Golf Terms and Definitions

Golf Terms and Definitions serve as the foundation for any golfer seeking to improve their understanding of this timeless sport. Imagine stepping onto the tee with complete confidence—not only in your swing, but also in your mastery of the words used every day on the course. Terms like “birdie,” “bogey,” and “albatross” don’t just sound intriguing; they signal distinct achievements or pitfalls that define a round. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for golf’s strategic layers and discover new ways to elevate your performance.

For newcomers, simply knowing the difference between a “chip” and a “pitch” can transform how you navigate greenside hazards. And for more experienced players, refining your familiarity with specialized jargon—such as “lie” angles, “bounce” settings on wedges, or the intricacies of “cut” vs. “draw” shots—can reveal hidden tweaks to boost consistency off the tee or around the green. Each term carries practical implications that can shape your club selections, course management decisions, and even your mental approach to the game.

Beyond mere words, these golf terms and definitions open doors to new strategies, helping you decode tips from coaches, reading material, and fellow golfers. Whether you’re determined to break 80 or you’re just hoping to conquer the nerves on your first full 18, a strong command of golf’s vocabulary can speed your progress—and make every round more enjoyable.

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Golf Terms and Definitions

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A

Ace (Hole-in-One)

A shot where the ball goes from the tee directly into the hole in a single stroke. It usually happens on par-3 holes and is considered one of the rarest and most exciting feats in golf.

Address

The stance and overall position you take just before initiating the backswing. Proper address includes how you place your feet, align your body, and set the clubhead behind the ball.

Advice

Guidance on how to play a particular shot (e.g., which club to use, how to shape the shot). In formal play, only your caddie or partner may offer advice.

Aim

Aligning your body and clubface toward the intended target or target line.

Albatross (Double Eagle)

Completing a hole at three strokes under par (e.g., holing out in two on a par-5, or one on a par-4). This is even rarer than an eagle.

Alignment

Positioning your feet, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line. Correct alignment increases accuracy.

All Square

A match play term indicating both sides (teams or players) have won the same number of holes so far, resulting in a tie at that moment.

Approach (Approach Shot)

Any shot intended to land the ball on the green, typically made from the fairway, rough, or a short distance away.

Apron (Fringe)

A closely mowed area surrounding the green. It has slightly longer grass than the putting surface, but is still cut shorter than the fairway.

Attend (the Flag)

Holding or removing the flagstick while another golfer putts so the player can see the hole clearly. The flagstick is typically pulled out just before the ball arrives.

Away

Describes the ball farthest from the hole. In most formats, the player “away” goes next.

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B

Back Nine

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

Backspin

A reverse spin applied to the ball at impact, helping it stop quickly—or even spin backward—on the green.

Backswing

The initial portion of the swing, moving the club away from the ball. A smooth, controlled backswing sets up a better downswing.

Bail Out

Choosing a safer area away from potential hazards, even if it makes the next shot longer.

Ball Marker

A small, flat object placed behind the ball on the green when you need to lift the ball to clear another player’s line or clean it.

Ball Position

The location of the ball in relation to your stance—forward, middle, or back—affecting launch angle and contact.

Ball Striker

A golfer recognized for consistently solid, accurate contact.

Bank Shot

Hitting the ball against a slope or steep bank to alter its direction or speed. This often requires creativity and practice.

Banana Ball

A slang term for a severe slice (for a right-handed golfer) that curves significantly from left to right.

Best Ball

A team format where each golfer plays their own ball, and the best single score on each hole counts as the team’s score.

Birdie

Scoring one stroke under par on a hole (e.g., a 3 on a par-4).

Bite

A command or slang urging the ball to stop or spin quickly on landing.

Blade

1. A style of clubhead (particularly irons) with a thin profile, favored by advanced players for greater control.
2. Striking the ball with the leading edge (often called “blading” or “skulling”), resulting in a low, fast shot.

Blind Shot

A shot where the target (green or landing area) is not visible because of a hill, mound, or other obstruction.

Block

A shot that goes straight right for a right-handed player (straight left for a left-hander) due to an open clubface or inside-out swing path.

Bogey

Finishing a hole one stroke over par.

Bounce

The angle formed by the sole of a wedge and the ground. More bounce helps the club “glide” through sand or thick turf instead of digging.

Break

The amount a putt curves due to a green’s slope or grain.

Bunker (Sand Trap)

A hazard filled with sand. Green-side bunkers protect putting surfaces, while fairway bunkers challenge tee or approach shots.

Bunker Rake

A rake found near bunkers so players can smooth footprints or marks after playing from the sand.

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C

Caddie

An individual who carries a player’s clubs and offers strategic advice on distances, club selection, and reading greens.

Carry

The distance a ball travels in the air before first touching the ground.

Casual Water

Temporary water accumulation on the course not designated as a hazard (e.g., after heavy rain). Golfers usually receive free relief.

Chip (Chip Shot)

A short, low-trajectory stroke near the green where the ball spends minimal time in the air and rolls more than it flies.

Chip-In

When a chip shot lands in the hole, eliminating the need to putt.

Chunk

A mishit where the club strikes the ground behind the ball, resulting in a heavy shot and reduced distance.

Club

The tool used to hit the ball, composed of a shaft with a grip on one end and a clubhead on the other. Clubs vary in design to handle different distances and shot types.

Clubface

The striking surface of the clubhead. Its orientation (open, closed, or square) and loft directly affect the ball’s trajectory and spin.

Clubhouse

The central building of a golf facility, often housing a pro shop, dining area, and locker rooms.

Compression

How much a golf ball deforms upon impact with the clubface. Different compression levels suit different swing speeds.

Cut (Shot)

A controlled left-to-right ball flight (for right-handed players), also known as a “fade.”

Cut (Tournament)

When a multi-round event reduces the field after a predetermined round, based on scores.

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D

Dance Floor

A colloquial term for the green, implying the ball has landed in the prime putting area.

Dimples

The small indentations on a golf ball that reduce air drag and increase lift, allowing for more stable flight.

Dogleg

A hole that bends left or right, forcing players to shape their shots or strategically position their drives.

Double Bogey

Scoring two strokes over par on a hole.

Downhill Lie

A stance where the ball is on a slope that descends away from your feet, requiring adjustments in swing and setup.

Draw

A controlled ball flight that curves right-to-left (for a right-hander). It often results in added roll once the ball lands.

Drive

A long shot typically played from the tee box, often with a driver (1-wood). This is usually your first stroke on any given hole.

Drive the Green

Hitting a tee shot directly onto the green on a par-4 (or occasionally a very short par-5). It’s an aggressive play that can pay off with fewer strokes if successful.

Driver (1-Wood)

A club with a large head designed for maximum distance from the tee. Skilled players can hit drives well over 300 yards.

Duff

A casual term for a mishit where the club meets the ground too early, losing distance and accuracy.

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E

Eagle

Completing a hole two strokes under par. For instance, a 3 on a par-5 or a 2 on a par-4.

Etiquette

Golf’s code of courtesy: repairing ball marks, not disturbing fellow players’ shots, maintaining pace, and more.

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F

Fade

A controlled left-to-right flight (for right-handers) that is more subtle than a slice.

Fairway

The shorter grass between the tee box and green, offering the best lies for approach shots.

Flagstick (Pin)

A marker in the hole that helps players see the cup’s position from a distance. It can be attended or removed when putting.

Flier (Flyer)

A shot from the rough or thin lie that spins less than expected, often traveling farther than usual.

Flop Shot

A high-lofted, short-distance shot using a wedge with significant loft, intended to land softly and roll minimally.

Follow-Through

The part of the swing after striking the ball. A balanced follow-through indicates proper swing mechanics.

Fore!

A warning shout used when a struck ball could land or roll near other players or spectators.

Forgiveness

The degree to which a club (especially the clubface) reduces the severity of mishits. High-forgiveness clubs, often called “game-improvement” clubs, help beginners and higher handicappers keep the ball straighter and more consistent.

Foursome

A group of four players. In one specific match play format called “foursomes,” two-player teams alternate shots with one ball per team.

Frog Hair

A slang term for the fringe or apron around the green.

Front Nine

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

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G

Gimme

A very short putt typically conceded in casual or match play under the assumption it would be holed easily.

Grain

The direction the grass on the green grows, affecting how a ball rolls during putts.

Green

The final putting surface of a hole, featuring closely mowed grass and the cup. Accurate putting here is crucial for scoring.

Green in Regulation (GIR)

Landing your ball on the green at least two strokes under par (e.g., in two shots on a par-4).

Greens Fee

The charge to play a round at a given course.

Greensome

A team format similar to foursomes: both players tee off, pick the best drive, then alternate shots with the chosen ball.

Grip

1. How a golfer places their hands on the club (e.g., interlock, overlap, baseball).
2. The rubber or leather handle on the club’s shaft.

Gross Score

Your total strokes for the round, prior to any handicap adjustments.

Ground Under Repair (GUR)

Areas on the course undergoing maintenance or otherwise marked as “unfit.” Players usually get free relief.

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H

Half Shot

A controlled swing with a shorter backswing and follow-through, producing less distance than a full shot.

Handicap

A numerical measure of a golfer’s potential, used to level the playing field in competitions by giving higher-handicap players strokes.

Hazard

Historically, hazards were bunkers or water. Under modern rules, many such areas are called “penalty areas.” Hazards demand extra care when hitting and can incur penalties if relief is needed.

Heel

The part of the clubhead closest to the shaft. Striking the ball on the heel often leads to errant shots like shanks.

Hole

1. The 4.25-inch cup set into the green.
2. Any complete unit of play from tee box to green.

Hole High (Pin High)

When your ball ends up level with the hole horizontally, although left or right of the cup, indicating good distance control.

Hole-in-One (Ace)

Another term for an ace—a shot from the tee directly into the hole.

Honor

The privilege of teeing off first on a hole, typically earned by having the lowest score on the previous hole in stroke play or winning the previous hole in match play.

Hook

A severe right-to-left curve (for a right-hander), more pronounced than a draw.

Hosel

The socket where the shaft attaches to the clubhead. Contacting the ball with the hosel results in a “shank.”

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I

Interlocking Grip

A grip style where the little finger of the trailing hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand. Favored by many golfers, including Jack Nicklaus.

Irons

Metal clubs typically numbered 3 through 9 (plus wedges). They are generally used for approach shots ranging from ~120 to ~190 yards. Irons can be purchased individually or as a set, and come in “cast” or “forged” varieties.

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L

Lay Up

Choosing a shorter shot instead of attempting a risky long carry over a hazard, thereby “laying up” to a safer position.

Lie

1. The position of the ball as it rests on the ground (fairway, rough, bunker, etc.).
2. The angle between the club’s sole and shaft (the “lie angle”).

Line

The intended path of the ball, especially important for putting. Reading a green helps you determine this line.

Lip Out

When the ball circles the cup’s rim but doesn’t fall in.

Loft

The angle of the clubface that influences the ball’s initial launch height.

Loose Impediments

Natural debris (leaves, stones, twigs) not attached or growing. Generally can be removed without penalty unless local rules say otherwise.

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M

Match Play

A format where each hole is its own contest. The side that wins the most holes wins the match, rather than tallying total strokes.

Medal Play (Stroke Play)

Every stroke counts, and the winner is the player with the lowest total strokes after all holes.

Misread

Incorrectly judging the slope or speed of a putt, leading to a missed putt.

Mulligan

An informal “do-over” shot in casual golf, typically on the tee after a poor shot. Not recognized in official play.

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N

Nassau

A popular betting game involving three separate bets: one on the front nine, one on the back nine, and one on the overall 18-hole score.

Net Score

The gross score minus a player’s handicap strokes.

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O

Obstruction

Any artificial object on the course that’s not integral to play (e.g., cart paths, benches, yardage markers). Relief is often granted.

Out of Bounds (OB)

Areas marked by white stakes or fences. Hitting a ball OB incurs a penalty stroke and requires replay from where the previous shot was taken.

Overclub

Using a club that sends the ball too far, overshooting the target or green.

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P

Pace of Play

The speed at which golfers proceed around the course. Being mindful of pace ensures an enjoyable round for everyone.

Par

The standard number of strokes an accomplished golfer is expected to need on a hole or an entire course. Most holes are par 3, 4, or 5.

Penalty Stroke

An extra stroke added to your score for certain rules infractions (e.g., hitting out of bounds, in a penalty area, etc.).

Pin (Flagstick)

The pole with a flag inserted in the hole to mark its location.

Pin High

When your shot travels the correct distance and is horizontally even with the pin, though off to one side.

Pitch

A short approach shot with a relatively high trajectory and less roll, often executed with a wedge from 10–60 yards away.

Pitch Mark

A small dent the ball leaves when landing on the green. It’s good etiquette to repair pitch marks.

Play Through

When a faster group behind is invited by a slower group ahead to move forward and tee off first.

Plugged Lie

A ball embedded partly or fully in soft ground or sand, often called a “fried egg” in bunkers.

Pop-Up

A tee shot that flies almost straight upward, achieving minimal horizontal distance.

Practice Swing

A rehearsal motion without intent to hit the ball, used to groove tempo and check setup.

Preferred Lies (Winter Rules)

Local rules that permit placing or repositioning the ball to improve its lie under adverse weather or course conditions, without penalty.

Provisional Ball

A second ball played when the original is suspected lost or out of bounds. If the first is found in play, the provisional is abandoned.

Putter

A club with a flat or nearly flat face, used primarily on the green to roll the ball into the hole with minimal loft.

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R

Range Finder

A device that measures the distance to the pin or other targets, aiding club selection.

Reading the Green

Assessing slopes, grain, and speed on the putting surface to determine how your putt will break.

Release

The unhinging or rotation of the wrists and forearms through impact, helping square the clubface and generate speed.

Rough

Longer, thicker grass bordering fairways and greens, making shots more challenging.

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S

Sand Wedge

A wedge designed with ample “bounce” to help escape bunkers and play short shots around the green.

Score

The total number of strokes taken for a hole or entire round.

Scratch Golfer

A player with a 0 handicap, consistently shooting around par.

Setup

Your stance, posture, and alignment before initiating the swing.

Shaft

The tapered, cylindrical portion of the club that connects the grip to the clubhead.

Shank

A severe mishit where the ball contacts the hosel of the club, sending it abruptly sideways.

Shotgun Start

A tournament format where players start simultaneously on different holes to speed play.

Shot Shaping

Intentionally curving the ball (draw or fade) or controlling its flight to navigate obstacles.

Skin

In a “skins game,” each hole is played for a stake called a “skin.” A player must have the lowest outright score to win that hole’s skin.

Slice

A pronounced left-to-right ball flight (for right-handed golfers). It usually results from an outside-in swing path and/or open clubface.

Sweet Spot

The area on the clubface that produces the most efficient and accurate results. Forgiving clubs often have larger sweet spots to help reduce mishits.

Swing

The full motion of hitting the ball, consisting of the address, backswing, downswing, impact, and follow-through.

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T

Tap-In

A very short putt, typically a few inches from the hole, viewed as nearly certain to be made.

Target Line

The imaginary line extending from the ball to the intended target.

Tee

A small peg used to elevate the ball on the tee box, giving a cleaner strike for the first shot of each hole.

Tee Box (Teeing Ground)

The marked area where players must begin each hole. Different tee boxes often indicate various skill levels or yardages.

Tempo

The overall pace and rhythm of a golfer’s swing, from takeaway to follow-through.

Thin

Striking the ball too high on the clubface (near the leading edge), producing a low shot with minimal spin.

Topped Shot

Making contact above the ball’s equator, causing it to bounce or roll with limited flight.

Tour

High-level professional circuits (e.g., PGA Tour, LPGA Tour), featuring elite golfers in competitive events.

Triple Bogey

Completing a hole three strokes over par—e.g., an 8 on a par-5.

Troubleshot

A recovery shot from an undesirable position (e.g., behind trees or in thick rough).

Turn

The halfway point of an 18-hole round, after finishing the 9th hole.

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U

Unplayable Lie

A situation where the ball’s position is deemed unplayable. The player may take relief with a penalty stroke rather than attempting an extremely difficult shot.

Up and Down

Holing out in two strokes from around the green—a chip (or pitch) and one putt.

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W

Waggle

A small, rhythmic movement of the clubhead before the swing to stay relaxed and establish tempo.

Wedge

A subset of irons (pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge) with higher loft for short approaches, bunker play, and delicate shots around the green.

Whiff

A complete miss of the ball despite intending to strike it, counting as a stroke in formal play.

Winter Rules (Preferred Lies)

Local relief rules invoked during poor course conditions, allowing players to improve the ball’s lie without penalty.

Woods

A category of clubs (including fairway woods and the driver) originally made of wood but now often metal or composite. They’re used primarily for longer shots, with the “1-wood” or driver being the longest-hitting club.

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X

X-Out

A golf ball that has been labeled with an “X” due to cosmetic imperfections, usually sold at a lower price.

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Y

Yips

A sudden, involuntary spasm or psychological block that disrupts putting or short game strokes. Often manifests as jerky or twitchy motions.

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Additional Notes

• Scoring Terms (Recap):
  • Hole-in-One (Ace): 1 shot on a hole.
  • Albatross (Double Eagle): 3 under par.
  • Eagle: 2 under par.
  • Birdie: 1 under par.
  • Par: Even with the hole’s standard.
  • Bogey: 1 over par.
  • Double Bogey: 2 over par.
  • Triple Bogey: 3 over par.
• Etiquette: Repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, maintaining pace, and respecting other players are fundamental to golf’s longstanding tradition.
• Handicap System: Levels the playing field by allowing higher-handicap players more strokes over lower-handicap or scratch golfers.

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