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Glossary

GOLF GLOSSARY

 

Scoring 

  • Par: The number of strokes a golfer is expected to take to complete a hole.
  • Birdie: One stroke under par.
  • Eagle: Two strokes under par.
  • Albatross: Three strokes under par.
  • Bogey: One stroke over par.
  • Double Bogey: Two strokes over par.
  • Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par.
  • Ace / Hole-in-One: When a golfer gets the ball into the hole with one shot.
  • Even Par: Finishing a hole or round exactly at par.
  • Under Par: Finishing with fewer strokes than par.
  • Over Par: Finishing with more strokes than par.

 

Etiquette 

Golf has a few unwritten rules that help everyone enjoy their time on the course. Here are some of the basics:

  • Be quiet when someone is hitting. Give other golfers your full attention and avoid talking or making unnecessary noise during their shot.
  • Don’t stand too close. Stay a safe distance away and avoid standing directly behind someone while they’re swinging.
  • Keep up with the group ahead. Try to maintain a good pace and avoid falling far behind the group in front of you.
  • Let faster groups play through. If your group is moving slowly and there’s a clear opening ahead, allow a faster group to pass.
  • Take care of the course. Repair your ball marks, replace or fill divots, and rake bunkers when you’re finished.
  • Keep carts where they belong. Follow cart-path signs and avoid driving through areas where carts aren’t allowed.
  • Be aware of other golfers. Before hitting, make sure the area ahead is clear and never hit if someone is within range.
  • Yell “Fore!” If your shot is heading toward another golfer, yell “Fore!” loudly to warn them.
  • Have fun! Nobody expects a beginner to know everything. Be respectful, enjoy yourself, and remember that everyone was new to golf once.

 

Parts of the Golf Course

  • Tee Box: Where you start each hole.
  • Fairway: The short, well-maintained grass that leads from the tee box toward the green.
  • Rough: The longer grass surrounding the fairway. It’s usually more difficult to hit from.
  • Green: The smooth, short grass surrounding the hole where you use your putter.
  • Bunker: A sand-filled area designed to make a shot more challenging.
  • Hazard / Penalty Area: Areas such as ponds, lakes, or marked areas that can result in a penalty if your ball goes in.

 

Golf Cart 101

  • Follow the signs: Some areas require you to stay on the cart path or have restrictions on where you can drive.
  • Don’t drive too close to greens: Keep carts away from greens, bunkers, and other sensitive areas unless signs say otherwise.
  • Park safely: When you’re ready to hit, park the cart safely out of the way of other golfers.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Watch for other golfers, carts, steep hills, and uneven ground.
  • Slow down: Golf carts aren’t race cars! Drive at a safe speed, especially around turns and hills.
  • Never drive while someone is hitting: Stop and remain quiet until the golfer has completed their shot.

 

Pace of Play 

Pace of play is simply how quickly you move through your round. You don’t need to rush, but you should keep up with the group in front of you and be ready when it’s your turn to play.

  • Be ready to hit: Have your club, ball, and glove ready when it’s your turn.
  • Keep moving: Walk or drive to your ball while others are playing, as long as you’re safely out of the way.
  • Limit practice swings: A couple of practice swings is plenty.
  • Pick up your ball when appropriate: If you’re playing casually, don’t feel like you have to finish every hole if you’re struggling.
  • Let faster groups play through: If your group is holding up the group behind you, let them pass when it’s safe.
  • Remember: Ready golf > rushing. The goal is to keep things moving while still enjoying the game.

 

Club Types 

Not sure what all those clubs in a golf bag are for? Here’s the simple breakdown:

  • Driver: Used for long shots from the tee, usually on par-4s and par-5s.
  • Fairway Woods: Used for long shots from the fairway or tee. They’re easier to hit than a driver for some golfers.
  • Hybrids: A mix between a wood and an iron. They’re often easier to hit and great for longer shots.
  • Irons: Used for a variety of shots, typically from the fairway or rough. Lower-numbered irons go farther, while higher-numbered irons are used for shorter shots.
  • Wedges: Designed for short, high shots that help you get the ball close to the hole. Think of it as your precision club around the green
  • Putter: The club you use to roll the ball into the hole once you’re on the green

 

Attire 

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to start playing golf! Most courses just ask that you wear comfortable, appropriate clothing that allows you to move freely.

  • Shirt: A collared polo is the traditional choice, but some courses allow other athletic shirts.
  • Bottoms: Golf shorts, pants, skorts, or athletic-style bottoms are common.
  • Shoes: Golf shoes are helpful, but many beginner-friendly courses allow athletic shoes.
  • Hats: Optional, but popular for sun protection.
  • Layers: Bring a light jacket or extra layer if you’re playing early in the morning or in changing weather.
  • Check the dress code: Every course is different, so check before you go, especially at private clubs.

When in doubt, ask the course! It’s always better to know the dress code before you arrive.

 

Formats 

Golf can be played in a few different ways. The format you play determines how your score is counted and how you compete.

  • Stroke Play: The most common format. You count every shot you take, and the player with the fewest total strokes wins.
  • Match Play: You compete against another player or team hole-by-hole. Whoever wins the most holes wins the match.
  • Scramble: A fun team format where everyone hits a shot, the team chooses the best one, and everyone plays their next shot from there.
  • Best Ball: Each player plays their own ball, and the lowest score on the team counts for each hole.
  • Alternate Shot: Teammates take turns hitting the same ball until it is holed.
  • Four-Ball: Two-person teams where each player plays their own ball, and the better score between teammates counts for the hole.

Just getting started? Stroke play is the most common! Start there.