Golf is a sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world for centuries. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, understanding the terminology used in golf adds to the enjoyment of the game as well as being able to communicate with and understand fellow golfers.
There are many golf terms that are used regularly on and off the course. Truth be told when it comes to some playing/stroke formats I am lost as well. So don’t feel bad. This is a learning process. The way I think of it, having a glossary of the most commonly used golf terms can be incredibly helpful for a beginning golfer.
As I know that some people like to have options, as in an ebook or book to read, we will sprinkle those in amongst this article.
Simple Beginner Golf Terms
If you’re a beginner golfer looking to learn the basics of golf terminology, Simple Beginner Golf Terms by Fazenbaker is a great resource that can help you get started.
Pros
- Easy to understand explanations of golf terms
- Short and concise, perfect for beginners
- Enhanced typesetting and Word Wise features make it easy to read on Kindle devices
Cons
- Only covers basic golf terms
- Only available as an ebook
Simple Beginner Golf Terms is a great resource for beginner golfers who want to learn the basic terminology of the sport. The book is short and concise, making it easy to understand even for those who have never played golf before.
Basic Golf Terms
Teeing Area
The teeing area is the designated area from where a player starts the hole. It is usually marked by tee markers and is located between the tee boxes. The player must tee the ball up within the teeing area before hitting it. Oftentimes you will find what is referred to as the blue tees, white tees, and red tees. This can be different from golf course to golf course. The designation of the color tees refers to different yardages and playing abilities. Ladies might tee off from the red tees, amateur men may tee off from the white tees, and better golfers may use the blue tees. You may find additional tees at some courses… like gold and black.
Fairway
The fairway is the part of the golf course between the teeing area and the green. It is usually mowed short and provides a clear path for the player to hit the ball towards the green.
Green
The green is the final destination of the hole. It is a specially prepared area of grass where the hole is located. The player’s objective is to hit the ball onto the green and into the hole in as few strokes as possible.
Rough
The rough is the area of longer grass that borders the fairway. It is usually more difficult to hit out of than the fairway and can pose a challenge for players.
Bunker
A bunker is a hazard on the golf course that is filled with sand. It is usually located near the green or along the fairway and can be difficult to hit out of.
Water Hazard
A water hazard is any body of water on the golf course, such as a pond or stream. If a player’s ball lands in a water hazard, they are usually penalized and must take a drop.
Golf Equipment Terms
Golf Ball
A standard golf ball has a diameter of 1.68 inches (4.27 cm) and a weight of 1.62 ounces. It has a dimpled surface to reduce air resistance and increase lift/distance. Golf balls come in a variety of compressions and you will oftentimes find what is termed soft balls (lower compression) and on the exact opposite end of the spectrum, a higher compression ball which can sometimes feel like hitting a rock. The thought process has been that a softer ball is typically good for beginner and intermediate golf players (slower swing speed) while a higher compression ball is suited for professionals.
Golf Club
The golf club is a tool used to hit the golf ball. It consists of a shaft with a grip on one end and a clubhead on the other. Clubs are made from different materials, such as steel, graphite, and titanium. Steel clubs are durable and offer better control, while graphite clubs are lightweight and provide more flexibility. Titanium clubs tend to be expensive. There are several types of golf clubs, including drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, each designed for a specific purpose and shot. The angle of the face typically dictates the yardage and height you are able to hit a golf ball.
Golf Bag
The golf bag is used to carry the golfer’s clubs and other equipment around the course. It is typically made of lightweight materials and has several compartments to hold clubs, balls, tees, and other accessories. Golf bags come in a variety of styles and sizes, including stand bags, cart bags, and carry bags.
Golf Cart
The golf cart is a motorized vehicle used to transport golfers and their equipment around the course. It is typically driven by the golfer. Most golf carts are made for two golfers along with their golf bags. My friends typically like to use a golf cart, although I enjoy walking from time to time.
Beginner Golf Terms Guide
If you’re just starting out with golf and want to learn the basics, this guide can be a helpful resource.
Pros
- Provides a basic understanding of golf rules and etiquette
- Includes information on different types of clubs and balls
- Offers a practice schedule to help beginners improve their skills
Cons
- Contains some grammatical errors and typos
- Not very detailed and may not be helpful for those who have already played golf before
If you’re a complete beginner to golf, this guide can be a helpful starting point to learn the basics. It covers the rules and etiquette of the game, as well as the different types of clubs and balls you’ll encounter. Additionally, it provides a practice schedule to help beginners improve their skills.
Golf Play and Scoring Terms
Stroke Play
Stroke play is a type of golf scoring system where the total number of strokes taken over the entire round is counted. The player with the lowest number of strokes at the end of the round wins. This is the most common form of golf play.
Match Play
Match play is a type of golf scoring system where each hole is a separate competition. The player who wins the most holes during the round wins the match. This is a less common form of golf play.
Par
Par is the expected number of strokes it should take a skilled golfer to complete a hole. It is determined by the length and difficulty of the hole. A player who completes a hole in par is said to have made par.
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one stroke under par on a hole. For example, if a player completes a par-4 hole in 3 strokes, they have made a birdie.
Eagle
An eagle is a score of two strokes under par on a hole. For example, if a player completes a par-5 hole in 3 strokes, they have made an eagle.
Double Bogey
A double bogey is a score of two strokes over par on a hole. For example, if a player completes a par-4 hole in 6 strokes, they have made a double bogey.
Triple bogey
Scoring three strokes more than par on a hole. ie you score an 8 on a par 5 hole.
Hole-in-One
A hole-in-one is when a player completes a hole with only one stroke. This is a rare and impressive feat, and is celebrated by golfers everywhere.
Albatross
Having three fewer strokes on a hole than the par for that hole
Golf Etiquette Terms
Golf is a game of etiquette, and it’s important to understand the terms associated with it. Here are some of the most commonly used golf etiquette terms:
Ready Golf
Ready golf is a term used to encourage golfers to play when they are ready, rather than waiting for others to take their turn. This helps to speed up play and keep the game moving smoothly.
Honor System
The honor system is a tradition in golf where the player with the lowest score on the previous hole tees off first on the next hole. This is a way to show respect for the player who played the best on the previous hole.
Marking the Ball
Marking the ball is a term used when a golfer needs to move their ball out of the way of another player’s putt. The golfer marks the position of their ball with a small marker, usually a coin, and then replaces the ball in the same spot after the other player has taken their putt.
Mulligan
A mulligan is a term used when a golfer is allowed to take an extra shot without penalty. This is usually allowed only in casual play and is not allowed in official tournaments.
Golf Lesson for Beginners: The Fundamentals Instructional Guide For All Ages
If you’re a beginner looking to improve your golf game, Golf Lesson for Beginners: The Fundamentals Instructional Guide For All Ages is a great resource to get you started.
Pros
- Easy-to-understand explanations of golf terminology
- Illustrations to help visualize the techniques
- Step-by-step instructions to improve your skills
Cons
- May not be suitable for more advanced players
Golf Lesson for Beginners: The Fundamentals Instructional Guide For All Ages is a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their golf game. The book breaks down golf terminology into easy-to-understand explanations, making it perfect for beginners who may not be familiar with the sport. The illustrations also help to visualize the techniques, making it easier to follow along with the step-by-step instructions.