Golf Terms To Know: Definitions, Slang And Lingo For Beginners

A term for the bar or clubhouse where golfers gather after a round.

A position on the green where the ball is higher than the level of the hole.

Hitting the ball into the hole in one stroke, also known as a "hole-in-one."

A shot that misses the ball completely.

A score of three strokes under par for a hole, also known as a "double eagle."

The highest point of the arc of a shot.

A shot played from the fairway towards the green.

To remove the flagstick from the hole when a player is putting.

The final nine holes of an 18-hole course.

A small indentation on the green made by the ball when it lands.

A shot that curves sharply in the opposite direction of a hook or slice.

Another term for a sand trap.

 A position on the green where the ball is lower than the level of the hole.

A type of golf competition where the lowest score on each hole is used to determine the team's score.

A score of one stroke under par for a hole.

A shot where the player cannot see the target or the path to get there.

 A score of one stroke over par for a hole.

A golfer who consistently scores one stroke over par for each hole.

The amount of slope on the green that affects the direction a ball will roll.

Same as mulligan. A do-over of a shot, not counted in the official score.

A depression on the course filled with sand, also known as a "sand trap."

A person who carries a golfer's clubs and provides advice during the round.

The distance a shot travels in the air before it lands.

A shot played from just off the green towards the hole, using a lofted club.

When you hit the ground with the leading edge of your club before you hit the ball. This is a mishit and it doesn’t make you smile.

The amount of force that is applied to the ball when it is struck, which can affect its distance and flight. Different balls have different compression.

A score of four strokes under par for a hole, a rare and impressive feat.

A piece of turf that is displaced by a golf club when hitting the ball.

A hole that has a bend or curve in the fairway.

A score of two strokes over par for a hole.

A score of three strokes under par for a hole, also known as an "albatross."

A shot that starts to the right of the target and then curves back towards it (for a right-handed golfer).

The act of releasing the ball from a specific height after taking a penalty stroke.

A shot that is poorly struck. Hitting the ground too deep before the ball.

A score of two strokes under par for a hole.

A shot that curves slightly to the right (for a right-handed golfer), but not as sharp as a slice.

The area of the course between the tee box and the green that is well-manicured and ideal for hitting the ball.

A shot that hits the ground before reaching the green, often caused by making contact with the ball too low on the clubface. This type of shot typically results in a loss of distance and may cause the ball to roll off course or into a hazard. A fat shot is often caused by swinging too hard or failing to properly make contact with the ball, resulting in the clubhead "bottoming out" before hitting the ball. To avoid hitting a fat shot, it is important to maintain good posture and balance throughout the swing and to make sure to make solid contact with the ball.

The colorful fabric attached to the flagstick that indicates the location of the hole on the green.

A high, soft shot played with a wedge that lands and stops quickly.

A shot that is poorly struck.

The part of the swing that occurs after the ball is struck.

A warning shouted to alert other players that a shot may hit them.

A type of golf competition where two players play as a team and each plays their own ball, with the best score on each hole counting towards the team's score.

A type of golf competition where two players play as a team and alternate hitting the same ball.

A shot taken without penalty from a specific location on the course, often after a ball has come to rest in a hazard or an unplayable lie.

The area around the green where the grass is longer than on the green but shorter than in the rough.

A shot that goes very straight and low to the ground.

A short putt that is conceded by the opponent, meaning it does not have to be played.

A small vehicle used to transport golfers and their equipment around the course.

The direction in which the grass on the green grows, which can affect the direction and speed of a putt.

The area of the course where the hole is located and the grass is cut very short.

The total number of strokes taken during a round, including any penalties.

An area of the course that is temporarily closed for maintenance or repair, often marked by white lines.

A shot that is played with less than a full swing.

A system used to level the playing field among golfers of different skill levels.

Obstacles on the course that can make it difficult to play the ball, such as bunkers and water hazards.

To complete a hole by getting the ball into the hole.

Hitting the ball into the hole in one stroke.

The privilege of hitting the first shot on a hole, usually given to the player who had the lowest score on the previous hole.

A shot that curves sharply to the left (for a right-handed golfer).

The part of the clubhead that connects the shaft to the blade.

An area of the course where a player is allowed to hit their ball.

A type of grip where the index finger of the top hand is interlocked with the pinkie of the bottom hand.

A shot that is poorly struck.

A putt that is very short and easy to make.

A type of hazard that runs parallel to the fairway, marked by red stakes.

The position of the ball on the course, such as whether it is on the fairway or in the rough.

The intended direction a shot is supposed to take.

A type of golf course that is typically located near the coast and features sandy soil and few trees. Hitting the links means playing golf in general.

The edge of a bunker or other hazard.

A putt that hits the edge of the hole but does not go in.

A high, soft shot played with a wedge.

A person who keeps track of the scores in a group and helps enforce the rules.

A type of golf competition where each hole is treated as a separate contest.

A type of golf competition where players are paired in teams of a man and a woman.

A do-over of a shot, not counted in the official score.

The total number of strokes taken during a round, minus any handicap strokes.

An old-fashioned term for a nine iron.

An area of the course where a player is not allowed to play the ball, typically marked by white stakes.

The standard number of strokes a golfer is expected to take to complete a hole.

An additional stroke or strokes added to a player's score as a punishment for violating a rule.

A term used to describe a golfer who is not very skilled.

Another term for the flagstick.

A position where the ball is level to the hole as measured from where your shot was hit.

A shot played from just off the green towards the hole, using a lofted club. Pitch shots are typically played when the ball is lying in a position where it is difficult to hit a full shot onto the green, such as when it is on a slope or surrounded by bunkers. Pitch shots are usually played with a higher lofted club, such as a wedge, and are designed to land softly and stop quickly on the green. To hit a good pitch shot, it is important to use a smooth, controlled swing and to make sure to strike the ball cleanly with the clubface. Proper aim and distance control are also key to executing a successful pitch shot.

A situation where a group of players allows a faster group to play through and pass them on the course.

A plus golfer is generally considered to be a more skilled golfer than a scratch golfer, who has a handicap of zero and is expected to shoot par or better on most courses. In order to be considered a plus golfer, a player typically needs to have a consistently low score and be able to handle a variety of shots and course conditions. Plus golfers are often able to hit a wider range of shots, including fades and draws, and have a good feel for distance control and putting. They may also be more comfortable playing in competitive situations and able to handle the pressure of tight matches.

A retail store located on a golf course that sells golf equipment and apparel.

A shot that goes straight left of the target (for a right-handed golfer).

A shot that goes straight right of the target (for a right-handed golfer).

A shot made on the green with a putter, used to roll the ball into the hole.

A shot that is played with less than a half swing.

An area where golfers can warm up by hitting practice shots.

A shot played from a difficult position on the course, often with the intention of just getting the ball back into play.

The act of taking a free drop or other penalty stroke in order to improve a difficult lie or avoid a hazard.

The longer grass surrounding the fairway that makes it more challenging to hit the ball.

A complete game of golf, typically 18 holes.

A depression on the course filled with sand.

A type of golf competition where players play their own ball and then choose the best shot to play as a team.

A golfer with a handicap of zero.

A situation where the ball is positioned close to a green side bunker or other hazard, making it difficult to hit the green.

A shot that hits the top or front of the ball, causing it to travel a shorter distance.

A shot that curves sharply to the right (for a right-handed golfer).

The degree of incline or decline on a golf course.

A putt that curls around the edge of the hole and then falls in.

A score of eight strokes on a single hole.

A shot that goes high in the air and lands with a lot of backspin, resembling a sprinkler.

A course official who helps manage tee times and starting groups.

A swing of the club that is intended to hit the ball.

A type of golf competition where the total number of strokes taken over the course of the round is used to determine the winner.

The starting point for each hole, where the player hits their first shot.

The scheduled starting time for a group of golfers to begin their round.

A shot that hits the top or front of the ball, causing it to travel a shorter distance.

Taking three strokes to get the ball into the hole on the green.

A shot that hits the top of the ball, causing it to travel a shorter distance.

A score of three strokes over par for a hole.

A club with a lofted face, used for shots played from just off the green or for high, soft shots.

A shot that misses the ball completely.

A shot that goes very low to the ground.

A sudden loss of fine motor skills when putting, often caused by nervousness.