- All
- Scoring Terms
- Swing & Shot Types
- Golf Course Terms
- Rules & Etiquette
- Modern Golf Slang
Confused by golf terminology?
From scoring terms like birdies and bogeys to modern golf slang and essential course lingo, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding golf terminology can improve your strategy, boost your confidence, and help you enjoy the game even more.
Got a term you’d like us to add? Let us know - we’re always expanding the glossary to help golfers like you! ⛳
Scoring Terms
Definition: A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
💡 Pro Tip: Birdies are more common on par-5 holes, where longer hitters can reach the green in two shots.
Definition: Scoring two strokes under par on a hole.
🔍 Did You Know?: Eagles often happen when a player makes the green in two shots on a par-5 and sinks the putt.
Definition: Scoring three strokes under par on a hole—rarer than a hole-in-one!
🔍 Did You Know?: The odds of making an albatross are estimated to be over 1 million to 1!
Definition: Scoring one stroke over par on a hole.
💡 Pro Tip: If you're consistently making bogeys, work on your short game to save strokes on the green.
Definition: When the ball is holed in one shot from the tee.
🔍 Fun Fact: The odds of an amateur making an ace are 12,500 to 1!
Swing & Shot Types
Definition: A shot that curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers).
🎯 Why it’s useful: A controlled draw adds extra roll after landing, gaining more distance.
Definition: The opposite of a draw—a gentle left-to-right curve for right-handed players.
💡 Pro Tip: Many professionals prefer fades as they provide better control.
Definition: A high, soft shot using a wedge where the ball lands with minimal roll.
🔥 Pro Insight: This is Phil Mickelson’s specialty!
Definition: A low-trajectory shot designed to land early and roll towards the hole.
📌 Use it when: You have no obstacles in front and want consistent roll.
Definition: A low-flying tee shot, often hit with an iron to reduce wind impact.
⚡ Tiger Woods made the stinger famous!
Golf Course Terms
Definition: The closely mown area between the tee box and the green.
💡 Pro Tip: The fairway is your friend! A drive here gives the best angle for your approach shot.
Definition: The longer grass outside the fairway.
⚠️ Watch out: Hitting from the rough makes shots harder due to unpredictable lies.
Definition: The smooth, short-cut area surrounding the hole.
🔍 Did You Know?: The fastest greens in the world are found at Augusta National!
Definition: A hazard filled with sand designed to challenge golfers.
🏌️♂️ How to escape: Use a sand wedge, open the clubface, and hit under the ball.
Rules & Etiquette
Definition: A warning shout when a ball is headed toward another player.
🔍 Did You Know?: The term likely originated from Scottish military golf in the 19th century.
Definition: Areas where play is not allowed, often marked by white stakes.
⚠️ Penalty: Stroke-and-distance—return to where you played your last shot.
Definition: Permission to move the ball without penalty due to obstacles or abnormal course conditions.
💡 Example: If your ball lands in ground under repair, you get a free drop.
Definition: An informal agreement to concede a very short putt.
🔍 Fun Fact: In professional golf, gimmes don’t exist! Every putt must be holed.
Modern Golf Slang
Definition: Modern golf strategy—hit a huge drive (bomb), then attack the green (gouge).
🚀 Famous Player: Bryson DeChambeau.
Definition: When a putt rolls around the edge of the hole but doesn’t drop.
😩 Frustration Level: 10/10!
Definition: A shot that never gets airborne, skimming the ground.
🔥 Common Cause: Hitting the ball thin (too high on the clubface).
Definition: A golfer who hits the sweet spot consistently.
🎯 Every golfer’s dream!
Definition: Using a putter from off the green.
🏆 Why? Sometimes putting is safer than chipping!