The Comprehensive Guide to Golf Terms

Golf terms and their definitions are essential for every golfer to know and understand their application. Getting started can feel somewhat overwhelming for beginners, so we wanted to create a comprehensive guide that is meant for better understanding the variety of golf terms used during play. Keep in mind that golfers will occasionally use slang terms that may not be covered in our guide to golf terms. That's OK! Do your best to use context clues in those cases or even give the slang terms a test run to see how your foursome responds. Trust me, if you misuse the slang terms, you are going to hear about it! Some of us have to learn the hard way, and we'll be better for it. Enjoy our comprehensive guide to golf terms and we hope this can serve as a resource for anyone looking to have a better understanding of golf terms.

Why It's Important to Know Golf Terms

Enjoyment of the Game

• Communication: Knowing the lingo allows you to communicate effectively with other players, enhancing social interactions and camaraderie on the course. Watch out though, golf terms can turn into golf slang really easily which is why we've compiled both basic golf terms to know as well as funny golf terms in this guide.
• Inclusion: Understanding golf terminology helps you feel included in the golfing community, which is integral to enjoying the sport’s social aspects. There's nothing more exclusive than chatting on the first tee and not understanding or knowing what people mean when they say things like "OB right, trouble short left, so hit a 7 yard fade and all will be good."
• Appreciation: As with any sport, knowing the terms helps you appreciate the nuances of the game, whether you’re playing or watching. Part of our mission at Planet Divot is to get you playing your best golf while also enhancing your appreciation for the sport. Knowing these golf terms for the golf course is a great way to add to your growing appreciation.
  

Playing the Game

• Rules and Etiquette: Many terms are tied to the rules and etiquette of golf. Knowing these helps ensure that you play by the book and respect the traditions of the game. We've compiled a guide for some basic rules of golf.
• Navigation: Terms often refer to parts of the course (e.g., fairway, rough, green). Understanding these helps you navigate the course and make strategic decisions. Having a baseline understanding of golf terms will help you play holes much more intelligently than if you have little understanding of them.
• Instruction and Improvement: When taking lessons, instructors will use golf terms to communicate techniques and strategies. Comprehending these terms is essential to following their advice and improving your skills. If you are looking for a golf instructor in Colorado, here is our list of best golf instructors.
  

Elevating Your Game

• Technical Understanding: Golf is a game of precision and technique. Terms often relate to the mechanics of the swing (e.g., slice, hook, stance). Knowledge of these terms is key to diagnosing and improving your technique. Think about when you're watching a golf instruction video or reading one of our guides for improving your golf swing, if you know the terms being referenced then you can apply them more appropriately and with intention.
• Strategic Play: Many terms relate to strategy (e.g., lay up, approach shot, up and down). Knowing what these mean can help you make smarter choices on the course.
• Equipment Familiarity: Terms also cover equipment (e.g., woods, irons, putter). Understanding these can aid you in selecting the right club for each situation. In this guide, we walk you through the types of golf clubs.
  

Knowledge of golf terminology is akin to learning the language of the game. Just as language fluency allows for deeper engagement in conversation, term fluency allows for a richer, more involved experience in golf. It opens doors to improving your play, enjoying interactions with other enthusiasts, and deepening your appreciation for the sport's intricacies.

Golf Terms for Beginners

For beginner golfers, understanding the basic terms can be a very helpful and useful way for propelling your understanding of the game, how it's played, goals, and ways to improve your golf strategy. Below is a list of golf terms for beginners to help guide you on your journey to understanding and loving the game of golf:

• Golf Club: The equipment used during a golf swing to make contact with the golf ball resulting in one stroke.
• Golf Ball: Used in every shot and the goal is to get the golf ball into the hole.
• Tee Box: The area where you start and play your first stroke of each hole.
• Tee: Used only on the tee box to elevate the golf ball for the first stroke of the hole. Not required but recommended.
• Fairway: The well-maintained area between the tee box and the green where the grass is cut short.
• Green: The area of finely-cut grass at the end of each hole where the flagstick and hole are located.
• Hole: Can refer to the physical hole in the ground into which the ball is played, or to the entire playing area from the tee to the green.
• Par: The number of strokes an expert player is expected to need to complete the hole. Holes are typically rated as par-3, par-4, or par-5.
• Birdie: One stroke under par for a given hole.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par for a given hole.
• Bogey: One stroke over par for a given hole.
• Double Bogey: Two strokes over par for a given hole.
• Rough: The taller grass that borders the fairway which can be more difficult to play from.
• Bunker (or Sand Trap): A hollow comprised of sand or a similar substance that poses an additional challenge.
• Tee: A small peg that you can place your ball on for the first stroke of each hole.
• Drive: Usually refers to the first stroke from the tee box on a par-4 or par-5 hole, typically done with a driver.
• Approach Shot: A shot intended to land the ball on the green.
• Putt: A shot played on the green with a putter, with the intention of getting the ball into the hole.
• Chip: A short shot (typically played from very close to and around the green) that is intended to travel through the air over a very short distance and roll the remainder of the way to the hole.
• Pitch: A shot played with a high trajectory designed to land softly on the green.
• Handicap: A numerical measure of a golfer's potential that is used to enable players of varying abilities to compete against one another. Check out our guide to the GHIN
• Fore!: A warning shout when the ball is heading toward a person.
• Slice: A golf shot that curves dramatically from left to right (for a right-handed golfer), often unintentionally.
• Hook: A shot that curves from right to left (for a right-handed golfer), again often unintentionally.
• Lie: How the ball is resting on the ground, which affects how you can hit it.
• Out of Bounds (OB): The area designated as being outside the boundaries of the course, often marked by white stakes. Hitting the ball out of bounds incurs a penalty.
• Hazard: Any bunker or permanent water including any ground marked as part of that water hazard.
  

Golf Scoring Terms: What is a Birdie? Par? Bogey?

Getting to know the scoring terms in golf is essential for playing the game, understanding it, and deepening your commitment to golf. In this section we answer questions like, What is a Par? What is a Bogey? What is a Birdie? We even go into detail about the ever elusive albatross. Let's dive in!

What is a Par?

The foundation of every golf hole is Par. The USGA defines Par as "the score a scratch player is expected to score on a given hole and may be allocated depending on the playing difficulty of the hole, including any effective length correction factors, for example, elevation changes, forced lay-ups, and prevalent wind.the number of strokes an expert expected to complete a hole."

Most of us are not scratch golfers - a player who can play to a course handicap of zero on any and all rated golf courses. In other words, scratch golfers are capable, more times than not, of achieving par on every hole. While that is aspirational, some would say that it is not realistic for the average golfer. The more common golf term used among beginners and average golfers is Bogey.

The USGA offers the following guidelines for establishing par on any given hole:

• Par 3: Up to 260 yards for men; up to 220 yards for women
• Par 4: From 240 - 490 yards for men; 200 - 420 yards for women
• Par 5: 450 - 710 yards for men; 370 - 600 yards for women
• Par 6: 670+ yards for men; 570+ yards for women

What is a Bogey?

More commonly scored among average golfers, a Bogey is defined as completing a hole with one stroke above par on the hole played. If the current hole is a Par 4 and the player completes the hole in 5 strokes, that player is said to have received a Bogey on the hole. While average golfers are more accustom to receiving bogeys on their scorecard, don't fret if you do because the best players in the world score bogeys, too! As a 6.2 handicap, I am often scoring bogeys on the golf course, and while they are not ideal for scoring my best, the reality for me is that they are common relative to my skill level. For some, receiving a bogey is a strong score relative to their handicap - a number that represents a golfer's ability based on previous scores, the lower the handicap the better the golfer.

Double bogey, triple bogey, and quadruple bogey are all indicators that a golfer scored +2, +3, and +4 above par on that hole. So for example, if the golfer scores a triple bogey on a Par 3, that golfer would have completed the hole in 6 strokes. A triple bogey on a Par 5 would equal 8 total strokes. While we all want to avoid the dreaded doubles, triples, and quads, some of us may not be able to avoid those scores. That's OK! Keep your expectations relative to your skill level and make sure to celebrate scores that match or exceed your playing level in any given round. Golf will be much more enjoyable this way as opposed to comparing yourselves with the best players in the world.

What is a Birdie?

A Birdie is a cause for celebration, high fives, fist bumps, and the common jovial outburst heard in the distance. To score a Birdie is to complete a hole in one less stroke than Par. In other words, I will have scored a birdie on a Par 5 if I complete the hole in 4 total strokes. Similarly, if I score a 2 on a Par 3 then I have gotten a Birdie on the hole. While the Birdie can be elusive to many golfers and even single handicappers, average golfers and high handicappers are capable of scoring birdies if they leverage golf swing tips to complete a hole with precision. The keys to scoring birdies on a golf course are consistent golf mechanics leading to quality outcomes and strong putting fundamentals. If you have not yet scored a birdie in your golf career, do not fret because one day a birdie will find its way onto your scorecard and it might just be the very reason you decide to play golf for the rest of your life. I know that's what happened to me when scoring a Hole in One when I was 14 years old!

What is an Eagle? What is a Hole in One? What is an Albatross?

If you have the pleasure of scoring an Eagle, Albatross, or Hole in One during a round then you are having yourself one heck of a day on the golf course! These scores indicate that a player completed a hole by 2 or more strokes less than par, which is a great achievement for any golfer.

According to the PGA, the odds of making a hole in one are approximately 12,500 to 1, but the odds are also dependent on the skill level of the golfer. No matter the par of the hole, a hole in one occurs when 1 stroke is taken to complete the hole. When a hole in one occurs on a par 4, it can be referred to as an albatross. When a. hole in one occurs on a par 5 it is known as a Condor. Here are some odds of making a hole in one:

• Tour Player = 3,000 to 1
• Low Handicapper = 5,000 to 1
• A Hole in One occurs once every 3,500 rounds of golf

Relative to par, Eagles are two strokes under the established par, meaning that a golfer who scored an Eagle on a Par 5 completed the hole in 3 total strokes - very impressive! To break it down:

• Par 3 Eagle = 1 Stroke (Ace or Hole in One)
• Par 4 Eagle = 2 Strokes
• Par 5 Eagle = 3 Strokes
• Par 6 Eagle = 4 Strokes

An Albatross is one of the most rare and unlikely scores to achieve in golf. In fact, the PGA reports that the odds of getting an albatross are less likely than being struck by lightning. A player scores an albatross when they get a hole in one on a par 4 or complete a par 5 in two total strokes. An even rarer score is the Condor, or a hole in one on a par 5. Condors have occurred 5 times in recorded history according to the PGA.

More Golf Terms to Know

Here is a more comprehensive list of golf terms to know as you navigate tee to green and everything in between:

• Fairway - The maintained area of the course between the tee box and the green where the grass is cut short, facilitating smoother shots.
• Green - The finely mowed area surrounding the hole where putts are generally played.
• Rough - The areas bordering the fairways and greens where the grass is longer, making shots more challenging.
• Fringe - The transitional area bordering the green with grass slightly longer than that on the green, often serving as a threshold before the rough.
• Fore - A warning shout given when there is a danger of someone being hit by the ball.
• Hazards - Any obstacles such as bunkers or bodies of water that present a challenge on a golf course.
• Lie - The position of the ball at rest, and the surrounding condition affecting how a player will make their next stroke.
• Out of Bounds or "OB" - The area designated as being outside the permissible playing area of the golf course. Balls hit here usually incur a penalty.
• Pin or Flag - A marker, often a flag, used to indicate the location of the hole on the green.
• Sand Trap or Bunker - A depression filled with sand, serving as an obstacle to avoid on the course where a player can play their shot without incurring any penalty and also cannot ground their club during practice swings or the actual shot attempt.
• Water Hazard - A body of water on the course that serves as an obstacle, potentially incurring penalties if the ball lands in it.
• Gimme - A putt that is so close to the hole that it is counted as made, without actually being played. Every player and grouping has their own standards for a gimme, some more generous than others.
• Tee Box - The designated area where players start and play their first stroke on a hole.
• Dogleg - A hole that follows a bent path, resembling a dog's leg, requiring strategic play around the bend.
• Divot - A piece of turf removed from the ground during a golf stroke, typically replaced or repaired by the player.
• Mulligan - An informal rule allowing a player to retake a shot without penalty, typically used in casual play.
• Best Ball - A format of play where each player on a team plays their individual shots through an entire hole and the team takes the best score of any player on that particular team.
• Preferred Ball - A format of play where each player plays from the spot of the best shot among members of a team.
• Match Play - A scoring system where the game is played hole by hole, with the player winning the most holes emerging as the winner.
• Stroke Play - A format where the winner is determined by the fewest strokes taken over the entire round or series of rounds.
• Ball Mark - A small indentation made on the green by the ball, which players are required to repair using a specific tool or tee.
• Break - The curve or bend of a putt as it approaches the hole, often influenced by the slope and grain of the green.
• Draw - A controlled shot that curves slightly from right to left (for right-handed players), often used to navigate around obstacles.
• Hook - A shot that curves sharply from right to left (for right-handed players), often resulting after a mishit or poor swing fundamentals.
• Fade - A shot that gently curves from left to right (for right-handed players), allowing for more controlled play.
• Slice - A shot that curves severely from left to right (for right-handed players), often indicative of an off-center strike.
• Grip - The part of the golf club you hold onto - located on the opposite side of the club face and usually wrapped in materials good for grip stability. Putter grips are different than grips for drivers, irons, and wedges.
• Fat -  Hitting the ground before making contact with the ball, typically resulting in a shorter shot.
• Thin - Striking the ball with the bottom edge of the club, often resulting in a low and fast shot.
• Scramble - A team format where all players tee off, choose the best shot, and then all play from that spot, repeating this process until the hole is completed.
• Up and Down - The act of recovering and finishing the hole in just two strokes from outside the green.
• Blade - Striking the ball with the blade (or thin edge) of the club, usually resulting in an unintended low trajectory.
• Shank - A mishit where the ball is struck with the hosel or neck of the club, causing it to veer unpredictably, often to the right.
• Top - Hitting the ball above its center, causing it to roll or bounce along the ground instead of launching into the air.
• Hole Out - Completing the play of a hole by getting the ball into the hole from a chip or pitch shot, not just a putt.

Funny Golf Terms

Golf is a game loaded with slang terminology, funny terms, and hilarious references that keep the game light and humorous, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Planet Divot compiled this list of funny golf terms to know:

• All in the Hips - a comedic reference to Happy Gilmore where Carl Weathers' character 'Chubbs' teaches Adam Sandler's character, Happy, to use his hips. Hilarious!
• Beach - another term for the sand or bunker
• Breakfast Ball - an unofficial rule that allows all golfers to take a mulligan from their first shot on the first hole
• Buttery - referring to a particularly smooth tempo and swing resulting in solid contact with the golf ball
• C'mon Sally - usually verbally said out loud by a player who doesn't strike the ball with enough force to make it to their desired outcome
• Chili Dip - hitting a chip shot 'fat'
• Chunky - referencing when your club hits more ground than makes contact with the golf ball
• DNF - stands for 'Did Not Finish' when a player picks up their ball without finishing the hole
• Dance Floor - another name for the green, you may hear someone say 'You're Dancing" which translates to your ball landing and resting on the green
• Duck Hook - a severe hook that typically lands in a hazard or well left of the intended target (for righties)
• Fat - taking too much ground with the shot resulting in a shorter shot result than expected
• Foot Wedge - when a player uses their foot to move their ball to a more desired lie, which is illegal in all game types except for perhaps the most casual of rounds
• Clean Sticks - a set of clean golf clubs after using Planet Divot's step-by-step instructions on how to clean golf clubs
• Fried Egg - when a ball lands in the bunker or sand trap and creates an impression of sand around the ball that simulates the appearance of a fried egg.
• In the Drink - refers to a shot which has landed in a water hazard
• Mud Ball - referring to a large amount of mud resting on the golf ball prior to attempting your next shot
• Piped - refers to a very well struck shot, typically from a driver, woods, hybrids, or longer irons
• Rim Job - refers to a putt that nearly goes into the hole, but lips out of the edge of the cup
• Ringer - refers to a skilled player
• Sandbagger - refers to a skilled player who is better than they represent
• Shanked - when a player mishits the ball
• Smoked - another way to refer a solid shot
• Snowman - when a player scores an 8 on a single hole
• Swing Oil - refers to alcoholic beverages and their perceived, possibly actual ability to allow golfers to swing more freely and without overthinking
• Sweet Kicks - a pair of golf shoes that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, usually in relation to a pair of Jordan golf shoes or a Nike collaboration
• Three Jacked - when a player uses three putts on the green to finish the hole
• Tips - the furthest tees available on the golf course
• Waggle - when a player, in an attempt to get comfortable before taking their shot,
• Yanked - refers to a shot that is pulled to the left (for righties)
• Yips - when a player is unable to perform basic shots at close range due to an inability to perform controlled motor functions

In Conclusion: What We Learned about Golf Terms

We compiled this glossary and comprehensive guide of golf terms to make the game more understandable, approachable, to enable you as a participant. Our hope is that you can also more actively participate in conversations happening at the 19th Hole as a result of better understanding various golf terms that can help you get more out of the game.

We highly encourage our readers to take an active part in using golf terms, engage in conversation, and be open to making mistakes about the right terms to be using in the right moments. There is a lot to digest and understand about golf sayings, slang, or terminology used in different circumstances. Adding on golf slang that can occur between golfers, friends, club members, or in other foursomes, it's a lot to keep up with. Dive in and use golf terms as much as you can. Allow golf terms to naturally be interwoven with your play on course. Hell, try creating your own golf slang. The point is to make the educational aspects of golf as enjoyable and repeatable as possible.

A comprehensive list of golf terms cannot be fully represented in one guide or glossary, so we encourage you to keep exploring Planet Divot, engage with your community of golfers, and find other resources out there to make sure you're in the know for all things related to golf.

Embark on your golfing journey with confidence and expertise with Planet Divot's Comprehensive Guide to Golf Terms. From the essential basics to the more intricate jargon of the sport, our guide ensures you're well-equipped to navigate the world of golf with ease. This guide serves as your essential companion on and off the course. Remember, understanding golf terminology is more than just learning words; it's about embracing the rich culture and history of this timeless sport. Stay ahead of the game and revisit Planet Divot for more insights, golf tips, golf equipment reviews, and golf news.