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Golf Definitions, Terms, Vocabulary and Slang
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A game
The best golf you are capable of playing.
Active Season
An active season is the period of time, determined by the authorized golf association having
jurisdiction in a given area, during which scores made there will be accepted for handicap purposes.
Ace
A hole-in-one; a score of 1 on any hole.
Action
To impart backspin onto the ball.
Address
Position taken by a player prior to hitting a shot.
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, a player has "addressed" the ball when
he has taken his stance and grounded his club. In a hazard a player is considered to
have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
Adjusted Gross Score
Adjusted gross score is a player's gross score adjusted under USGA Handicap System procedures
for unfinished holes, conceded strokes and holes not played, or not
played under the principles of the Rules of Golf, or adjusted under Equitable Stroke Control.
Aerify
Process of boring small holes, typically less than 3/4" in diameter,
into a putting green (or the fairway) in order to improve growth.
The process is usually done once or twice per year.
Afraid of the dark
What a putt is when it won't go in the hole.
Aim
Generally, the direction in which your target lies and the direction you intend for your ball to go.
Aimline
The imaginary straight line, extended level with the hole, on which the player intends to initially strike his putt.
After reading the green, an aimline is chosen to allow for all the breaks or curves which are expected to take place before the ball falls in the hole.
Air mail
To hit a shot much farther than planned (most commonly over the green).
Albatross
A double eagle; a score of 3 under par on a hole; examples are a 1 on a par 4 or a 2 on a par 5.
Alignment
How your body is aligned in relation to an imagined ball-to-target line.
All Square
In match play, a match is all square (tied) when both players or teams have won the same number of holes. It is abbreviated "AS" on the scorecard.
Amateur
Any golfer who plays the game for enjoyment and who does not receive direct monetary
compensation due to his or her playing or teaching skills.
Ambrose
A system of team play whereby each player takes a tee shot, after which the most favourable ball position is chosen.
All the team's players then take a shot from this new position, and so on. (Also known as a Texas Scramble)
Angle of Attack
Also referred to as "Angle of Approach".
The angle at which the club head strikes the ball.
This affects the trajectory the ball will travel and spin.
Approach
A shot from off the green toward the hole; also the closely-mown grassy area leading up to a green.
Approach putt (or lag putt)
A putt not directly aimed at the hole, but close enough to make the next putt a certainty.
Apron
The closely mown area encircling a putting green; also called "fringe".
Arc
The nearly circular curve around the body made by a golf swing.
Army Golf
Slang term given to a player who has directional problems,
especially from the tee. One shot will go to the right, one will go left...
(left, right, left, right.) Hence the term "army golf".
AS
The abreviaton on a score card or scoreboard for "All Squared" during a match play round of golf between players or teams.
Attend (the Flagstick)
When a player holds and removes the flagstick for another player.
Australasian Tour
Professional golf circuit for players in Australia and Asia. Similar to the
U.S. PGA Tour, but playing courses on the continents of Australia and/or Asia.
Authorized Golf Association
An authorized golf association is a golf association that has jurisdiction and has been licensed by the
USGA to issue USGA Handicap Indexes and/or USGA Course and Slope Ratings in its state,
district or region through its golf clubs.
Away
The player farther from the hole whose turn it is to play.
B
Back nine
The final nine hole on a golf course.
Back Weight
A weight, usually brass or aluminum attached to the back of a wooden,
graphite or titanium wood head.
The back weight moves the center of gravity toward the back of the club to assist in getting the ball airborne..
Backspin
The backward rotation of a golf ball in flight around a horizontal axis as caused by the club hitting the ball.
The more loft on a club, the greater the backspin.
Backdoor
The part of the cup located opposite the ball on the green.
To reach the backdoor, a putt must curl around most of the hole before dropping in.
Backhander
A putt struck with the back of the putter blade.
Sometimes golfers will do this in casual fashion when the ball is very close to the hole.
Baffling Spoon (Baffy Spoon or Baff)
The name of a club used in the early 1800's that
a wooded club with the loft of a wedge.
Bag rat
Caddie
Bail out
What many golfers do to avoid trouble on the course.
That is, they hit a shot in the direction opposite the trouble.
If the trouble is on the left side, they bail out right.
If the trouble is on the right side, they bail out left.
Also can be used to describe how a golfer (after calling in sick to work)
exits his cart after seeing his boss approaching.
Balance Point
The point where a shaft's weight is evenly distributed in both directions when rested on a single point.
Ball
A small sphere used in playing golf, which is intended to be struck by a club and soar in the
general direction of the green for a particular hole, if one is playing on a regulation golf course.
The important thing is to be able to identify your ball and distinguish it from the balls used by other players.
Normally this is done by noting the brand and number of a ball, though some players will
often add personalized markings to further differentiate their own sphere of choice.
Ball Mark
Indentation made to the grass/ground on a putting green when a lofted shot lands on the green.
Ball marks must be repaired as soon as noticed to properly heal and to maintain a uniform putting surface.
Ballmark Tool
Tool used to repair an indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach shot
Ballooned
A shot pattern wherein a golf ball accelerates upwards to an unreasonably high trajectory.
Banana Ball
A sliced shot that has a flight pattern shaped liked a banana.
Bandit
British version of the term Sandbagger.
A golfer that carries a higher official handicap than his skills indicate, eg, carries an eight, plays to a two.
Sandbaggers usually artificially inflate their handicaps with the intent of winning bets on the course,
a practice that most golfers consider cheating. Also known as a bandit.
Bare Lie
When the ball lies directly on hard ground without any grass to buoy the ball up -
ie where there is no grass creating a gap between ball and the ground. Applicable when practicing off hard mats.
Barkie
Achieving a score of par or better on a hole after the ball hits a tree on the same hole.
Baseball Grip
Grip style with all ten fingers on the club. Also known as the "Ten-Finger Grip".
Belly Putter
Type of putter that positions the grip against the player's
stomach in order to create a pendulum effect.
Most belly putters are about 40" in length.
Bent Grass
Type of grass, characterized by thin blades, found on most courses with varying seasonal climates.
Bermuda Grass
Type of grass found on most courses located in warmer or tropical climates.
Characterized by thick blades and "grainy" surface.
Best ball
A match in which one player plays against the better ball of two players or the best ball of three players.
BIGGA
The British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association.
BIGGA is the professional association dealing with all matters of golf management from a greenkeeper's viewpoint.
Birdie
A score of 1 stroke less than par on a given hole, for example, a score of 3 on a par 4.
Bite
Slang term expressed when a player wants a ball to stop.
Black Numbers
Term applied to over par scores in a tournament.
Blade
The striking face of an iron head.
Blade Height
The measurement of an iron head at the center of the face from the ground line to the top line.
Blade Length
The measurement of an iron head from the radius
of the crotch of the head to the farthest point of the toe.
Blade Style Head
Blades are also known as muscle-back irons due to a possible concentration of
weight directly behind the center of the club face.
Blast
A shot made from a bunker that displaces a noticeable amount of sand.
Blind
A hole or shot where you can't see your target.
Block
A shot played severely to the right; as opposed to slices, which curve from left to right, a blocked shot goes directly right. Similar to the "push".
Bogey
A score of 1 over par on a hole, for example a 6 on a par 5.
Bogey Golfer
A male bogey golfer is a player who has a Course Handicap of approximately 20 on a course of standard difficulty.
He can hit tee shots an average of 200 yards and reach a 370-yard hole in two shots at sea level.
A female bogey golfer is a player who has a Course Handicap of approximately 24 on a course of standard difficulty.
She can hit tee shots an average of 150 yards and reach a 280-yard hole in two shots.
Bogey Rating
A "Bogey Rating" is the USGA's mark of the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for the bogey golfer under normal course and weather conditions.
It is based on yardage, effective playing length, and other obstacles to the extent that they affect the scoring ability of the bogey golfer.
Bounce
The measurement (angle in degrees) from the leading edge of the club face to the groundline.
Wedges typically have the most bounce in a set of clubs.
Bounce helps these clubs go through sand and high grass easily.
When looking at the sole of a wedge you will notice the trailing edge hangs beneath the leading edge.
This angle in relation to the ground plane is called bounce angle.
Bounce Back
The percentage statistic of how many times a player
is over par on a hole and then is under par on the following hole.
The formula is (Number of holes under par after above par holes)/(Number of holes over par)
Box Grooves
Face lines or grooves pressed, cut, or cast into a rectangular shape onto the club face.
Brassie
The name of a golf club that was used in the mid-late 1800's through the early part of the 20th century that
was fitted with a brass sole plate with about 15 degrees of loft.
The term also applied to various lofted wooden clubs in the 1880s and 1890s.
The modern equivalent would be the number three wood.
Break
The amount of curvature of a putt as it rolls on a putting green.
The more the green slopes, the greater the break.
In the United Kingdom, it is known as "borrow".
Bulge
The curvature of the face of a wood or metal wood from heel to toe.
Bulge helps give corrective spin to shots hit on the toe or heel of the wood face.
Bump and Run
A style of golf shot that is most commonly used on traditional British-style courses.
With a bump and run shot the golfers aims well short of the intended target and allows
for substantial roll to his shot after its initial landing.
The majority of American style courses are designed with "Target" golf shots in mind;
ones that allow for higher ball flights and less roll.
Bunker
A bunker is a type of hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground,
from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like.
Buried (Lie)
The lie of a ball, typically in a sand bunker, in which most of it is below the surface. See also "Fried Egg".
Butt (shaft butt)
The grip end of the shaft.
Buy.Com Tour
Male professional golf circuit, new in the year 2000, for players one level below the PGA Tour.
The Buy.Com Tour plays events throughout the United States; the better players in a given
year earn the right to play on the PGA Tour the next year. Sponsored by Internet site Buy.Com.
Bye
A short game played over the remaining holes when the main match finishes early because one player or team has won by a large margin.
It serves the joint purpose of adding some competitive meaning to the rest of the holes and also for the losing side to attempt to regain
some of the pride lost as a result of their humiliation in the main match.
C
Cabbage
Deep, thick, inescapable rough. Also called spinach.
Can
The hole. The cup. The place to put your putts. When you sink a putt, you canned it.
Caddie (Caddy)
One who carries or tends to a player's clubs during a round.
Caddie Master
A course employee responsible for managing caddies and assigning them to players as required.
Camber
The radius measurement of the sole of a club.
A sole can be cambered from toe to heel, or from front to back, or both.
Car Bounce
When a ball hits a cart path or roadway along side the fairway and bounces back into (or remains) inbounds.
Carry-Double
A caddie employed by two players and who typically carries two bags, one on each shoulder.
Carpet
The green. Soft, well-manicured fairways are also referred to as being "like carpet".
Cart
A four-wheeled electric or gas powered vehicle for use in transporting players from hole to hole (AKA golf car or golf cart).
A two wheeled hand-pulled (AKA pull cart or push cart) or motorized cart (AKA walking cart) that carries a golf club bag.
Cart Fee
Similar to a greens fee, the fee required to rent a golf cart or pull-cart for either 9 or 18 holes.
Cart girl
The lovely young lady who operates the beer (refreshment) cart
(a motorized vehicle that carries refreshments to golfers out on the course).
Cart golf
Term for when two golfers riding in the same golf cart repeatedly hit the ball
in the same direction.
Casual Water
Any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is visible before or
after the player takes his stance. Water in a hazard is not casual water.
Cat Box
Slang term given to a sand bunker.
Cavity Back
An iron head with the weight is distributed toward the perimeter of the head.
Cavity backs are easily identified by their recessed area on the back of the head.
Center of Gravity (CG)
The point in a club head where all of the points of balance intersect.
The lower the CG, the higher the ball flight.
Higher CG clubs produce lower ball flight.
Chili-Dip
A shot in which a player hits behind the ball, not moving it very far.
May also be referred to as a "fat" shot or a "chunk".
Chip
Any number of short shots, typically played to the green, with a higher lofted club (#7, 8, 9 or wedges.)
Chip and run
A low shot that runs towards the flag played from near the green.
Chip Out
A shot, generally going only a short distance, made from trouble in an attempt to
get the ball back in play. Chip-outs are commonly made from trees or similar positions.
Chunk
A shot in which a player hits behind the ball resulting in a more
turf being removed than desired. The resulting shot is also much shorter than desired.
May also be called a "chili-dip".
Cleek
Any of numerous narrow-bladed iron clubs, used in the early 1800's through the early part of the 20th century,
variously adapted and used for playing long shots through the green, for playing from sand and rough and for putting.
The Cleek was the longest of all the iron clubs, with the face only slightly lofted.
The basic characteristics of cleeks were that they were narrow-bladed and relatively light.
They were lofted at about 15 degrees or less. About the loft of a one iron.
Clone
An umbrella term generic or off-brand golf clubs that are based on and/or copies of
high-end brand name golf clubs.
Closed Face
When (in relation to the target-line) the clubface is angled toward the player's body, ie angled left for right-handed players.
Closed Stance
When a player's front foot is set closer to the target-line. Used to draw the ball or to prevent a slice.
Club
A tool for the player to hit the ball. 14 clubs are allowed by the rules.
An organization of golfers.
Club Pro
A career in golf dedicated to helping others to enjoy the game.
This may be accomplished in a number ways: giving lessons, managing operations, running events, etc.
Clubface
The area of the club that you use to hit the ball.
Clubhead
The part of the club attached to the lower end of the shaft, and used for striking the ball.
Clubhouse
This is where play begins and ends. The clubhouse is also your source for information about local rules, the conditions of the course, upcoming events and
other essential information for the avid golfer. Normally, you can also purchase balls, clubs, clothes, and other golfing equipment at the clubhouse.
Coeffecient of Restitution (COR)
The energy transfer that occurs when one object collides with another.
In terms of golf clubs, COR is directly related to the speed of a golf ball as it rebounds from a clubface.
Generally, a club with higher COR will generate greater ball velocity, equaling more distance.
COR is expressed as a percentage. To measure a club's COR, balls are fired at a clubface at a fixed speed, known as initial speed.
The speed at which the balls rebound is known as rebound speed. The COR is generally equal to the rebound speed divided by the initial speed.
For example, if the initial speed is 100 mph, and the rebound speed is 84 mph, the COR would be approximately .840. In terms of distance,
a player with a swing speed from 100 to 120 mph should gain about two yards for every one percent increase in COR.
Players with slower swing speeds will generally gain less yardage.
Collar
A closely mown area surrounding the putting green.
It may be similar to the green in height (fringe) or it may be higher, similar to rough.
Also a term for the edge of a sand hazard.
Come-backer
A putt required after the previous putt went past the hole.
Competitor
A player participating in a stroke play competition.
Compression
Loosely defined as the hardness of a ball.
Identified by a number; a higher number indicates a ball that requires more force to compress it.
Lower compression balls flatten more when hit.
Condor
A four-under par shot, a hole-in-one on a par 5 .
Country Club
Term typically applied to an upscale (normally private or semi-private)
golf club that generally offers other amenities in addition to golf (swimming, tennis, clubhouse, etc.)
Course
The entire area on which a game (or round) of golf is played.
Course Handicap
A Course Handicap is the USGA's mark that indicates the number of handicap strokes a player receives
from a specific set of tees at the course being played to adjust his scoring ability to the
common level of scratch or 0-handicap golf. For a player with a plus Course Handicap,
it is the number of artificial strokes the player gives to adjust his scoring ability to the
common level of scratch or 0-handicap golf. A Course Handicap is determined by
applying the player's USGA Handicap Index to a Course Handicap Table or Course Handicap Formula.
A player's Course Handicap is expressed as a whole number of strokes
Course Rating
A numerical rating, usually by a recognized organization such as the USGA,
that identifies the difficulty of a course.
For example, a course rated 72.4 is more difficult than one rated at 68.5.
A scratch player should expect to shoot a 68 or 69 on the course rated 68.5.
Course Handicap Table
A "Course Handicap Table" is a chart that converts a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap based on the Slope Rating for a specific set of tees.
Course Rating
The USGA's mark that indicates the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a
scratch golfer under normal course and weather conditions. It is expressed as strokes taken to one decimal place, and is based on
yardage and other obstacles to the extent that they affect the scoring ability of a scratch golfer.
Cross-handed
Putting (and, occasionally, full-swing) grip in which the hands are placed in positions opposite that of the conventional grip.
For right-handed golfers, a cross-handed grip would place the left hand below the right.
Also known as the "left-hand low" grip.
Crown
The top of the head of a wood or metal wood. It's what the golfer sees at address.
Cut
Similar a fade, it is a shot that curves from left to right, but is generally higher in trajectory and more controlled than a standard fade. (Cut Shot)
Term that describes the players that have qualified to play the rest of the tournament for a chance to win the championship
after the qualifying rounds on the previous days. (The Cut)
Cup
The tubular lining sunk in the hole. Also the hole itself.
D
Dance floor
The Green. Perhaps the term comes from the smooth surface and relative
flatness of the green, or maybe it is meant to convey the joy that
accompanies finally making it to the green.
Dawn patrol
The golfers who are the first to play each day,
so named because they start their match around the course at sunrise.
Dead
Slang for a shot in which there is no favorable outcome possible.
Deep Face
A club face with higher than average distance from the sole of the club to the crown.
Deep face clubs have a higher CG and launch the ball on a lower trajectory.
Deep stuff
Grass left to grow so that off-line shots are made more difficult. Also called 'rough'.
Deltahedral
Dimple pattern on a ball with 24 triangular rows of dimples.
Die it in the hole
The action of putting the ball so that it falls into the cup as it is dying,
or losing the last of its momentum.
Dimple
Depression on the cover of a ball providing lift, leading to distance and/or accuracy.
Deeper dimples cause lower ball flight; while shallow dimples add to trajectory.
Large diameter dimples make the ball stay in the air longer than do smaller diameter dimples.
Dimple Pattern
The pattern of dimples on a ball, varying greatly from one manufacturer to another.
Divot
Turf removed as a result of contact between the club and the ground.
Divots occur as a result of most shots from the fairway or rough.
Divot Tool
Tool used to repair an indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach shot
Dog track
Derogatory term for a golf course that is not well maintained.
Dogleg (Dog Leg)
The design of a golf hole (a par 4 or 5) in which the layout changes direction,
usually at the position a drive is designed to land.
If the hole changes direction to the right, it is called a "dogleg right";
a direction change left is known as a "dogleg left".
Dormie
The player or side having a lead in a match equal to the number of holes remaining to be played.
A player is dormie-two if he is 2 holes ahead with 2 holes remaining to play.
Double Bogey
A score of two over par on a hole. For example, a player scores a 5 on a par 3 hole.
Double Cross
a shot whereby a player intends for a slice and hits a hook, or conversely,
intends to play a draw and hits a slice. So called because the player has aimed left
(in the case of a slice) and compounds this with hitting a hook, which moves left as well.
Dodecahedral
Dimple pattern of 12 pentagonal arrays.
Double-Cut
Method of mowing putting greens in which the mower cuts in one direction and then cuts
again in another direction, creating a fast putting surface.
Fairways may be double cut as well.
Double-Eagle
A score of 3 under par on a hole,
for example, a 2 on a par 5;also called an "albatross."
Downswing
The part of the golf swing from the top of the backswing to striking the ball.
Draw
A shot that tends to curve from right to left in the air (assuming a right-handed golfer.)
A draw is a controlled shot preferred by many better players.
A tied match.
Dribbler
A shot that travels only a few feet, usually without getting airborne.
Drive
The first shot on a hole, played from the teeing ground.
Driving Range
A practice area, either at a course or on its own,
where players of all ability levels go to practice their game.
A range may be a simple as a large mowed field with hitting areas
or may be as elaborate as a facility with target greens and practice putting greens.
Drop
When a ball must be lifted under penalty or otherwise,
the player, standing erect, holds the ball at arm's length and
shoulder height and drops it making sure that it does not land any nearer the hole.
Drop Area
An area identified by either paint or chalk in which a player
may drop his ball under penalty of one stroke.
Drop areas are most often found on holes with water hazards and allow the player relief,
with penalty, from the water.
Duck Hook
A shot that starts straight at the target and
curves dramatically to the left of target (assuming a right-handed golfer.)
One of the most out of control shot types.
Drive
A shot which is played from the tee, usually with a driver (a 1 wood).
Driver
The 1 wood, the most powerful club in the set, used for getting maximum distance off the tee.
Driving Accuracy
The percentage statistic of how many times a player teed off and hit the fairway
divided by the number of holes played ina round, tournament or carreer.
Driving Cleek
The same as a Cleek.
Driving Iron
The name of a golf club that was used in the mid-late 1800's through the early part of the 20th century that
was deeper in the blade than the cleek with slightly more loft; not as long as a cleek but more lofted.
They were lofted at about 18 to 20 degrees or about the same as a modern 3 iron.
In modern times it is an iron that is used to tee off with. Usually an extra weighted 10, 12, 14, or 16 degree lofted club.
Driving Putter
The name of a club used in the early 1800's that was
a wooden club with very little loft used when a low shot was needed.
E
Egg
The ball, but only within the context of putting. You can putt, broom, or roll the egg,
but you dont want to chip, pitch or hit it.
Elephant burial ground
Collective term for the huge moounds found on the greens of certain golf courses.
Where good scores often go to die.
Eligible Tournament Score
An eligible tournament score is a tournament score made either within the
last 12 months or within the player's current 20 score history.
Equitable Stroke Control
Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) is the downward adjustment of individual hole scores for handicap purposes
in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential scoring ability.
ESC sets a maximum number that a player can post on any hole depending on the player's Course Handicap
Eagle
A score of 2 under par on a hole, for example, a 3 on a par 5.
Effective Bounce
The combination of bounce angle, loft, sole width and camber that affect the playability of a wedge during a shot.
The more effective bounce, the easier it is to play in soft conditions.
Effective Loft
The actual face angle at impact created through the relationship of loft and face angle.
For example, if a driver has a measured loft of 8
degrees and has a two-degree open face, its effective loft will be 6 degrees.
Etiquette
Accepted code of behavior and dress on the golf course.
Examples include quiet while others play, not walking in another's line of play on the putting green, etc.
European Tour
Professional golf circuit for players in Europe.
Similar to the U.S. PGA Tour, but playing courses in Europe.
Even Par
A player's score that matches the par for the course at any point during a round.
Executive Course
A course with a par of well less than 72, usually between 54 and 68.
Executive courses are designed to be played quickly by those (executives)
who do not have ample time to play a full 18 hole round on a regulation course.
Explosion
Type of shot played to extricate a ball from a sand bunker.
An explosion, also called a blast, is characterized by a player hitting sand
while getting his ball out of the bunker.
F
Face
The surface of the clubhead that strikes the ball.
Face Angle
Position of the club face relative to the intended line of ball flight.
For right-handed golfers, a square face angle aligns directly at the target,
an open face aligns to the right, while a closed face aligns left.
Fade
Type of shot that generally tends to curve to the right in the air (assuming a right-handed player.)
A fade is a controlled shot preferred by many players.
Fairway
The short grass between the tee and the green.
Fairway Percentage
The number of fairways hit (the ball lands on the fairway)
off of the tee (first shot) divided by the
number of holes played in a round, tournament or season.
False front
A green that has such a significant slope at the front that approach shots are likely to roll back off.
Fan
To miss hitting the ball completely. The air moves, but nothing else does.
Fat
Shot type in which a player hits behind the ball, resulting
in a much shorter shot than normal.
Fat shots are often characterized by a player taking an excessive divot.
Female Bogey Golfer
A female bogey golfer is a player who has a Course Handicap of approximately 24 on a course of standard difficulty.
She can hit tee shots an average of 150 yards and reach a 280-yard hole in two shots.
Female Scratch Golfer
A female scratch golfer is a player who has a course handicap of approximately 0 on a course of standard difficulty
and can hit tee shots an average of 210 yards and can reach a 400-yard hole in two shots at sea level.
Ferrule
Decorative trim ring, directly on top of the hosel on many woods and irons.
First Cut
Term given to a section of rough (or higher grass) directly bordering a fairway.
The first cut of rough is deemed to be considered "light" rough and may vary from
a few yards wide to over 10 yards wide, depending upon the course.
Five-Minute Rule
The amount of time (5 minutes) that the USGA Rules allow a player to look for his ball.
A ball not found after 5 minutes after the search for it is begun is considered to be lost.
Flagstick
Also called the pin, flag, or stick, the flagstick marks the hole.
Flagstick
Also called the pin, flag, or stick, the flagstick marks the hole.
Flange
Mainly applies to putters, it's the part of the putter from behind the face to the very back of the head.
Flat Lie
A lie flatter than specification.
For example, if the spec is 60 degrees,
a 2 degree flat club would have a lie angle of 58 degrees.
Flex
The relative bending properties of a golf club shaft.
Flex is usually identified by a letter:
L for Ladies, A for Amateur, R for regular, S for Stiff, X for Extra Stiff and TX for Tour Extra Stiff flex.
Flop shot
A high, delicate shot that travels only a short distance and then rolls
very little once it lands on the green. Essentially, it is flopped onto the green.
Flow Weighting
Head design where weight positioning shifts from one club to the next.
For example, a #1 iron may have more weight concentrated on its toe,
a #2 iron slightly less, and so on.
Flub
A terrible shot.
Flyer (Flier)
A shot that flies substantially longer than desired,
usually as a result of too much grass between the club face and ball.
Flyers are more common from the rough than from the shorter fairway grasses.
Follow-through
The part of the swing beyond impact with the ball.
Fore
Term yelled toward a group who may be in danger of being hit by an errant shot.
The sound of fore is a danger warning to take cover to avoid injury by being struck with a ball.
Form Forged
Iron club head manufacturing process in which a club is first investment cast from an
alloy of carbon steel and then formed to shape through a series of forging dies.
Four Ball
A matchplay or strokeplay game of two players on each side in which two players play
their better ball against the better ball of two other players.
Four-jack
To take four putts on a hole.
Only tolerable for those who can drive the green on a par five.
When asked how he four-jacked a hole at the Masters,
Steve Ballesteros replied, "I miss. I miss. I miss. I make." Well said.
Four-jack
To take four putts on a hole.
Only tolerable for those who can drive the green on a par five.
When asked how he four-jacked a hole at the Masters,
Steve Ballesteros replied, "I miss. I miss. I miss. I make." Well said.
Foursome
A match in which two players play against two others, with each side playing one ball.
"Foursome" is also applied to any group of 4 golfers playing together;
though this is not the USGA definition.
Fried Egg
Lie in a sand bunker in which most of the ball is below the surface of the sand.
Visually, the ball looks like a "fried egg", hence the term.
Fringe
Area of grass that borders a putting green.
The fringe is typically higher than the grass on the green,
but lower than the grass on the fairway.
Froghair
Thick, tall grass that borders the fringe on certain courses.
The froghair, due to its thickness, is a very difficult area from which to play a controlled shot.
Front Nine
The first nine holes of an eighteen hole round.
Full set
The 14 clubs which are allowed for playing a round.
A full set usually consists of three or four wooden clubs or metal woods, nine or ten irons and a putter.
Funnies
Term used to describe various unusual (both positive or negative) events which may happen in the course of a game.
Futures Tour
Professional golf circuit for women players, one level away from the LPGA Tour.
The top players on the Futures Tour each year gain membership in the LPGA Tour for the following season.
G
Gallery
Those who attend a golf event for the purpose of watching the tournament.
Gear Effect
The effect that tends to cause a ball hit toward the toe or
heel side of face center to curve back to the intended target line.
Get down
A message from golfer to ball asking it to cease flying—now!
Usually heard after a ball is hit too far or offline;
almost always uttered with great agitation.
Get legs
A term shouted by a golfer when a shot just made is assumed to be short of the intended goal.
GHIN
Golf Handicap Information Network.
The USGA system used by a majority of golf courses in the U.S. to calculate handicaps.
Gimme
A shot, usually on the green, but that may be anywhere on the course,
that is conceded by a player's opponent.
Gimmees are usually applied to short putts that are almost certain to be holed.
Goldie Bounce or Golden Bounce
When an seemingly errant shot (usually off the tee) takes a good bounce and the ball lands back into the fairway.
Golden Ferret
Term used to describe holing out from a greenside bunker.
Golf Association
A golf association is an organization of golf clubs governed by amateur golfers,
operated under bylaws and formed for the purpose of conducting competitions for amateur golfers,
and otherwise promoting the best interests and conserving the true spirit of the game of golf in a district,
region, or state.
Golf Ball
A small sphere used in playing golf, which is intended to be struck by a club and soar in the
general direction of the green for a particular hole, if one is playing on a regulation golf course.
The important thing is to be able to identify your ball and distinguish it from the balls used by other players.
Normally this is done by noting the brand and number of a ball, though some players will
often add personalized markings to further differentiate their own sphere of choice.
Golf Club
The piece of equipment used to hit a golf ball.
An organization that operates under bylaws with committees (including a Handicap Committee)
to supervise golf activities, provide peer review, and maintain the integrity of the USGA Handicap System.
A golf club must have at least ten individual members.
Members of a golf club must have a reasonable and regular opportunity to play golf with each other.
They must be able to return scores personally, and these scores must be immediately available for
review by fellow club members.
Within the context of the USGA Handicap System a member is defined as one who is affiliated with a licensed golf club for the purpose of obtaining a Handicap Index.
Golf Professional
A career in golf dedicated to helping others to enjoy the game.
This may be accomplished in a number ways: giving lessons, managing operations, running events, etc.
Golf widow
The wife of an obsessive golfer.
She doesn't know who Jack Nicklaus is, and she doesn't care.
Her husband will remember Jack's birthday before he remembers hers.
Gooseneck
General term given to a putter (or iron) that has an extremely offset hosel.
Gorse
Very thick grass and/or shrubs from which it may be impossible to play a shot.
Gorse is common on European seaside courses.
Grain
Direction of growth of blades of grass. Particularly noticeable on putting greens,
the grain will have an influence on the direction and speed of the ball as it rolls.
Putting "against the grain" requires more effort than "with the grain."
Grass Putter
The name of a club used in the early 1800's that
was more upright made much the same as a play club with a long nose.
Used prior to 1850 with the feathery ball.
Green
The closely mown, carefully manicured target area in which the hole is cut.
Green Fee (Greens Fee)
Fee charged to play a golf course.
Greenkeeper
The person responsible for the condition, care and maintenance of the golf course.
He or she may also be called the " greens' superintendent."
Greensomes
A variation of foursomes, where each side consists of 2 players. Both players play one tee-shot each from every tee.
A choice is then made as to which is the more favourable of the 2 ball positions, the other ball being picked up.
Green in Regulation
A green is considered hit "in regulation" if any part of the ball is touching the putting surface and the number of strokes taken is 2
fewer than par, i.e. with the first stroke on a par-3 hole, second stroke on a par-4, etc.
Greens In Regulation (GIR)
The percentage statistic of the number of greens hit in regulation divided by
the number of holes played (in a round, tournament, season or lifetime).
Grip
The part of the club you hold, and the way you hold it.
Grip Size
The size (diameter) of the grip.
The grip size can influence how you release the golf club through the impact area and
will also affect the way you align the club face to the target.
Grocery Money
Winnings from a golf bet that the winner pledges to spend on food and drink,
or groceries, usually at the nineteenth hole.
Grooves
Grooves are the thin, straight, horizontal indentations found in the clubface of irons and woods.
The purpose of grooves is to help the club impart backspin on the ball at impact.
When the clubface, moving at a high rate of speed, makes contact with the ball, the cover sinks into the grooves, which "grab" the ball and impart backspin.
The average, cleanly struck wedge shot spins at about 10,000 rpm.
Gross score
The number of shots taken (plus any penalty strokes) to complete the course before deduction of handicap to give the net score.
Ground Under Repair (GUR)
A marked area (usually by paint, chalk or roping) of the course from
which a player may move his ball without penalty prior to playing his next shot.
Common reasons for GUR to be marked are new constructions, damaged water lines, etc.
Grounding (the club)
To place the clubface behind the ball on the ground at address.
Grounding the club is prohibited in bunkers or when playing from any marked hazard.
Grow teeth
A golfer's plea for the ball to stop quickly.
Guttie
A ball made from gutta percha. It lost popularity when the wound ball
was introduced at the beginning of the 20th century.
H
Hacker
A terrible golfer. A person who hacks it around the golf course. A player of lesser ability.
Half set
Either the odd or even irons, two woods and a putter.
A half set of clubs is all a beginning golfer needs to start playing.
Halved
In match play, a hole is halved (drawn) when both players or teams have played the same number of strokes.
In some team events, such as the Ryder Cup (though not in the Presidents Cup),
a match that is level after 18 holes is not continued, and is called "halved", with each team receiving half a point.
Handicap (Handicap Index)
The number assigned to a player's ability level.
A system devised to make play between golfers of different standards an even match.
Your handicap is the number of strokes over par you average over four rounds at a golf course.
For instance, if your average score is 88 on a par 72 course, you are given a handicap of 16. In strokeplay,
if you play with a person that has a 2 handicap, you are allowed 14 strokes -
the difference between your handicaps - extra strokes, one on each of the most difficult 14 holes.
In matchplay, the longer handicap player would receive 11 shots - three quarters of the difference.
Handicap Allowance
A handicap allowance is the percentage of the Course Handicap recommended for a handicap competition.
Allowances vary for different forms of competition and are designed to produce equitable competition.
Handicap Committee
A Handicap Committee is the committee of a golf club that ensures compliance with the USGA Handicap System,
including peer review. A majority of the Handicap Committee must be members of the club.
Club employees may serve on the Handicap Committee, but an employee may not serve as chairman.
Any club using the USGA Handicap System is required to have a Handicap Committee.
Handicap Differential
A Handicap Differential is the difference between a player's adjusted gross score and the
USGA Course Rating of the course on which the score was made, multiplied by 113,
then divided by the USGA Slope Rating from the tees played and rounded to the nearest tenth.
Handicap differentials are expressed as a number rounded to one decimal place, e.g. 12.8.
Handicap Type
The different types of handicaps. They are identified by letter designations. Each "handicap type" is identified as follows:
L - Local handicap
M - Handicap modified by the Handicap Committee
N - Nine-hole Handicap Index
NL - Local nine-hole handicap
R - Handicap automatically reduced for exceptional tournament performance
SL - Short Course Handicap
WD - Handicap withdrawn by the Handicap Committee
Handicap-Stroke Hole
A handicap-stroke hole is a hole on which a player is entitled to apply a handicap stroke or strokes to his gross score.
Handsy
A term used to describe a player with too much wrist movement in their putting stroke causing inconsistent putts.
Hanging Lie
A ball resting on a uphill slope. A lie where the ball is above the golfer's feet.
Hardpan
Term given to an area of the golf course (not bunkers or hazards)
on which no grass is growing. Shots from hardpan are among the most
difficult as it requires a high level of skill to get the club under the ball from such lies.
Hazard
A bunker, stream, ditch, lake, or pond are all hazards.
Hazards are defined by a course committee.
Heavy Iron
The name of a club used in the early 1800's that
had a lof of about 40 degrees and was used to get out of difficult spots.
Heel
The part of the clubhead beneath the end of the shaft and