Glossary
Welcome to Hole19's complete golf glossary, your trusted companion to understanding golf terminology. Whether you're looking to break 90, improve your club choices, or simply learn what 'plays like distances' means, we've got you covered. Browse alphabetically or search for specific terms to enhance your golfing knowledge and performance.
Above the Hole
Ball position on the green where the putt will be downhill, making speed and break more difficult to control.
Ace
A hole-in-one. When a player holes their first shot from the tee.
Address
The position taken by a player in preparing to start a stroke.
Aggregate
A scoring format where the total of multiple rounds determines the winner.
Aim Line
The imaginary line along which the player intends the ball to travel.
Albatross
Three strokes under par on a single hole. Also known as a double eagle in North America.
All Square
When players or teams are tied during match play, often abbreviated as A/S.
Alternate
A player who may compete in a tournament if another player withdraws.
Alternate Shot
A format where partners play one ball, taking alternate shots.
Amateur Status
The standing of golfers who play without financial gain.
Angle of Attack
The angle at which the clubhead approaches the ball.
Approach
A shot played into the green.
Apron
The closely mowed area of grass immediately surrounding the green, also known as the fringe.
Away
The ball that lies farthest from the hole, indicating which player should play next.
Back Nine
The final nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
Back Tees
The rearmost set of tees, typically the longest and most challenging.
Back-weighting
A club feature that provides stability and improved trajectory.
Backspin
Backward rotation of the ball that helps control distance and stopping on the green.
Ball Flight Laws
The principles that determine how a golf ball travels through the air.
Ball Marker
A small, flat object used to mark the position of a ball on the green.
Ball Position
Where the ball is placed in relation to the golfer's stance.
Ball Speed
The velocity at which the ball leaves the clubface after impact.
Ball Washer
A device on the course used to clean golf balls.
Banana Ball
A severely curved shot, either a slice or hook.
Beach
Slang term for a sand bunker.
Belly Putter
A longer putter designed to be anchored against the abdomen (now restricted under rules).
Below the Hole
When a ball is positioned on the green providing an uphill putt to the hole.
Bent Grass
A type of grass commonly used on putting greens.
Best Ball
A format where the best score among team members counts for each hole.
Better Ball
A format where each player plays their own ball and the better score counts for the team.
Big Dog
Slang term for the driver.
Bingo Bango Bongo
A points-based game awarding points for first on green, closest to pin, and first in hole.
Birdie
A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
Blade
1. A type of putter with a narrow hitting surface. 2. A shot struck with the leading edge of an iron.
Block
A shot that goes directly right of the target for a right-handed golfer.
Bogey
A score of one stroke over par on a hole.
Bogey Golfer
A player who generally scores one stroke over par on most holes.
Bogey Rating
A course rating that indicates course difficulty for a bogey golfer.
Bounce
The angle between the leading edge and trailing edge of a club's sole.
Break
The curve a putt makes due to the slope of the green.
Breakfast Ball
An unofficial mulligan taken on the first tee.
Bump and Run
A low-running shot played around the green, typically with less loft.
Bunker
A hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground filled with sand.
Cabbage
Slang term for extremely thick rough.
Cap
The maximum handicap index allowed in a competition.
Carry
The distance a ball travels through the air before landing.
Cart Path Only
A rule requiring golf carts to remain on paved paths.
Casual Water
Temporary accumulation of water not marked as a water hazard.
Center of Gravity
The point in a club head where weight is perfectly balanced.
Chapman
Also known as Pinehurst, a two-person team format.
Chip
A short approach shot played around the green with low trajectory.
Choke Down
Gripping down on the club shaft to reduce distance and increase control.
Chunk
Hitting the ground well behind the ball, taking a large divot.
Cleek
Traditional name for a driving iron.
Closed Face
When the clubface is pointed left of the target at address for right-handed golfers.
Coefficient of Restitution
Measure of a club's spring-like effect at impact.
Compression
The amount a golf ball deforms upon impact.
Condor
Four strokes under par on a single hole, extremely rare.
Course Handicap
The number of handicap strokes a player receives from a specific set of tees.
Course Rating
A number indicating the difficulty of a golf course for a scratch golfer under normal conditions.
Cross Bunker
A bunker positioned across the fairway.
Cup
The hole on the green, typically 4.25 inches in diameter.
Cut
1. A fade shot that curves slightly from left to right. 2. The halfway point in a tournament when the field is reduced.
Cut Line
The score that determines which players continue play after a specified number of rounds.
Dancing
When a ball remains on the putting surface near the hole.
Dead
1. A shot with no spin. 2. A shot with no chance of going in the hole.
Deceleration
Slowing the club down through impact, usually causing poor contact.
Density Rating
A measure of the obstacles within the effective playing length of a hole.
Dimple Pattern
The arrangement of dimples on a golf ball affecting its aerodynamics.
Distance Control
The ability to hit shots the desired length.
Divot
The turf displaced when striking a golf shot.
Divot Pattern
The characteristic shape of turf removal for a particular player.
Dog License
Winning a match by 7 and 6 (British term).
Dogleg
A hole that curves left or right between tee and green.
Dormie
When a player leads a match by the same number of holes that remain.
Double Bogey
A score of two strokes over par on a hole.
Double Cross
When a shot curves opposite to the intended direction.
Double Eagle
American term for an albatross, three under par on one hole.
Double Hit
Striking the ball twice during a single stroke.
Draw
A shot that curves slightly from right to left for a right-handed golfer.
Drive
A shot played from the tee, usually with a driver.
Driver
The longest club in the bag, used primarily for tee shots.
Drop
The act of putting a ball back into play by dropping it from knee height.
Drop Zone
A designated area where a player may drop a ball as relief.
Duck Hook
A low, sharp hook shot that goes left quickly.
Duff
A poorly struck shot, usually hitting the ground first.
Eagle
A score of two strokes under par on a hole.
Effective Playing Length
The measured length of a hole adjusted for various factors.
Entry Fee
The required payment to participate in a tournament.
Equipment Rules
Regulations governing the specifications of golf equipment.
ESR
Exceptional Score Reduction in the World Handicap System.
Etiquette
The customs and behaviors expected on a golf course.
European Tour
Professional golf tour primarily based in Europe.
Even Par
A score equal to the predetermined number of strokes.
Exemption
Status that automatically qualifies a player for certain tournaments.
Expected Score
The likely score of a scratch golfer from any position.
Extra Hole
A hole played after a tied match to determine a winner.
Face Angle
The direction the clubface is pointing at address.
Face Insert
A separate piece of material inserted into the clubface.
Fade
A shot that curves slightly from left to right for a right-handed golfer.
Fairway
The closely mown area between the tee and green.
Fairway Bunker
A sand hazard positioned alongside or within the fairway.
Fairway Wood
A club used for long shots from the fairway.
False Front
A portion of the green that slopes severely back to front.
Fat Shot
Hitting the ground before the ball, causing poor contact.
Feather Ball
Historical golf ball made of leather and stuffed with feathers.
First Cut
The slightly longer grass immediately adjacent to the fairway.
First Tee
The starting tee of a golf course.
Five Ball
A group of five players playing together (typically not allowed in competitions).
Flag
The marker and pole placed in the hole to indicate its position.
Flag Stick
The pole with flag marking the hole location.
Flat Swing
A golf swing that moves around the body on a relatively horizontal plane.
Flex
The amount a shaft bends during the swing.
Flier
A shot from the rough that travels farther than expected.
Float
A putting practice technique where the putter head hovers above the ground.
Flog
Golf spelled backwards; a format where the highest score wins.
Flop Shot
A high, soft-landing shot played with an open clubface.
Flourish
An extra movement at the end of the follow-through.
Flush
A perfectly struck shot.
Follow Through
The portion of the swing after the ball is struck.
Footprints in the Sand
Marks left in a bunker that should be raked.
Fore
A warning shouted when a ball is headed toward other players.
Fore Caddie
A caddie positioned ahead to spot where balls land.
Forecaddie
A person positioned ahead of players to track ball locations.
Forward Press
A slight movement forward before starting the swing.
Forward Tees
The set of tees closest to the hole.
Four-Ball
A match where two players play their better ball against another team's better ball.
Foursome
1. A group of four players. 2. A format where partners alternate shots.
Fried Egg
When a ball in a bunker is partially buried in the sand.
Front Nine
The first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
Front Tees
The most forward set of tees, typically shortest distance.
Full Shot
A shot played with a full swing.
Function
The intended purpose of a club in the set.
Gallery
Spectators at a golf tournament.
Gamble
A risky shot attempted with potential high reward.
Gap Wedge
A wedge with loft between a pitching wedge and sand wedge, typically 50-54 degrees.
Gimme
A putt so close to the hole that it's conceded in match play.
GPS
Global Positioning System used to measure distances on the golf course.
Grain
The direction grass grows, affecting ball roll on greens.
Grand Slam
Winning all four major championships in the same calendar year.
Graphite Shaft
A lightweight club shaft made from carbon fiber materials.
Green
The specially prepared area containing the hole.
Green Committee
Group responsible for course maintenance and setup.
Green Fee
The cost to play a round of golf.
Green in Regulation (GIR)
Reaching the green in the expected number of shots (par minus 2).
Green Reader
A detailed guide showing green slopes and breaks.
Green Speed
The pace of a putting surface, often measured by Stimpmeter.
Greenkeeper
Person responsible for golf course maintenance.
Greenside
Area immediately adjacent to the green.
Grip
1. The handle of the golf club. 2. The way a player holds the club.
Groove
Channel on the clubface that helps control spin and debris.
Gross Score
Total strokes taken without handicap adjustment.
Ground Under Repair (GUR)
Areas of the course under maintenance, marked for relief.
Grounding the Club
Allowing the club to touch the ground behind the ball.
Group Play
Tournament format where players compete in designated groups.
Half Shot
A shortened swing used for control.
Half Turn
A abbreviated backswing.
Halved
When competitors tie a hole in match play.
Handicap
A numerical measure of a golfer's potential scoring ability.
Handicap Allowance
Percentage of handicap used in different competition formats.
Handicap Index
A measure of a player's potential ability calculated under the World Handicap System.
Handle
The grip end of the golf club.
Hard Cap
Maximum increase allowed in a Handicap Index.
Hard Pan
Very firm, compacted ground, usually with minimal grass.
Hazard
Any bunker or water hazard on a golf course.
Head Cover
Protective covering for club heads, especially woods.
Head Speed
The speed of the clubhead during the swing.
High Side
The uphill side of the hole on a breaking putt.
Hole
1. The playing area from tee to green. 2. The 4.25-inch cup in the green.
Hole High
A ball that is even with the hole but off to one side.
Hole in One
Scoring a 1 on any hole, usually a par 3.
Hole Location
The position of the hole on the green.
Hole Out
To complete play of a hole by getting the ball in the cup.
Home Course
The course where a golfer plays most often.
Honor
The right to play first from the tee.
Hook
A shot that curves sharply from right to left for a right-handed golfer.
Hosel
The part of the club head that connects to the shaft.
Hybrid
A club combining characteristics of woods and irons.
Impact
The moment when the clubhead strikes the ball.
Impact Position
The position of the club and body at ball strike.
Impact Zone
The area where the club contacts the ball.
In Play
A ball that lies within the course boundaries.
In-Course Rating
Evaluation of difficulty during actual play.
Index
Short for Handicap Index.
Initial Distance
Starting point for measuring club or shot distance.
Insert
Special material added to club face, especially putters.
Inside Path
A swing path that approaches the ball from inside the target line.
Inside the Leather
A putt considered close enough to be given, measured by putter length.
Inspection
Official examination of equipment for conformity.
Integrity
Adherence to golf's rules and etiquette.
Intended Line
The planned path of a putt or shot.
Interlocking Grip
A grip style where fingers interlock between hands.
International Golf Federation
Global governing body for golf.
Inward Nine
Another term for the back nine holes.
Iron
A club with a metal head, numbered from 1 to 9.
Island Green
A putting surface completely surrounded by water.
Jab
A short, quick putting stroke lacking smooth acceleration.
Jack
A ball that stops just beyond the hole.
Jarred
When a putt goes in the hole with force.
Jaws
When a ball spins back significantly after landing.
Jerked
A shot hit quickly and usually left of target.
Jigger
An obsolete iron club with characteristics between a modern chipper and pitch iron.
Joint Initiative
Collaboration between governing bodies on rules or initiatives.
Jump
1. When a ball bounces unusually high after landing. 2. Skipping ahead of slower groups.
Junior Golf
Competitive golf for players under 18.
Just Short
A shot or putt that stops barely short of its target.
Kick
The bounce or deflection of a golf ball after landing.
Kick Point
The location on a shaft where maximum flex occurs during swing.
Kikuyu
A type of grass used on some courses, especially in Southern Africa.
Kill
To hit a shot with minimal follow-through to reduce distance.
Knee
The height from which a ball must be dropped under the rules.
Knock Down
A shot played with a lower than normal trajectory.
Knockdown Shot
A shot played with less than full power to control trajectory.
Known Value
A score posted that counts toward a player's handicap calculation.
Knuckle
1. The joint of the flagstick. 2. A putting grip position.
Lag
1. A long putt intended to stop near the hole. 2. The flex in a shaft during swing.
Lag Putting
The art of distance control in putting.
Landing Area
The intended spot for a ball to land.
Launch Angle
The initial angle of the ball's flight relative to the ground.
Launch Monitor
Electronic device measuring ball and club data at impact.
Lay Up
A shot intentionally played short of a hazard or target.
Laying the Sod
Taking too much turf when striking the ball.
Lead Edge
The front edge of the clubhead.
Leaderboard
Display showing player standings in a competition.
Leading Edge
The bottom front part of the clubhead that first contacts the ball.
League Play
Organized competition between teams or clubs.
Lie
1. The position of a ball at rest. 2. The angle between the clubhead and shaft.
Lie Angle
The angle between the shaft and ground when the club is soled.
Links
A golf course built on coastal sand dunes.
Links Golf
Style of golf played on traditional links courses.
Lip
The edge of the hole on a putting green.
Lip Out
When a putt hits the edge of the hole and doesn't fall.
Local Rules
Special rules adopted for a specific course or competition.
Loft
The angle of the clubface that affects ball trajectory.
Loft Angle
The angle between the clubface and shaft.
Long Game
Shots played with longer clubs from greater distances.
Long Iron
Iron clubs with less loft (typically 2, 3, and 4 irons).
Loop
1. To play a round of golf. 2. A caddie's work for the day.
Looper
Slang term for a caddie.
Lost Ball
A ball that cannot be found within three minutes of searching.
Low Point
The lowest point of the swing arc.
LPGA
Ladies Professional Golf Association.
Lucy
Slang for a shank (poor shot off the hosel).
Lunge
Quick forward movement during swing, causing poor contact.
Maintenance
Course upkeep and preparation activities.
Major Championships
The four most prestigious annual tournaments in professional golf.
Marker
1. Person keeping score. 2. Object used to mark ball position.
Marshal
Course official who monitors pace of play and helps locate balls.
Match Play
Competition based on winning individual holes.
Maximum Score
Highest score allowed on a hole in certain formats.
Medal Play
Competition based on total strokes taken.
Member's Bounce
A fortunate bounce that helps the ball toward the target.
Mid-Iron
Iron clubs with medium loft (typically 5, 6, and 7 irons).
Minimum Number of Clubs
The fewest clubs allowed in competition (typically 14).
Misclub
Selecting the wrong club for a shot.
Mixed Foursome
A group containing both male and female players.
Modified Stableford
A scoring system awarding points based on score relative to par.
Monday Qualifier
Tournament qualifying round held on Mondays.
Most Likely Score
The score a player would most likely make under normal conditions.
Moving Day
Traditional term for the third round of a tournament.
Mulled
A shot struck without full commitment.
Mulligan
An informal practice of taking a second shot after a poor first shot.
Municipal
A golf course owned and operated by a city or county.
Nassau
A type of betting game combining three separate bets.
Native Area
Unmaintained natural areas on a golf course.
Nearest Point of Relief
The closest point where interference is avoided.
Net Double Bogey
Maximum hole score for handicap purposes.
Net Score
Gross score minus handicap strokes.
Niblick
Old term for a 9-iron.
Nineteenth Hole
The clubhouse bar.
No Card
Withdrawal from a round without completing all holes.
Nobble
To top or badly mishit a shot.
Non-Conforming
Equipment that doesn't meet official specifications.
Normal Stance
Standard address position for a shot.
Number One
The driver or 1-wood.
Obscured Ball
A ball that's difficult to see or access.
Obstacle Factors
Course features that affect playing difficulty.
Official Guide
Complete rules and interpretations document.
Offset
Club head design where face is set back from the hosel.
One Ball Rule
Tournament rule requiring use of same ball model.
One-Piece Takeaway
Beginning the swing with arms and shoulders moving together.
Open Championship
The British Open, one of golf's major championships.
Open Club Face
When the club face is pointing right of the target at address.
Open Qualifying
Tournament qualifying open to all eligible players.
Open Stance
A stance aligned left of the target line.
Order of Merit
Season-long points or money ranking system.
Out of Bounds
Area outside the course boundaries marked by white stakes.
Outside Agency
Any agent not part of the match or competition.
Outside Path
A swing path moving away from the player through impact.
Over the Top
A swing path moving outside the ideal plane.
Overclub
Using too much club for the required distance.
Overhanging Branch
Tree limb that may interfere with a shot.
Overlap Grip
A common grip where the little finger overlaps the index finger.
Pace of Play
The speed at which players complete their round.
Par
The standard number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole.
Par 3 Course
A course consisting only of par 3 holes.
Parallax
Visual distortion when reading putts from different angles.
Partner
A player who competes on the same side in team formats.
Path
The direction the clubhead travels through impact.
PCC
Playing Conditions Calculation in the World Handicap System.
Penalty Area
Areas previously known as water hazards, marked by red or yellow stakes.
Penalty Stroke
An additional stroke added for rule violations.
Perfect Round
Scoring birdie or better on all 18 holes.
Perimeter Weighting
Distribution of weight around club head edges.
PGA
Professional Golfers' Association.
PGA Tour
Principal professional golf tour in North America.
Pin
Another term for the flagstick marking the hole.
Pin High
A ball that is level with the hole but off to one side.
Pin Position
Location of the hole on the green.
Pitch
A high-trajectory shot played to the green.
Pitch Mark
Indentation on green caused by ball landing.
Pitching Wedge
Club used for short, high-trajectory approach shots.
Pivot
The rotation of the body during the swing.
Play Through
When a faster group is allowed to pass a slower group.
Player's Edition
Abbreviated version of the Rules of Golf.
Playing Handicap
Adjusted handicap for specific competition format.
Plugged Ball
A ball embedded in its own pitch mark.
Plus Handicap
A handicap of better than scratch (less than zero).
Point of Entry
Where a ball last crossed the margin of a penalty area.
Port
An opening or gap between obstacles.
Preferred Lies
Local rule allowing ball to be lifted and cleaned in specific areas.
Press
To start a new bet while playing, usually when losing.
Pro Shop
Retail store at a golf facility.
Pro-Am
Tournament pairing professionals with amateurs.
Progressive Scoring
Increasing point values in some scoring formats.
Provisional
A second ball played in case the first is lost.
Pull
A shot that travels straight but left of target.
Pull Hook
A shot that starts left and curves further left.
Pull Slice
A shot that starts left and curves right.
Push
A shot that travels straight but right of target.
Push Cart
A wheeled cart for carrying golf bag.
Push Hook
A shot that starts right and curves left.
Push Slice
A shot that starts right and curves further right.
Put Back
Replacing a ball on its original spot.
Putt
A shot played on the green, usually with a putter.
Putter
Club designed specifically for putting.
Putting Green
Area of very short grass surrounding the hole.
Putting Surface
The closely mown area of the green.
Q-School
Qualifying tournament for professional tours.
Qualifying
Competition to determine who gets into a tournament field.
Qualifying Round
Round played to earn entry into a tournament.
Quarter
In match play, leading by four holes with four holes to play.
Quitting
Decelerating through the shot, causing poor contact.
Quota
Points-based scoring system based on handicap.
R&A
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
Rainsuit
Waterproof golf clothing.
Range
Practice area for hitting balls.
Range Finder
Device for measuring distance to target.
Rating
Numerical evaluation of course difficulty.
Ready Golf
Playing when ready rather than by honor.
Recovery Shot
A shot played to return to normal play after a poor shot.
Red Stakes
Markers indicating a lateral penalty area.
Reference Point
Specific point from which relief is measured.
Relief
The allowed dropping of a ball away from interference.
Restore
Returning a course feature to its original condition.
Reverse Overlap
Putting grip with index finger overlapping other hand.
Rhythm
The timing and tempo of the golf swing.
Rick
British term for a badly mishit shot.
Ringer Score
Best score made on each hole over multiple rounds.
Rip
To hit a shot with maximum power.
Roll
The distance a ball travels on the ground after landing.
Rough
Longer grass bordering the fairway.
Round
18 holes of golf.
Round Robin
Tournament format where all players or teams play each other.
Routing
The layout and sequence of holes on a course.
Row
A line of players on a practice range.
Royal
Designation given to certain golf clubs by British monarchy.
Rub of the Green
When a ball is deflected by an outside agency.
Run
The distance a ball travels after landing.
Run Up
A low shot designed to roll toward the target.
Runner
A low-running shot played along the ground.
Rutter
Old Scottish term for a wooden golf club.
Sand Save
Getting up and down from a bunker.
Sand Trap
Common term for a bunker.
Sand Wedge
A club designed for playing from sand bunkers.
Sandbagger
Someone who deliberately maintains a higher handicap.
Score Differential
The difference between adjusted gross score and course rating.
Scotch Foursomes
Alternative name for Foursomes or Alternate Shot format.
Scramble
1. A team format where all players play from the best shot. 2. Recovering to make par after a poor shot.
Scratch Golfer
A player with a zero handicap.
Semi-Private
A golf course that offers both member and public play.
Senior Tees
Forward tees typically used by older players.
Shaft
The long, tapered tube connecting club head to grip.
Shaft Flex
The amount of bend in a club shaft during swing.
Shamble
A format combining scramble and better ball elements.
Shank
A shot struck off the hosel of the club.
Short Game
Shots played around and on the green.
Short Side
Position where there is minimal green to work with.
Shotgun Start
Tournament format where groups start simultaneously on different holes.
Six-Six-Six
A match play format divided into three six-hole matches.
Skin
A point or prize for winning a hole in skins game format.
Skull
A shot struck near the top of the clubface.
Slice
A shot that curves sharply from left to right for a right-handed golfer.
Slope Rating
Measure of course difficulty for bogey golfers relative to scratch golfers.
Snap Hook
A shot that hooks sharply from right to left.
Snowman
A score of eight on a hole.
Soft Cap
First level of handicap index increase limitation.
Sole
The bottom surface of a club head.
Spam
Slang for an easy putt.
Spikes
Cleats on golf shoes for traction.
Spin Rate
The number of revolutions per minute a ball makes.
Split Tees
Starting groups on both 1st and 10th tees.
Spray
To hit shots in scattered, inconsistent directions.
Spring Line
The designed angle of club shaft installation.
Square
1. Proper alignment at address. 2. Even in match play.
Stableford
Point-based scoring system based on hole scores.
Stack and Tilt
A golf swing method emphasizing weight forward.
Stance
The position of the feet when addressing the ball.
Stimpmeter
Device used to measure green speed.
Stroke Index
The ranking of hole difficulty for handicap purposes.
Stroke Play
Competition based on total number of strokes.
Stroke Saver
Course guide showing distances and hazards.
Strong
Club face positioned with more loft than standard.
Sweet Spot
The optimal point of contact on the clubface.
Swingpath
The path the club head travels through impact.
Take Relief
To proceed under a rule allowing a ball to be moved.
Tap-in
A very short putt.
Target Line
Imaginary line from ball to intended target.
Teaching Professional
Golf instructor certified by PGA.
Tee
1. The starting point of a hole. 2. A small peg used to elevate the ball.
Tee Box
The area where play begins on each hole.
Tee Marker
Object marking the front of teeing area.
Tee Sheet
Daily listing of starting times.
Tee Time
Scheduled starting time for a round.
Tempo
The rhythm and timing of the golf swing.
Ten-Shot Rule
Tournament cut allowing players within 10 of lead.
Texas Scramble
Team format requiring minimum drives per player.
Texas Wedge
Using a putter from off the green.
Three Ball
Match play format with three players competing.
Three Jack
Taking three putts on a green.
Three-Putt
Taking three putts to complete a hole.
Through Line
The path a putt will take beyond the hole.
Through the Green
The whole area of the course except hazards.
Thumbs
Position of thumbs on the grip.
Tier
A distinct level on a green.
Tight Lie
Ball sitting on bare or closely mown turf.
Tips
The back tees on a golf course.
Toe
The outer end of the club head.
Top
To hit the ball above its equator.
Topped
A shot struck on top of the ball.
Tour
Professional golf competition circuit.
Tour Sauce
Mannerisms mimicking tour professionals.
Tournament
Organized golf competition.
Trajectory
The path of ball flight through the air.
Transition
Movement from backswing to downswing.
Tree Line
Border of trees along a hole.
Triple Bogey
A score of three strokes over par on a hole.
Turn
The completion of the first nine holes.
Under Par
A score lower than par.
Undulation
Waves or contours in the putting surface.
Uneven Lie
Ball position on sloping ground.
Unplayable
A ball position from which a player decides they cannot play.
Up and Down
Getting the ball into the hole in two shots from off the green.
Uphill Lie
When the ball is positioned above the player's feet.
USGA
United States Golf Association.
Utility Club
Versatile club, typically a hybrid.
Vale
A low area or valley on a golf course.
Validation
Verification of a player's handicap index.
Vardon Grip
The overlapping grip style popularized by Harry Vardon.
Variables
Factors affecting play such as wind and temperature.
Variance
The difference between a player's handicap and actual score.
Vegas
A gambling game format with specific scoring rules.
Velocity
Speed of club head or ball.
Vent
Small hole in a club head to allow air escape.
Vertical Groove
Club face grooves running top to bottom.
VFT
Variable Face Thickness technology in club design.
Virtual Club Fitting
Remote club fitting using launch monitor data.
Visual Center
Apparent center of the club face.
Volume
The size of a club head measured in cubic centimeters.
Volunteer
Person who assists in running a golf tournament.
Waggle
A practice movement of the club before starting the swing.
Walk Through
Continuing forward motion after impact.
Walking Course
A course designed primarily for walking players.
Waste Area
A sandy area not designated as a bunker.
Waste Bunker
Large sandy area not considered a formal hazard.
Water Hazard
Any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, or other open water on the course.
Weather Delay
Temporary suspension of play due to weather.
Wedge
A high-lofted club designed for short shots.
Weight
1. Distribution of mass in a club head. 2. Body position during swing.
Weight Port
Adjustable weight system in club heads.
Wet Line
The line formed by water on greens affecting putts.
Whiff
A complete miss of the ball during a stroke.
White Stakes
Markers indicating out-of-bounds areas.
Wind Cheater
A low trajectory shot to minimize wind effect.
Window
Gap between trees or obstacles for shot trajectory.
Winter Rules
Local rules allowing preferred lies in poor conditions.
Wire-to-Wire
Leading a tournament from start to finish.
Wolf
A betting game format with rotating individual play.
Wood
A club with a larger head designed for distance shots.
Worm Burner
A shot that barely gets off the ground.
WR
World Ranking in professional golf.
Wrist Cock
Hinge motion in the wrists during backswing.
Yardage
The distance to a target on the golf course.
Yardage Book
Detailed course guide with distances and features.
Yardage Marker
Distance indicators on course features.
Yellow Line
Suggested putting line shown on TV broadcasts.
Yellow Stakes
Markers indicating water hazards.
Yield
How much a shaft flexes during swing.
Yips
A nervous condition affecting a player's game (more commonly in their short game or putting).
Zero Handicap
Same as scratch golfer.
Zinc
Material used in some golf ball cores.
Zip
Amount of backspin on a shot.
Zone
1. Part of the golf course. 2. Mental state of peak performance.
Zone Defense
Conservative course management strategy.
Zone Hitting
Contact area on the club face.
Zone Play
Strategic approach to course management.
Zone System
Method of dividing green into putting zones.
Zoysia
A type of grass used on some golf courses.
Join 4.8M+ golfers worldwide today. Download now!
Hole19 is the leading golf app for tracking scores, navigating courses with GPS precision, and unlocking performance insights.
Get 14 days free, then only €69,99/year.
