Glossary of Golf A - F
Golf Glossary - 'A'
address - (aka: "set up") the position of the player and his club as he/she stands over the ball preparing to take a shot.
airmail - a shot that carries completely over something. Similar to an 'airball' in basketball. Example: "I hit driver, 3 wood and then airmailed the green with my wedge."
alignment - the lining up of the body to the intended target or the position at which the player addresses the ball. Typically the player is aligned at ninety degrees to the intended target. This being said, drawing a straight line from the players toes (on both feet) towards the target, the players shoulders and from the face of the club should result in three parallel lines. and is known as 'parallel alignment'. It is the usual starting position or address position.
angle of approach - The direction in which the head of a golf club is traveling during a golfers downswing. The 'angle' is created between the line created by the traveling club head and the target line. Example: a steep angle of approach is more likely to cause a large divot.
approach putt - see "lag") a long putt that the player do not really expect to be holed. Rather, it is intended to finish close to the hole so as to enable a second putt that is much easier that the first.
approach shot - (aka: "approach") a shot taken from the fairway with the intention of landing (and staying) on the green.
apron - (aka: "collar" or "fringe" or "frog hair") the short grass that separates the putting green from rough or fairway. Usually fairly short but longer than the grass on the green.
army golf - a person is said to be playing 'army golf' when they hit the ball back and forth over the green. The term is derived from a drill sergeant yelling at his men "Left! Right! Left! Right!" as they march. Example: "Robert's drive got him into the green-side bunker but then he played army golf and scored a triple bogey."
attend the flag - (aka: "tend the pin/flag") holding the pin/flag stick while a player makes his stroke ensuring that once contact is made with the ball the pin can removed from the hole to avoid any penalty strokes being incurred.
away - the player in a group who is ball lies farthest from the hole. Example: John's drive was the shortest so he was away to hit his second shot.
address - (aka: "set up") the position of the player and his club as he/she stands over the ball preparing to take a shot.
airmail - a shot that carries completely over something. Similar to an 'airball' in basketball. Example: "I hit driver, 3 wood and then airmailed the green with my wedge."
alignment - the lining up of the body to the intended target or the position at which the player addresses the ball. Typically the player is aligned at ninety degrees to the intended target. This being said, drawing a straight line from the players toes (on both feet) towards the target, the players shoulders and from the face of the club should result in three parallel lines. and is known as 'parallel alignment'. It is the usual starting position or address position.
angle of approach - The direction in which the head of a golf club is traveling during a golfers downswing. The 'angle' is created between the line created by the traveling club head and the target line. Example: a steep angle of approach is more likely to cause a large divot.
approach putt - see "lag") a long putt that the player do not really expect to be holed. Rather, it is intended to finish close to the hole so as to enable a second putt that is much easier that the first.
approach shot - (aka: "approach") a shot taken from the fairway with the intention of landing (and staying) on the green.
apron - (aka: "collar" or "fringe" or "frog hair") the short grass that separates the putting green from rough or fairway. Usually fairly short but longer than the grass on the green.
army golf - a person is said to be playing 'army golf' when they hit the ball back and forth over the green. The term is derived from a drill sergeant yelling at his men "Left! Right! Left! Right!" as they march. Example: "Robert's drive got him into the green-side bunker but then he played army golf and scored a triple bogey."
attend the flag - (aka: "tend the pin/flag") holding the pin/flag stick while a player makes his stroke ensuring that once contact is made with the ball the pin can removed from the hole to avoid any penalty strokes being incurred.
away - the player in a group who is ball lies farthest from the hole. Example: John's drive was the shortest so he was away to hit his second shot.
Golf Glossary - 'B'
back nine - (aka: "backside") the last nine holes on any golf course. The opposite of "front nine or the first nine holes of any golf course. Example: "The best holes at Royal Woodbine are on the back nine."
backspin - (aka: "juice", "english", "junk") the action of the ball spinning in the reverse direction to its flight. Backspin will cause the ball to slow down much faster or even roll back towards the shooter once it lands on the green.
backswing - the part of the swing that begins at the address with the club head right behind the ball and and ends at the top of the swing immediately prior to the downswing. The backswing essentially begins the golf swing.
bag - (aka: "golfbag") the bag (usually made of some kind of fabric or leather) in which a player places his/her clubs during a game of golf until needed.
ball mark - (aka: "ballmark" or "pitch mark") the divot left on the green (whether torn on not) when an approach shot strikes the green. Example: "When Jackie got to the green she repaired her ball mark prior to evaluating the 20 foot putt that she had left for birdie."
ball marker - (aka: "marker") a small, flat object usually about the size of a dime (if fact a dime is sometimes used) that is used to mark the position of the ball while it is lifted.
ball position - a term used to describe the position of the ball relative to the stance of a player (and specifically his/her feet and shoulders) at the address position.
ball washer - any unit used to clean golf balls. Typically the golf course will provide ball washers at most tees so that golfers can clean their balls prior to driving.
beach - (aka: "sand trap" or "bunker") any hazard on the golf course consisting of sand. Often found near a putting green or around the landing area of the fairway. Example: "Doug's approach shot fell short of the green and into the beach."
best ball - a type of golf tournament where each player plays his/her own ball for the entire round, while the team records the individual score from the low team member on each hole. The 'best scores' are then totaled for the teams final 18 hole score. There can be two, three or four golfers on each team. Note: a 'best ball' and a 'scramble' are not the same thing.
birdie - a score of one less than par for any hole. Example: "Steve made a birdie (4) on the par 5, 15th hole."
bite - (aka: "check" or "grab" or "hold" or "sit" or "sit down" or "hit a house") the result of backspin when the ball lands on the green. Example: "Wallace applied so much backspin that the ball bit the green and stopped short after one bounce." Golfers often yell or mutter under their breath 'bite' (or 'hold' or 'sit' or 'hit a house') when they want the ball to stop quickly. Most often used on an approach shot. Also see "check".
blade - part of the head of an iron. Specifically where the face of the club meets the bottom/flange forming the leading corner of the club head or the blade. Example: "If you hit the ball with the blade of the club it could hurt your hands if the weather is cold."
blade - a type of iron where the bottom and the top are particularly thin as compared to standard or even oversize clubs. Example: "Karl prefers to hit blades rather than those new oversized irons."
blade - (aka: "skull" or "thin" or "belly") the action of hitting a ball with the blade of a club resulting in a low trajectory shot. Example: "After a good drive Mark bladed/skulled/thinned/bellied his approach shot into the bunker at the back of the green."
blast - (aka: "blast shot" or "explosion" or "explosion shot") a shot (usually out of a sand bunker) that impacts the sand prior to the ball and results in a splash or blast of sand that hopefully removes the ball from the bunker. Derived from the similar appearance of a grenade or other blast in sand. Example: "As Adrian blasted out of the bunker but we couldn't see him for all the sand."
block - (aka: "block shot" or " push") technical term used to describe a shot that travels away from a player's intended line due to an open face &/or an inside-out swing path.
blocks - see "tee blocks".
bogey - (aka: "bogie") a score of one more than par for a hole.
bogey golf - shooting an average of one over par on every hole. Example "I am shooting in the high nineties now but my goal is to play bogey golf by the end of the summer."
break - the turn or curve expected to result from a ball rolling over the undulations of the green. Regardless of how minute the turn or curve may be. Example: "It was amazing! Jim read a twelve foot right-to-left break and sunk the thirty foot putt for par."
bump and run - See 'chip'
bumping it - (aka: "foot wedge" or "improving your lie" or "preferred lies" or "winter rules") changing the position of the ball making either the swing path cleaner or making it easier to hit the ball. Unless agreed upon by players before hand or part of local/seasonal rules this is illegal and penalty strokes may apply.
bunker - a noticeable depression usually filled with sand. See also: 'beach'.
back nine - (aka: "backside") the last nine holes on any golf course. The opposite of "front nine or the first nine holes of any golf course. Example: "The best holes at Royal Woodbine are on the back nine."
backspin - (aka: "juice", "english", "junk") the action of the ball spinning in the reverse direction to its flight. Backspin will cause the ball to slow down much faster or even roll back towards the shooter once it lands on the green.
backswing - the part of the swing that begins at the address with the club head right behind the ball and and ends at the top of the swing immediately prior to the downswing. The backswing essentially begins the golf swing.
bag - (aka: "golfbag") the bag (usually made of some kind of fabric or leather) in which a player places his/her clubs during a game of golf until needed.
ball mark - (aka: "ballmark" or "pitch mark") the divot left on the green (whether torn on not) when an approach shot strikes the green. Example: "When Jackie got to the green she repaired her ball mark prior to evaluating the 20 foot putt that she had left for birdie."
ball marker - (aka: "marker") a small, flat object usually about the size of a dime (if fact a dime is sometimes used) that is used to mark the position of the ball while it is lifted.
ball position - a term used to describe the position of the ball relative to the stance of a player (and specifically his/her feet and shoulders) at the address position.
ball washer - any unit used to clean golf balls. Typically the golf course will provide ball washers at most tees so that golfers can clean their balls prior to driving.
beach - (aka: "sand trap" or "bunker") any hazard on the golf course consisting of sand. Often found near a putting green or around the landing area of the fairway. Example: "Doug's approach shot fell short of the green and into the beach."
best ball - a type of golf tournament where each player plays his/her own ball for the entire round, while the team records the individual score from the low team member on each hole. The 'best scores' are then totaled for the teams final 18 hole score. There can be two, three or four golfers on each team. Note: a 'best ball' and a 'scramble' are not the same thing.
birdie - a score of one less than par for any hole. Example: "Steve made a birdie (4) on the par 5, 15th hole."
bite - (aka: "check" or "grab" or "hold" or "sit" or "sit down" or "hit a house") the result of backspin when the ball lands on the green. Example: "Wallace applied so much backspin that the ball bit the green and stopped short after one bounce." Golfers often yell or mutter under their breath 'bite' (or 'hold' or 'sit' or 'hit a house') when they want the ball to stop quickly. Most often used on an approach shot. Also see "check".
blade - part of the head of an iron. Specifically where the face of the club meets the bottom/flange forming the leading corner of the club head or the blade. Example: "If you hit the ball with the blade of the club it could hurt your hands if the weather is cold."
blade - a type of iron where the bottom and the top are particularly thin as compared to standard or even oversize clubs. Example: "Karl prefers to hit blades rather than those new oversized irons."
blade - (aka: "skull" or "thin" or "belly") the action of hitting a ball with the blade of a club resulting in a low trajectory shot. Example: "After a good drive Mark bladed/skulled/thinned/bellied his approach shot into the bunker at the back of the green."
blast - (aka: "blast shot" or "explosion" or "explosion shot") a shot (usually out of a sand bunker) that impacts the sand prior to the ball and results in a splash or blast of sand that hopefully removes the ball from the bunker. Derived from the similar appearance of a grenade or other blast in sand. Example: "As Adrian blasted out of the bunker but we couldn't see him for all the sand."
block - (aka: "block shot" or " push") technical term used to describe a shot that travels away from a player's intended line due to an open face &/or an inside-out swing path.
blocks - see "tee blocks".
bogey - (aka: "bogie") a score of one more than par for a hole.
bogey golf - shooting an average of one over par on every hole. Example "I am shooting in the high nineties now but my goal is to play bogey golf by the end of the summer."
break - the turn or curve expected to result from a ball rolling over the undulations of the green. Regardless of how minute the turn or curve may be. Example: "It was amazing! Jim read a twelve foot right-to-left break and sunk the thirty foot putt for par."
bump and run - See 'chip'
bumping it - (aka: "foot wedge" or "improving your lie" or "preferred lies" or "winter rules") changing the position of the ball making either the swing path cleaner or making it easier to hit the ball. Unless agreed upon by players before hand or part of local/seasonal rules this is illegal and penalty strokes may apply.
bunker - a noticeable depression usually filled with sand. See also: 'beach'.
Golf Glossary - 'C'
caddy - (aka: "caddie") an assistant to the golfer who is in charge of carrying the players equipment and providing advice on club selection and reading the green. Usually employed by the player although some private clubs will provide caddies free of charge to the members and their guests.
card - (aka: "scorecard") provided by the pro shop on which a players score is recorded. It usually lists each hole by number with the par, yardage (from each of the different tees) and handicap as well as other general information about the course (i.e. slope, rating, address, contact information and local rules).
carry - the distance a ball travels or must travel in the air in order to clear something or reach some destination. Example: "You gotta carry 210 yards to clear the water".
casual water - water on the golf course that is not part of the design (i.e. it is not marked/staked either out of bounds or as a hazard). Typically the result of a large or constant rainfall. The Rules of Golf state that you may take free relief from casual water no nearer to the hole.
check - (aka: "bite" or "grab" or "hold" or "sit" or "sit down" or "hit a house") the result of backspin when the ball lands on the green. Example: "Wallace applied so much backspin that the ball bit the green and stopped short after one bounce." Golfers often yell or mutter under their breath 'bite' (or 'hold' or 'sit' or 'hit a house') when they want the ball to stop quickly. Most often used on an approach shot. Also see "check".
chili dip - when a chip or pitch shot is hit a much shorter distance than intended/expected.
chip - (aka: "chip and run", "chip and roll", "bump and run") a shot that is intended to fly for a very short time and then roll or bounce the majority of its way towards the intended target. Usually, a shot from close the the green designed to get the ball close to the hole. Example: "Sean chipped over the fringe and it rolled to within 6 inches of the cup."
choke - a term used to describe the lack of performance or execution in a situation where there is significant pressure for a positive outcome. Example: "Having never before won the club championship, Brad choked under the pressure of a 4 foot putt on the eighteenth hole."
choke down - the action of establishing ones grip further down the grip of a golf club. Similar to "choking up" on a baseball bat.
chopper - See "hacker".
chunk - (aka: "fat" or "thick") to miss hitting the ball properly by impacting the ground too soon. Usually results in a large divot or at a minimum a poor shot that travels a short distance. Example: "On his second shot Charlie chunked his ball ten feet into the water."
closed - (aka: "closed club face", "closed stance") applies to either the alignment of the body/stance or the club face or both! A straight line drawn through the players shoulders or through the players ankles or straight out of the club face that crosses the intended target line is said to be in a closed stance or have a closed club face. Example: "A right handed player aligned to the right of the target or whose club face is aligned to the left of the target is too closed."
clubface - (aka: "club face") the flat surface of any golf club. Usually having grooves and intended for striking the ball.
clubhead - (aka: "club-head" or "head") attached to the opposite end of the shaft to the grip. Held properly the clubhead is at the bottom of the club and is used to impact the ball. The size of the clubhead is typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Example: "Some modern day drivers have clubheads larger than 400cc"
clubhead speed - (aka: "head speed") the speed of the clubhead measured in mph or kph at the moment of impact.
coil - the action of turning the hips and shoulders of the body during the backswing prior to beginning the downswing. Example: "The more coil you get the more likely you will be able to generate higher clubhead speed."
collar - (aka: "apron", "fringe", "frog hair") the grass between the fairway or rough and the green. Typically longer than the grass on the green but shorter than the fairway or rough. Usually between 2-3 feet wide and completely surrounding the green. Example: "My approach shot landed on the green but rolled on to the fringe."
compression - the flattening of the golf ball at impact with the clubface. Also the measurement describing the ease with which a ball may be compressed. The higher the compression ratio the harder it is to compress. Golf balls are commercially available with 80, 90, 100 or 110 compression.
connected - a slang term used to describe good/solid impact with the ball. Example: "On the par four third hole John really connected with his driver and put the ball on the fringe!"
course management - (aka: "game management", "managing your game") a skill developed by players allowing them to play to their strengths while on the golf course. A plan to accommodate getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes a as possible while considering/managing the hazards, terrain, distance and particular skills of the individual golfer.
course rating - an evaluation of the difficulty of a course for a scratch player (expressed in relation to the par of the course) Example: A course with a rating of 71.2 is more difficult than a course rated 69.
cross bunker - a bunker that crosses the width of the fairway. Different from the bunkers that generally lie to the side of fairways or run parallel to the fairway. Example: "John's driver took his ball right into the middle of the cross bunker on the fourth hole. Perhaps he should have laid up"
cross-handed - a type of grip whereby the traditional top hand is on bottom and vice versa. Often used when putting for additional control. Example: "While the cross handed grip can sometimes be uncomfortable it often results in fewer putts per round after a little practice."
cup - (aka: "hole") the hole in which the lag rests. specifically the liner of the hole. Usually constructed of plastic but aluminum cups are used as well. Example: "I love the sound of a long putt falling into the cup."
cut - (aka: "cut shot", "fade") a shot resulting from an outside-in swing path traveling, for a right-handed golfer, from left to right. Typically a cut shot travels slightly more aggressively from left to right than a fade but not as aggressively as a slice.
cut - (aka: "cut line") the score that a player must post (at a maximum) in order to be allowed to play in the next round of a tournament. Example: "Tiger Woods made friday's cut by 8 strokes."
caddy - (aka: "caddie") an assistant to the golfer who is in charge of carrying the players equipment and providing advice on club selection and reading the green. Usually employed by the player although some private clubs will provide caddies free of charge to the members and their guests.
card - (aka: "scorecard") provided by the pro shop on which a players score is recorded. It usually lists each hole by number with the par, yardage (from each of the different tees) and handicap as well as other general information about the course (i.e. slope, rating, address, contact information and local rules).
carry - the distance a ball travels or must travel in the air in order to clear something or reach some destination. Example: "You gotta carry 210 yards to clear the water".
casual water - water on the golf course that is not part of the design (i.e. it is not marked/staked either out of bounds or as a hazard). Typically the result of a large or constant rainfall. The Rules of Golf state that you may take free relief from casual water no nearer to the hole.
check - (aka: "bite" or "grab" or "hold" or "sit" or "sit down" or "hit a house") the result of backspin when the ball lands on the green. Example: "Wallace applied so much backspin that the ball bit the green and stopped short after one bounce." Golfers often yell or mutter under their breath 'bite' (or 'hold' or 'sit' or 'hit a house') when they want the ball to stop quickly. Most often used on an approach shot. Also see "check".
chili dip - when a chip or pitch shot is hit a much shorter distance than intended/expected.
chip - (aka: "chip and run", "chip and roll", "bump and run") a shot that is intended to fly for a very short time and then roll or bounce the majority of its way towards the intended target. Usually, a shot from close the the green designed to get the ball close to the hole. Example: "Sean chipped over the fringe and it rolled to within 6 inches of the cup."
choke - a term used to describe the lack of performance or execution in a situation where there is significant pressure for a positive outcome. Example: "Having never before won the club championship, Brad choked under the pressure of a 4 foot putt on the eighteenth hole."
choke down - the action of establishing ones grip further down the grip of a golf club. Similar to "choking up" on a baseball bat.
chopper - See "hacker".
chunk - (aka: "fat" or "thick") to miss hitting the ball properly by impacting the ground too soon. Usually results in a large divot or at a minimum a poor shot that travels a short distance. Example: "On his second shot Charlie chunked his ball ten feet into the water."
closed - (aka: "closed club face", "closed stance") applies to either the alignment of the body/stance or the club face or both! A straight line drawn through the players shoulders or through the players ankles or straight out of the club face that crosses the intended target line is said to be in a closed stance or have a closed club face. Example: "A right handed player aligned to the right of the target or whose club face is aligned to the left of the target is too closed."
clubface - (aka: "club face") the flat surface of any golf club. Usually having grooves and intended for striking the ball.
clubhead - (aka: "club-head" or "head") attached to the opposite end of the shaft to the grip. Held properly the clubhead is at the bottom of the club and is used to impact the ball. The size of the clubhead is typically measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Example: "Some modern day drivers have clubheads larger than 400cc"
clubhead speed - (aka: "head speed") the speed of the clubhead measured in mph or kph at the moment of impact.
coil - the action of turning the hips and shoulders of the body during the backswing prior to beginning the downswing. Example: "The more coil you get the more likely you will be able to generate higher clubhead speed."
collar - (aka: "apron", "fringe", "frog hair") the grass between the fairway or rough and the green. Typically longer than the grass on the green but shorter than the fairway or rough. Usually between 2-3 feet wide and completely surrounding the green. Example: "My approach shot landed on the green but rolled on to the fringe."
compression - the flattening of the golf ball at impact with the clubface. Also the measurement describing the ease with which a ball may be compressed. The higher the compression ratio the harder it is to compress. Golf balls are commercially available with 80, 90, 100 or 110 compression.
connected - a slang term used to describe good/solid impact with the ball. Example: "On the par four third hole John really connected with his driver and put the ball on the fringe!"
course management - (aka: "game management", "managing your game") a skill developed by players allowing them to play to their strengths while on the golf course. A plan to accommodate getting the ball in the hole in as few strokes a as possible while considering/managing the hazards, terrain, distance and particular skills of the individual golfer.
course rating - an evaluation of the difficulty of a course for a scratch player (expressed in relation to the par of the course) Example: A course with a rating of 71.2 is more difficult than a course rated 69.
cross bunker - a bunker that crosses the width of the fairway. Different from the bunkers that generally lie to the side of fairways or run parallel to the fairway. Example: "John's driver took his ball right into the middle of the cross bunker on the fourth hole. Perhaps he should have laid up"
cross-handed - a type of grip whereby the traditional top hand is on bottom and vice versa. Often used when putting for additional control. Example: "While the cross handed grip can sometimes be uncomfortable it often results in fewer putts per round after a little practice."
cup - (aka: "hole") the hole in which the lag rests. specifically the liner of the hole. Usually constructed of plastic but aluminum cups are used as well. Example: "I love the sound of a long putt falling into the cup."
cut - (aka: "cut shot", "fade") a shot resulting from an outside-in swing path traveling, for a right-handed golfer, from left to right. Typically a cut shot travels slightly more aggressively from left to right than a fade but not as aggressively as a slice.
cut - (aka: "cut line") the score that a player must post (at a maximum) in order to be allowed to play in the next round of a tournament. Example: "Tiger Woods made friday's cut by 8 strokes."
Golf Glossary - 'D'
dance floor - (aka: "green" or, "putting green" or, "putting surface") slang term for the green or putting surface. Example: "Wow! That's gonna be a tough putt, but at least you're on the dance floor."
dimples - the small circular indentations on all golf balls designed to improve flight, distance and spin.
dip - 1. the act of a golfer lowering his/her head during the process of making a golf swing. 2. an area on a golf course (often the green area) in which there is a gradual depression within the ground surface. Example: 1. He had a pronounced dip in his downswing and as a result frequently shanked the ball. 2. If you're not left of the pin on the fifth green your ball will roll right back to the front because of a large dip on the left side of the green.
divot - the portion of turf that is ripped out of the ground by the head of the club during a swing (regardless of whether the ball is contacted or not). Also, the hole that is left after a portion of turf is torn out of the ground as above. Example: "Rita took a six inch divot but she picked it up and replaced it afterwards." Also, "My ball rolled close the edge of fairway as I had planned but ended up in a divot.'
dogleg - any hole designed with a significant turn along the fairway either right or left. Derived from the similar shape of a dog's rear leg. Example: "The par 4 9th hole is a 465 yard dogleg left."
dog track - (aka: "goat path") a derogatory term for a golf course that is poorly maintained, lacks expected landscaping or creativity in design. Example: "Q: What do you think of that course? A: It's a dog track - especially for $85!"
double bogey - a score of two more than par on any hole.
double bogey golf - shooting on average two over par on every hole. Example: "I used to shoot in the low nineties but now I play double bogey golf.'
double eagle - (aka: "albatross") a score of 3 less than par on any hole. Example: "Adrian hit a monster drive on the par 4 fourth hole and put it in the hole for a double eagle/albatross.
down - meaning that you are behind in score to an opponent. Counted by the number of holes in match play and by strokes in medal play. Example: "I was down by four strokes to my brother on the 12th hole but managed to win by two as he blew up on the 17th and 18th holes."
downhill lie - when the position of the ball in on the down slope of a hill relative to the direction of the intended target.
downswing - (aka: "downward swing", "forward swing") the portion of the swing immediately following the backswing in which the club begins its downward motion towards the ball and continues until impact at which time the follow through begins.
drain - the act of sinking a putt into the cup. Example: "Geddy drained a thirty five foot putt for birdie."
draw - (aka: "slinger", "turn over") a shot that curves gently from right to left (for a right-handed player). A very aggressive or uncontrolled draw might be considered a hook. Example: "You can score really well on the third at St. Andrews if you can play an effective draw."
drive - a shot played off of a tee with a driver or other wood. sometimes with a low iron (i.e. #1, #2 or #3). Typically distance is desirable whenever you are driving the ball. Example: "After his drive Sid had only an 8 iron into the green."
driver - the number 1 and largest wood. Usually the first club used on a hole other than a par 3, and usually hit off of a tee in the tee area.
driving iron - (aka: "1 iron" sometimes a "2 iron") an iron that is used by some instead of a wood to promote additional control while still providing adequate distance off of the tee.
driving range - (aka: "practice range", "practice tee", "range") a location, either at a golf course or separate where players can practice by hitting balls provided with their various clubs in order to improve or warm up.
drop - the action of dropping the ball from shoulder height with an extended arm such that the ball, as it comes to a rest, is back in play. a drop is required under specific situations covered by the Rules of Golf. Example: "As her ball was on the cart path she was permitted to drop the ball no closer to the hole with no penalty strokes."
duck hook - (aka: "snap hook", "snapper", "quacker") a shot that curves abruptly and severely right to left (right-handed player). Example: Timothy tried to kill his drive on the first hole and ended up with an ugly duck hook/snap hook/snapper/quacker.
duff - (aka: "dub", "top") a shot that is so badly misplayed that it travels only a very short distance or is even missed entirely.
duffer - (aka: "hacker") a golfer who lacks any real skill or who is likely to have a number of duffs throughout the course of a round of golf.
dance floor - (aka: "green" or, "putting green" or, "putting surface") slang term for the green or putting surface. Example: "Wow! That's gonna be a tough putt, but at least you're on the dance floor."
dimples - the small circular indentations on all golf balls designed to improve flight, distance and spin.
dip - 1. the act of a golfer lowering his/her head during the process of making a golf swing. 2. an area on a golf course (often the green area) in which there is a gradual depression within the ground surface. Example: 1. He had a pronounced dip in his downswing and as a result frequently shanked the ball. 2. If you're not left of the pin on the fifth green your ball will roll right back to the front because of a large dip on the left side of the green.
divot - the portion of turf that is ripped out of the ground by the head of the club during a swing (regardless of whether the ball is contacted or not). Also, the hole that is left after a portion of turf is torn out of the ground as above. Example: "Rita took a six inch divot but she picked it up and replaced it afterwards." Also, "My ball rolled close the edge of fairway as I had planned but ended up in a divot.'
dogleg - any hole designed with a significant turn along the fairway either right or left. Derived from the similar shape of a dog's rear leg. Example: "The par 4 9th hole is a 465 yard dogleg left."
dog track - (aka: "goat path") a derogatory term for a golf course that is poorly maintained, lacks expected landscaping or creativity in design. Example: "Q: What do you think of that course? A: It's a dog track - especially for $85!"
double bogey - a score of two more than par on any hole.
double bogey golf - shooting on average two over par on every hole. Example: "I used to shoot in the low nineties but now I play double bogey golf.'
double eagle - (aka: "albatross") a score of 3 less than par on any hole. Example: "Adrian hit a monster drive on the par 4 fourth hole and put it in the hole for a double eagle/albatross.
down - meaning that you are behind in score to an opponent. Counted by the number of holes in match play and by strokes in medal play. Example: "I was down by four strokes to my brother on the 12th hole but managed to win by two as he blew up on the 17th and 18th holes."
downhill lie - when the position of the ball in on the down slope of a hill relative to the direction of the intended target.
downswing - (aka: "downward swing", "forward swing") the portion of the swing immediately following the backswing in which the club begins its downward motion towards the ball and continues until impact at which time the follow through begins.
drain - the act of sinking a putt into the cup. Example: "Geddy drained a thirty five foot putt for birdie."
draw - (aka: "slinger", "turn over") a shot that curves gently from right to left (for a right-handed player). A very aggressive or uncontrolled draw might be considered a hook. Example: "You can score really well on the third at St. Andrews if you can play an effective draw."
drive - a shot played off of a tee with a driver or other wood. sometimes with a low iron (i.e. #1, #2 or #3). Typically distance is desirable whenever you are driving the ball. Example: "After his drive Sid had only an 8 iron into the green."
driver - the number 1 and largest wood. Usually the first club used on a hole other than a par 3, and usually hit off of a tee in the tee area.
driving iron - (aka: "1 iron" sometimes a "2 iron") an iron that is used by some instead of a wood to promote additional control while still providing adequate distance off of the tee.
driving range - (aka: "practice range", "practice tee", "range") a location, either at a golf course or separate where players can practice by hitting balls provided with their various clubs in order to improve or warm up.
drop - the action of dropping the ball from shoulder height with an extended arm such that the ball, as it comes to a rest, is back in play. a drop is required under specific situations covered by the Rules of Golf. Example: "As her ball was on the cart path she was permitted to drop the ball no closer to the hole with no penalty strokes."
duck hook - (aka: "snap hook", "snapper", "quacker") a shot that curves abruptly and severely right to left (right-handed player). Example: Timothy tried to kill his drive on the first hole and ended up with an ugly duck hook/snap hook/snapper/quacker.
duff - (aka: "dub", "top") a shot that is so badly misplayed that it travels only a very short distance or is even missed entirely.
duffer - (aka: "hacker") a golfer who lacks any real skill or who is likely to have a number of duffs throughout the course of a round of golf.
Golf Glossary - 'E'
eagle - a score of 2 under (less than) par on any hole.
embedded ball - (aka: "plugged") a ball that is embedded in the ground. Often a portion of the ball is visible but it could be completely hidden rom view as well. Example: "An embedded ball is subject to the Rules of Golf. Under some circumstances you can lift it and clean it prior to dropping it back into play."
etiquette - the expected behavior of players, caddies, visitors, guests, spectators etc. while on the golf course. Example: "Novice golfers are often not familiar with the etiquette of the game and must be educated."
even par - (aka: "even", "level") a situation that develops when a players score is the same as par at any time during his/her round. Example: "After fighting back to even par at the 14th, I was one under by the seventeenth and finished at even par."
executive course - (aka: "par three") a course that is made up almost entirely of par three holes. Derived from the term that executive that have little time for a 4 or 5 hour round of golf are able to play at an executive course because it takes only about two and a half hours.
explosion shot - see "blast".
eagle - a score of 2 under (less than) par on any hole.
embedded ball - (aka: "plugged") a ball that is embedded in the ground. Often a portion of the ball is visible but it could be completely hidden rom view as well. Example: "An embedded ball is subject to the Rules of Golf. Under some circumstances you can lift it and clean it prior to dropping it back into play."
etiquette - the expected behavior of players, caddies, visitors, guests, spectators etc. while on the golf course. Example: "Novice golfers are often not familiar with the etiquette of the game and must be educated."
even par - (aka: "even", "level") a situation that develops when a players score is the same as par at any time during his/her round. Example: "After fighting back to even par at the 14th, I was one under by the seventeenth and finished at even par."
executive course - (aka: "par three") a course that is made up almost entirely of par three holes. Derived from the term that executive that have little time for a 4 or 5 hour round of golf are able to play at an executive course because it takes only about two and a half hours.
explosion shot - see "blast".
Golf Glossary - 'F'
face - see "clubface"
fade - a shot that curves or moves gently from right to left (for a right handed golfer). A very aggressive or uncontrolled fade may be termed a slice. The opposite of a 'draw'. Example: "Julie faded her second shot nicely into the fat part of the green."
fairway - one of the major components to a golf course. The closely cut grassy area between the tee and the green. Exclusive of the rough, the green, the tee and the hazards.
fairway bunker - a large indentation in the fairway usually, but not necessarily, filled with sand.
fairway wood - any wood other than a driver, or #1 wood.
fat - (aka: "chunky", "fat", "thick", "heavy", and many more) when too much contact is made with the ground either before or after contact is made with the ball resulting in a shot that does not travel as far as intended.
feel - (aka: "touch") having very good judgment, or sensitivity for specific shots in golf. Most applicable on or close to the green. Example: "Phil had great feel around the green and was seldom unable to get up and down."
flag - (aka: "flagstick", "pin") the fabric attached to the top of the flagstick denoting the location of the hole. Often colour coded to indicate the location of the hole on the green. Often used interchangeably with flagstick or its synonyms.
flagstick - (aka: "pin", "stick") the pin which is inserted into the hold on each green with a flag attached denoting the location of the hole.
flange - the bottom side of an iron. Most often in relation to a wedge as the flange on wedges tends to be much larger than other clubs. Especially with respect to sand wedges. Also see "bounce angle".
flat - used to describe a swing plane that a relatively shallow in relation to the typical or 'perfect swing'.
flex - (aka: "frequency") the stiffness of a particular golf club shaft. Usually measured as a numerical frequency but indicated on the shaft of most clubs as: L-Ladies, A-Senior, R-Regular, S-Stiff, or X-Extra stiff. These examples are listed from most flexible to least flexible (most stiff). A faster clubhead speed is required to regularly benefit from the attributes of a stiffer shaft.
flier - (aka: "flyer", "shooter", "jumper", "airmail") a shot that goes farther in the air than intended. Generally as a result of a poor lie and the inability of the golfer to apply backspin to the ball. Example: "Josh drove his ball 250 yards into the rough but then sent a flier into creek behind the green."
flop shot - a relatively short short (i.e. within 50 yards of the green) that travels very high and lands very softly with little or no role.
fluffy - (aka: "fluffy lie") used to describe a lie where the ball is sitting up on either long grass or large leaves and surrounded by the same. A fluffy lie presents a difficult next shot as the ball must be impacted with out any assistance from the ground.
follow-through - (aka: "finish") the crucial part of the golf swing that begins immediately following impact and continues until all motion of the club and body has ceased. Often referred to as the second half of the swing.
fore - usually yelled loudly to warn golfers of an incoming ball of which they need to be aware for safety sake.
forecaddie - (aka: "spotter") non-players positioned in the general landing area of a hole (off to the side) whose responsibility it is to spot each players drive and determine its final resting place. Example: "PGA events make good use of forecaddies in order to keep play moving and reduce the number of unnecessarily lost balls."
forward press - when used, it is the beginning of the golf swing. It relates to a slight forward movement of the hands ahead of the ball and towards the intended target immediately after which the backswing begins.
foursome - a group of four players playing golf. Example: "My weekly foursome plays at noon on Monday."
fried egg - refers to a lie, usually in a sand trap, where the ball appears to be the yolk of a fried egg and the sand (or ground) around the ball resembles the whites.
fringe - (aka: "apron", "collar", "frog hair") the grass that is shorter than that found on the fairway and longer than that found on the green that encircles the green and separates the rough &/or fairway from the green.
front nine - (aka: "front", "front side") the first 9 holes of any course. The nine holes before the back nine. Example: "I find the front nine here much easier than the back."
face - see "clubface"
fade - a shot that curves or moves gently from right to left (for a right handed golfer). A very aggressive or uncontrolled fade may be termed a slice. The opposite of a 'draw'. Example: "Julie faded her second shot nicely into the fat part of the green."
fairway - one of the major components to a golf course. The closely cut grassy area between the tee and the green. Exclusive of the rough, the green, the tee and the hazards.
fairway bunker - a large indentation in the fairway usually, but not necessarily, filled with sand.
fairway wood - any wood other than a driver, or #1 wood.
fat - (aka: "chunky", "fat", "thick", "heavy", and many more) when too much contact is made with the ground either before or after contact is made with the ball resulting in a shot that does not travel as far as intended.
feel - (aka: "touch") having very good judgment, or sensitivity for specific shots in golf. Most applicable on or close to the green. Example: "Phil had great feel around the green and was seldom unable to get up and down."
flag - (aka: "flagstick", "pin") the fabric attached to the top of the flagstick denoting the location of the hole. Often colour coded to indicate the location of the hole on the green. Often used interchangeably with flagstick or its synonyms.
flagstick - (aka: "pin", "stick") the pin which is inserted into the hold on each green with a flag attached denoting the location of the hole.
flange - the bottom side of an iron. Most often in relation to a wedge as the flange on wedges tends to be much larger than other clubs. Especially with respect to sand wedges. Also see "bounce angle".
flat - used to describe a swing plane that a relatively shallow in relation to the typical or 'perfect swing'.
flex - (aka: "frequency") the stiffness of a particular golf club shaft. Usually measured as a numerical frequency but indicated on the shaft of most clubs as: L-Ladies, A-Senior, R-Regular, S-Stiff, or X-Extra stiff. These examples are listed from most flexible to least flexible (most stiff). A faster clubhead speed is required to regularly benefit from the attributes of a stiffer shaft.
flier - (aka: "flyer", "shooter", "jumper", "airmail") a shot that goes farther in the air than intended. Generally as a result of a poor lie and the inability of the golfer to apply backspin to the ball. Example: "Josh drove his ball 250 yards into the rough but then sent a flier into creek behind the green."
flop shot - a relatively short short (i.e. within 50 yards of the green) that travels very high and lands very softly with little or no role.
fluffy - (aka: "fluffy lie") used to describe a lie where the ball is sitting up on either long grass or large leaves and surrounded by the same. A fluffy lie presents a difficult next shot as the ball must be impacted with out any assistance from the ground.
follow-through - (aka: "finish") the crucial part of the golf swing that begins immediately following impact and continues until all motion of the club and body has ceased. Often referred to as the second half of the swing.
fore - usually yelled loudly to warn golfers of an incoming ball of which they need to be aware for safety sake.
forecaddie - (aka: "spotter") non-players positioned in the general landing area of a hole (off to the side) whose responsibility it is to spot each players drive and determine its final resting place. Example: "PGA events make good use of forecaddies in order to keep play moving and reduce the number of unnecessarily lost balls."
forward press - when used, it is the beginning of the golf swing. It relates to a slight forward movement of the hands ahead of the ball and towards the intended target immediately after which the backswing begins.
foursome - a group of four players playing golf. Example: "My weekly foursome plays at noon on Monday."
fried egg - refers to a lie, usually in a sand trap, where the ball appears to be the yolk of a fried egg and the sand (or ground) around the ball resembles the whites.
fringe - (aka: "apron", "collar", "frog hair") the grass that is shorter than that found on the fairway and longer than that found on the green that encircles the green and separates the rough &/or fairway from the green.
front nine - (aka: "front", "front side") the first 9 holes of any course. The nine holes before the back nine. Example: "I find the front nine here much easier than the back."
