Golf terms: A must-read for any golfer looking to learn the lingo!
Golf is a sport with a language all its own. As a beginner golfer, it can be challenging to understand the many terms used by experienced players. Don't worry, even seasoned golfers were once in your shoes. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the most common golf terms, golf lingo, and golf slang - including scoring, shot types, and equipment. By the end of this article, you will speak like a seasoned golfer, impressing your golf buddies with your golf vocabulary.
Golf Scoring Terms
Golf is all about scoring, and the terms used to describe different scores can be confusing for beginners. Here are the most common scoring terms:
Ace
An ace, also known as a hole-in-one, is the best score you can achieve in golf. It means you hit the ball directly into the cup with your first shot.
Albatross
An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is a score of three under par for a single hole. This is an extremely rare occurrence and is usually achieved by holing out a second shot on a par-5.
Eagle
An eagle is a score of two under par for a single hole. This is a great score and is achieved by hitting the ball onto the green in two shots on a par-5 or making a hole-in-one on a par-4.
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one under par for a single hole. This is a common term in golf and is achieved by making a putt for one stroke less than the par.
Par
Par is the standard score for a hole and represents the number of strokes a skilled golfer should use to complete the hole. A par-3 hole should take three strokes, a par-4 hole should take four strokes, and a par-5 hole should take five strokes.
Bogey
A bogey is a score of one over par for a single hole. This is a common score for amateur golfers and means that they took one more stroke than the standard score to complete the hole.
Double Bogey
A double bogey is a score of two over par for a single hole. This is a poor score and means that the golfer took two more strokes than the standard score to complete the hole.
Triple Bogey
A triple bogey is a score of three over par for a single hole. This is a very poor score and means that the golfer took three more strokes than the standard score to complete the hole.
Snowman
A snowman is a slang term for a score of eight on a single hole. It refers to the shape of the number eight, which looks like a snowman.
Ace
An ace, also known as a hole-in-one, is the best score you can achieve in golf. It means you hit the ball directly into the cup with your first shot.
Albatross
An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is a score of three under par for a single hole. This is an extremely rare occurrence and is usually achieved by holing out a second shot on a par-5.
Eagle
An eagle is a score of two under par for a single hole. This is a great score and is achieved by hitting the ball onto the green in two shots on a par-5 or making a hole-in-one on a par-4.
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one under par for a single hole. This is a common term in golf and is achieved by making a putt for one stroke less than the par.
Par
Par is the standard score for a hole and represents the number of strokes a skilled golfer should use to complete the hole. A par-3 hole should take three strokes, a par-4 hole should take four strokes, and a par-5 hole should take five strokes.
Bogey
A bogey is a score of one over par for a single hole. This is a common score for amateur golfers and means that they took one more stroke than the standard score to complete the hole.
Double Bogey
A double bogey is a score of two over par for a single hole. This is a poor score and means that the golfer took two more strokes than the standard score to complete the hole.
Triple Bogey
A triple bogey is a score of three over par for a single hole. This is a very poor score and means that the golfer took three more strokes than the standard score to complete the hole.
Snowman
A snowman is a slang term for a score of eight on a single hole. It refers to the shape of the number eight, which looks like a snowman.
Golf Course Terms
Understanding the golf terms and definitions relating to the layout of a golf course is essential for playing the game. Here are some common terms related to the golf course:
Tee Box
The tee box is the area where the ball is placed to start each hole. It is usually marked by tee markers and is where the golfer hits their first shot.
Fairway
The fairway is the part of the course between the tee box and the green. It is typically a closely mowed area of grass that provides an ideal surface for hitting the ball.
Rough
The rough is the area of the course that is outside the fairway. It is typically longer and thicker than the fairway, making it more difficult to hit the ball from.
Bunker
A bunker, also known as a sand trap, is a hazard on the course filled with sand. It is typically located near the green and can be difficult to escape from if the ball lands in it.
Green
The green is the area of the course where the hole is located. It is typically a well-manicured area of grass that provides an ideal surface for putting.
Fringe
The green is the area of the course where the hole is located. It is typically a well-manicured area of grass that provides an ideal surface for putting.
Pin
The pin, also known as the flag or the flagstick, is a tall, thin flag that is placed in the hole on the green. It helps golfers to see where the hole is located from a distance.
Water Hazard
A water hazard is a hazard consisting of a body of water. Water hazards are typically marked with red or yellow stakes, and players hitting into the hazard incur a penalty stroke.
Out of Bounds
Out of bounds is an area of the golf course that is not in play. If a ball lands in out of bounds, the player must take a penalty stroke and re-hit the ball. This is called a stroke and distance penalty.
Obstruction
An obstruction is an object that is on or near the course that can interfere with the play of the ball. Obstruction can be anything from a tree to a cart path, and players are allowed to move the ball out of the way without penalty.
Cart Path
A cart path is a paved path that is used by golf carts to travel around the course. Cart paths are typically located in the fairway, and they can be used by players to get around the course more quickly.
Dogleg
A dogleg is a hole that curves to the left or right. Doglegs can be difficult to hit, as players need to take into account the curve of the hole when they make their tee shot.
Apron
The apron is the area of closely mown grass that surrounds the green. It is typically a transition area between the green and the fairway.
Fringe
The fringe is the area of longer grass that surrounds the green. It is typically not as closely mown as the apron, but it is still considered to be in play.
Ground under repair
Ground under repair (GUR) is an area of the golf course that is not in play due to damage or construction. If a ball lands in GUR, the player may take relief without penalty. GUR can include anything from a freshly-seeded area to a hole dug by a gopher.
Tee Box
The tee box is the area where the ball is placed to start each hole. It is usually marked by tee markers and is where the golfer hits their first shot.
Fairway
The fairway is the part of the course between the tee box and the green. It is typically a closely mowed area of grass that provides an ideal surface for hitting the ball.
Rough
The rough is the area of the course that is outside the fairway. It is typically longer and thicker than the fairway, making it more difficult to hit the ball from.
Bunker
A bunker, also known as a sand trap, is a hazard on the course filled with sand. It is typically located near the green and can be difficult to escape from if the ball lands in it.
Green
The green is the area of the course where the hole is located. It is typically a well-manicured area of grass that provides an ideal surface for putting.
Fringe
The green is the area of the course where the hole is located. It is typically a well-manicured area of grass that provides an ideal surface for putting.
Pin
The pin, also known as the flag or the flagstick, is a tall, thin flag that is placed in the hole on the green. It helps golfers to see where the hole is located from a distance.
Water Hazard
A water hazard is a hazard consisting of a body of water. Water hazards are typically marked with red or yellow stakes, and players hitting into the hazard incur a penalty stroke.
Out of Bounds
Out of bounds is an area of the golf course that is not in play. If a ball lands in out of bounds, the player must take a penalty stroke and re-hit the ball. This is called a stroke and distance penalty.
Obstruction
An obstruction is an object that is on or near the course that can interfere with the play of the ball. Obstruction can be anything from a tree to a cart path, and players are allowed to move the ball out of the way without penalty.
Cart Path
A cart path is a paved path that is used by golf carts to travel around the course. Cart paths are typically located in the fairway, and they can be used by players to get around the course more quickly.
Dogleg
A dogleg is a hole that curves to the left or right. Doglegs can be difficult to hit, as players need to take into account the curve of the hole when they make their tee shot.
Apron
The apron is the area of closely mown grass that surrounds the green. It is typically a transition area between the green and the fairway.
Fringe
The fringe is the area of longer grass that surrounds the green. It is typically not as closely mown as the apron, but it is still considered to be in play.
Ground under repair
Ground under repair (GUR) is an area of the golf course that is not in play due to damage or construction. If a ball lands in GUR, the player may take relief without penalty. GUR can include anything from a freshly-seeded area to a hole dug by a gopher.
Golf Club Terms
Golf clubs are the tools used to hit the ball, and each type of club has a specific purpose. Here are some common terms related to golf clubs:
Driver
The driver is the longest club in the bag and is used to hit the ball the farthest. It is typically used from the tee box and requires a full swing to hit the ball.
Fairway Wood
A fairway wood is a club that is used to hit long shots from the fairway. Fairway woods have a large head and a relatively shallow face, which helps them to generate a lot of distance.
Hybrid
A hybrid is a club that is a cross between a fairway wood and an iron. Hybrids have a smaller head than a fairway wood, but a larger head than an iron. This makes them easier to hit than fairway woods, but they still generate a lot of distance.
Irons
Irons are numbered clubs that are used for a variety of shots on the course. Lower-numbered irons are used for longer shots, while higher-numbered irons are used for shorter shots.
Wedges
Wedges are specialty clubs used for shots around the green. They are designed to provide more loft than irons and help the ball to stop quickly on the green. Golfers today may carry a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, a gap wedge and a lob wedge. Each has a different purpose.
Putter
The putter is the club used for putting on the green. It has a flat face and is designed to roll the ball smoothly along the ground.
Driver
The driver is the longest club in the bag and is used to hit the ball the farthest. It is typically used from the tee box and requires a full swing to hit the ball.
Fairway Wood
A fairway wood is a club that is used to hit long shots from the fairway. Fairway woods have a large head and a relatively shallow face, which helps them to generate a lot of distance.
Hybrid
A hybrid is a club that is a cross between a fairway wood and an iron. Hybrids have a smaller head than a fairway wood, but a larger head than an iron. This makes them easier to hit than fairway woods, but they still generate a lot of distance.
Irons
Irons are numbered clubs that are used for a variety of shots on the course. Lower-numbered irons are used for longer shots, while higher-numbered irons are used for shorter shots.
Wedges
Wedges are specialty clubs used for shots around the green. They are designed to provide more loft than irons and help the ball to stop quickly on the green. Golfers today may carry a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, a gap wedge and a lob wedge. Each has a different purpose.
Putter
The putter is the club used for putting on the green. It has a flat face and is designed to roll the ball smoothly along the ground.
Parts of the Golf Club
Different parts of a golf club each have a unique golf term and definition as well. Here are golf terms describing the parts of a golf club.
Face
The face is the part of the club that hits the ball. It is typically made of a metal such as steel or titanium, and it is often dimpled to help the ball fly more smoothly through the air.
Hosel
The hosel is the part of the club that connects the head to the shaft. It is typically made of metal, and it is often tapered to help the club fit snugly into the shaft.
Shaft
The shaft is the long, thin part of the club that the golfer holds. It is typically made of steel or graphite, and it is often tapered to help the club fit snugly into the grip.
Ferrule
The ferrule is the small, metal ring that is located at the bottom of the shaft. It helps to protect the shaft from wear and tear, and it also helps to keep the clubhead from coming loose.
Bounce
The bounce is the part of the clubhead that touches the ground first when the club is swung. It is typically made of metal, and it is often angled to help the club glide through the turf.
Sole
The sole is the bottom of the clubhead. It is typically made of metal, and it is often flat to help the club glide through the turf.
Toe
The toe is the front part of the clubhead. It is typically the widest part of the clubhead, and it is often used to hit the ball from tight lies.
Heel
The heel is the back part of the clubhead. It is typically the narrowest part of the clubhead, and it is often used to hit the ball from open lies.
Grip
The grip is the part of the club that the golfer holds. It is typically made of rubber or leather, and it is often textured to help the golfer keep a good grip on the club.
Face
The face is the part of the club that hits the ball. It is typically made of a metal such as steel or titanium, and it is often dimpled to help the ball fly more smoothly through the air.
Hosel
The hosel is the part of the club that connects the head to the shaft. It is typically made of metal, and it is often tapered to help the club fit snugly into the shaft.
Shaft
The shaft is the long, thin part of the club that the golfer holds. It is typically made of steel or graphite, and it is often tapered to help the club fit snugly into the grip.
Ferrule
The ferrule is the small, metal ring that is located at the bottom of the shaft. It helps to protect the shaft from wear and tear, and it also helps to keep the clubhead from coming loose.
Bounce
The bounce is the part of the clubhead that touches the ground first when the club is swung. It is typically made of metal, and it is often angled to help the club glide through the turf.
Sole
The sole is the bottom of the clubhead. It is typically made of metal, and it is often flat to help the club glide through the turf.
Toe
The toe is the front part of the clubhead. It is typically the widest part of the clubhead, and it is often used to hit the ball from tight lies.
Heel
The heel is the back part of the clubhead. It is typically the narrowest part of the clubhead, and it is often used to hit the ball from open lies.
Grip
The grip is the part of the club that the golfer holds. It is typically made of rubber or leather, and it is often textured to help the golfer keep a good grip on the club.
Golf Slang Terms
Golfers love to come up with creative slang terms to describe their shots. Here are some common golf slang terms you might hear on the course:
Snowman
A snowman is a slang term for a score of eight on a single hole. It refers to the shape of the number eight, which looks like a snowman.
Mulligan
A mulligan is a do-over shot that is allowed in informal games of golf. It is typically used when the golfer hits a bad shot and wants to try again without penalty.
Fore
Fore is a warning shout that is used to alert other golfers on the course that a ball is headed in their direction. It is typically shouted loudly and repeatedly
Bite
Bite is a term used to describe a shot that lands on the green and stops quickly. This is usually the result of backspin on the ball.
Snowman
A snowman is a slang term for a score of eight on a single hole. It refers to the shape of the number eight, which looks like a snowman.
Mulligan
A mulligan is a do-over shot that is allowed in informal games of golf. It is typically used when the golfer hits a bad shot and wants to try again without penalty.
Fore
Fore is a warning shout that is used to alert other golfers on the course that a ball is headed in their direction. It is typically shouted loudly and repeatedly
Bite
Bite is a term used to describe a shot that lands on the green and stops quickly. This is usually the result of backspin on the ball.
Golf Shot Terms
There are many different types of shots in golf. Each has an associated term. This is a list of the most common terms in golf.
DriveThe drive is the first shot taken on each hole and is usually hit with a driver club. The goal of the drive is to hit the ball as far as possible down the fairway to set up the next shot.
Approach shot
The approach shot is the shot taken after the drive and is meant to get the ball as close to the green as possible. Approach shots can be taken with a variety of clubs, depending on the distance to the green.
Chip shot
A chip shot is a short shot played from close to the green. It is usually played with a wedge or a short iron and is meant to get the ball onto the green and close to the hole.
Pitch shot
A pitch shot is a high shot played with a wedge or a short iron. It is used to get the ball up in the air and onto the green from a short distance away.
Putt
A putt is a shot played with a putter on the green. The goal of the putt is to get the ball into the hole in as few shots as possible.
Fade
A fade is a shot that curves slightly to the right (for a right-handed golfer) in the air. This is usually intentional and is used to avoid obstacles or shape the shot around a corner.
Draw
A draw is a shot that curves slightly to the left (for a right-handed golfer) in the air. This is usually intentional and is used to avoid obstacles or shape the shot around a corner.
Stinger
A stinger is a low, piercing shot that travels a long distance through the air. This shot is usually played with a long iron or a hybrid club.
Bump and run
A bump and run is a shot played with a wedge or a short iron that is intended to roll along the ground and onto the green. This shot is useful when the ball is close to the green and there are no obstacles in the way.
Flop shot
A flop shot is a high, soft shot played with a wedge. It is used to get the ball over a hazard or onto a green with a steep slope.
Whiff
A whiff is when a golfer attempts to hit the golf ball but misses completely.
Shank
A shank is a shot that is hit off the hosel of the club, causing the ball to fly off at an unintended angle. It is a common mistake for beginner golfers. This is a term some golfers don't even like to say or hear.
DriveThe drive is the first shot taken on each hole and is usually hit with a driver club. The goal of the drive is to hit the ball as far as possible down the fairway to set up the next shot.
Approach shot
The approach shot is the shot taken after the drive and is meant to get the ball as close to the green as possible. Approach shots can be taken with a variety of clubs, depending on the distance to the green.
Chip shot
A chip shot is a short shot played from close to the green. It is usually played with a wedge or a short iron and is meant to get the ball onto the green and close to the hole.
Pitch shot
A pitch shot is a high shot played with a wedge or a short iron. It is used to get the ball up in the air and onto the green from a short distance away.
Putt
A putt is a shot played with a putter on the green. The goal of the putt is to get the ball into the hole in as few shots as possible.
Fade
A fade is a shot that curves slightly to the right (for a right-handed golfer) in the air. This is usually intentional and is used to avoid obstacles or shape the shot around a corner.
Draw
A draw is a shot that curves slightly to the left (for a right-handed golfer) in the air. This is usually intentional and is used to avoid obstacles or shape the shot around a corner.
Stinger
A stinger is a low, piercing shot that travels a long distance through the air. This shot is usually played with a long iron or a hybrid club.
Bump and run
A bump and run is a shot played with a wedge or a short iron that is intended to roll along the ground and onto the green. This shot is useful when the ball is close to the green and there are no obstacles in the way.
Flop shot
A flop shot is a high, soft shot played with a wedge. It is used to get the ball over a hazard or onto a green with a steep slope.
Whiff
A whiff is when a golfer attempts to hit the golf ball but misses completely.
Shank
A shank is a shot that is hit off the hosel of the club, causing the ball to fly off at an unintended angle. It is a common mistake for beginner golfers. This is a term some golfers don't even like to say or hear.
Golf Terms Conclusion
Golf has a language all its own, and mastering the terms used by experienced players is essential for any beginner. By understanding the scoring terms, shot types, and equipment terms, as well as the golf slang used on the course, you can communicate effectively with other golfers and improve your game. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you play, the more comfortable you will become with the language of golf.
