from an outside-in swing path with an open club face at impact.
Push
Ball flight pattern where the shot travels straight but to the right of the intended target for right-handed golfers, typically caused by an inside-out swing path with a square club face at impact.
Push Cart
Wheeled cart designed for carrying a golf bag and equipment around the course, allowing golfers to walk while avoiding the physical strain of carrying their clubs.
Push Hook
Ball flight pattern where the shot starts to the right of the target but curves back left toward the target line for right-handed golfers, often considered a playable miss when properly controlled.
Push Slice
Ball flight pattern that starts to the right of the target and curves even further right for right-handed golfers, combining the directional miss patterns of both push and slice.
Put Back
Act of replacing a golf ball on its original position after it has been marked and lifted, typically done on putting greens when the ball interferes with another player's line or when cleaning is permitted.
Putt
Golf stroke played on the putting green with a putter, designed to roll the ball along the ground into the hole.
Putter
Specialized golf club designed specifically for rolling the ball on putting greens, featuring a flat-faced club head, upright lie angle, and minimal loft to promote smooth ball roll.
Putting Green
Specially maintained area surrounding each hole, featuring very short, smooth grass designed to provide optimal conditions for putting and approach shots.
Putting Surface
Closely mown, smooth area of the green where putting takes place, maintained at extremely short grass height to provide consistent ball roll and optimal putting conditions.
Q-School
Professional Golf Tour Qualifying Tournament, commonly known as Qualifying School, where golfers attempt to earn playing privileges on professional tours through intensive multi-round competitions.
Qualifying
Competitive process where golfers attempt to earn entry into tournament fields, professional tours, or other exclusive competitive opportunities through performance-based selection.
Qualifying Round
Competitive round played by golfers attempting to earn entry into a tournament field, typically required when more players want to compete than available spots allow.
Quarter
Match play term indicating a commanding lead position where one player or team is ahead by four holes with only four holes remaining to play, creating a nearly insurmountable advantage.
Quitting
Detrimental swing fault of decelerating the club head through impact, often caused by fear, lack of commitment, or poor swing mechanics, resulting in weak contact and poor shot results.
Quota
Point-based scoring system where each player attempts to achieve a predetermined point total based on their handicap and the difficulty of each hole.
R&A
Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of golf's governing bodies that jointly maintains the Rules of Golf with the USGA and oversees golf development worldwide except in the United States and Mexico.
Rainsuit
Waterproof golf apparel designed to keep golfers dry and comfortable during wet weather conditions while maintaining freedom of movement for proper swing mechanics.
Range
Practice facility where golfers can hit balls to targets at various distances, typically featuring multiple hitting stations, distance markers, and targets for skill development.
Range Finder
Precision electronic device that uses laser technology or GPS systems to measure exact distances to targets on the golf course, helping golfers make informed club selection and shot planning decisions.
Rating
Numerical system that evaluates golf course difficulty for scratch golfers, serving as the baseline for handicap calculations and course comparisons.
Ready Golf
Pace-of-play initiative that allows golfers to play when ready rather than strictly following traditional honor system or formal order, helping speed up play while maintaining safety and etiquette.
Recovery Shot
Golf shot played to return to a favorable position after hitting an errant shot, typically involving strategic thinking and risk management to minimize damage and set up the next shot.
Red Stakes
Boundary markers that designate lateral penalty areas (formerly lateral water hazards) on golf courses, indicating areas where special relief options apply when balls enter these hazards.
Reference Point
Specific location used to determine the proper relief area when taking relief from abnormal course conditions, immovable obstructions, or penalty areas.
Relief
Rules-based procedure allowing golfers to move their ball away from interference without penalty in specific situations, such as cart paths, ground under repair, or immovable obstructions.
Restore
Process of returning golf course features, such as bunkers, greens, or architectural elements, to their original design specifications or historical conditions.
Reverse Overlap
Putting grip style where the index finger of the lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) overlaps the fingers of the trailing hand, opposite to the traditional Vardon grip used for full swings.
Rhythm
Natural flow, timing, and cadence of the golf swing that creates consistency, power, and control through proper sequencing of body movements.
Rick
British golf slang for a poorly executed shot, particularly one that is mishit, misdirected, or fails to achieve its intended result.
Ringer Score
Scoring system that tracks the best score achieved on each individual hole over multiple rounds, creating a composite score representing optimal performance across all holes.
Rip
Golf slang for hitting a shot with maximum power and aggressive intent, typically referring to driver swings or approach shots where distance is prioritized over precision.
Roll
Ground-level movement of a golf ball after landing, influenced by trajectory, spin rate, course conditions, and environmental factors like wind and slope.
Rough
Longer, thicker grass areas that border fairways and surround greens, designed to penalize errant shots while adding strategic complexity and visual definition to golf holes.
Round
Complete 18-hole golf experience representing the standard format for competitive and recreational golf worldwide.
Round Robin
Tournament format where every player or team competes against every other participant, ensuring comprehensive head-to-head competition throughout the event.
Routing
Strategic design and layout sequence of holes on a golf course.
Row
Alignment of golfers on a practice range, typically arranged in designated hitting stations or bays where players can practice their swings and work on various aspects of their game.
Royal
Prestigious designation granted by British monarchy to select golf clubs, recognizing their historical significance, excellence in course conditions, and contributions to the game of golf.
Rub of the Green
Golf rules term describing when a ball in motion is accidentally deflected, moved, or stopped by an outside agency such as spectators, animals, or maintenance equipment.
Run
Distance a golf ball travels along the ground after its initial landing, significantly influenced by factors including trajectory, spin rate, course conditions, and ground firmness.
Run Up
Strategic golf shot played with low trajectory and designed to land short of the target and roll to the desired position, commonly used for approach shots to elevated greens or in windy conditions.
Runner
Low-trajectory golf shot designed to travel primarily along the ground rather than through the air, often used in windy conditions or when a low approach is strategically advantageous.
Rutter
Archaic Scottish term for a wooden golf club, particularly referring to early wooden implements used in traditional Scottish golf before the development of modern club designs.
Sand Save
Successfully getting up and down from a greenside bunker, typically involving a bunker shot followed by a single putt to save par or limit damage to the score.
Sand Trap
Common terminology for a sand bunker or hazard, though 'bunker' is the official rules terminology.
Sand Wedge
Specialized high-lofted wedge designed specifically for playing shots from sand bunkers, typically featuring 54-58 degrees of loft and a wide, rounded sole with significant bounce angle.
Sandbagger
Golfer who deliberately maintains a higher handicap than their actual playing ability warrants, typically to gain unfair advantage in handicap-based competitions.
Score Differential
Mathematical difference between a player's adjusted gross score and the course rating, used in handicap calculations to measure performance relative to course difficulty.
Scotch Foursomes
Alternative name for the foursomes or alternate shot format, where two-player teams alternate hitting the same ball until it's holed.
Scramble
1. Team format in which everyone hits their balls and then choose which position to play from next. 2. Ability to recover after hitting a bad shot.
Scratch Golfer
Golfer who has achieved a handicap index of exactly zero, indicating they typically shoot par or better on regulation golf courses from standard tees.
Semi-Private
Golf facility that offers both private membership privileges and public access, providing flexibility in usage and revenue streams.
Senior Tees
Forward tee positions designed to provide appropriate distance and challenge for senior golfers, typically featuring shorter hole lengths while maintaining strategic interest and playability.
Shaft
Long, tapered tube that connects the golf club head to the grip, serving as the engine that transfers energy from the golfer's swing to the ball.
Shaft Flex
Amount of bend or flexibility in a golf shaft during the swing motion, categorized into standard ratings including ladies (L), senior (A), regular (R), stiff (S), and extra stiff (X).
Shamble
Team golf format that combines elements of scramble and best ball play, where all team members tee off, select the best drive, then play their individual balls from that position for the remainder of the hole.
Shank
One of golf's most dreaded mis-hits, where the ball is struck with the hosel (neck) of the club rather than the face, typically sending the ball sharply to the right at a severe angle.
Short Game
Collection of golf skills used for shots within approximately 100 yards of the green, including putting, chipping, pitching, and bunker play.
Short Side
Challenging pin position or approach shot situation where there is minimal green surface between the ball's landing area and the edge of the green, leaving little room for error.
Shotgun Start
Tournament format where all groups begin play simultaneously from different holes around the course, typically announced by a shotgun blast or horn signal.
Six-Six-Six
Match play format that divides an 18-hole round into three separate six-hole matches, with points or stakes awarded for each segment and overall results.
Skin
Point or prize awarded for winning a hole in the skins game format, where holes are worth predetermined amounts and ties carry over the value to subsequent holes.
Skull
Mis-hit shot where the ball is struck with the leading edge or top portion of the club face, typically resulting in a low, hard shot that travels farther than intended with little height.
Slice
Ball flight pattern that curves from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers), typically caused by an open club face at impact relative to the swing path.
Slope Rating
Numerical rating system that measures the relative difficulty of a golf course for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers, expressed as a whole number typically ranging from 55 to 155.
Snap Hook
Severe hook shot that curves dramatically from right to left (for right-handed golfers), often starting on target but quickly veering sharply left of the intended line.
Snowman
Slang term for a score of eight strokes on a single hole, named for the visual resemblance of the number 8 to a snowman figure.
Soft Cap
First level of handicap increase limitation in the World Handicap System, designed to prevent rapid handicap inflation while allowing for genuine improvement periods.
Sole
Bottom surface of a golf club head that contacts the ground during the swing, designed with specific angles, widths, and bounce characteristics to optimize performance for different course conditions and swing types.
Spam
Slang term for an extremely easy putt, typically very short and straight with no break, that should be made without difficulty.
Spikes
Traction devices attached to golf shoes to provide stability and grip during the swing and while walking on various course surfaces.
Spin Rate
Measurement of how many revolutions per minute a golf ball makes during flight, significantly affecting trajectory, carry distance, and landing characteristics.
Split Tees
Tournament starting format where groups begin simultaneously from both the first and tenth tees to accommodate large fields and optimize course utilization.
Spray
To hit golf shots in various directions with poor accuracy and consistency, typically indicating problems with swing mechanics, alignment, or course management.
Spring Line
Engineered angle at which a golf shaft is installed into the club head, affecting the club's lie angle, face angle, and overall performance characteristics.
Square
1. Proper alignment to the target. 2. Tied score in match play (more commonly known as “All Square”)
Stableford
Point-based scoring system invented by Dr. Frank Stableford
Stack and Tilt
Golf swing methodology that emphasizes keeping weight forward (stacked) and maintaining spine angle throughout the swing (tilt), developed by instructors Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett.
Stance
Position and width of a golfer's feet at address, providing the foundation for balance, stability, and power throughout the swing motion.
Stimpmeter
Precision device used to measure the speed of putting greens by rolling a ball down a ramp and measuring the distance it travels on the green surface.
Stroke Index
Numerical ranking system that rates each hole's difficulty relative to other holes on the course, used primarily for handicap allocation during competition.
Stroke Play
Most common tournament format in professional and amateur golf where players compete based on their total number of strokes over one or more rounds, with the lowest total score determining the winner.
Stroke Saver
Detailed course guide booklet or yardage book that provides comprehensive information about distances, hazards, green complexes, and strategic playing options for each hole.
Strong
Club face position that is closed or de-lofted relative to its standard specifications, typically referring to irons where the face angle points more toward the target than normal.
Sweet Spot
Optimal impact location on a golf club face that produces maximum energy transfer, distance, and accuracy while minimizing vibration and providing the best feel.
Swingpath
Three-dimensional path that the golf club head travels during the swing, particularly through the impact zone, which directly influences ball flight direction and trajectory.
Take Relief
To proceed under a golf rule that allows a player to move their ball to a more favorable position, typically with or without penalty depending on the specific rule situation.
Tap-in
Extremely short putt that requires minimal effort and virtually no read, typically from within a few inches of the hole where missing would be highly unlikely.
Target Line
Imaginary straight line extending from the golf ball to the intended target, used for alignment and aim during setup and execution of golf shots.
Teaching Professional
PGA-certified golf instructor who specializes in teaching golf techniques, rules, and course management to golfers of all skill levels.
Tee
1. Where golfers start the hole. 2. The object used to elevate the golf ball from the ground.
Tee Box
Designated starting area for each hole on a golf course, also known as the teeing ground or tee area, where golfers begin play on each hole.
Tee Marker
Physical markers that designate the forward boundary of the teeing area for each hole, typically consisting of two markers (often blocks or balls) that define the teeing ground.
Tee Sheet
Daily schedule listing all reserved tee times, player names, and group compositions for a golf course, typically managed by the pro shop staff.
Tee Time
Scheduled appointment for starting a round of golf, typically reserved in advance through the golf course pro shop or online booking system.
Tempo
Rhythm, timing, and pace of the golf swing from start to finish, representing one of the most crucial elements for consistent ball-striking and performance.
Ten-Shot Rule
Tournament cut rule that allows players to continue playing if they are within ten strokes of the leader's score, regardless of their position in the field.
Texas Scramble
Team golf format similar to a standard scramble, but with the added requirement that each team member's drive must be used a minimum number of times during the round.
Texas Wedge
Strategy of using a putter from off the putting green, typically from closely mown areas around the green where the ball can roll smoothly to the hole.
Three Ball
Match play format involving three golfers competing simultaneously, with each player playing their own ball throughout the round and comparing scores on each hole.
Three Jack
Slang term for taking three putts on a single green, derived from the unfortunate experience of failing to get the ball in the hole in two putts.
Three-Putt
Taking three putts to complete a hole, representing a significant scoring penalty that typically adds one stroke to what should have been achievable.
Through Line
Projected path that a putt would travel if it missed the hole and continued rolling past the cup, used by golfers to read putts and understand green slopes.
Through the Green
Entire golf course area excluding water hazards, bunkers, and other specifically designated hazards, representing the general playing area where normal rules of play apply.
Thumbs
Positioning and pressure application of the thumbs on the golf grip, which significantly influences club control, feel, and swing mechanics.
Tier
Distinct elevation level or plateau on a putting green that creates different putting zones and strategic considerations for approach shots and putting.
Tight Lie
Challenging ball position where the golf ball sits on very short grass, hard-packed earth, or closely mown turf with minimal cushioning beneath the ball.
Toe
Outer extremity of a golf club head, farthest from the shaft connection point, representing one end of the club face's effective hitting area.
Top
To strike the golf ball above its center point or equator, typically resulting in a low, weak shot that doesn't achieve proper trajectory or distance.
Topped
Poorly executed golf shot where the club strikes the top portion of the ball instead of making clean contact, resulting in a low-trajectory shot that typically travels much shorter than intended.
Tour
Professional golf competition circuit featuring the world's elite golfers competing for prize money, ranking points, and prestigious titles.
Tour Sauce
Distinctive mannerisms, behaviors, and stylistic elements that amateur golfers adopt to emulate professional tour players, often including pre-shot routines, equipment choices, clothing styles, and on-course demeanor.
Tournament
Organized golf competition featuring multiple players competing for prizes, titles, or ranking points under official rules and conditions.
Trajectory
Curved path that a golf ball follows through the air from impact to landing, influenced by factors including launch angle, spin rate, club selection, and atmospheric conditions.
Transition
Critical moment in the golf swing when the backswing changes direction to begin the downswing, requiring precise timing and sequencing for optimal power and accuracy.
Tree Line
Boundary or edge where trees meet fairways, rough, or other course areas, creating both strategic challenges and visual definition for golf holes.
Triple Bogey
Score of three strokes over par on a single hole, representing a significant scoring setback that typically results from multiple mistakes, hazards, or poor course management decisions.
Turn
Completion of the front nine holes of an 18-hole golf round, marking the transition from the first half to the second half of play.
Under Par
Any score that is lower than the established par for a hole, including birdies (one under), eagles (two under), and albatrosses (three under).
Undulation
Natural contours, slopes, and surface variations found on putting greens that affect the speed and direction of putts.
Uneven Lie
Any ball position where the golfer's stance is affected by sloping, uneven, or irregular ground conditions that require swing and setup adjustments.
Unplayable
Ball position or situation where a player determines they cannot reasonably attempt to play the ball.
Up and Down
Successfully getting the ball into the hole in exactly two shots from a position off the putting green, typically involving a chip, pitch, or bunker shot followed by a single putt.
Uphill Lie
Ball position where the golf ball sits on ground that slopes upward toward the target, requiring specific swing and setup adjustments to achieve solid contact and proper ball flight.
USGA
United States Golf Association, the national governing body for golf in the United States and Mexico, responsible for maintaining rules, conducting championships, and preserving the integrity of the game.
Utility Club
Versatile golf club category that includes hybrids, driving irons, and other specialty clubs designed to bridge gaps between traditional iron and wood performance.
Vale
Low-lying area or small valley on a golf course, often naturally occurring or created through course design to add strategic interest and visual appeal.
Validation
Process of verifying and confirming the accuracy of a golfer's handicap index through official scoring records and peer review.
Vardon Grip
Most common grip style in golf, named after legendary golfer Harry Vardon, where the pinky finger of the trailing hand (right hand for right-handed golfers) overlaps between the index and middle fingers of the lead hand.
Variables
External factors that can affect golf performance including weather conditions (wind, temperature, humidity), course conditions (firmness, green speed), equipment variables, and personal factors (fatigue, confidence).
Variance
Statistical difference between a golfer's established handicap index and their actual scoring performance in a given round or series of rounds.
Vegas
Popular golf betting game format typically played with four players where teams are formed based on combining scores in a specific manner, with various side bets and press options available.
Velocity
Speed at which a golf club head or ball travels, measured in miles per hour or meters per second.
Vent
Small opening or hole in golf club heads designed to allow air to escape during the swing, reducing air resistance and potentially increasing club head speed.
Vertical Groove
Score lines or grooves on golf club faces that run vertically from top to bottom of the face, perpendicular to the traditional horizontal groove pattern.
VFT
Variable Face Thickness technology used in modern golf club design to optimize ball speed and forgiveness across the entire face surface.
Virtual Club Fitting
Modern club fitting service that uses advanced launch monitor technology and swing analysis to recommend optimal club specifications without requiring multiple physical club testing.
Visual Center
Apparent center point of a golf club face as perceived by the golfer at address, which may differ from the actual geometric center due to visual design elements.
Volume
Three-dimensional size of a golf club head measured in cubic centimeters, with legal limits established by golf's governing bodies.
Volunteer
Individual who donates their time and services to help organize and operate golf tournaments, particularly professional events and charity fundraisers.
Waggle
Small, rhythmic movement of the golf club performed at address before beginning the actual swing, used to relieve tension and establish tempo.
Walk Through
Continuation of body and club movement forward after impact with the ball, representing the final phase of the golf swing sequence.
Walking Course
Golf course specifically designed and maintained to accommodate golfers who prefer to walk rather than ride in carts.
Waste Area
Sandy or scrubby natural area on a golf course that is not maintained as part of the playing surface but is not classified as a hazard.
Waste Bunker
Large sandy area on a golf course that is not classified as a traditional bunker, allowing golfers to ground their clubs and take practice swings without penalty.
Water Hazard
Any natural or artificial body of water on a golf course including ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, ditches, and drainage areas that can affect play when a ball enters the hazard.
Weather Delay
Official suspension of play during a golf tournament due to dangerous weather conditions such as lightning, severe storms, or extreme wind.
Wedge
High-lofted golf club designed for short approach shots, chip shots, and specialty shots around the green.
Weight
1. Weight of the golf club. 2. Weight distribution of the golfer at setup and during the swing.
Weight Port
Adjustable weight system built into modern golf club heads that allows players to customize swing weight, moment of inertia, and ball flight characteristics.
Wet Line
Visible line or mark on putting greens created by moisture, dew, or irrigation water that can influence the roll and break of putts.
Whiff
Complete miss of the golf ball during an attempted stroke, where the club passes through the air without making contact with the ball.
White Stakes
Boundary markers that indicate out-of-bounds areas on golf courses, marking the limits of the playable course area.
Wind Cheater
Low-trajectory golf shot specifically designed to minimize the effects of strong wind conditions, typically achieved by taking more club and making a controlled, abbreviated swing.
Window
Opening or gap between trees, branches, or other course obstacles that provides a clear path for ball flight toward the target.
Winter Rules
Temporary local rules implemented during adverse weather conditions that allow golfers to improve their ball's lie in the fairway without penalty.
Wire-to-Wire
Leading a golf tournament from the first round through the final round without ever relinquishing the lead.
Wolf
Popular golf betting game for four players where one player (the Wolf) on each hole chooses to play alone against the other three or partner with one of them against the remaining two.
Wood
Category of golf clubs with larger heads traditionally made from wood (now typically metal) designed for long-distance shots from the tee and fairway.
Worm Burner
Poorly struck golf shot that travels along the ground with minimal height, often caused by hitting the ball with the leading edge of the club or making contact too high on the ball.
WR
World Ranking system used in professional golf to rank players based on their recent tournament performance and strength of competition faced.
Wrist Cock
Upward hinge motion of the wrists during the backswing that helps create proper swing plane and generates power for the downswing.
X Factor
Rotational difference between hip turn and shoulder turn during the golf swing, creating torque and power in the swing motion.
X Height
Maximum vertical height reached by a golf ball during its flight trajectory, measured from ground level to the apex of the ball's arc.
X Out
Act of withdrawing from a golf tournament before completion, typically due to injury, illness, personal reasons, or poor performance.
Yardage
Measured distance from the golfer's current position to a target, typically the flagstick or green center, used for club selection and shot planning.
Yardage Book
Comprehensive guide containing detailed distance measurements, course layout information, hole diagrams, and strategic notes for each hole on a golf course.
Yardage Marker
Physical indicators placed throughout a golf course to help players determine distances to greens, hazards, and other course features.
Yellow Line
Digital graphic overlay used in televised golf broadcasts to illustrate the recommended putting line from ball to hole.
Yellow Stakes
Boundary markers that designate water hazards on golf courses, indicating areas where special rules apply if a ball enters the hazard.
Yield
Amount of flex or bend that occurs in a golf shaft during the swing motion, affecting ball flight characteristics and feel.
Yips
Psychological condition that causes involuntary muscle spasms or jerky movements, most commonly affecting putting and short game performance.
Zero Handicap
Golfer who has achieved a handicap index of exactly 0.
Zinc
Metallic material occasionally used in golf ball core construction or as a component in some club head designs.
Zip
Amount of backspin imparted on a golf shot, which affects ball flight trajectory, carry distance, and landing characteristics.
Zone
1. Specific area of the golf course and/or facilities. 2. A mental state of peak performance.
Zone Defense
Risk-averse course management philosophy that prioritizes avoiding trouble over pursuing aggressive scoring opportunities.
Zone Hitting
Optimal contact area on the club face that produces the most consistent and powerful shots.
Zone Play
Conservative course management strategy where golfers plan their shots to land in predetermined safe areas rather than attempting aggressive pin-hunting approaches.
Zone System
Strategic putting technique that divides the green into different zones based on slope, speed, and break patterns.
Zoysia
Warm-season grass species commonly used on golf courses, particularly in transition zones and southern climates.
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