Acceptable Score
A score made over an 18 hole round which is used to calculate or adjust a players handicap.
Ace
A hole in one.
Action
Backspin on ball.
Active Season
The golfing season in which a player’s scores can be used to adjust their handicap.
Address
When a golfer takes his stance and lined up the club to make a stroke.
Adjusted Gross Score
Competition scratch used to recalculate handicap. AGS is based on scores recorded by all players in the competition.
Advice
Instruction on how a ball should be played. Only partners and caddies may be consulted without penalty.
Air Shot
Missing the ball during a swing.
Albatross
Three strokes under par for a given hole.
Amateur
Opposite of professional, one who does not receive monetary remuneration from the game.
Approach
Hitting the ball at the green.
Apron
The short fringe surrounding the green which isolates it from the fairway.
Attend the flag
To hold and remove the flagstick from the hole as an opponent putts.
Authorised
One that is recognised by the R&A.
Away
The away ball is that which is furthest from the hole when more than one golfer is playing. It usually is played first.
Back Door
When a ball is holed by going around the lip of the cup and dropping in from the back end.
Back Nine
The last nine holes of an 18 hole course.
Back Side
The last 8 holes of an 18 hole course.
Backspin
Reverse spin applied to the ball and prevents it from bouncing forward after landing; same as Bite.
Backswing
When the golfer takes the club away from the addressed ball, continues until the club is moved back towards to ball.
Baffy
Another name for a 4 wood.
Ball
Golf Balls, go to A History of the Golf Ball.
Ball in Play
The ball is on play once the player starts his downswing on the teeing area. It continues to be so until holed out, lost, out of bounds or lifted.
Ball Mark
The mark left by the ball when it pitches on the fairway or green.
Ball Marker
Any small object used to mark a ball’s position on the green prior to it being picked up.
Ball Retriever
An extendable device used to retrieve balls mainly from the water and other inaccessible areas.
Ball Roundness Gauge
An instrument used to measure how spherical a ball is.
Ball Washer
An instrument used to clean golf balls.
Banana Ball
Slicing the ball such that it curves off to the side in a banana shaped trajectory.
Barkie
When the ball hits any part of a tree and the golfer still completes the hole with a par.
Beach
A sand bunker.
Bermuda
Species of coarse grass used in hot climates.
Best Ball
A competition where two or more players form a team. The best net score per team on each hole is recorded on the scorecard.
Best Shot
A team competition where each member of the team plays a shot, the best placed ball is then chosen and all other players of the same team play their next shot from that position.
Birdie
One under par for the hole.
Bite
Reverse spin applied to the ball and prevents it from bouncing forward after landing; same as Backspin.
Blade
When the upper part of the ball is struck by the edge of the club face causing it to hug the ground in flight.
Blade Shot
To strike the ball above it’s centre causing it to skip and bounce along the ground rather than rise through the air.
Blast
The material carried with the ball when it is hit out of a sand bunker.
Blind Hole
When the golfer cannot see the green when having to play an approach shot.
Block Shot
When a player strikes the ball late in their swing (usually caused by turning to quickly during the swing). The ball travels outside of the target.
Bogey
One over par for the hole.
Bogey Golfer
A player who has a handicap is the about the same as the number holes on a course (18 to 22).
Brassie
Another name for a 2 wood.
Break
The path a putt must follow over a contour in the green in order to go in the hole.
Buggy
Powered cart used to transport golfer and equipment around the course.
Bunker
A hazard filled by sand or grass that is placed where a fairway shot may end (by a green or driving distance from the tee). You are not allowed to practice swing or ground your club in a bunker.
Caddie
A person who carries a players clubs. Assists a player on deciding distances and club selection. Helps player when deciding on the line of a putt.
Carry
The distance that the ball travels in the air after being struck.
Cart
Powered buggy used to transport golfer and equipment around the course.
Cart Fee
Buggy hire fee changed for use on the course.
Cart Path
Designated carriageways for carts.
Casual Water
Water on the course that is not a water hazard (such puddles after rain). Relief maybe taken when in casual water or if having to play over when on the green.
Championship
Tournaments regulated by a golfing authority recognised by the R&A.
Cavity Backed
Design of irons with hollowed out back which assists Perimiter Weighting and thus good for beginners.
Chili Dip
When the top of the ball is struck by the bottom of the club, causing it to jump straight up and plonk back down.
Chip
Hitting the ball into the air with enough flight to land on the green and roll across the green towards the hole.
Chip and Run
A shot played like a chip over a greater distance.
Chip Shot
A chip with the application of some spin.
Chipping Iron
An iron used to chip the ball onto the green.
Choke
When a golfer looses his nerve and therefore plays an important or hard shot badly.
Chunk
When the club strikes the ground well behind the ball.
Cleek
Another name for a 2 iron.
Closed Face
Turning the club face slightly inward in order to hook the ball or prevent a slice.
Closed Stance
Leading foot is nearer to the ball at address. Position normally adopted in order to hook the ball or prevent a slice.
Club
Used as a shorten name for a golf course or the equipment used to strike a ball. Golf Club, refer to the Rules for full specifications and restrictions.
Club Face
That part of the club head which comes into direct contact with the ball.
Club Head
The end of the club that includes the club face.
Club Loft
The angle of the club face – affects the flight and distance of the ball when struck.
Clubhouse
A golf club’s administration, recreational and facilities building.
Collar
The edge around a green or bunker.
Committee
Elected management of a golf club.
Competition Scratch Score
The number shots used to recalculate handicap after a competition. The range is one below or three above the Standard Scratch. The CSS is calculated by using all the scores recorded in the competition.
Compression
The softness (Usually 90 compression) of a golf ball. Harder balls (100 compression) are normally used in windy conditions.
Consecutive Nine-Hole Scores
To combine the score of two nine holes rounds played consecutively within seven days to arrive at a score suitable for handicap adjustment.
Course
A golf course, made up of usually 9 or 18 holes, please refer to the rules for full definition and restrictions.
Course Handicap
A handicap awarded a player based the courses SSS or CSS when playing in a competition.
Course Handicap Conversion Chart
The stroke index of each hole on the course.
Course Handicap Table
The CSS used to recalculate your handicap.
Course Rating
Used by organisations to rate the degree of difficulty of a course.
Cup
The hole in the green into which the ball is eventually putted.
Cut
When a tournament’s field is reduced after each qualifying round. Striking the ball causing it to move from inside to out of your stance.
Cut Shot
To put a backspin onto the ball when striking it onto the green causing to stop quicker on impact.
Deuce
To hole out in two strokes.
Dimple
The indentations on the surface of a golf ball which affects it’s flight characteristics.
Divot
A piece of turf lifted when ball is struck – typically on fairway, played to create backspin.
Divot Fixer
Instrument to repair ball pitch marks made on the green where the ball landed.
Dogleg
A hole where the fairway hooks to the left or right thus obscuring the green from the tee.
Dormie
Term given to describe the situation when a team cannot lose a match against the competition as the number holes remaining is the same as the current lead.
Double Bogey
Two shots over the hole par.
Double D
When a driver is used on the fairway after being used for the tee shot.
Double Eagle
Three shots under the hole par; also known as albatross.
Down
Number of stokes or holes you are behind your opponent.
Downhill Lie
When the ball rests on a hill that goes down towards where you intend to strike the ball.
Downswing
The down-stroke part of a golfer’s swing.
Draw
To induce topspin onto the ball causing in to move from outside to in on your swing. Opposite is Fade.
Drive
A shot from the tee area.
Driver
A 1-Wood Club normally used for the Tee shot.
Driving Iron
A 1 or 2 iron which gives distance rather than height.
Driving Range
An area set aside for practice.
Drop
Bringing the ball back into play after striking the last shot out of bounds or into a water hazard etc. The ball is released from an outstretched arm held at shoulder height.
Duck Hook
To induce to much topspin onto the ball causing in to move from outside to in on your swing. Normally caused by turning your body to quickly through your swing.
Dunk
When a ball lands in a water hazard.
Eagle
To score two under par for a hole.
Equitable Stroke Control Method
Stroke index of a hole on a course. Used in Stableford and match play competitions.
Etiquette
A set of guidelines to promote proper behaviour on the course.
Exact Handicap
A players handicap measured to the nearest 10th.
Executive Course
A golf course with mainly par 3 and comparatively short par 4 holes.
Explode
The material carried with the ball when it is hit out of a sand bunker.
Face
That part of the club head which comes into direct contact with the ball.
Fade
To induce backspin onto the ball causing it to travel through the air following inside to out swing. Opposite is Draw.
Fairway
The playing area between the tee and the green, does not include hazards.
Fairway Hit
Landing and stopping the ball on the fairway from the tee on holes greater than par 3.
Fat Shot
When the club strikes the ground well behind the ball.
Featherie
Early golf balls with a core of compressed feathers inside a leather outer.
Field
The players in a tournament.
Flag Events
A player carries their flag until their net score has fallen behind the course using the hole stroke indexes.
Flagstick
The pole in the centre of the green with a flag attached.
Flange
The base of a club, the part that rests on the ground.
Flex
The degree that a club’s shaft bends upon impact with the ball.
Flex Point
That part of a club’s shaft which bends the most.
Flier
When a ball travels further than expected when using a given club, sometimes happens when playing from the rough or off a slope.
Flight
A ball is in flight when travelling through the air.
Follow-Through
That part of a golfer’s swing after the ball has been struck.
Fore
To cry “Fore” is to warn other players that your ball may hit them.
Forecaddie
One who directs golfers to their balls during competition.
Forged
A club where the head is made from one piece of light alloy/metal. A forged club gives a golfer more feeling when striking the ball.
Four Ball
Where two pairs of golfers play in matchplay against each other.
Foursome
A group of four golfers playing only two balls. A pair of the players form a team and player alternate shots.The match can be scored as match play, stroke play or as a stapleford.
Fried Egg
When a ball remains in its own pitch mark when landing in a bunker.
Fringe
The short fringe surrounding the green which isolates it from the fairway.
Frog Hair
The short fringe surrounding the green which isolates it from the fairway.
Front Nine
The first nine holes of an 18 hole course.
Gallery
Spectators at a tournament or match.
Get Down
To putt the ball into the hole.
Get Legs
A term used by golfers to encourge the ball to roll when they suspect it may stop short.
GHIN
Golf Handicap Information Network.
Gimmie
When an opponent decides that it is not necessary to play the next shot, normally because you are close to the hole.
Go to School
To study the travel of a previous putt to ‘read’ the green.
Golf Association
An organisation recognised by the R&A that runs events and promotes golf within a region.
Gorilla
Someone who hits their tee shot a long way.
Grain
The angle at which the grass on the green lies. Playing against it or with it affects the speed of the ball when putting.
Graphite
Carbon based material used to make shafts and clubheads.
Grasscutter
A shot which travels low and fast just skimming the grass.
Green
The area of short grass surrounding the hole where the ball is hit using a putter.
Green Fee
The charge levied to play the course.
Green in Regulation
The number of shots you are expected to play before getting your ball onto the green. Always two shots less than the par of the hole.
Green Jacket
The mantle of honour given to the winner of the US Masters.
Greenie
The getting of a par or better at a hole when the ball is got onto the green in regulation.
Grip
The part of the club which the golfer holds, typically made from leather, cord, rubber or a mixture of the three.
Groove
The indentations cut into the club face which cause the ball to spin. The description given to a good repeated swing.
Gross score
Your score over 18 holes before you reduce it by taking your handicap away.
Ground Under Repair
Areas of the course under repair. Balls may be removed from them without penalty.
Grounding the Club
To place the club on the ground prior to striking the ball when addressing it.
Gutta Percha
Rubbery material used to make golf balls after 1848.
Guttie
A golf ball made of gutta percha which rendered Featheries obsolete.
Hack or Hacker
A poor golfer.
Halve A Hole
In match play, refers to a draw when both opponents take the same number of shots to complete the hole.
Halve A Match
In match play, refers to a draw when both opponents have won the same number holes in the round.
Handicap
The number of strokes a player is given to adjust his score to that of standard scratch. It allows golfers of different abilities to compete on equal terms.
Handicap Allowance
Your adjusted handicap depending on the type of competition you have entered.
Handicap Player
A golfer who has a recognised handicap awarded by a Golf Club.
Handicap System
A method of adjusting golfers’ scores to a baseline such that they can compete on equal terms.
Handicap-Stroke Hole
A hole where in match play an opponent receives a shot. It is determined by the stroke index of the hole.
Hanging lie
When the ball is resting on the upside of a slope.
Haskel
First incarnation of the modern golf balls with rubber straps wound around core encased in gutta percha – rendered Gutties obsolete
Hazard Permanent features on the golf course designed to obstruct play.
Hcp
Handicap
Head
The end of the club that includes the club face.
Heel
Where the club head is attached to the shaft.
Hit a Brick
To strike the ball on the green such that it does not roll past the cup.
Hit a House
see Hit a Brick
Hogans
A game where you have to achieve par by hitting the green in regulation, par the hole, having never hit the fairway.
Hole High
Means that the ball has landed on the green level with the hole as you are looking at it.
Hole In One
The ball goes straight into the hole from your tee shot.
Hole Out
To putt the ball into the hole.
Holed
A ball which is putted into the hole.
Home
Getting the ball onto the green.
Home Pro
Resident professional at golf club.
Honour
The honour goes to last player to win a hole or take the least number of shots. The player with the honour tees off first.
Hooded Club
Turning the club face slightly inward in order to hook the ball or prevent a slice.
Hook
To induce topspin onto the ball causing in to move from outside to in on your swing. Opposite is slice.
Hustler
One who maintains an artifically high handicap in order to win bets.
Impact
When the club strikes the ball.
In
The last nine holes of an 18 hole course.
In play
When the ball is within the playing area of the course.
Inactive Season
That part of the golfing calendar where a player cannot use his scores to adjust his handicap.
Interlocking Grip
To hold the club such that the little finger of one hands is wrapped around the fore-finger of the other.
Investment Cast
To cast metal club heads from wax moulds.
Inward Half
The last nine holes of an 18 hole course.
Iron
A metal headed club that is not a wood.
Kitty Litter
Colloquialism for sand bunker.
Knockdown Shot
A shot played low into the wind.
Lag
When a golfer attempts to putt the ball near to the hole not caring whether it goes in or not.
Lateral Water Hazard
A water hazard which runs parallel to the fairway.
Layout
The design of the course.
Lie
The position of the ball at rest.
Line
The intended trajectory of the golf ball.
Line of Play
The intended travel of the ball after it has been struck.
Line of Putt
The intended travel of the ball after it has been struck on the green.
Links
Golf course within 4 miles of the coast.
Lip
The edge of the hole.
Lob Shot
A shot where the flies to maximum height and minimal distance, normally used to hit the ball from close range when trying to avoid an obstacle.
Local Rules
Additional rules pertaining to a given course.
Loft
The angle of the clubface in relation to the ground which dictates the trajectory of the ball as it rises in the air. 0 degrees loft is perpendicular to the ground.
Long Game
That part of a golfer’s game which involves hitting the ball over 180 yards.
Loose Impediments
Natural objects on the course which are not fixed into place such as stones.
Lost Ball
Any ball which cannot be located once struck.
LPGA
Ladies Professional Golfer’s Association.
Majors
The most significant golf championships. In the men’s game these are:- The Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship. – see major championships in almanac.
Make the cut
To qualify for subsequent rounds in a tournament.
Mallet
A putter shaped like a mallet.
Marker
The person responsible for recording the score of a player (normally another player) – see Tee Marker.
Marshall
One who controls the crowd during tournaments.
Mashie
Old fashioned hickory shafted iron varieties of which were similar to today’s 5,6 and 7 irons.
Match
A medal round or game of golf between opponents.
Match Play
Form of competition where each hole is won, lost or halved. The winner is whoever won the most holes. A winning score of 3 and 2 means that the winner won by 3 holes with 2 left to play. The highest score possible is 10 and 8.
Medal
A score play competition where all shots are recorded and the winner is the one who took the least number.
Medal Day
A calendar day during which you are entitled to play a medal round in a competition.
Medal Play
A score play competition where all shots are recorded and the winner is the one who took the least number.
Medalist
One who has the lowest tournament qualifying score.
Middle Wedge
A medal iron with loft between that of a pitching wedge and a sand wedge.
Mid-iron
Another name for a 2 iron.
Mixed foursome
Two teams of a male and female golfer playing alternate shots.
Mulligan
When a player is allowed to reply any one shot pre hole.
Municipal Course
Golf course owned by local government and open to the public.
Narrow Fairway
A Fairway (the cut grass area between tee and green) that is only a few yards across.
Net Score
A player’s score after handicap deductions.
Niblick
Another name for a 9 iron.
Nineteenth Hole
The clubhouse bar after playing 18 holes.
Non-Selective Perimeter Weighting
Equal weight over the toe and heel of the club head.
OB
Acronym for Out of Bounds.
Observer
One who ensures that a golf match or round is played in accordance with the Rules of Golf.
Obstructions
Anything which is man-made that obstructs play.
Offset
The gap between the club shaft and the club face when held at address, looking from above.
On the Dance Floor
When the ball has stayed on the green.
Open
A tournament open to both amateurs and professionals.
Open Stance
At address the golfer stands with their front foot further from the ball line than their back foot. An open stance is used by a player when they want to fade or slice the ball.
Out
First nine holes on an eighteen hole golf course.
Out of Bounds
The area on or adjacent to the course where the ball may not be played from. Normally marked by white posts.
Outside Agency
Any object or person that is not part of the current golf match, such as a spectator or observer.
Outward Half
The first 9 holes of an 18 hole course.
Over Clubbing
To use a club which gives more distance than intended.
Over Par
A score higher than the indicated par for a hole or round.
Overlapping Grip
To hold the club such that the little finger of one hands is wrapped around the fore-finger of the other.
Pairings
Two player groups.
Par
The number of shots a low handicapper should take for a hole or round. The hole par is measured by the number of shots needed to reach the green plus two for the putting. The round par is calculated by adding all the hole par’s together.
Partner
Players on the same side in the same group or match.
Penalty Stroke
A stroke added to a player’s score due to a rule infringement, taking relief from a hazard or an unplayable lie.
Perimeter Weighting
The weight of the club head is centred in the middle, thus increasing the sweet spot (an area of the club that when hit gives you the most distance).
Persimmon
Wood imported from the USA to make club heads for drivers.
PGA
Professional Golfers Association.
Pin
The pole in the centre of the green with a flag attached.
Pin High
Means that the ball has landed on the green level with the hole as you are looking at it.
Pitch
To the ball is hit high into the air onto the green using a lofted club.
Pitch and Run
To pitch the ball onto the green using a club which enables the ball to roll on impact.
Pitch Mark
The indentation left by a ball on the green after it has landed.
Pitching Wedge
An iron with a club face angel of 48 to 50 degrees. Used to hit a high shot.
Pivot
The rotation of the body during a swing.
Playclub
Old fashioned club used for driving similar to today’s woods.
Playing Handicap
The handicap used in a competition.
Playing Through
To allow golfers in the game behind play passed you while you stand to one side.
Plugged Ball
A ball that when it lands remains in it’s own pitch mark.
Plumb Bob
Holding the putter in a vertical position and using it as a sight to determine the Line of Putt.
Plus Handicap
The number of shots added to a golfers score at the end of their round.
Pop up
A high shot over a very short distance.
Pot bunker
A small yet deep sand bunker.
Preferred Lie
Play in which a golfer may move his ball to the nearest point of relief not nearer the hole. When playing under winter rules, a player may replace their ball on the fairway within 6 inches of where it came to rest, not nearer the hole.
Press
Increasing an already agreed bet on the result of a match once it has started.
Pro Shop
Shop at golf club where golfing equipment may be purchased.
Pro-Am
A tournament where a professional is partnered by an amateur.
Professional
One who receives monetary remuneration for playing golf.
Provisional Ball
The playing of a second ball from the same place as the first because the player is unsure of what may have happened to the first ball (i.e. it may be lost).
Pull
When the ball flies in an inward direction after being stuck. Not the same as draw/hook as these are shots affected by spin.
Pull Cart
A two wheeled device used to aid the carrying of a golf bag around the course.
Punch Shot
Where the ball is struck on the down-stroke of a partial swing resulting in a short low shot; typically used to hit the ball out of rough or to keep the ball below the wind.
Push
When the ball flies in an outward direction after being stuck. Not the same as fade/slice as these are shots affected by spin.
Putt
Act of hitting golf ball on the green.
Putter
Club mainly used on green for striking the ball.
Putting Green
The area of short grass surrounding the hole way the ball is hit using a putter.
Qualifying School
The process of qualifying for PGA membership.
Quarter Shot
A shot hit with a significantly reduced swing.
Quitting on the ball
Slowing your swing down before hitting the ball.
R & A
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews who oversee golf in Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth
Range
An area set aside for practice.
Ranger
A course official who ensures prompt play on a golf course.
Rating Marker
A sign next to the tee which indicates the point from which the holes yardage is measured.
Reading the Green
The act of determining the preferred path the ball must take in order to go in the hole.
Recovery Shot
To bring the ball back into a favourable playing position from an unfavourable one such as a hazard.
Referee
An official who interprets the Rules of Golf during a match or competition.
Regular shaft
A golf club shaft with an average amount of torque.
Release
To hit the ball such that it rolls on impact with the green. Also refers to movement of golfer’s hands during a swing.
Relief
To lift and drop the ball without penalty in accordance with the rules.
Reverse Overlap
Gripping the club with the little finger of one hand placed over the index finger of the other.
Rimmed
A shot which circles the lip of the hole without dropping in.
Rough
The high grass area adjacent to the fairway and green.
Round
18 holes of golf.
Round robin
A tournament in which everyone gets to play everyone else.
Royal and Ancient
Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews – golf’s primary governing body.
Rub of the Green
An unexpected bounce of the ball after it hits the ground. Sometimes helpful, normally not.
Rule
Official R&A rule or local rule.
Rules of Golf
As published by the R&A.
Run
The distance that the ball continues to travel after it’s initial impact with the ground.
Running iron
An iron used to make short shots which roll.
Run-up
To hit the ball along or close to the ground toward and onto the green.
Sand Trap
A sand bunker.
Sand Wedge
An iron club designed to lift balls out of sand hazards.
Sandy
When a golfer still makes their par after escaping from a sand hazard.
Sclaff
When the club strikes the ground well behind the ball.
Scoop
To scoop the ball into the air rather than loft it.
Scorecard
The card on which a golfer records his score during play.
Scotch foursome
Where players play in teams of two taking alternate shots. Each hole is started alternatively as well.
Scramble
Team competition where players play from the position of the best ball of a team member after every stroke or drive.
Scratch
A player without handicap meaning that he can complete the course on par.
Scratch Player
A golfer who does not require a handicap, such as a professional.
Second Ball
Situation in which a player is obliged to play with two balls because of a question over the legality of the first ball which cannot be settled by a referee or other members of the group. The player’s score is that for whichever ball is deemed legal at a post match adjudication.
Selective Perimeter Weighting
Equal weight over the toe and heel of the club head.
Semi-Private Course
A club with members but also allows non-members to pay and play.
Set
The number of golf clubs carried (maximum is 14).
Shaft
That part of the club between the head and the grip.
Shag Bag
A bag used to store balls whilst practising.
Shagging
To collect balls from a practice area.
Shank
To strike the ball with the part of the club head where the heel is joined to the shaft.
Short Game
Chipping, Pitching and Putting.
Shot
An attempt to hit the ball.
Shotgun Start
Tournament in which the field start from different holes at the same time rather than queuing up at the first tee.
Sidehill lie
When the ball comes to rest on a slope.
Single
An unaccompanied golfer.
Sink a putt
To hit the ball into the hole.
Sit
Expression aimed at the ball to encourage it to stop rolling.
Sit Down
A term which the golfer says to the ball to encourage it to land or stop rolling.
Skull
Hitting the ball above it’s centre, thus making it fly very low to the ground.
Sky
When the club head only just strikes the very bottom of the ball causing it to fly straight up into the area. Normally happens when the ball is on a tee or in the rough.
Slice
To induce too much backspin onto the ball causing it to travel through the air following inside to out swing. Opposite is Hook.
Smile
Colloquialism for a lacerated golf ball; a cut in the ball is normally caused by a thinned shot.
Snake
A long putt which travels over the undulations of the green.
Snap Hook
To severely hook the ball.
Snipe
To hook the ball such that it drops quickly.
Sole
The underside of the club head.
Sole plate
The metal underside of a wood’s club head.
Speed of Play
The time it takes to play an 18 hole ground.
Spike Mark
A tuft of grass caused by spiked shoes.
Spike Wrench
Instrument used to remove spikes from golf shoes.
Spoon
Another name for a 3 wood.
Square stance
When your left and right feet are level and at right angles to the ball when you take your stance.
Stableford
Point scoring competition. One point for a bogey, two points for a par, three for a birdie, four for an eagle and five for an albatross.
Stance
To place your feet in preparation for a swing .
Standard Scratch Score
The score a scratch golfer should get when playing a course in normal conditions.
Starter
An official who determines where and when golfers tee off.
Stick
The pole in the centre of the green with a flag attached.
StimpMeter
An instrument used to measure the speed of a green by applying a known force to the ball and measuring the distance travelled.
Stipulated Round
To play the number of holes of the course determined by the committee during competition.
Stony
When a ball comes to rest near the flagstick.
Straight Flight
A ball travelling in a straight line during flight.
Stroke
An attempt to hit the ball. The stroke starts on a players downswing.
Stroke Counters
Gadget to keep track of strokes.
Stroke Hole
A hole where in match play an opponent receives a shot. It is determined by the stroke index of the hole.
Stroke Index
An assessment of a holes difficulty used to award shots during strokeplay / matchplay conditions.
Stroke Play
Where the winner of a match or competition is the player who used the least number of strokes (after handicap deduction) to complete the course.
Stymie
When an object such as a tree lies between a player’s ball and the green.
Sudden Death
Where additional holes are played after a tie. The winner is the first player to win a hole outright.
Summer Rules
The normal local rules of the course apply (i.e. allowances made for the winter weather are removed).
Surlyn
Tear resistant plastic outer of modern golf balls (by DuPont Corp).
Swale
A depression in the terrain.
Sweet Spot
The preferred spot on the club face with which to strike the ball.
Swing
The action of hitting the ball.
Swing weight
A measure of a club’s weight.
Takeaway
When the clubhead is moved back from the ball at the start of a swing.
Tee
A small peg stuck into the ground on which a golf ball is placed. Also area where golfers play first stroke of any given hole.
Tee Marker
Boundary on the tee behind which a drive must be made. The ball must be placed onto the tee within two club lengths of the tee marker.
Tee Time
Scheduled start time.
Teeing ground
Area from which players start each hole.
Tempo
The speed of a golfer’s swing.
Temporary green
A green used when the normal green is under repair or when the club wish to preserve the permanent green.
Tending the Flag
To hold the flagstick such that a player may aim for it and then remove it as the balls approaches.
Texas wedge
Name given to putter when used anywhere other than the green.
Thin Shot
To strike the ball above it’s centre causing it to skip and bounce along the ground rather than rise through the air.
Thread
To coax the ball through a tight gap.
Three ball
A group of three golfers playing their own ball.
Three Jack
To three putt a green.
Threesome
A group of three golfers.
Through the Green
Any part of the course which is not ‘out of bounds’ except the tees, greens and hazards.
Tiger tee
The tees used in a pro competition.
Tight fairway
A Fairway (the cut grass area between tee and green) that is only a few yards across.
Tip
Instruction on how a ball should be played. Only partners and caddies may be consulted without penalty.
Toe
That part of the club head at the opposite end to the heel.
Top
To strike the ball above it’s centre causing it to skip and bounce along the ground rather than rise through the air.
Torque
How far a shaft twists during a swing.
Tour
A series of tournaments over a season.
Tournament
An organised competition for both amateurs and professionals.
Tournament Score
Your gross score for each round added together.
Track iron
Old fashioned club with metal head used to lift balls from tracks and carriageways.
Trap
Sand or grass hazard.
Trolley
A two wheeled device used to aid the carrying of a golf bag around the course.
Trouble shot
Having to play a ball that is in deep rough, behind on object (such as a bush or tree) or from a bad lie.
Turn
The midway point on a golf course, the end of the 9th hole.
Two Piece Ball
A ball made from a core of rubber, metal or other wrapped in strands of rubber encased in a surlyn or balata shell.
Twosome
A group of two golfers.
Waggle
The movement of the club head as the golfer prepares to swing.
Water Hazard
Ponds, lakes, rivers or ditches on the course, always marked by yellow or blue posts.
Water hole
A hole where the approach necessitates hitting the ball over a water hazard.
Wedge
A metal club designed to give loft rather than distance. Used for high shots into the green.
Whiff
Missing the ball during a swing.
Whins
Heavy Rough.
Whipping
The straps used to re-inforce the join between the club head and shaft.
Whippy
A shaft with greater than normal flex.
Winter Green
A temporary green used in winter to protect the permanent green.
Winter Rules
Local rules which apply during the winter season only.
Wood
Clubs used for long range shots. Traditionally made with wooden head they are now mostly made with metal alloy heads.
Woodie
When the ball hits any part of a tree and the golfer still completes the hole with a par.
Worm Burner
A shot which rolls along the ground.
Wrong Ball
Any ball which a golfer plays that is not the ball they began the hole with or which was brought into play after losing their original.
Yardage Chart
A printed card detailing the layout and yardage of each hole on the course.
Yardage Rating
The stroke index of the hole, Index 18 being the easiest on the course, 1 the most difficult.
Yips
To miss simple putts because of nerves.