The Golfer's Glossary: Golf Terms & Definitions
- May 2
- 22 min read
Updated: May 14
A comprehensive glossary of golf terms for players of all levels. From birdies to bunkers, master the language of the game. Print for easy access.
A
Ace – A hole-in-one; completing a hole in one stroke.
Address – The stance or position a golfer takes when preparing to hit a shot.
Aim Line – An imaginary line showing the intended path of the ball, usually pointing at the target.
Amateur – A golfer who does not earn money from playing the sport professionally.
Albatross – A score of three strokes under par on a hole, also called a double eagle.
Alignment – The position of the golfer's body and clubface relative to the target.
All Square (A/S) – A term used in match play to indicate that opposing players or teams have an equal number of points or holes won.
Approach – A shot played toward the green, usually from the fairway, intended to get the ball close to the hole.
Apron – The closely mowed area of grass surrounding the green, also known as the fringe.
Arc – The curved path the clubhead follows during a golf swing.
Armlock Putter – A type of putter where the shaft is locked against the player’s arm to help stabilize the stroke.
Assist – A situation where a shot may have been helped or improved by the environment (e.g., a ball rolling downhill).
Away – The term used to describe the player whose ball is furthest from the hole and is to play next.
B
Back Nine – The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
Back Weighting – A design feature in clubs, especially woods and mallet putters, to improve trajectory, roll, and stability.
Backswing – The initial motion of the swing where the club is drawn back away from the ball.
Balance Point – The point on the club shaft where the club balances evenly on a fulcrum.
Ball Marker – A small, flat object used to mark the position of a golf ball on the green.
Baseball Grip – Also called the ten-finger grip, where all ten fingers hold the club. Often used by juniors or players with weaker hands.
Bandit – A golfer who plays better than their handicap suggests.
Birdie – A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
Birdie Train – When a player scores a birdie on multiple consecutive holes.
Black Tees – Commonly referred to as championship tees, these are the longest and most difficult, often reserved for advanced players or tournaments.
Blue Tees – Usually positioned farther back than white tees, these are intended for experienced golfers looking for a more challenging course length.
Bogey – A score of one stroke over par on a hole.
Bore – The internal diameter of the club shaft, affecting the flexibility and performance of the club.
Bounce – The angle at which the sole of the club makes contact with the ground, especially on wedges.
Bracket: In tournament play, the structure used to organize and match players for head-to-head competition, often in elimination-style formats.
Break – The curve of a putt caused by the slope of the green.
Bulldog Grip – A type of golf grip where the hands are turned slightly clockwise (for right-handed golfers) on the club.
Butt – The end of the club where the grip is located, often used as a reference point in instruction.
Bunker – A sand-filled hazard, often located near greens or fairways.
C
Caddie – A person who carries a golfer's clubs and provides advice and support during play.
Carry – The distance a ball travels through the air before hitting the ground.
Casual Water – Any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is not in a water hazard, where players are usually allowed to take relief.
Chip-In – A chip shot that goes directly into the hole.
Chip Shot – A short, low shot typically played from near the green, intended to get the ball onto the green quickly.
Chunk – Hitting the ground before the ball, resulting in a short, weak shot.
Clean Card – A round where the player has no penalties or mistakes, typically in a tournament setting.
Clubhead – The striking surface of the golf club.
Clubhead Speed – The speed at which the clubhead moves during the downswing, affecting the distance the ball travels.
Clubhouse – The main building at a golf course, offering facilities like a lounge, restaurant, and locker rooms for players.
Compression – A measurement of the density of a golf ball, affecting its feel and distance.
Course – A golf course, typically consisting of 18 holes.
Course Features – Specific areas on the course such as bunkers, water hazards, and fairways.
Course Handicap – The strokes a golfer receives based on their handicap index, adjusted for a specific course's difficulty.
Course Rating – A number that represents the difficulty of a golf course for a scratch golfer, considering factors such as distance and course features.
Clubface – The striking part of the club that makes contact with the ball.
Cross Bunker – A bunker that cuts across the fairway, usually located in a position where it challenges the player’s approach to the green.
Cup – The hole on the green, including its plastic or metal liner.
Cut – A method of qualifying for a tournament, where only the players with the best scores after a set number of rounds move on to the final rounds.
D
Deep Rough – Long grass that makes it difficult to strike the ball cleanly.
Divot – A piece of turf removed from the ground when hitting the ball, typically from the fairway or tee.
Driver (1-Wood) – The longest club, used for the first shot on par 4s and par 5s, typically providing maximum distance off the tee.
Driving Range – A practice area with tees for hitting balls, allowing golfers to work on their swing.
Dogleg – A hole that turns left or right, creating a sharp angle in the fairway.
Dogleg Left/Right – A hole that turns to the left or right, making it difficult to reach the green in a straight line from the tee.
Dormie – A situation in match play where one player has a lead equal to the number of holes remaining, ensuring victory if the match continues at the same pace.
Double Bogey – A score of two strokes over par on a hole.
Double Eagle – A score of three under par on a hole, also known as an "albatross."
Downswing – The phase of the swing where the golfer moves the club from the top of the backswing toward the ball, leading to impact.
Draw – A shot that curves gently to the left (for right-handed golfers).
Drop Zone – A designated area on the course where a player can drop a ball after certain penalties, like hitting into a water hazard.
Duffer – A friendly term for someone who's still learning the ropes.
E
Eagle – A score of two strokes under par on a hole.
Elbow Room – The space needed for a proper swing, often referring to a player’s stance.
Elevated Green – A green located higher than the surrounding area.
Embassy – A type of golf course feature that consists of elevated mounds around the greens.
Environmental Hazard – Natural features like trees, rocks, or bushes that can interfere with play and are not part of a hazard.
Equipment – The clubs, balls, tees, and other tools used in the game of golf.
Embedded Ball – A ball that has become lodged in the ground, often in a bunker or soft turf.
Equitable Stroke Control (ESC) – A system that adjusts a golfer's score on certain holes to prevent high scores from affecting their handicap.
Etiquette – The expected behaviour on the course and at the club, based on common sense and consideration for others, such as not distracting players, respecting right of way, ensuring safety, and maintaining a good pace of play.
Even Par – A score that matches the course's par.
F
Fairway – The well-maintained part of the golf course between the tee and the green, where most shots are played.
Fairway Wood – A type of club used for long-distance shots from the fairway, typically numbered 3-5.
Fat Shot – A poorly struck shot that hits the ground before the ball, often resulting in a short, poorly directed shot.
Ferrule – A cosmetic plastic ring covering the join between the club head and shaft.
Fitting – The process of selecting golf equipment that suits a player’s physical attributes and swing style for optimal performance.
Flagstick – The pole with a flag that marks the location of the hole on the green.
Flat Stick – A slang term for the putter.
Flat Swing – A swing that follows a more horizontal plane, as opposed to the more vertical plane of an upright swing.
Flop Shot – A high, soft shot played with an open club face, usually with a lob or sand wedge, that travels short distances and lands with little roll.
Flyer – A shot that travels further than expected, often due to a clean hit from the fairway or a wet, soft course.
Follow-Through – The continuation of the swing after the ball has been struck, crucial for proper ball control and balance.
Fore! – A warning shouted to alert others that a golf ball is heading toward them.
Fade – A shot that curves gently to the right (for right-handed golfers).
Full Swing – The standard swing with a complete backswing and follow-through, used for most iron and wood shots.
Free Drop – A drop taken without penalty, usually when the ball lands in an area where play is not allowed or is unplayable.
Fried Egg – A lie in the sand where the ball is partially buried, resembling a fried egg.
Fringe – The short grass area around the green, between the green itself and the rough, often used for chips or putts.
Front Nine – The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
G
Gap Wedge (GW) – A wedge used to fill the distance gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge, providing more loft for approach shots.
Gimme – An informal term for a short putt that opponents agree doesn't need to be played.
Gold Tees – Sometimes used as senior tees or special competition tees, offering an intermediate level of difficulty.
Golf Pro – A professional golfer or instructor who teaches golf, provides advice, and manages tournaments or events at the course.
Grain –The direction in which grass grows, affecting the roll and distance of putts. It varies across greens and can be more noticeable with grasses like Bermuda.
Green – The area of the golf course where the hole is located, typically with short grass for putting.
Green Contours – The slopes and undulations of the putting surface that influence ball movement.
Green Fee – The charge paid to play a round of golf at a course.
Greenskeeper – The person or team responsible for maintaining the course and ensuring optimal conditions.
Green Side Bunker – A bunker located near the green, often requiring a short, high shot to clear and land near the hole.
Green Speed – The pace at which a ball rolls on the putting surface, measured by a stimpmeter.
Green Tees – Occasionally found on courses, these are designed for juniors, beginners, or recreational players seeking shorter distances.
Grip – The handle of the golf club, or the way a player holds the club.
Grip Pressure – The firmness with which a golfer holds the club, which can affect the swing and shot accuracy.
Gross Score – The total number of strokes a golfer takes to complete a round, without any adjustments for their handicap.
Grooves – Horizontal depressions on the club face that provide grip for backspin and lift. The two main types are V and U (square) grooves.
Grounding the Club – Placing the club on the ground before making a shot, which is only allowed in certain situations.
Grounded Club – A club resting on the ground, which may lead to a penalty in certain conditions.
H
Hacker – A term often used informally to describe a golfer who is inexperienced or has a high handicap.
Handicap – A numerical measure of a golfer’s skill level that is used to adjust scores for fairness in competition.
Handicap Differential – The difference between a golfer's adjusted score and the course rating, multiplied by a constant, to estimate their potential score.
Handicap Index – A measure of a golfer's potential ability, calculated from their best scores and used to adjust scores for different courses.
Halfway House – A rest area or small building typically located between the ninth and tenth holes, where golfers can get refreshments.
Hazard – Any obstacle on the course, such as a bunker, water, or out-of-bounds area, that affects play.
Heel – The part of the clubhead closest to the hosel (where the shaft attaches).
Heel-toe Weighting – Weight placed at the heel and toe to increase moment of inertia (MOI), reducing twisting and making the club more forgiving.
Hole – The target on the course where the ball must be hit to complete a hole, typically 4.25 inches in diameter.
Hole-in-One – A shot that lands the ball directly into the hole from the tee, completing the hole in one stroke.
Hole Number – The sequential number for each hole on the course.
Hook – A shot that curves dramatically to the left (for right-handed golfers), often caused by a closed clubface.
Hybrid – A type of club that combines elements of irons and woods, often used for longer shots.
I
Impact – The moment when the golf club makes contact with the ball during the swing.
Inside Out – A swing path where the clubhead moves from the inside of the target line to the outside, typically resulting in a draw.
Interference – Any object or condition that interferes with a player’s shot, requiring relief.
Interlocking Grip – A type of grip where the little finger of the trailing hand is interlocked with the index finger of the lead hand.
Index – A numerical measure used to determine a golfer’s skill level for competitions and handicaps.
Irons – Clubs with a flat, angled face used for mid to short-range shots. Numbered from 3 to 9, with higher numbers offering higher loft and shorter distance.
J
Jack – Slang for a hole-in-one or an outstanding shot.
Job – A golf term used to describe a very difficult or near-impossible situation, often referencing a challenging shot.
Jigger – A small, old-fashioned club, also called a short iron, used for approach shots or chipping.
Jump Shot – A shot where the golfer intentionally lifts the ball slightly off the ground, often to avoid obstacles.
Junk – A slang term for a poorly hit shot or a golf ball stuck in a difficult spot, like a tree.
K
Keys to the Green – Key strategies for successfully playing on the green, like reading putts and controlling distance.
Kick Point – The point on the shaft where it bends most. Low kick points create higher launch angles, while high kick points create lower ones.
King of the Course – A playful title given to the best player in a specific golf course or competition.
Knee Knock – A term describing a nervous or unsteady stance, often seen in golfers under pressure.
Knock Down Shot – A low, controlled shot that reduces the effect of wind, typically used in windy conditions.
Kuchar Grip – A putting grip technique used by golfer Matt Kuchar, involving a more relaxed, two-handed hold on the putter.
L
Leaderboard – A chart showing players' rankings based on their scores in a tournament or competition.
League – A group of golfers who compete regularly in a structured format, ranging from casual to competitive.
Lag Putting – A long putt aimed at getting the ball close to the hole rather than holing it outright.
Lie – The way the ball sits on the ground, whether it’s in the fairway, rough, sand, or other areas, affecting how the shot is played.
Lie Angle – The angle between the shaft and the ground when the club is at rest, affecting ball flight and accuracy.
Line Up – To assess the slope or break of the green and decide the direction to hit the ball.
Links Course– A type of golf course, often found near coastal areas, characterized by natural terrain like sand dunes.
Lip – The edge of the hole, often referred to when a putt rims the hole but doesn't drop in.
Lob Shot – A short, high-trajectory shot, typically played with a lob wedge to get the ball over an obstacle.
Lob Wedge (LW) – The highest lofted wedge, used for high, short approach shots, especially around the greens or in tricky lies.
Loft – The angle of the clubface, affecting ball trajectory and distance. Higher lofts hit the ball higher, lower lofts produce a lower trajectory.
Long Game – Shots played from over 180 yards (for the average male golfer).
Low Handicapper – is generally a golfer with a handicap of 9 or below. This indicates a higher skill level, with scores close to or below par.
Low Profile – A club with a shorter height from sole to crown, creating a lower centre of gravity for easier high shots.
M
Majors – The four main men's golf tournaments: The Masters, USPGA Championship, US Open, and The Open Championship (British Open).
Match Play – A form of golf competition in which players compete hole by hole, rather than for a total score.
Marshal – A course official responsible for ensuring pace of play, enforcing rules, and assisting players when needed.
Mashie – An old term for a club that is now typically referred to as a 5-iron or a short iron.
Mashie Niblick – A type of club that was once commonly used for approach shots, now mostly replaced by wedges.
Mental Game – The psychological aspect of golf, focusing on focus, confidence, and emotional control.
Middle Tees – The set of tees located between the forward and back tees, offering a balanced difficulty.
Misread – Incorrectly judging factors like wind, slope, surface hardness, or grass effects on the ball's trajectory.
Moment of Inertia – (MOI) in golf measures a clubhead's resistance to twisting when the ball is struck off-center. A higher MOI means more forgiveness, helping keep shots straighter even on mishits.
Mound – A raised area of land on a golf course, often found around greens or fairways.
Mulligan – An informal term for a "do-over" shot, often not allowed in official play.
N
Nassau – A golf betting game with three parts: the front nine, back nine, and overall 18-hole score, with separate or combined betting options.
Natural Golf – A style of golf that focuses on using a more natural, fluid swing rather than emphasizing mechanical movements.
Natural Obstruction – A natural feature (e.g., tree or rock) that may block a player's swing, with rules on how to proceed.
Neck – The narrow portion of a golf club between the grip and the clubhead.
Net Score – The golfer’s gross score adjusted by their handicap, providing a more accurate measure of performance in relation to skill level.
Nick – A small chip or damage to the golf ball's surface that may impact its performance.
Nineteenth Hole – A term used to refer to the clubhouse bar or restaurant where players gather after a round.
No-Lay-Up – A golf strategy of attempting a more difficult shot rather than playing a safer one to avoid a hazard.
Nudging – A slang term for a slight push or tap on the golf ball, often accidentally or during an unintentional movement of the ball.
O
Obstruction – Any object, whether natural or man-made, that interferes with a player's ability to play the ball, usually not a penalty unless part of the course's hazards.
Offset – The distance between the club's leading edge and the centre of the shaft/hosel, with the leading edge positioned behind the shaft in the address position.
Off the Tee – The act of hitting the ball from the tee box at the start of a hole.
On the Green – When the ball is on the putting surface of the hole, ready to be putted.
Onset – The distance between the club's leading edge and the centre of the shaft/hosel in the address position.
Open Championship – One of the four major championships in professional golf, often referred to as "The British Open."
Open Face – A clubface that is angled away from the target line, often resulting in a slice.
Out of Bounds – Areas outside the designated boundaries of the course where play is not allowed.
Out of Play – A situation in which a shot is deemed unplayable, requiring a penalty stroke for relief.
Outside-In Swing – A swing path where the club moves from outside the target line to inside, often resulting in a slice or pull.
Over Par – Any score higher than the par for a hole or round, such as bogeys, double bogeys, or triple bogeys.
Overclub – When a golfer uses a club that is too long for a particular shot, leading to hitting the ball too far.
Overhead Shot – A high, lofted shot, often used when there is an obstacle between the player and the target.
Over the Top – A flaw in a golfer’s swing where the club is taken too far outside the ideal swing path on the backswing, leading to a steep downswing and often causing slices.
P
Pace of Play – The speed at which golfers complete their round, keeping up with the group ahead and avoiding delays.
Par – The standard number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole.
Penalty Area – Areas marked red or yellow, including water hazards, where a penalty stroke is incurred if the ball lands in them.
Penalty Stroke – An additional stroke added to a golfer's score for violating rules or hitting into hazards.
Pin – Another term for the flagstick or the hole itself.
Pick-Up Rule – A rule that lets players move to the next hole after reaching a set number of strokes (usually 9 or more) to keep the game moving.
Pitch – A short, high shot played with a lofted club, usually from near the green.
Pitching Wedge (PW) – A wedge with moderate loft, typically used for approach shots from shorter distances or chips.
Practice Green – A designated area for practising putting and short game shots.
Practice Range – A designated area on a golf course or facility where golfers can practice their swings, typically equipped with targets.
Press – A wager made during a round of golf that is added to the existing bet if a player falls behind, offering a chance to catch up.
Pro Shop – A golf course shop selling equipment and apparel, where players typically check in.
Provisional Ball – A second ball played when a player is unsure whether their first ball is in bounds or playable, typically in case the first ball is lost.
Pull – A shot that travels left of the target (for right-handed golfers), caused by an inside-to-out swing path.
Push – A shot that goes straight but veers to the right (for right-handed golfers), left (for left-handed golfers).
Putter – A club used for rolling the ball into the hole on the green, available in various head shapes such as blade or mallet to suit different playing styles.
Pitched Shot – A shot that travels high in the air with a steep angle, typically used for approach shots.
Q
Quick Play – The practice of playing a round of golf in a short amount of time, often with a focus on keeping the pace up.
Qualifier - A tournament or round used to determine which players advance to a larger or more prestigious event.
Quail Hunt – A term for a difficult shot, often used when describing tricky golf conditions.
R
Rake – A tool used to smooth sand in bunkers after a shot.
Range Ball – A low-cost, two-piece ball designed for driving ranges, often altered to limit its distance.
Ranger – A marshal focused on monitoring pace of play and ensuring no delays; also referred to as a course marshal.
Rangefinder – A device that measures the distance to a target, often used to determine yardage on the course.
Reading the Green – The process of analyzing the slope, grain, and speed of a putting surface to predict how the ball will roll.
Red Tees – Often referred to as the forward tees, typically the shortest, commonly used by beginners or players seeking a less challenging distance.
Release – The action of allowing the wrists to unhinge during the downswing, helping to generate power and accuracy.
Relief – A rule that allows a player to reposition the ball without penalty under certain conditions (e.g., from an obstruction or ground under repair).
Regrip – Replacing the grip on a golf club to maintain control and comfort during play.
Replay – Playing the same hole again, either as part of a practice session or due to a poor first shot.
Reverse Pivot – An incorrect swing movement where the golfer shifts weight in the wrong direction during the backswing.
Rough – Areas of taller grass surrounding the fairway, making it harder to hit clean shots.
Round – A complete game of golf, typically consisting of 9 or 18 holes.
Rimmed Out – A putt that circles the edge of the cup but doesn’t drop in.
Rule of Golf – The official guidelines that govern how the game is played, including penalties and course etiquette.
Run – The distance a golf ball travels after landing.
Ryder Cup – A biennial golf competition between teams from the United States and Europe.
S
Sand Trap – A bunker filled with sand, typically located near the green or along the fairway.
Sand Wedge (SW) – A wedge with a high loft, primarily used for bunker shots, chipping, and short approach shots.
Score – The number of strokes taken on each hole.
Scorecard – A document used to record scores for each hole on the course.
Scramble – A format where all players in a group hit and then play the next shot from the best position.
Shank – A poorly struck shot where the ball is hit with the hosel (side) of the club, resulting in an erratic shot direction.
Shaft – The long, flexible part of the golf club that connects the clubhead to the grip. Its flexibility and material affect swing characteristics.
Short Game – The part of golf played near the green, including chipping, pitching, and putting.
Slice – A shot that curves dramatically to the right (for right-handed golfers), often due to an open clubface at impact.
Slope – A measure of the relative difficulty of a course for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers.
Slope Rating – A measure of course difficulty for a bogey golfer.
Sloped Green – A green with noticeable inclines or declines, affecting the ball’s roll.
Sole – The bottom of the club when in the playing position.
Speed Slot – A feature on some golf clubs that allows the clubhead to achieve greater speed at impact.
Spin Rate – The amount of spin on the ball, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
Square – When the clubface is perpendicular to the target line at impact, leading to a straight shot.
Starter – The person who manages tee times and ensures golfers start on time, typically seen at the first hole.
Stimpmeter – A device used to measure the speed of greens by determining how far a ball rolls on the putting surface
Stroke – A single act of striking the ball with a golf club. In official play, the term "stroke" can also refer to the total number of strokes taken to complete a round or hole. A stroke includes the actual swing and any penalties incurred.
Stroke Play – A scoring format where the total number of strokes taken is counted over the course of a round or multiple rounds.
Stroke Index (SI) – The difficulty rating of each hole, with SI 1 being the most difficult and SI 18 the easiest.
Stymie – A situation where one golfer's ball blocks another's putt, forcing them to play around it. Before rule changes, the ball had to be played as it lay, but now it must be marked and moved if in the way.
Surlyn – A durable material used for the outer cover of a golf ball.
Sweet Spot – The ideal area on the clubface for striking the ball to achieve optimal results.
Swing – The motion a golfer makes to hit the ball, involving the entire body in a coordinated effort.
Swing Analysis - Using technology or expert observation to study a golfer's swing mechanics and improve performance.
Swing Mechanics - The techniques and movements involved in a golfer's swing, focusing on posture, grip, and motion for optimal performance.
Swing Plane – The path the club follows during the swing.
Swing Speed – Speed at which the club head moves. Average male swing speed is around 145 km/h, while professionals range from 185-200 km/h. Female swing speeds typically range from 95-135 km/h.
Swing Weight – A measurement of a club's balance, represented by a letter and number. It helps club makers tailor the balance to suit your preferences across all clubs.
T
Tap-In – A very short putt, typically just a couple of inches away from the hole, that can be easily sunk.
Team Event – A golf competition where players compete in teams rather than as individuals, with scoring methods like best ball or scramble.
Tee – A small device used to elevate the ball on the teeing ground for the first stroke of a hole.
Tee Box – The area where golfers begin a hole, where the tee is placed.
Teeing Ground – The area at the start of a hole where the ball is placed on a tee for the first shot.
Tempo – The rhythm and timing of a golfer’s swing, crucial for consistency and accuracy.
Tending the Pin – Holding the flagstick at another golfer's request, typically when they need help judging the distance of a putt.
Texas Wedge – A playful term for using a putter from off the green, typically on short grass.
Thin Shot – A poorly struck shot that doesn't make full contact with the ball, often resulting in a weak, low shot.
Tiger Line – A risky but rewarding direct shot over a hazard or obstacle to shorten the hole.
Tight Lie – A lie where the ball is close to the ground, often with little or no grass, leaving little margin for error.
Titanium – A strong, lightweight metal often used for drivers due to its high strength-to-weight ratio.
Toe – The part of the clubhead farthest from the shaft.
Topping the Ball – A mistake where the golfer hits the top of the ball, causing it to travel along the ground rather than in the air.
Total Strokes – The total number of strokes a player takes to complete the round.
Tournament – A competitive event where golfers aim for the best score over one or more rounds, often with prizes or rankings.
Trajectory – The path the ball follows through the air.
Trap – Another term for a bunker, typically filled with sand.
Turn – Refers to the halfway point in an 18-hole round, typically after the ninth hole.
U
Under Par – Any score lower than the par for a hole or round, such as birdies, eagles, or albatrosses.
Unplayable Lie – A situation where the ball is in a position that the golfer deems impossible or impractical to play, requiring a penalty drop.
Uphill Lie – When the ball rests on a slope with the higher ground in front of the golfer, affecting the shot trajectory.
Up-and-Down – A term used when a golfer gets the ball in the hole in two strokes after missing the green with their approach shot.
Upright Swing – A swing that follows a more vertical plane, with the club travelling steeper than a flat swing.
Unplayable Lie – A situation where the ball cannot be hit in its current position, requiring a penalty stroke to be taken.
Utility Club – A hybrid club designed to combine the best features of woods and irons, offering versatility and forgiveness.
V
Vault – A term for a difficult, high, and potentially risky shot.
Vardon Grip – A popular grip where the pinky of the trailing hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand.
Velocity – The speed at which the golf ball travels after being struck.
Vertical Swing Plane – The angle of the club's movement in a more upright, vertical path during the swing.
Victory Lap – When a ball circles the edge of the hole before falling in.
Visual Alignment – The process of using visual cues to properly aim a shot.
W
Waggle – A pre-swing movement to relax and prepare for the shot.
Water Hazards – Lakes, ponds, or streams that increase risk and strategy on the course.
Wedge – A club with a high loft designed for short, accurate shots, including the sand wedge, pitching wedge, and lob wedge.
Whiff – A missed shot where the club does not make contact with the ball.
White Tees – Also called the middle tees, these are designed for average golfers and offer a standard level of difficulty.
Wind Exposure – The openness of a course to wind, significantly influencing play.
Winter Rules – Temporary local rules allowing players to improve their lie due to poor course conditions.
Woods – Clubs with a larger head used for long-distance shots, including the driver (1-wood) and fairway woods (3-wood, 5-wood).
Worm Burner – A shot that stays very low to the ground, often due to hitting the ball poorly with the clubface.
X
X-Factor – A term used to describe the difference in shoulder and hip rotation during the golf swing, often thought to generate power.
X-Out – A term used for golf balls that are defective or used as promotional items, typically sold at a discount.
Y
Yardage – The length of each hole, typically listed for multiple tee options (e.g., red, white, blue).
Yardage Book – A small booklet or digital guide with measurements and layouts of each hole on a course.
Yard Marker – Indicates distance to the green, usually at 100, 150, or 200 yards.
Yips – A sudden loss of fine motor control, often affecting putting, leading to a jerky or inconsistent stroke.
Yellow Tees – A tee box used for golfers of average skill level, typically placed between the forward (red) and back (blue) tees.
Z
Zebra – Slang for a putter with striped alignment markings to help with aiming.
Zero Putts – A term for a round in which a golfer doesn’t take any putts due to making all their holes in one stroke (a hole-in-one on every hole).
Zone – A mental state where a golfer feels completely focused and performs exceptionally well.
Zipper – A slang term for a shot hit with a driver or other club that results in a powerful, straight ball flight.
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