Glossary of Golf G - N
Golf Glossary - 'G'
gallery - in golf the spectators when they are grouped together are known as the gallery. Example: "The gallery around the 18th green roared to life when Faldo drained the 12 foot putt for the win."
gap wedge - (aka: many other names depending on the manufacturer) a lofted wedge with loft between that of the pitching and sand wedge. As such it is designed to travel distances farther than a sand wedge but less than a pitching wedge.
gimme - (aka: "gimmie") a putt of sufficiently short distance (i.e. 6 to 12 inches) that the players in a group agree that it would certainly be holed and as such do not require the player to putt out (but do count one more on the score card). Permitted in casual play only and never when a competition in underway. Example: "Great putt Abby! That next one (the putt) is a gimme".
grain - the direction in which the grass is growing.
green - (aka: "putting green", "putting surface", "dance floor") one of the 18 closely mown patches of grass in which a hole is cut. The surface on which putting is the acceptable stroke. Example: "Mike's approach shot fell short of the green but bounced on and rolled within 6 feet of the pin."
green fee - the cost or price paid to play a round of golf at a particular course.
grip - the cover (i.e. rubber, leather or cloth) that goes on top of the club so that the player is able to hold on to the club without it slipping out of his/her hands. Also the method in which one holds the club. Example: "I got new leather grips on my clubs this year." and, "The gator grip is rather unconventional but seems to work well for those who have managed to adopt it."
groove - (aka: "score line") the lines on the clubface of all clubs other than the putter. They are cut into the club to enhance control over the ball. Example: "Without grooves on your clubs you would not be able to put any backspin on the ball."
gross score - (aka: "unadjusted score") the actual score that a player shot on any one hole or group of holes. The score prior to any adjustments that are to be made (i.e. handicapping). Example: "Although he won the tournament with a net 75 his gross score was 83."
ground - ("ground the club", "grounding the club") term used to describe the act of touching ones club to the ground. Example: "The rules state that you are not allowed to ground your club in a hazard under the penalty of two strokes."
ground under repair - (aka: "GUR" pronounced "Grrrr") any area of the golf course from which a shot is unplayable because of work being done. In tournament or competition play the area is always marked or staked by the committee prior beginning play. A ball that is in an area marked GUR is entitled to a drop his/her ball outside the marked area, no nearer to the hole, with no penalty."
gallery - in golf the spectators when they are grouped together are known as the gallery. Example: "The gallery around the 18th green roared to life when Faldo drained the 12 foot putt for the win."
gap wedge - (aka: many other names depending on the manufacturer) a lofted wedge with loft between that of the pitching and sand wedge. As such it is designed to travel distances farther than a sand wedge but less than a pitching wedge.
gimme - (aka: "gimmie") a putt of sufficiently short distance (i.e. 6 to 12 inches) that the players in a group agree that it would certainly be holed and as such do not require the player to putt out (but do count one more on the score card). Permitted in casual play only and never when a competition in underway. Example: "Great putt Abby! That next one (the putt) is a gimme".
grain - the direction in which the grass is growing.
green - (aka: "putting green", "putting surface", "dance floor") one of the 18 closely mown patches of grass in which a hole is cut. The surface on which putting is the acceptable stroke. Example: "Mike's approach shot fell short of the green but bounced on and rolled within 6 feet of the pin."
green fee - the cost or price paid to play a round of golf at a particular course.
grip - the cover (i.e. rubber, leather or cloth) that goes on top of the club so that the player is able to hold on to the club without it slipping out of his/her hands. Also the method in which one holds the club. Example: "I got new leather grips on my clubs this year." and, "The gator grip is rather unconventional but seems to work well for those who have managed to adopt it."
groove - (aka: "score line") the lines on the clubface of all clubs other than the putter. They are cut into the club to enhance control over the ball. Example: "Without grooves on your clubs you would not be able to put any backspin on the ball."
gross score - (aka: "unadjusted score") the actual score that a player shot on any one hole or group of holes. The score prior to any adjustments that are to be made (i.e. handicapping). Example: "Although he won the tournament with a net 75 his gross score was 83."
ground - ("ground the club", "grounding the club") term used to describe the act of touching ones club to the ground. Example: "The rules state that you are not allowed to ground your club in a hazard under the penalty of two strokes."
ground under repair - (aka: "GUR" pronounced "Grrrr") any area of the golf course from which a shot is unplayable because of work being done. In tournament or competition play the area is always marked or staked by the committee prior beginning play. A ball that is in an area marked GUR is entitled to a drop his/her ball outside the marked area, no nearer to the hole, with no penalty."
Golf Glossary - 'H'
hack - (aka: "chop") an extreme downward swing of the golf club that often results in divots and poor ball flight. Also a poor golfer - see "hacker".
hacker - (aka: "hack", "duffer", "chop", "chopper") a golfer of very low skill who scores poorly and likely takes many divots. A golfer who has little control over his/her shots.
half shot - (aka: "half swing", "knockdown", "knockdown shot", "punch", "punch 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.
handicap - (related: "handicap differential", "handicap index", "index") the typical difference between the rating of a course and a particular players average score. The calculation to determine handicaps includes only the better scores of the most recent games played (i.e. the best ten of the last 20 games). the difference between two players handicaps is used to determine if one should 'give strokes' to the other if they play against each other. Example: "Vince, has a handicap of 12, whereas Darin's handicap is 18. So Vince needs to give Darin 6 strokes (i.e. beat him by more than six)"
handicap - (aka: "difficulty") the rating of the holes on a golf course with 1 being the hardest and 18 being the easiest. It is required that the most difficult rated hole be on the back nine with the second rated hole on the front and rotating back and forth until the easiest (18th rated) hole is on the front nine.
hardpan - extremely hard ground. Often associated with dried dirt very close to the surface or an area that lacks grass. Almost impossible to take a divot in. Example: "I didn't hit my drive well at all but once it got on the hardpan it seemed to roll forever."
hazard - is any bunker or water hazard. Most hazards are marked with red stakes or a line painted on the ground (sometime sin yellow).
head - see "club head"
heel - the part of the club head that is nearest the hosel. Specifically the part of the clubface that is nearest the golfer. A ball hit off the hell of the club generally does not travel as far as intended.
hold - (aka: "check", "grab", "stick") a ball that does not roll as far as expected due to the condition of the green or backspin applied to the ball. To stay on the green after landing. Example: "I hit a three iron into the par five 6th green but it wouldn't hold."
hole - (aka: "cup") the hole cut in each green measuring 4 1/4 inches in diameter in which the flagstick is placed. Also a term used to describe a particular set of tees, fairway, hazards and green (i.e. there are 18 holes in a round of golf).
hole out - (aka: "make", "drain", "sink") the action of making the ball go into the cup to end a particular hole. Example: "Rob conceded the hole so I did not need to hole out."
hole high - see "pin-high"
hole in one - (aka: "ace") a score of 1 on any hole. Golf tradition dictates that the player who scores a hole in one buys drinks for everyone in the bar after the round.
honor - (aka: "honour") the person who has the right to play first on any particular tee. The Rules of Golf indicate that the person with the lowest score on the preceding hole has the honor for the next hole.
hood - to press forward slightly in order to tilt the club face such that the loft of the club is reduced.
hook - a shot that travels from right to left (for the right handed golfer) at a more dramatic pace than a draw. Also a shot that curves to the left uncontrollably. Example: "Tatum can hit the ball a long way off the tee but has a nasty hook that she is trying to correct."
hosel - (aka: "neck") the part of the clubhead that attaches to the shaft of the club.
hack - (aka: "chop") an extreme downward swing of the golf club that often results in divots and poor ball flight. Also a poor golfer - see "hacker".
hacker - (aka: "hack", "duffer", "chop", "chopper") a golfer of very low skill who scores poorly and likely takes many divots. A golfer who has little control over his/her shots.
half shot - (aka: "half swing", "knockdown", "knockdown shot", "punch", "punch 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.
handicap - (related: "handicap differential", "handicap index", "index") the typical difference between the rating of a course and a particular players average score. The calculation to determine handicaps includes only the better scores of the most recent games played (i.e. the best ten of the last 20 games). the difference between two players handicaps is used to determine if one should 'give strokes' to the other if they play against each other. Example: "Vince, has a handicap of 12, whereas Darin's handicap is 18. So Vince needs to give Darin 6 strokes (i.e. beat him by more than six)"
handicap - (aka: "difficulty") the rating of the holes on a golf course with 1 being the hardest and 18 being the easiest. It is required that the most difficult rated hole be on the back nine with the second rated hole on the front and rotating back and forth until the easiest (18th rated) hole is on the front nine.
hardpan - extremely hard ground. Often associated with dried dirt very close to the surface or an area that lacks grass. Almost impossible to take a divot in. Example: "I didn't hit my drive well at all but once it got on the hardpan it seemed to roll forever."
hazard - is any bunker or water hazard. Most hazards are marked with red stakes or a line painted on the ground (sometime sin yellow).
head - see "club head"
heel - the part of the club head that is nearest the hosel. Specifically the part of the clubface that is nearest the golfer. A ball hit off the hell of the club generally does not travel as far as intended.
hold - (aka: "check", "grab", "stick") a ball that does not roll as far as expected due to the condition of the green or backspin applied to the ball. To stay on the green after landing. Example: "I hit a three iron into the par five 6th green but it wouldn't hold."
hole - (aka: "cup") the hole cut in each green measuring 4 1/4 inches in diameter in which the flagstick is placed. Also a term used to describe a particular set of tees, fairway, hazards and green (i.e. there are 18 holes in a round of golf).
hole out - (aka: "make", "drain", "sink") the action of making the ball go into the cup to end a particular hole. Example: "Rob conceded the hole so I did not need to hole out."
hole high - see "pin-high"
hole in one - (aka: "ace") a score of 1 on any hole. Golf tradition dictates that the player who scores a hole in one buys drinks for everyone in the bar after the round.
honor - (aka: "honour") the person who has the right to play first on any particular tee. The Rules of Golf indicate that the person with the lowest score on the preceding hole has the honor for the next hole.
hood - to press forward slightly in order to tilt the club face such that the loft of the club is reduced.
hook - a shot that travels from right to left (for the right handed golfer) at a more dramatic pace than a draw. Also a shot that curves to the left uncontrollably. Example: "Tatum can hit the ball a long way off the tee but has a nasty hook that she is trying to correct."
hosel - (aka: "neck") the part of the clubhead that attaches to the shaft of the club.
Golf Glossary - 'I'
improved lie - (aka: "improved lies", "improving your lie", "preferred lies", "winter rules", "bumping it", "using your foot wedge") 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.
in play - anytime the golf ball is considered 'live' or 'playable'. Unless the ball is out of play the ball must be in play.
inside - a term used to describe the fact that one ball is closer to the hole than the other. Usually on the putting surface. Example: "Megan hit a great shot into the green that looked like it would sew things up but I got inside her to make it interesting."
inside-out - describing the a golfers swing where the club begins the downswing close to the body and finishes further away than usually desired (i.e. inside and outside the target line). Example: "Often I find that the reason a person is hooking the ball is because they are swinging inside-out."
interlocking grip - (aka: "interlock grip") the standard and most popular grip in golf. The index finger of the top hand is interlocked with the pinky of the lower hand while both thumbs point down the shaft of the club.
intermediate target - a target established by the in between the ball and the ultimate target. Usually the intermediate target is relatively close to the ball so as to assist in properly lining up without lifting the head too much. Also any time you aim at something other than what you are really trying to get to (i.e. a tree that you can see from behind a hill or mound when you cannot see the flagstick).
iron - a club whose clubhead is typically constructed of steel although the shaft can be of another substance. The clubhead of an iron is usually fairly narrow with a small sole. Typical lofts are between 16° and 65° and the clubs are numbed 1 through a 9 and include all wedges. Woods and putters are not irons. Example: "I have three woods and nine irons in my bag - plus my putter."
improved lie - (aka: "improved lies", "improving your lie", "preferred lies", "winter rules", "bumping it", "using your foot wedge") 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.
in play - anytime the golf ball is considered 'live' or 'playable'. Unless the ball is out of play the ball must be in play.
inside - a term used to describe the fact that one ball is closer to the hole than the other. Usually on the putting surface. Example: "Megan hit a great shot into the green that looked like it would sew things up but I got inside her to make it interesting."
inside-out - describing the a golfers swing where the club begins the downswing close to the body and finishes further away than usually desired (i.e. inside and outside the target line). Example: "Often I find that the reason a person is hooking the ball is because they are swinging inside-out."
interlocking grip - (aka: "interlock grip") the standard and most popular grip in golf. The index finger of the top hand is interlocked with the pinky of the lower hand while both thumbs point down the shaft of the club.
intermediate target - a target established by the in between the ball and the ultimate target. Usually the intermediate target is relatively close to the ball so as to assist in properly lining up without lifting the head too much. Also any time you aim at something other than what you are really trying to get to (i.e. a tree that you can see from behind a hill or mound when you cannot see the flagstick).
iron - a club whose clubhead is typically constructed of steel although the shaft can be of another substance. The clubhead of an iron is usually fairly narrow with a small sole. Typical lofts are between 16° and 65° and the clubs are numbed 1 through a 9 and include all wedges. Woods and putters are not irons. Example: "I have three woods and nine irons in my bag - plus my putter."
Golf Glossary - 'J'
jack and jill event - an event where men and women play together. Usually on the same team (i.e. teams are made up on two men and two women).
jelly legs - (also see: "knee knocker") a person is said to have jelly legs when they are facing a particularly hard putt or may be under significant pressure to make a shot (especially a putt). Usually brought on by extreme nervousness. Example: "Stephanie always develops a case of jelly legs on the first tee when people are watching."
jerk - (aka: "pull") a shot that is hit left of the intended target. Often used to describe a putt that missed to the left of the hole (for the right handed golfer) due to an outside-in swing path. Example: "I would have made par but jerked the three footer for bogey."
jump - When a ball is contacted and comes off of the clubface faster than expected/intended.
jump on it - to strike the ball with extra force so that it travels farther than would otherwise the be case. Example: "After duffing his drive, Ivan jumped all over it with his three wood and left it just short of the green - 265 yards away."
jungle - (aka: "jail") a term used to describe a lie in the middle of many trees or overgrowth (thick rough, etc.) as it might be in the jungle.
junior - any golfer who is younger than 18 years of age. Most golf clubs will offer junior golfers memberships or green fees at a discount to the standard rate.
jack and jill event - an event where men and women play together. Usually on the same team (i.e. teams are made up on two men and two women).
jelly legs - (also see: "knee knocker") a person is said to have jelly legs when they are facing a particularly hard putt or may be under significant pressure to make a shot (especially a putt). Usually brought on by extreme nervousness. Example: "Stephanie always develops a case of jelly legs on the first tee when people are watching."
jerk - (aka: "pull") a shot that is hit left of the intended target. Often used to describe a putt that missed to the left of the hole (for the right handed golfer) due to an outside-in swing path. Example: "I would have made par but jerked the three footer for bogey."
jump - When a ball is contacted and comes off of the clubface faster than expected/intended.
jump on it - to strike the ball with extra force so that it travels farther than would otherwise the be case. Example: "After duffing his drive, Ivan jumped all over it with his three wood and left it just short of the green - 265 yards away."
jungle - (aka: "jail") a term used to describe a lie in the middle of many trees or overgrowth (thick rough, etc.) as it might be in the jungle.
junior - any golfer who is younger than 18 years of age. Most golf clubs will offer junior golfers memberships or green fees at a discount to the standard rate.
Golf Glossary - 'K'
kick - (aka: "bounce") the action of the ball hitting the ground and bouncing farther, higher or in another direction than expected. A kick usually results from the ball striking a rock, sprinkler head, or mound. Example: "My approach shot was left of the green but it kicked to the fringe."
knee knocker - (aka: "tester") a short putt that a player is expected to make but is particularly difficult due to any number of reasons but usually the distance. Many golfers find 4-6 foot putts to be knee knockers. Derived from the concept of a golfers knees knocking together due to nervousness as he/she stands over the putt. Also see "jelly legs".
knockdown - (aka: "knockdown shot", "punch", "punch shot", "half shot") a shot that does not usually see the golfer make a complete swing by choice rather than due to overhanging limbs etc. Typically the follow through is shorter than normal or nonexistent. Often combined with a hooded club in order to keep the ball from flying too high. Also see 'half shot'.
kick - (aka: "bounce") the action of the ball hitting the ground and bouncing farther, higher or in another direction than expected. A kick usually results from the ball striking a rock, sprinkler head, or mound. Example: "My approach shot was left of the green but it kicked to the fringe."
knee knocker - (aka: "tester") a short putt that a player is expected to make but is particularly difficult due to any number of reasons but usually the distance. Many golfers find 4-6 foot putts to be knee knockers. Derived from the concept of a golfers knees knocking together due to nervousness as he/she stands over the putt. Also see "jelly legs".
knockdown - (aka: "knockdown shot", "punch", "punch shot", "half shot") a shot that does not usually see the golfer make a complete swing by choice rather than due to overhanging limbs etc. Typically the follow through is shorter than normal or nonexistent. Often combined with a hooded club in order to keep the ball from flying too high. Also see 'half shot'.
Golf Glossary - 'L'
lag - (aka: "lag putt", "approach putt") 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. Example: "I was just lagging it up there. I never expected for it to go in!"
lateral water hazard - a water hazard positioned such that it is very difficult of impractical for a player to drop a ball behind it. The lateral hazard should be marked by red stakes or red lines. Other hazards such as environmentally friendly areas can be declared by the Committee to be lateral water hazards in spite of the fact there may or may not be any water in the area so marked. The USGA official rules of golf deals with lateral water hazards in rule #26.
lay up - (aka: "lay back", "play for position") A shot that is purposefully hit short of a particular hazard requiring another shot to circumvent the hazard. Often a player will lay up rather than 'go for it' when a steam or other water hazard crosses in front of the green. Example: "I can't got on that green in two I have to lay up in front of the bunkers."
lie - a term used in golf to mean the ball is stationary in a particular spot. Usually used to describe the quality of the spot in which the ball sits (i.e. how difficult it will be to hit the ball out of the location in which it 'lies'. Example: "I can't believe that I have such a good lie after that drive!"
lie angle - the angle that the shaft of a golf club makes at the point where it intersects the ground. This is measured correctly when the golf club is set down in, in the address position, with the leading edge forming a parallel line with the ground. Example: I had the lie angle of all my clubs adjusted because my divots were noticeably deeper in the toe.
line - (aka: "target line", "intended line", "putting line") the intended direction in which the golfer plans on hitting his/her ball. Most often used on the green. Example: "Should I mark my ball? Is it in your line?" also "No. I think that I have a pretty good line through these trees right to the green."
line up - (aka: "align") to look at a potential shot and choose the direction in which to play the next shot. Also to align oneself with an intended target. Example: "Alan waited quietly as Norm lined up his putt.
links - First used to describe a golf course adjacent to the ocean. In common current day use it is used as a synonym for golf course. Also largely used to describe courses with particular characteristics such as lacking trees, large mounds, rolling narrow fairways, pot bunkers, small greens the ninth hole does not necessary come back to the clubhouse, rocky terrain and significant rough/fescue. Example: "You wanna hit the links this weekend?" also, "Angus Glen is a links style course."
lip - (aka: "rim") the top rip or edge of the hole in which the flagstick is placed. Example: "I left my second put on the lip of the cup." or simply, "I left my put on the lip."
lip out - (aka: "rimmer') a putt (or occasionally an approach shot) that hits the lip of the cup but does not go in. Typically the the ball will change direction fairly dramatically. Example: "My par putt lipped out -so mark me down for a bogey."
lob - (aka: "lob shot") a short high flying shot that is intended to land softly and roll very little. Almost always played into the green with a highly lofted club. Example: "I lobbed one from about 30 yards to within six feet of the cup".
lob wedge - a wedge typically lofted between 58°-61°. Usually used to execute a 'lob shot'.
loft - the angle of the face of the club as compared to flat ground. Example: "Most drivers have between 9.5 and 11 degrees loft."
long game - the part of the game that does not take place around the green. The shots in a golf game that travel the farthest. Encompasses all shots taken with any wood and most shots taken with the 1to 4 or 5 irons. Example: "Naki's long game is awesome but he can't putt to save his life!"
long iron - the irons that are used to hit longer distances. Or the irons with the longest shafts. Typically thought of as the 1 through 4 irons.
loose impediment - any naturally occurring object whether alive or dead that is not embedded, fixed in place or growing any natural object that is not fixed or growing (e.g., rocks, twigs, leaves, apple core, etc.). Example: "The Rules of Golf stipulate that loose impediments can be removed/moved by the player unless he/she is in a hazard."
lost ball - any ball that cannot be found within 5 minutes of beginning a search. Example: "The rules of Golf stipulate that any player who declares his/her ball lost is assessed a 2 stroke penalty and the next shot must be played from as close to the location of the last shot as possible (i.e. the shot itself, an additional penalty stroke, and the ball must be replayed from its original position).
lag - (aka: "lag putt", "approach putt") 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. Example: "I was just lagging it up there. I never expected for it to go in!"
lateral water hazard - a water hazard positioned such that it is very difficult of impractical for a player to drop a ball behind it. The lateral hazard should be marked by red stakes or red lines. Other hazards such as environmentally friendly areas can be declared by the Committee to be lateral water hazards in spite of the fact there may or may not be any water in the area so marked. The USGA official rules of golf deals with lateral water hazards in rule #26.
lay up - (aka: "lay back", "play for position") A shot that is purposefully hit short of a particular hazard requiring another shot to circumvent the hazard. Often a player will lay up rather than 'go for it' when a steam or other water hazard crosses in front of the green. Example: "I can't got on that green in two I have to lay up in front of the bunkers."
lie - a term used in golf to mean the ball is stationary in a particular spot. Usually used to describe the quality of the spot in which the ball sits (i.e. how difficult it will be to hit the ball out of the location in which it 'lies'. Example: "I can't believe that I have such a good lie after that drive!"
lie angle - the angle that the shaft of a golf club makes at the point where it intersects the ground. This is measured correctly when the golf club is set down in, in the address position, with the leading edge forming a parallel line with the ground. Example: I had the lie angle of all my clubs adjusted because my divots were noticeably deeper in the toe.
line - (aka: "target line", "intended line", "putting line") the intended direction in which the golfer plans on hitting his/her ball. Most often used on the green. Example: "Should I mark my ball? Is it in your line?" also "No. I think that I have a pretty good line through these trees right to the green."
line up - (aka: "align") to look at a potential shot and choose the direction in which to play the next shot. Also to align oneself with an intended target. Example: "Alan waited quietly as Norm lined up his putt.
links - First used to describe a golf course adjacent to the ocean. In common current day use it is used as a synonym for golf course. Also largely used to describe courses with particular characteristics such as lacking trees, large mounds, rolling narrow fairways, pot bunkers, small greens the ninth hole does not necessary come back to the clubhouse, rocky terrain and significant rough/fescue. Example: "You wanna hit the links this weekend?" also, "Angus Glen is a links style course."
lip - (aka: "rim") the top rip or edge of the hole in which the flagstick is placed. Example: "I left my second put on the lip of the cup." or simply, "I left my put on the lip."
lip out - (aka: "rimmer') a putt (or occasionally an approach shot) that hits the lip of the cup but does not go in. Typically the the ball will change direction fairly dramatically. Example: "My par putt lipped out -so mark me down for a bogey."
lob - (aka: "lob shot") a short high flying shot that is intended to land softly and roll very little. Almost always played into the green with a highly lofted club. Example: "I lobbed one from about 30 yards to within six feet of the cup".
lob wedge - a wedge typically lofted between 58°-61°. Usually used to execute a 'lob shot'.
loft - the angle of the face of the club as compared to flat ground. Example: "Most drivers have between 9.5 and 11 degrees loft."
long game - the part of the game that does not take place around the green. The shots in a golf game that travel the farthest. Encompasses all shots taken with any wood and most shots taken with the 1to 4 or 5 irons. Example: "Naki's long game is awesome but he can't putt to save his life!"
long iron - the irons that are used to hit longer distances. Or the irons with the longest shafts. Typically thought of as the 1 through 4 irons.
loose impediment - any naturally occurring object whether alive or dead that is not embedded, fixed in place or growing any natural object that is not fixed or growing (e.g., rocks, twigs, leaves, apple core, etc.). Example: "The Rules of Golf stipulate that loose impediments can be removed/moved by the player unless he/she is in a hazard."
lost ball - any ball that cannot be found within 5 minutes of beginning a search. Example: "The rules of Golf stipulate that any player who declares his/her ball lost is assessed a 2 stroke penalty and the next shot must be played from as close to the location of the last shot as possible (i.e. the shot itself, an additional penalty stroke, and the ball must be replayed from its original position).
Golf Glossary - 'M'
mark - (aka: "spot") the action of precisely marking the position of your ball so that it can be picked up and identified/cleaned etc and then replaced. Usually accomplished with a ball marker. Example: "In order to ensure that Anita would not hit my ball I marked it until she finished putting."
marker - see "ball marker".
markers - (aka: "tee markers", "blocks", "tee blocks") the blocks/markers used to indicate the tee area from which the first shot is taken on any hole. Example: "The Rules of Golf allow you to tee your ball up within two club lengths of the tee blocks, but not ahead of them.".
marshal - (aka: "marshall", "ranger") With respect to tournaments or competitions that marshal is appointed by the committee to assist in controlling and policing the spectators. During regular public play a marshal is responsible for ensuring that the golfers are adhering to the golf course's rules and often encourages a reasonable pace of play. Most marshals have the authority to eject a player from the course.
match play - golf played and scored on a per hole basis. The player/team scoring lowest on a hole wins that hole. If the players/teams tie than neither wins the hole and play continues to the next hole. Example: "The winner of a match play competition is the player who has won the most holes, not necessarily the player with the fewest total strokes."
medallist - (aka: "medallist") the winner of a medal (stroke) play competition.
medal play - (aka: "stroke play") a seldom used term to describe a game of golf scored on a stroke by stoke basis (as most people are familiar) rather than match play which is by hole. Example: "The PGA Championship used to be decided by match play, but now it is a medal play competition."
member bounce - (aka: "member's bounce", "lucky kick") a favourable yet unexpected bounce. As though a member of the club would know how/where to get these bounces or the course is paying back the member for treating the course well over the year(s).
miss club - (aka: "misclub") playing the wrong club. Usually when the ball was struck well but flew either too far or too short resulting in the player to realize that he/she should have hit a different club. Example: "I must have misclubed! I hit that well but it fell a good 30yards short."
miss hit - when the ball is contacted during a swing as intended but solid contact is not made. Usually associated with a ball that traveled shorter than the intended distance. Example: "Frank hit the right club but he mishit it into the lake."
miss read - (aka: "misread") to read the break of a green incorrectly. Especially on a putt or a chip shot. Example: "Wow! I sure misread that - it broke the other way to what I was expecting."
mulligan - (aka: "lunch ball", "Sunday ball", "do-over") allowing a golfer to take a second shot without counting the first stroke. Example: "Archie said that we could take as many mulligans as we wanted on the first tee but after that we had to count every stroke."
muscle memory - a technical term used to describe the body's ability to remember or repeat movements automatically/consistently. Usually the result of a significant amount of practice. Example: "In order to develop a consistent swing you have to create muscle memory so that your body can replicate the swing time and again."
mark - (aka: "spot") the action of precisely marking the position of your ball so that it can be picked up and identified/cleaned etc and then replaced. Usually accomplished with a ball marker. Example: "In order to ensure that Anita would not hit my ball I marked it until she finished putting."
marker - see "ball marker".
markers - (aka: "tee markers", "blocks", "tee blocks") the blocks/markers used to indicate the tee area from which the first shot is taken on any hole. Example: "The Rules of Golf allow you to tee your ball up within two club lengths of the tee blocks, but not ahead of them.".
marshal - (aka: "marshall", "ranger") With respect to tournaments or competitions that marshal is appointed by the committee to assist in controlling and policing the spectators. During regular public play a marshal is responsible for ensuring that the golfers are adhering to the golf course's rules and often encourages a reasonable pace of play. Most marshals have the authority to eject a player from the course.
match play - golf played and scored on a per hole basis. The player/team scoring lowest on a hole wins that hole. If the players/teams tie than neither wins the hole and play continues to the next hole. Example: "The winner of a match play competition is the player who has won the most holes, not necessarily the player with the fewest total strokes."
medallist - (aka: "medallist") the winner of a medal (stroke) play competition.
medal play - (aka: "stroke play") a seldom used term to describe a game of golf scored on a stroke by stoke basis (as most people are familiar) rather than match play which is by hole. Example: "The PGA Championship used to be decided by match play, but now it is a medal play competition."
member bounce - (aka: "member's bounce", "lucky kick") a favourable yet unexpected bounce. As though a member of the club would know how/where to get these bounces or the course is paying back the member for treating the course well over the year(s).
miss club - (aka: "misclub") playing the wrong club. Usually when the ball was struck well but flew either too far or too short resulting in the player to realize that he/she should have hit a different club. Example: "I must have misclubed! I hit that well but it fell a good 30yards short."
miss hit - when the ball is contacted during a swing as intended but solid contact is not made. Usually associated with a ball that traveled shorter than the intended distance. Example: "Frank hit the right club but he mishit it into the lake."
miss read - (aka: "misread") to read the break of a green incorrectly. Especially on a putt or a chip shot. Example: "Wow! I sure misread that - it broke the other way to what I was expecting."
mulligan - (aka: "lunch ball", "Sunday ball", "do-over") allowing a golfer to take a second shot without counting the first stroke. Example: "Archie said that we could take as many mulligans as we wanted on the first tee but after that we had to count every stroke."
muscle memory - a technical term used to describe the body's ability to remember or repeat movements automatically/consistently. Usually the result of a significant amount of practice. Example: "In order to develop a consistent swing you have to create muscle memory so that your body can replicate the swing time and again."
Golf Glossary - 'N'
nassau - a bet on the golf course meaning that there is a winner for low score after nine holes a winner for low score on the second nine holes and an over all winner who has a combined (of front and back nines) low score. Example: "Q: What game do you like to pay? A: I prefer a $10 nassau. If that's okay with you."
neck - see "hosel".
nineteenth hole - (aka: "19th hole", "bar") the bar our lounge at the clubhouse. Usually where a group of golfers congregates for a drink and to share stories after the eighteenth hole. Example: "Stew! You're going to join us at the 19th hole for a drink aren't you?"
nassau - a bet on the golf course meaning that there is a winner for low score after nine holes a winner for low score on the second nine holes and an over all winner who has a combined (of front and back nines) low score. Example: "Q: What game do you like to pay? A: I prefer a $10 nassau. If that's okay with you."
neck - see "hosel".
nineteenth hole - (aka: "19th hole", "bar") the bar our lounge at the clubhouse. Usually where a group of golfers congregates for a drink and to share stories after the eighteenth hole. Example: "Stew! You're going to join us at the 19th hole for a drink aren't you?"
