Golf Glossary

A hole-in-one. Hitting the ball directly from the tee into the hole in a single stroke.

The position a golfer takes before making a swing. You've 'addressed' the ball when you take your stance and ground your club.

A score of three under par on a single hole (e.g. 2 on a par 5). Also known as a 'double eagle' in the US. The odds of making an albatross are estimated at over 1 million to 1 — rarer than a hole-in-one.

A shot played towards the green, usually from the fairway or rough. An 'approach shot' is intended to land on or near the putting surface.

The closely mown area surrounding the green. Also called the 'fringe' or 'collar'.

The player whose ball is furthest from the hole. Traditionally, the player who is 'away' plays first.

Holes 10 through 18 on an 18-hole course. Also called the 'inward nine'.

Reverse spin applied to the ball causing it to stop quickly or roll backwards on landing. Achieved through a descending strike with a lofted club.

A score of one under par on a hole (e.g. 3 on a par 4). The term originated in the US in the early 1900s. Birdies are more common on par-5 holes, where longer hitters can reach the green in two shots.

A type of iron with a thin clubhead favoured by better players. Also used to describe a thin contact where the ball is struck with the leading edge.

A score of one over par on a hole (e.g. 5 on a par 4). A 'double bogey' is two over, 'triple bogey' is three over.

The curve a putt takes due to the slope of the green. 'Reading the break' means judging how much the putt will curve.

A low shot played near the green that bounces and rolls towards the hole. A popular choice in links golf and windy conditions.

A sand-filled hazard, either beside the fairway (fairway bunker) or next to the green (greenside bunker). Also informally called a 'sand trap'.

A modern golf strategy — hit a huge drive (bomb), then attack the green from wherever you end up (gouge). Popularised by Bryson DeChambeau and other big hitters on the PGA Tour.

A person who carries a player's clubs and offers advice on club selection, yardages, and course strategy.

The distance a ball travels through the air before hitting the ground. Important for clearing hazards and bunkers.

A short, low shot played from near the green that spends more time rolling than in the air. One of the most important shots in the short game.

The flat, hitting surface of the golf club head. An 'open' face points right of target (for right-handers), a 'closed' face points left.

The main building at a golf club, typically housing changing rooms, a bar/restaurant, and a pro shop. Where you'll head after your round.

A number that indicates the difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer. Used in handicap calculations.

A shot that curves gently from left to right (for a right-handed player). Also called a 'fade'. The opposite of a draw.

A piece of turf displaced by the clubhead during a shot. Good etiquette is to replace your divots or fill them with the sand mix provided.

A hole where the fairway bends to the left or right. A 'dogleg left' curves left, a 'dogleg right' curves right.

A score of two over par on a hole (e.g. 6 on a par 4).

A shot that curves gently from right to left (for a right-handed player). A controlled draw adds extra roll after landing, gaining more distance. Considered a desirable shot shape by many players.

The first shot on a par 4 or par 5, typically hit with a driver (the largest club). Also called a 'tee shot'.

The longest club in the bag with the largest head and least loft. Designed for maximum distance off the tee.

The act of putting a ball back into play after taking relief. Rules govern how and where you drop (from knee height since 2019).

A score of two under par on a hole (e.g. 3 on a par 5). Eagles often happen when a player reaches the green in two shots on a par 5 and sinks the putt. A great achievement for any golfer.

A controlled shot that curves slightly from left to right (for a right-handed player). Many professionals prefer fades as they provide better control. Similar to a cut but typically with less curve.

The closely mown area between the tee and the green. Hitting the fairway off the tee gives you the best lie for your approach shot.

Hitting the ground before the ball, resulting in a shorter, heavier shot. Also called hitting it 'heavy' or 'chunking' it.

The marker in the hole on the green, also called the 'pin' or 'flagstick'. Helps players see the hole location from a distance.

A high, soft shot played with an open clubface that lands softly with little roll. Used to clear obstacles near the green. This is Phil Mickelson's signature shot.

The part of the swing after the ball has been struck. A full, balanced follow-through is a sign of a good swing.

A warning shout used when a ball is heading towards other people on the course. The term likely originated from Scottish military golf in the 19th century. If you hear it, cover your head and duck.

A match format where two teams of two players each play their own ball. The best score from each team counts on each hole.

A match format where two teams of two alternate hitting the same ball. Also called 'alternate shot'. Not to be confused with a group of four players.

The short grass bordering the green, slightly longer than the putting surface. Also called the 'apron' or 'collar'.

Holes 1 through 9 on an 18-hole course. Also called the 'outward nine'.

A golfer who consistently strikes the sweet spot of the clubface. A compliment used among golfers to describe someone with a pure, clean ball-striking technique.

A putt so short that playing partners agree it can be counted as holed without actually putting. Only applies in informal or match play — not in stroke play competitions.

The smooth, closely mown surface where the hole is located. Designed specifically for putting. The fastest greens in the world are found at Augusta National.

The charge for playing a round of golf at a course. Prices vary widely depending on the course and time of year.

How you hold the club (your hand position) or the rubber/leather covering on the club handle. Both meanings are commonly used.

Your total number of strokes before any handicap adjustment. Compare with 'net score'.

Ground Under Repair. An area of the course marked for maintenance where you get a free drop if your ball lands in it.

Slang for a poor golfer, or to make a wild, uncontrolled swing at the ball. 'Having a hack' means playing a casual round.

A number representing a golfer's ability, used to level the playing field. The lower the handicap, the better the player. Based on recent scores.

An obstacle on the course such as a bunker or water feature. Specific rules apply when your ball is in a hazard.

Holing the ball with a single stroke from the tee. Most common on par 3s. The odds of an amateur making an ace are 12,500 to 1. Tradition dictates the player buys drinks for everyone in the clubhouse.

A shot that curves sharply from right to left (for a right-handed player). Usually an unintentional, more severe version of a draw.

The socket where the shaft connects to the clubhead. Hitting the ball here produces a 'shank' — every golfer's nightmare.

A club that combines features of an iron and a fairway wood. Easier to hit than long irons, popular with golfers of all levels.

Metal-headed clubs numbered 1–9, used for a range of distances. Lower numbers go further, higher numbers go higher and shorter.

A long putt played with the intention of finishing close to the hole rather than holing it. Good lag putting avoids three-putts.

Deliberately playing a shorter shot to avoid a hazard rather than going for the green. A smart, strategic play.

The position of the ball on the ground. A 'good lie' means the ball is sitting up nicely; a 'bad lie' means it's buried or in thick grass.

A style of coastal golf course built on sandy, wind-exposed land between the sea and farmland. The original form of golf course, common in Scotland.

The edge of the hole. A ball that 'lips out' catches the edge of the hole but doesn't fall in.

The angle of the clubface. More loft means a higher, shorter shot. A pitching wedge has more loft than a 7-iron.

When a putt rolls around the edge of the hole but doesn't drop in. One of the most frustrating moments in golf — the ball had every chance but gravity said no.

A format where players compete hole by hole. Win a hole, lose a hole, or halve it. The player who wins the most holes wins the match.

A stroke play competition where every shot counts towards your total score. The most common competitive format.

An informal do-over — replaying a shot without penalty. Not permitted under the Rules of Golf but common in casual rounds. Named after a Canadian golfer.

A popular betting format with three separate bets: front nine, back nine, and overall 18. A classic golf wager.

Your gross score minus your handicap allowance. Used to compare players of different abilities fairly.

Out of bounds. The area beyond the course boundary, marked by white stakes or lines. Hitting OB results in a stroke-and-distance penalty.

Areas where play is not allowed, usually marked by white stakes or a white line. Hitting OB results in a stroke-and-distance penalty — you must replay from where you last played and add a penalty stroke.

The expected number of strokes an expert golfer should take on a hole or course. Par 3, par 4, and par 5 are the standard hole lengths.

An inland course set among trees and manicured gardens. The most common course type in England. Contrasts with links courses.

An extra stroke added to your score due to a rule infringement, such as hitting into water or out of bounds.

Professional Golfers' Association. The PGA oversees professional golf instruction and tournaments in the UK and worldwide.

Another name for the flagstick in the hole on the green. 'Pin high' means your ball is level with the hole.

A short, high shot to the green that lands softly. Typically played with a wedge from 30–80 yards out.

The indentation a ball makes when landing on the green. Good etiquette is to repair your pitch marks with a tee or repair tool.

An extra hole or holes played to break a tie in a competition. Can be sudden death or over a set number of holes.

When a ball embeds in its own pitch mark, typically in soft ground or a bunker. Also called a 'fried egg' in sand.

The retail shop at a golf club selling equipment, clothing, and accessories. Usually where you check in and pay your green fee.

A second ball played when you think your first might be lost or out of bounds. Saves time by avoiding a walk back to replay.

A shot that travels straight but left of the target (for a right-hander). Caused by an out-to-in swing path.

A shot that travels straight but right of the target (for a right-hander). Caused by an in-to-out swing path with a square face.

The flat-faced club used on the green for rolling the ball into the hole. Most golfers carry one putter in their bag.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Along with the USGA, they govern the Rules of Golf worldwide.

Assessing the slope, grain, and speed of the green to judge how a putt will break. A crucial putting skill.

The ability to move your ball without penalty from certain situations, such as an immovable obstruction or GUR.

The longer grass bordering the fairway. The ball is harder to control from the rough due to grass getting between the clubface and ball.

A complete game of golf, typically 18 holes. A round usually takes 3.5–4.5 hours depending on pace of play.

A golfer with a handicap of zero. A 'scratch player' is expected to shoot par on any rated course.

A shot struck from the hosel (the neck of the club) that shoots off sharply to the right. Widely considered the worst shot in golf.

Shots played from around and on the green — chipping, pitching, bunker shots, and putting. Where most strokes are saved or lost.

A shot that curves sharply from left to right (for a right-handed player). The most common miss for amateur golfers.

A measure of course difficulty for a bogey golfer relative to a scratch golfer. A higher slope means the course is harder for higher handicappers.

An organised golf outing for a group, often a company or social club. Usually includes golf, food, and prizes.

A scoring format where points are awarded based on your score relative to par on each hole: 0 for double bogey or worse, 1 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for eagle.

The position of your feet when addressing the ball. Width, alignment, and ball position in your stance all affect the shot.

Any forward swing made with the intention of hitting the ball. Every stroke counts towards your score.

The ranking of holes by difficulty on a scorecard, used to allocate handicap strokes. Stroke index 1 is the hardest hole.

A format where the total number of strokes over the round determines the winner. The most common format in competitive golf.

The ideal point on the clubface for striking the ball. Hitting the sweet spot produces the best distance and accuracy.

A low-flying, penetrating shot typically hit with a long iron to keep the ball under the wind. Tiger Woods made the stinger famous as one of his go-to shots off the tee.

The small peg used to elevate the ball for the first shot on each hole. Also refers to the 'teeing ground' — the designated starting area.

Your reserved starting time at a golf course. Arriving at least 15 minutes early is standard etiquette.

A popular team format where all players tee off, the best shot is selected, and everyone plays from that spot. Repeated until holed out.

Striking the ball with the leading edge of the club rather than the face, producing a low, fast shot. Also called 'blading' it.

Taking three putts to hole out on a green. A common source of frustration and dropped shots for amateur golfers.

The aggressive, direct route to the hole, usually over hazards or obstacles. Named after Tiger Woods. High risk, high reward.

Hitting the top of the ball, causing it to roll or bounce along the ground instead of flying. A common beginner error.

Using a putter from off the green, rather than chipping. A smart play when the ground between you and the green is flat and firm. Sometimes putting is safer than chipping.

Getting the ball into the hole in two shots from off the green — one chip/pitch and one putt. A key measure of short game skill.

A high-lofted iron used for short approach shots, chipping, and bunker play. Common types: pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge.

Swinging at the ball and missing completely. It still counts as a stroke under the rules. Also called an 'air shot'.

Local rules allowing players to improve their lie during winter months when courses are wet. Also called 'preferred lies'. Check with the pro shop.

A shot that never gets airborne, skimming along the ground at speed. Usually caused by topping the ball or hitting it thin. Not pretty, but sometimes effective.

The distance to the green or a specific point on the course, measured in yards. Yardage markers and GPS devices help with club selection.

A nervous condition causing involuntary wrist spasms during putting or chipping. A psychological affliction that has affected even top professionals.