Glossary of Golf O - T
Golf Glossary - 'O'
ob - (aka: "out of bounds", "Oscar Brown", "O.B.") out of bounds. Usually marked with white stakes or noted on the scorecard. a ball is unplayable out of bounds regardless of whether or not it can be found. Example: "Uh, oh Megan. I think that went ob."
offset - a golf club characteristic in which the face of the club is not 'in line' with the shaft when the club is held in the address position. This can be either a forward offset (having the face ahead of the shaft) or a backward offset (having the face located behind the club shaft).
one-piece takeaway - the beginning of the backswing where the hips, arms and hands all move away from the ball in one motion.
one-putt - an indication that a player required or requires only one putt to hole out on any green. Example: "How many one putts did you have on the back nine?"
open - a tournament or competition where there are no conditions for a player to attempt to qualify (i.e. both amateurs and pros will play together). Example: The US open is the one of the most popular open tournaments."
open - ("open clubface", "open stance") describes the alignment of a player who is aligned to the left of the target line (for a right handed golfer) or whose clubface is lined up right of the target. Example: "I think that one of the reasons that you are slicing the ball is because your stance is so open."
out of bounds - see "ob".
outside - (aka: "away") the opposite of "inside". A relative term meaning that a golfer is farther away from the hole than somebody else. Example: "Looking at our balls lying on the green from way back there I thought that yours was outside mine but it looks like I am away."
outside-in - describing a swingpath that from the top of the backswing travels outside of a line drawn through the target and the ball as it lies and then finishes through impact and into the follow through to the inside of this same line. Example: "I think the reason that you are slicing the ball, Jon is because you are coming down at it outside-in."
overall weight - (aka: "dead weight", "swing weight") the weight of a golf club including the clubhead, shaft and grip.
overlapping grip - (aka: "overlap", "Vardon grip") used to describe ones grip of a golf club where the pinky of the bottom hand overlaps the index finger of the top hand or lies between (but also on top) of the index and middle finger of the top hand. All the while both thumbs are pointing down the length of the shaft. One of the most popular grips in golf.
ob - (aka: "out of bounds", "Oscar Brown", "O.B.") out of bounds. Usually marked with white stakes or noted on the scorecard. a ball is unplayable out of bounds regardless of whether or not it can be found. Example: "Uh, oh Megan. I think that went ob."
offset - a golf club characteristic in which the face of the club is not 'in line' with the shaft when the club is held in the address position. This can be either a forward offset (having the face ahead of the shaft) or a backward offset (having the face located behind the club shaft).
one-piece takeaway - the beginning of the backswing where the hips, arms and hands all move away from the ball in one motion.
one-putt - an indication that a player required or requires only one putt to hole out on any green. Example: "How many one putts did you have on the back nine?"
open - a tournament or competition where there are no conditions for a player to attempt to qualify (i.e. both amateurs and pros will play together). Example: The US open is the one of the most popular open tournaments."
open - ("open clubface", "open stance") describes the alignment of a player who is aligned to the left of the target line (for a right handed golfer) or whose clubface is lined up right of the target. Example: "I think that one of the reasons that you are slicing the ball is because your stance is so open."
out of bounds - see "ob".
outside - (aka: "away") the opposite of "inside". A relative term meaning that a golfer is farther away from the hole than somebody else. Example: "Looking at our balls lying on the green from way back there I thought that yours was outside mine but it looks like I am away."
outside-in - describing a swingpath that from the top of the backswing travels outside of a line drawn through the target and the ball as it lies and then finishes through impact and into the follow through to the inside of this same line. Example: "I think the reason that you are slicing the ball, Jon is because you are coming down at it outside-in."
overall weight - (aka: "dead weight", "swing weight") the weight of a golf club including the clubhead, shaft and grip.
overlapping grip - (aka: "overlap", "Vardon grip") used to describe ones grip of a golf club where the pinky of the bottom hand overlaps the index finger of the top hand or lies between (but also on top) of the index and middle finger of the top hand. All the while both thumbs are pointing down the length of the shaft. One of the most popular grips in golf.
Golf Glossary - 'P'
par - the number of strokes in which a golfer is expected to complete a hole on a golf course. Also the expected number of strokes in which all golfers are expected to complete a number of holes. Each hole on every golf course has a par (between 3-5). Same is deduced by figuring how many strokes will it take the golfer to get their ball on the green and then adding two more (two putts per green is the world wide standard). Scores are often referred to as "3" over par. Example: "The third hole is a par 3 over water" or "Osprey Valley is a par 70".
path - (aka: "swing-plane") the direction that the clubhead travels during the duration of a golfer's swing. Usually described in relation to the target line. Example: "Sean, you're swing path is a little 'outside-in' and I think that it is causing you to slice the ball more than you did last year."
pin - (aka: "flagstick", "stick") the circular pole that is inserted into the hole on each green and to which a flag is typically attached designating which hole it is marking. The purpose is so that the location of the hole can be seen from a great distance. Example: "Geez! Standing her on the tee that pin looks a really long way away!"
pin-high - (aka: "hole high") a distance roughly parallel to the distance to the hole. Whereas a shot may not be struck in the correct direction it may be 'pin high', meaning that it has traveled the correct distance and had it been on line might have been in the hole. Example: "Christina's 8 iron was pin high but on the right fringe."
pin position - (aka: "pin placement") used to describe the location of the pin/hole. Usually indicated in relation to the green. Example: "The pin placements are different today. they all seem to be near the back of the green."
pin sheet - piece(s) of paper or a chart that indicates all the location of the hole on any given day. The sheet usually also includes other information about each green as well (i.e. tiers or slopes). Example: "It sure is nice when you play at a course you aren't familiar with when they give you a pin sheet."
pitch - (aka: "pitch shot") a shot that is intended to travel a relatively short distance and land softly on the green so as to not roll very far. Example: "Jim pitched the ball on to the green but left it well short of the pin."
pitch and run - a shot that looks like a pitch shot insofar as the trajectory is relatively high (especially when compared to a chip) but the intention is that the ball will roll further once it impacts the ground. Example: "The pitch and run is a cross between a chip and a pitch."
pitching wedge - (aka: "wedge", "PW", "W" and more) an iron with more loft than a typical 9-iron but less than any other wedge in your bag. 47° to 52° is fairly standard loft. Its name is derived from its usefulness in executing a pitch. Example: "I like to use my pitching wedge between 50 and 100 yards out from the green."
play through - (aka: "go through") the term used to describe one group of golfers (or golfer) who passes another group on the golf course. Usually occurs because the group in front is slower and is holding up the group/individual behind. Example: "It's golf etiquette to ask the group behind you if they want to play through if you are regularly holding them up."
pot bunker - (aka: "pot") a bunker usually, but not necessarily filled with sand that is particularly deep and has very steep sides making it, generally, more difficult than, a standard fairway bunker. Example: "There are some pot bunkers in Scotland that you need a ladder to get in and out of."
practice green - (aka: "putting green") a green provided by the owners of the property on which you are permitted to practice your putting (and sometimes your chipping as well). Usually, but not always located near the clubhouse. Example: "I like to get to the course about half an hour early so that I can spend some time on the putting green."
practice range - (aka: "practice facility", "practice tee", "driving range", "range") a large area provided by the owners of the property designated as a practice area for anything other than putting. Typically, golfers are able to practice anything from their drives to their lob shots on a practice range. Some ranges have targets or indicators for distance accuracy in order to make practicing more enjoyable/useful. Example: "I just don't get out to the range enough to get any better playing only once a week."
practice swing - (aka: "rehearsal swing") the action of taking a swing, usually near the ball, with no intent of making contact. Usually used as a warm up swing or practice to develop a feel for how the actual shot should feel regarding speed of swing transition etc. Example: "As part of my routine, I need to make two good practice swings before I set up to the ball."
preferred lies - (aka: "improved lies", "winter rules", "bumping it", "foot wedge") a rule imposed at the beginning of play indicating that golfers are permitted to improve their lies without incurring a penalty. Usually the result of a significant amount of rainfall, or very poor playing conditions brought on by early frost, or late thaw. Example: "I figured that we might as well all play preferred lies as Tony was going to do it anyway."
Pro-Am - (aka: "Pro Am") a tournament or media event in which professional golfers play with amateurs either together or on teams.
provisional ball - (aka: "provisional") an additional shot played from the location of the original ball because the golfer fears that he/she may have lost the first ball or hit it out of bounds. Any time a golfer thinks he/she might incur a stroke plus distance penalty or when the rules are in dispute he/she is permitted to play a provisional ball rather than walking up to where the first shot is thought to be only to find that they have to walk back to the location of the original shot to play their next shot. Example: "I don't know Troy. That looked like it might go out of bounds. Perhaps you should play a provisional ball."
pull - 1. (aka: "yank", "jerk") a shot that travels significantly tot he left (for a right handed golfer) than he/she intended. Also to take a club out of ones bag. Example: "Tiger pulled his second putt left to fall three strokes off the pace." and "Nobody knew what club he would use and then gasped as he pulled out the driver."
pull cart - (aka: "hand cart") a device usually with two or three wheels manufactured so as to permit the golf bag to stand up on it allowing easy access to the golfers clubs while at the same time permitting the golfer to wheel it around (by either pushing or pulling). Example: "A lot of golfers prefer to use a pull cart rather than driving or carrying their clubs."
punch shot - (aka: "punch", "knockdown", "knockdown shot", "half shot") any shot in golf where the player does not take a full swing at the ball. Regardless of whether the back swing or follow through (or both) is shortened. This may be the result of a difficult lie where a full swing is not possible or it may be used to control a specific shot.
pure - (aka: "flush", "solid", "on the sweet spot", "on the screws", "on the nut") a term used to describe the clubface contacting the ball extremely well. The way that the club was designed to hit a golf ball. Example: "It feels so good to hit a few pure shots early on in the round."
push - (aka: "shove", "block") A descriptive term used to describe a shot that travels right (for a right handed golfer) of its intended line. Usually the result of not turning the body adequately for contact or contacting the ball with an open face. See also "pull". Example: "Marcelle pushed his tee shot into the water."
putt - a shot that is taken with the putter. Example: "I have no trouble getting to the green but I find putting very difficult."
putter - (aka: "flatstick", "wand") a golf club used on the green. It generally has a very flat face with little loft. Example: "Before I went to the first tee I had to decide which putter I was going to use today."
putt out - (aka: "finish") to finish putting. Usually, but not always, used to describe the action of a golfer who is putting out of turn in order to finish the hole more quickly. Example: "Since my lag putt stopped just a foot from the hole I went ahead and putted out before everyone else made their putts."
putting green - see "practice green"
par - the number of strokes in which a golfer is expected to complete a hole on a golf course. Also the expected number of strokes in which all golfers are expected to complete a number of holes. Each hole on every golf course has a par (between 3-5). Same is deduced by figuring how many strokes will it take the golfer to get their ball on the green and then adding two more (two putts per green is the world wide standard). Scores are often referred to as "3" over par. Example: "The third hole is a par 3 over water" or "Osprey Valley is a par 70".
path - (aka: "swing-plane") the direction that the clubhead travels during the duration of a golfer's swing. Usually described in relation to the target line. Example: "Sean, you're swing path is a little 'outside-in' and I think that it is causing you to slice the ball more than you did last year."
pin - (aka: "flagstick", "stick") the circular pole that is inserted into the hole on each green and to which a flag is typically attached designating which hole it is marking. The purpose is so that the location of the hole can be seen from a great distance. Example: "Geez! Standing her on the tee that pin looks a really long way away!"
pin-high - (aka: "hole high") a distance roughly parallel to the distance to the hole. Whereas a shot may not be struck in the correct direction it may be 'pin high', meaning that it has traveled the correct distance and had it been on line might have been in the hole. Example: "Christina's 8 iron was pin high but on the right fringe."
pin position - (aka: "pin placement") used to describe the location of the pin/hole. Usually indicated in relation to the green. Example: "The pin placements are different today. they all seem to be near the back of the green."
pin sheet - piece(s) of paper or a chart that indicates all the location of the hole on any given day. The sheet usually also includes other information about each green as well (i.e. tiers or slopes). Example: "It sure is nice when you play at a course you aren't familiar with when they give you a pin sheet."
pitch - (aka: "pitch shot") a shot that is intended to travel a relatively short distance and land softly on the green so as to not roll very far. Example: "Jim pitched the ball on to the green but left it well short of the pin."
pitch and run - a shot that looks like a pitch shot insofar as the trajectory is relatively high (especially when compared to a chip) but the intention is that the ball will roll further once it impacts the ground. Example: "The pitch and run is a cross between a chip and a pitch."
pitching wedge - (aka: "wedge", "PW", "W" and more) an iron with more loft than a typical 9-iron but less than any other wedge in your bag. 47° to 52° is fairly standard loft. Its name is derived from its usefulness in executing a pitch. Example: "I like to use my pitching wedge between 50 and 100 yards out from the green."
play through - (aka: "go through") the term used to describe one group of golfers (or golfer) who passes another group on the golf course. Usually occurs because the group in front is slower and is holding up the group/individual behind. Example: "It's golf etiquette to ask the group behind you if they want to play through if you are regularly holding them up."
pot bunker - (aka: "pot") a bunker usually, but not necessarily filled with sand that is particularly deep and has very steep sides making it, generally, more difficult than, a standard fairway bunker. Example: "There are some pot bunkers in Scotland that you need a ladder to get in and out of."
practice green - (aka: "putting green") a green provided by the owners of the property on which you are permitted to practice your putting (and sometimes your chipping as well). Usually, but not always located near the clubhouse. Example: "I like to get to the course about half an hour early so that I can spend some time on the putting green."
practice range - (aka: "practice facility", "practice tee", "driving range", "range") a large area provided by the owners of the property designated as a practice area for anything other than putting. Typically, golfers are able to practice anything from their drives to their lob shots on a practice range. Some ranges have targets or indicators for distance accuracy in order to make practicing more enjoyable/useful. Example: "I just don't get out to the range enough to get any better playing only once a week."
practice swing - (aka: "rehearsal swing") the action of taking a swing, usually near the ball, with no intent of making contact. Usually used as a warm up swing or practice to develop a feel for how the actual shot should feel regarding speed of swing transition etc. Example: "As part of my routine, I need to make two good practice swings before I set up to the ball."
preferred lies - (aka: "improved lies", "winter rules", "bumping it", "foot wedge") a rule imposed at the beginning of play indicating that golfers are permitted to improve their lies without incurring a penalty. Usually the result of a significant amount of rainfall, or very poor playing conditions brought on by early frost, or late thaw. Example: "I figured that we might as well all play preferred lies as Tony was going to do it anyway."
Pro-Am - (aka: "Pro Am") a tournament or media event in which professional golfers play with amateurs either together or on teams.
provisional ball - (aka: "provisional") an additional shot played from the location of the original ball because the golfer fears that he/she may have lost the first ball or hit it out of bounds. Any time a golfer thinks he/she might incur a stroke plus distance penalty or when the rules are in dispute he/she is permitted to play a provisional ball rather than walking up to where the first shot is thought to be only to find that they have to walk back to the location of the original shot to play their next shot. Example: "I don't know Troy. That looked like it might go out of bounds. Perhaps you should play a provisional ball."
pull - 1. (aka: "yank", "jerk") a shot that travels significantly tot he left (for a right handed golfer) than he/she intended. Also to take a club out of ones bag. Example: "Tiger pulled his second putt left to fall three strokes off the pace." and "Nobody knew what club he would use and then gasped as he pulled out the driver."
pull cart - (aka: "hand cart") a device usually with two or three wheels manufactured so as to permit the golf bag to stand up on it allowing easy access to the golfers clubs while at the same time permitting the golfer to wheel it around (by either pushing or pulling). Example: "A lot of golfers prefer to use a pull cart rather than driving or carrying their clubs."
punch shot - (aka: "punch", "knockdown", "knockdown shot", "half shot") any shot in golf where the player does not take a full swing at the ball. Regardless of whether the back swing or follow through (or both) is shortened. This may be the result of a difficult lie where a full swing is not possible or it may be used to control a specific shot.
pure - (aka: "flush", "solid", "on the sweet spot", "on the screws", "on the nut") a term used to describe the clubface contacting the ball extremely well. The way that the club was designed to hit a golf ball. Example: "It feels so good to hit a few pure shots early on in the round."
push - (aka: "shove", "block") A descriptive term used to describe a shot that travels right (for a right handed golfer) of its intended line. Usually the result of not turning the body adequately for contact or contacting the ball with an open face. See also "pull". Example: "Marcelle pushed his tee shot into the water."
putt - a shot that is taken with the putter. Example: "I have no trouble getting to the green but I find putting very difficult."
putter - (aka: "flatstick", "wand") a golf club used on the green. It generally has a very flat face with little loft. Example: "Before I went to the first tee I had to decide which putter I was going to use today."
putt out - (aka: "finish") to finish putting. Usually, but not always, used to describe the action of a golfer who is putting out of turn in order to finish the hole more quickly. Example: "Since my lag putt stopped just a foot from the hole I went ahead and putted out before everyone else made their putts."
putting green - see "practice green"
Golf Glossary - 'Q'
Q School - an informal term used to describe the LPGA and PGA Tour's qualifying tournament which is played once annually to establish the pros who are able to play in LPGA and PGA events the following year. A pro who has qualified to play on the tour is said to have "gotten their (pro) card."
quit - (aka: "quit on the shot") either referring to somebody who has stopped playing and is either walking/riding without taking any shots for the rest of the round or to describe the phenomenon where a player either decelerates through contact (often in putting) or does not complete his/her follow through.
Q School - an informal term used to describe the LPGA and PGA Tour's qualifying tournament which is played once annually to establish the pros who are able to play in LPGA and PGA events the following year. A pro who has qualified to play on the tour is said to have "gotten their (pro) card."
quit - (aka: "quit on the shot") either referring to somebody who has stopped playing and is either walking/riding without taking any shots for the rest of the round or to describe the phenomenon where a player either decelerates through contact (often in putting) or does not complete his/her follow through.
Golf Glossary - 'R'
rake - (aka: "trap rake") just alike a garden rake. Usually placed in sand traps for convenience so that a player (or hi/her caddy) can "rake the trap" after taking a shot out it such that it is smooth for the next player who might be so unfortunate to land in the bunker. Example: "After blasting out of the trap I used the rake to fix the trap. When I was done you couldn't tell that I had ever even been in the trap."
range - see "driving range".
range ball - (aka: "practice ball") the golf balls that are used on a driving range. Usually marked with a stripe or oddly colored (yellow and black) to identify them as range balls and discourage theft.
ranger - see "marshal".
read - the act of studying the terrain (usually the green) to discern the direction in which a ball will roll/bounce based on the undulations evident. Example: "I can get to the green alright but I am totally unable to read the green and so I don't generally score all that well."
recovery - (aka: "recovery shot", "trouble shot") a shot that is taken to get oneself out of a difficult situation (including, sand traps, weeds, rough, trees etc.) including mental stress. Example: "Tim scored very well although he wasn't on the fairway all day. His recovery skills are excellent".
release - with respect to 'the swing' it is a term used to 1. (aka: "let it go") generally thought of as the act of allowing the centrifugal force of the swing (body/arms/ hands/clubhead) to take its course on the downswing rather than holding on or inhibiting it. or 2. the moment when a ball stops spinning backwards and begins spinning forwards. Often used around the green when a player is looking to get more roll out of a shot. Example: "He was afraid of hooking the ball, so he wasn't releasing." or "The ball bounced onto the front fringe and Vicky started yelling, "Release! Release!" in an attempt to make it roll to the back of the green where the pin was."
relief - a term meaning that you may remove the ball from the present situation into a new location as dictated by the rules. a penalty stroke(s) may or may not apply. Example: "My ball rolled to a stop on the cart path and so I took relief from the cart path and was not required to count a penalty stroke."
reverse pivot - (aka: "reverse weight transfer") a term used to describe the incorrect pivot or weight transfer during a golfers swing. The weight is in the reverse/opposite position to what it should be. When the golfer is in his back swing the weight shifts to the front foot and when the golfer swings though the ball and follows through the players weight shifts to his/her back foot. This is the opposite to the weight transfer that is considered ideal. Golfers generally do not try to reverse pivot.
rough - grass that is cut at a higher length than that on the fairway, tees and greens. Usually surrounding the golf hole. Example: "A drive that lands in the rough usually doesn't roll as far as it would have on the fairway."
round - 18 holes of golf. Example: "Do you want to get out and play a round on Thursday?"
rub of the green - bad luck or a bad break. Usually with the ball in a particular position for which there is no relief under the rules. Anywhere on the golf course and not necessarily on the green. Example: "Player A - 'I think that the ball bounced off of a sprinkler head and went out of bounds!' Player B - 'That really sucks but its the rub on the green. You might as well hit another one.'"
rake - (aka: "trap rake") just alike a garden rake. Usually placed in sand traps for convenience so that a player (or hi/her caddy) can "rake the trap" after taking a shot out it such that it is smooth for the next player who might be so unfortunate to land in the bunker. Example: "After blasting out of the trap I used the rake to fix the trap. When I was done you couldn't tell that I had ever even been in the trap."
range - see "driving range".
range ball - (aka: "practice ball") the golf balls that are used on a driving range. Usually marked with a stripe or oddly colored (yellow and black) to identify them as range balls and discourage theft.
ranger - see "marshal".
read - the act of studying the terrain (usually the green) to discern the direction in which a ball will roll/bounce based on the undulations evident. Example: "I can get to the green alright but I am totally unable to read the green and so I don't generally score all that well."
recovery - (aka: "recovery shot", "trouble shot") a shot that is taken to get oneself out of a difficult situation (including, sand traps, weeds, rough, trees etc.) including mental stress. Example: "Tim scored very well although he wasn't on the fairway all day. His recovery skills are excellent".
release - with respect to 'the swing' it is a term used to 1. (aka: "let it go") generally thought of as the act of allowing the centrifugal force of the swing (body/arms/ hands/clubhead) to take its course on the downswing rather than holding on or inhibiting it. or 2. the moment when a ball stops spinning backwards and begins spinning forwards. Often used around the green when a player is looking to get more roll out of a shot. Example: "He was afraid of hooking the ball, so he wasn't releasing." or "The ball bounced onto the front fringe and Vicky started yelling, "Release! Release!" in an attempt to make it roll to the back of the green where the pin was."
relief - a term meaning that you may remove the ball from the present situation into a new location as dictated by the rules. a penalty stroke(s) may or may not apply. Example: "My ball rolled to a stop on the cart path and so I took relief from the cart path and was not required to count a penalty stroke."
reverse pivot - (aka: "reverse weight transfer") a term used to describe the incorrect pivot or weight transfer during a golfers swing. The weight is in the reverse/opposite position to what it should be. When the golfer is in his back swing the weight shifts to the front foot and when the golfer swings though the ball and follows through the players weight shifts to his/her back foot. This is the opposite to the weight transfer that is considered ideal. Golfers generally do not try to reverse pivot.
rough - grass that is cut at a higher length than that on the fairway, tees and greens. Usually surrounding the golf hole. Example: "A drive that lands in the rough usually doesn't roll as far as it would have on the fairway."
round - 18 holes of golf. Example: "Do you want to get out and play a round on Thursday?"
rub of the green - bad luck or a bad break. Usually with the ball in a particular position for which there is no relief under the rules. Anywhere on the golf course and not necessarily on the green. Example: "Player A - 'I think that the ball bounced off of a sprinkler head and went out of bounds!' Player B - 'That really sucks but its the rub on the green. You might as well hit another one.'"
