Golf Terms & Definitions

Golf, unlike most ball games, cannot and does not use a standardised playing area, therefore adjusting to the various terrains found on different courses is an important component of the game. The game is often played on a course with an 18-hole progression, however leisure courses can be short, commonly with nine holes. Each hole on the course must have a teeing ground to begin with, as well as a putting green with the actual hole or cup 4+14 inches (11 cm) in diameter. Other common types of terrain in between include the fairway, rough (long grass), bunkers (or “sand traps”), and other hazards (water, rocks), but each hole on a course is unique in its layout and design.

Golf is played for the lowest number of strokes by an individual (stroke play) or for the lowest score on the most individual holes in a complete round by an individual or team (match play). At all levels, but notably at the elite level, stroke play is the most popular format.

The Entire Glossaries of Golf Terms

Golf terminology can be perplexing to anyone unfamiliar with the game, including beginners. I wanted to make a thorough lexicon for all of you so that you can understand what someone is saying during a round. I’ve also included links to articles where you may learn more about the subject.

Short Sided – If your approach shot lands on the side of the green where the pin resides. It significantly complicates your chip/pitch shot. To avoid this, always aim for the “fat” side of the green!

Fried Egg – When your ball lands in the bunker, it may become buried. It has the appearance of a fried egg.

Shank — This is the most offensive of all golf phrases, and you should never utter it aloud. When a golfer makes contact with the hosel of the club, the ball normally goes straight to the right.

A block occurs when a golfer hits a shot straight to the right (for a right-handed golfer)

Pull – When a golfer says they pulled their shot, it means they hit it to the left.

Albatross – Another word for double eagle, or when a hole is scored in three under par. This happens only if you make a hole in one on a par 4 or hole out on your second shot on a par 5.

Chunk – When a golfer says “I chunked it” that usually means that they made contact behind the golf ball, and their club had dug into the ground too deeply. Also could be referred to as hitting it fat.

Greenie – When playing a gambling format such as Nassau, it is common for groups to place side bets. A greenie is a side bet that is typically played on a par 3, with the player who lands the ball closest to the pin (while on the green) winning the greenie.

Green in Regulation – One of the golf terminology you should know – a green in regulation is when any part of the golf ball touches the putting surface and the number of strokes taken is two fewer than par. On a par 4, for example, you have struck the green in regulation if you reach the putting surface with your first or second shot.

A Texas Wedge is another word for utilising a putter while you are off the green. Some golfers will putt from the fairway, rough, or even the bunker on occasion.

Sandbagging – When a golfer claims to have a handicap that is far higher than their true ability. If golfers compete against one another based on handicap, this behaviour is frowned upon because the golfer will receive extra strokes that they do not properly earn — don’t be a sandbagger, be honest!

Playing it “Up” or “Down” – Playing the ball down requires you to hit your shot regardless of the lie. Golfers are permitted to play the ball “up” in specific conditions in order to enhance the lie. When there is bad weather, such as rain, it makes sense to play it up.

Lip Out — When your putt rolls around the edge of the cup, changing direction. This is extremely upsetting because it indicates you nearly made the putt!

Slice — Probably the most well-known golf term in terms of a player’s swing. A slice happens when a golfer puts too much bend on the ball. If a right-handed golfer’s ball moves disproportionately from left to right, they have sliced it.

Hook — A hook happens when the ball travels from right to left in an exaggerated route for a right-handed golfer.

Fade – A fade is a left to right (for righties) ball trajectory that is more controlled than a slice. A cut shot is another term for a cut shot.

Draw — A right-to-left ball flight that is more controlled than a hook.

Up and Down – If you miss a green in regulation but still have a chance to make par. For example, if you hit your approach shot into the rough, then pitched the ball onto the green and made your putt, you have successfully gone up and down for par.

Birdie – When you score one shot less than par for the round. A birdie would be a two on a par three or a three on a par four.

Par – When your hole score equals the listed par.

Conclusion 

Golf is beneficial to our heart.As a result, golf exercises your heart and keeps your heart rate elevated. This will reduce your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases naturally, as well as perhaps lower your levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol. Playing golf on a regular basis may potentially lead to an increase in life expectancy.