Golf lessons
Sign up for our newsletter
Golf Quiz
Golf Terminology
Air Shot
An unsuccessful attempt to strike the ball where the player fails to make contact with the ball. Also known as a 'fresh-air shot,' it is counted as a stroke. Normally only done by beginners.
Address
The act of taking a stance and placing the club-head behind the ball. Taking the correct address position is considered to be one of the most important aspects of hitting the golf ball straight.
Ace
Another name of a hole-in-one, normally on a par-3, very occasionally on a short par-4.
Wedge
The golf terminology Wedge refers to the clubs used to hit the ball onto the green from a relatively short distance. (usually around 100 yards or less).
The Turn
"Making the turn" is when golfers go from hole number nine to hole number ten. Many golfers stop at the clubhouse at the turn, for refreshments.
Tee Box
Where a golfer hits their first shot on each hole.
Stroke
Each time the ball is hit; a player is given one stroke.
Spikes
The "cleats" on the bottom of golf shoes.
Slice
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the right.
Rough
The longer grass that surrounds the fairway and green.
Putter
The club used to hit the ball into the hole on the green.
Push
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably right of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Pull
When a right handed player hits the ball considerably left of the target, in a straight trajectory, although they were aimed at the target.
Par
The number of strokes in which hole is expected to be completed.
Irons
The clubs used in hitting intermediate distances.
Hook
When a right handed player's ball has a trajectory that curves sharply to the left.
Handicap (of a hole)
The difficulty level of a hole, relative to other holes on the course. A 1 handicap is the most difficult hole, while an 18 handicap is the easiest hole.
Handicap (index)
The individual golfer's average number of strokes over par per round, calculated by a computer system.
Hacker
Used to refer to a bad golfer.
Green
The surface in which players putt. It contains the hole.
Fringe
The slightly longer grass that surrounds the green.
Fairway
The short grass between the tee box and the green.
Eagle
Two strokes under par
Driver
The club usually used off the tee to achieve maximum distance.
Drive the Green
To hit the ball onto the green from the tee on a par 4 or 5.
Double, Triple, etc. Bogey
Two, three, etc. strokes over par.
Divot
The chunk of grass taken out of the ground when hitting the ball.
Chunk
Taking a large piece of grass out of the ground when hitting the ball. The ball will usually not travel far at all.
Bunker
An area on a hole filled with sand, also known as a sand-trap.
Bogey
One stroke over par.
Birdie
One stroke under par.
Ball Mark
The "dent' that the ball makes, when hit onto the green.
Ball Hawking
Looking for balls in out of bounds areas of the course.
Albatross
Three strokes under par.
19th Hole
The golf terminology 19th hole is a term that jokingly refers to the clubhouse.