Golf Terms Glossary

Three strokes under par

Hole-in-one

A shot hit into the green

Proper positioning for a shot

Match is tied

Partners take turns hitting

Punching holes in greens

Closely mown area around green

Starting stance before swing

One stroke under par

One stroke over par

Sand-filled hazard

Low chip that rolls

Initial motion away from ball

Safe shot to avoid trouble

Quality of iron shots

Over-hit thin shot

Fine grass for northern courses

Warm-season grass for southern courses

Short shot near the green

Club hits ground before ball

Golfer's assistant

Hitting surface of a club

Distance ball travels in air

Difficulty measure for scratch golfers

Path for golf carts

Two strokes over par

Long shot off the tee

Controlled left curve

Longest club for distance

Grass displaced after a shot

Two strokes under par

Short grass between tee and green

Edge of the green

Controlled right curve

High, soft short shot

Long club for fairway shots

Warning for stray ball

Completion of a swing

Ball travels farther than usual

Long, wispy rough grass

Team format using lowest score

Putting area near the hole

Short putt conceded

Reaching green in designated strokes

Areas marked unplayable for maintenance

Sinking the ball from the tee

Obstacles on a course

Curving shot to the left

Club combining iron and wood

Skill level indicator

Versatile club for approach shots

Ball's resting position

Long putt for positioning

Coastal course with natural terrain

Putt circles hole but doesn't drop

Ball that can't be found

Do-over shot in casual play

Hole-by-hole scoring format

Betting format with three matches

Area outside course limits

Standard strokes for a hole

A short stroke on green

Short, high approach shot

Low-trajectory shot

Club used for putting

Additional stroke for rule violation

Second ball after potential lost shot

Flagstick in the hole

Small, deep bunker

Long grass bordering fairway

Assess green slope

Device to measure distance

Curving shot to the right

Low, penetrating shot

Bad shot off the club's heel

Single swing at the ball

Total strokes scoring format

Team format using best shot

Competition for individual holes

Points-based scoring system

Position of feet and body

Difficulty for bogey golfers

Performance measurement statistic

Three strokes over par

Starting point of a hole

Area where the first shot is hit

Club strikes top of ball

Rhythm of a swing

Putter used off the green

Chip and putt to save par

Ball position deemed too difficult

High-lofted club

Swing and miss

Nervous putting condition