Overview:
If you’re someone who is new to golf or perhaps you are watching it on TV and heard a new bit of golf terminology, we’re here to help you out.
Because in golf there is a lot of terminology to learn…
In this guide we are going to breakdown all those key terms into easy to understand sections. Give it 20 minutes and you’ll be talking like Tiger Woods. Even if you can’t play like him… yet!
So, if you want to learn about the different games you can play on the course, what an Albatross is, why GUR doesn’t mean anything aggressive and why its ok to Grip your Shaft then read on!
Golf Formats of Play:
Stroke Play (sometimes called Medal play) – First things first, this isn’t as fun as it sounds! Stroke Play is the most common form of golf and the format used by most Professional golf tournaments that you see on TV.
You simply must finish every Hole and the number of shots (or strokes) that it takes you are added together to give you your score for that round.
Stableford – is a variation on Stroke Play where your score on each hole is converted into points.
As you can’t score less than 0 points on a hole it means that one or two bad holes will have less impact your total score than they would in Stroke Play. It also means that you don’t have to complete every hole and can pick up your ball and record 0 points if you know you cannot score better than 0.
The target score in Stableford is 36 points for an 18 hole course, which is the equivalent of scoring Par (worth 2 points) on every hole.
The full scoring system in Stableford is as follows:
- Albatross – 5 points
- Eagle – 4 points
- Birdie – 3 points
- Par – 2 points
- Bogey – 1 point
- Double Bogey or worse – 0 points
Matchplay – This is the first game on our list which isn’t about you vs. the course because in Matchplay its you vs. your opponent. And all that matters is scoring lower than them on every hole. Do this and you win the hole, but if they score lower than you then you lose it. If you both score the same, then you both half the hole.
The scoring in Matchplay is recorded as how many holes you are Up by (winning) or Down by (losing).
For example, if you are winning by two holes you are 2 Up. If a match in progress is tied it is deemed to be ‘all square’. If one player is winning by more holes than there are remaining the match is over and that person wins.
Foursomes (sometimes called Alternate shot) – Again not as exciting as it sounds! This is a form of Matchplay where a team of two golfers compete against another team of two golfers. Each team will share one ball and take it in turns to hit the next shot.
For example, if Player A hits the first shot then Player B will hit the second shot. This continues until the Hole is completed. Players take it in turns to hit the first shot (Tee Shot) on each hole. This means that sometimes the player who hit the final shot on the last hole will also hit the first shot on the next hole.
Greensomes – This is almost identical to Foursomes except both players in a team will hit a Tee Shot. The team then chooses which Tee Shot to use and then continues to take it in turns from there.
For example, Player A and Player B hit Tee Shots on a hole. The Team agree to use Player B’s Tee Shot as it is closer to the Putting Green. Player A would take the next shot. This continues until the Hole is completed.
Better Ball (sometimes called Fourball Better Ball) – This is another team format game where a team of two golfers compete against another team of two golfers.
In this format every player plays their own ball and completes the Hole. Each team then uses the lowest score from their team (the ‘better ball’) with the Matchplay rules and scoring applying.
Skins – Is all about the money! Each hole is worth a pre-agreed amount of money (or ‘skin’) and the winner of the Hole wins the ‘skin’ and keeps the money!
The format can be played by two or more individuals or two teams of two players. If two players/teams score the same, then the ‘skin’ rolls over to the next hole.
For example, 4 golfers are playing a £4 skins match (meaning every player puts in £1 per hole and the winner of each hole wins £4). On Hole 1 two players hit the same lowest score then the £4 rolls over and Hole 2 would be worth £8. This carries on until a Hole is won.
Obviously, the winner of a Skins match is the player/team with the most money won at the end of the round – if that’s you expect to get the drinks in after! Oh, and if you tie three holes in a row then you get the joy of playing for four skins – lovely!
Scramble – This is a team format usually with three or four golfers per team. In this format you are working together to score as low as possible.
You all hit a Tee Shot and the team captain picks which is the best shot. You mark that spot and members of the team then play their second shot from there. This keeps going until the hole is complete.
Scrambles are brilliant fun and well worth trying if you haven’t before! There’s also lots of cool variations you’ll see too!
Golf Scoring:
Hole in One – A Tee Shot that goes straight into the hole, meaning the player took only one shot. This is the dream for all golfers! If you make one of these be sure to take a picture so your mates believe you! Most common on Par 3’s due to their length but known to occasionally happen on shorter Par 4’s.
Albatross (Double Eagle in America) – This is the name for a score of three shots less than the Par for the hole. They only happen by scoring a 2 on a Par 5 or a Hole in One on a Par 4. As a result, they are extremely rare, even in Professional golf.
Eagle – This is the name for a score of two shots less than the Par for the hole. This happens most often by scoring a 3 on a Par 5. They are a rare feat for amateur golfers, but more common in elite amateur and professional golf.
Birdie – This is the name for a score of one shot less than the Par for the hole. This happens quite often on all holes on a golf course. Whether you are new to golf or a regular player you’ll never get bored of making a Birdie!
Par – This can refer to two things: The Par for a Hole or the Par for the Course.
The Par for a Hole is usually 3, 4 or 5 shots and indicates the number of shots it is expected to take for a Scratch Golfer (meaning a golfer with a Handicap of 0) to complete the Hole.
The Par for the Course is calculated by adding up the Par for all Holes on the course. Now you know where that saying comes from!
Bogey – This is the name for a score of one shot more than the Par for the hole. You would say that you ‘made a Bogey’ if you scored 5 on a Par 4, for example.
Double Bogey – This is the name for a score of two shots more than the Par for the hole. For example, a score of 6 on a Par 4.
Triple Bogey – This is the name for a score of three shots more than the Par for the hole. As rubbish as the name sounds.
Quadruple Bogey – This is the name for a score of four shots more than the Par for the hole. Nobody wants to hit these, so let’s just move on…
Blob – This is the name for an incomplete hole (and often how you feel when it happens!).
A player will usually pick up their ball and ‘blob’ the hole if they can no longer score any points or contribute to their team on that hole.
Nett (followed by any of the other terms) – Any of the terms in the scoring list could be preceded with the word Nett, for example, Nett Birdie or Nett Par.
The word Nett in golf simply refers to your score after taking off any additional shots you are allowed due to your Handicap. It can be applied to a single Hole or the total score after all Holes are completed.
For example, if you receive one additional shot on a Par 4 and you then take 5 shots you’ve made a Nett Par.
Gross – It is simply the actual number of shots that were taken on a Hole or the Course. It is used due to clarify that you are not including a players Handicap.
For example, if you take 5 shots on a Par 5 then you have scored a Gross 5 or Gross Bogey. This term is only used in amateur golf where Handicaps are allowed.
Over Par – This term is usually used to describe a golfers’ score in relationship to Par for the Course either during a round or after all holes are completed. It means that the golfer has taken more shots than the Par for the Course.
For example, if a Golfer takes 74 shots to complete a Par 72 golf course you would say they shot 2 Over Par, meaning they took 2 more shots than they should have. Scores Over Par are always expressed with a ‘+’ followed by the number of shots Over Par that the player was (e.g. +2)
Under par – This is the opposite of Over Par and means that a golfer has taken less shots than the Par for the course.
For example, if a Golfer takes 71 shots to complete a Par 72 golf course you would say they shot 1 Under Par, meaning they took 1 shot less than they should have.
Scores Under Par are always expressed with a ‘-‘ followed by the number of shots Under Par that the player was (e.g. -1). Scoring Under Par is the objective of all professional golfers
Golf Equipment:
Clubs – This is the collective name given to the different types of equipment that are used by a golfer to hit the golf ball. A golfer can take up to 14 Clubs onto the golf course.
Shaft – Not a euphemism! This is the long pole like part of the golf club. At one end is the Grip which is held by the player and the other end is the Clubhead. The Shaft is made of either Steel or Graphite and comes in a variety of lengths, weights and flexibility’s based on the club and golfer.
Grip – This is the part of the golf club held by the golfer. Given its name it is intended to help the golfer to grip the shaft of the golf club – and who doesn’t want to grip their shaft more easily?
Clubhead – Situated at the opposite end of the Shaft to the Grip, the Clubhead is the part of the club used to, hopefully, hit the golf ball.
Clubface – This is the specific part of the Clubhead that is used to hit the golf ball. It often contains grooves.
Driver – The boss of all golf clubs, the Driver is the one you hit when you want to smash it a long way with your Tee Shot! It is designed to make the ball go the furthest distance but is tricky to hit when the ball is not on a Tee.
Fairway Wood (often called a 3 wood or 5 wood) – Think of this as the smaller brother/sister to the Driver. They typically don’t make the ball go as far as a Driver, but would go further than all other clubs in this list.
Unlike the Driver, given their name, they are designed to be used on the Fairway not just for your Tee Shot.
Hybrid (sometimes called a Rescue) – These clubs are a bit of a mixture of a Fairway Wood and an Iron, hence the name Hybrid.
They are a new-ish concept in golf equipment and were initially designed to help golfers who struggled to hit the ball in the air with longer Irons (see below).
They look like a small Fairway Wood but are usually similar in length to an Iron. Learn to hit one of these well and your scores will no doubt come down!
Iron – This is the name for the majority of clubs that a golfer uses. They usually come in a set and are numbered between a 1 Iron and a 9 Iron although most typical sets comprise of a 4 or 5 Iron through to a 9 Iron.
The number helps the golfer to understand how far each club should hit the ball relative to the other Irons in the set and how high, typically, the ball will go. A 1 Iron would usually hit the ball the furthest and the lowest and a 9 Iron would usually hit the ball the shortest and highest.
Most amateurs struggle to hit 1-3 Irons their intended distance, so thankfully Hybrids were invented to help us out!
Wedge – These look and feel like Irons and in some cases a set of Irons will include one or more Wedges. The main difference is the design of the bottom of the club which is usually a bit different to an Iron and is designed to help the ball go higher in the air.
Typically, Wedges are used for shorter shots such as Pitching or Chipping.
Putter – This is a specialist golf club, almost exclusively used on the Putting Green, to try and get the ball in the hole. They are designed to keep the ball on the ground and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
If you’ve ever played crazy/miniature golf you have used a Putter!
Golf Ball – This is the specialist ball designed to be used in the game of golf. They are usually white but come in yellow and occasionally other colours. They are about 43mm in diameter and contain a pattern of depressions, called dimples.
Carry Bag – This is a type of bag used to hold and make it easier to carry a players Clubs and any other accessories such as Balls, Tees, clothing, food and drink. A Carry Bag is characterised by features which make the experience more comfortable when the golfer is carrying their clubs.
Pencil Bag – This is a specific type of Carry Bag which is usually smaller in design. It is mostly used if the golfer does not require as much space for Clubs and any other accessories.
Cart Bag – This is a type of bag designed to fit on a golf Trolley for a player who likes to push or pull his golfs along rather than carrying them. It is usually rounded in design and can be bigger than a Carry Bag due to it being unlikely the golfer will need to carry it.
Tour Bag – This is a type of bag which is typically designed for Professional golfers for their Caddy to carry. It is usually larger in design due to the fact a Professional golfer is likely travelling and needing to store more items (e.g. waterproof clothing).
Pull Trolley – This is a type of trolley, often comprising of two wheels, a slot to hold a Cart Bag and a handle to pull the trolley along. They are usually the cheapest type of trolley and are designed for a golfer to pull behind them.
Push Trolley – An alternative and probably the most common type of trolley, these comprise of three or four wheels, a slot to hold a Cart Bag and a handle to push the trolley along. They are usually the mid-priced option and are often chosen as a more comfortable option to a Pull Trolley.
Electric Trolley – A battery operated version of a Push Trolley. These are designed to make things as easy as possible for the golfer by doing all the hard work for you. Understandably these are the most expensive type of Trolley; if you get one just remember to charge the battery!
Rangefinder (sometimes called a Laser) – If you are a serious Weekend Tour Pro you probably own or will want to own one of these! This is a device that looks like a very small telescope and is used to measure the exact distance to objects on the golf course, such as the Flagstick.
Knowing this information will help the golfer decide upon their strategy and which Club they should use to hit their next shot. They are not allowed in most forms of Professional golf.
GPS Device – This is an alternative to a Rangefinder but with the same purpose in mind. Unlike a Rangefinder where the user can pick whatever object they would like to measure, a GPS Device usually shows the distance to key parts of the current hole such as the Putting Green, Bunkers or Penalty Areas.
Tees – These are little pieces of wood or plastic which are inserted into the ground to raise the ball up. They are only allowed to be used on the Tee Shot and are there to help the golfer have the perfect conditions to hit their first shot on each hole.
Pitchmark Repairer (sometimes called a Divot Tool) – This is a tool used to repair the depressions that a golf ball leaves on a Putting Green, called Pitchmarks, usually when it hits the Putting Green from a great height and/or speed.
If you don’t own one of these, go buy one – it’s what all Weekend Tour Pros use! They are cheap and using one helps to protect the Putting Green, it’s also good etiquette.
Groove Cleaner – This is a tool that comes in various shapes and sizes but is typically a small wire brush designed to clean out bits of dirt, sand and debris that form in the grooves of all golf clubs from hitting golf shots.
Keeping the grooves of your golf club’s clean means you’ve got more chance of hitting a shot like Rory!
Ball Marker – This is the name for any small flat item used to mark a golf ball on the Putting Green. After you hit your Tee Shot on any given hole you are not allowed to pick up your ball until it is on the Putting Green.
However before doing this you need to mark its position so you can accurately replace it. Although specialist golf Ball Markers exist, many golfers use a coin or similar item.
Golf Glove – This is a specialist type of glove, usually worn on your non-dominant hand (e.g. a right handed golfer would wear on their left hand) to help grip the club. You can also buy specialist gloves which help with grip in the rain.
Golf Shoes – These are specialist types of shoes worn when playing golf. The sole of the shoe is designed to help golfers not to slip when hitting golf shots and not damage the Putting Green.
Types of Golf Course:
Parkland – These golf courses are usually situated in land and away from the sea. They are often characterised by lots of trees and green grass and (wait for it) look a bit like playing in your local park.
Augusta National, home of the Masters tournament, is probably the most famous example of a Parkland course.
Links – Situated next to the sea a Links golf course is usually very barren with few, if any trees, and a largely flat but bumpy terrain. They often look rugged, natural and perfectly imperfect.
The main defence of a Links course given its location and lack of shelter, is its exposure to the elements, namely strong winds. The Putting Greens on a Links golf course are often funky with more drastic hills and hollows whilst bunkers are usually small and deep.
If you want a traditional golf experience or just like it when golf beats you up then go play a Links course on a windy day!
If you’ve ever watched the Open golf tournament then you’ve seen a Links course.
Heathland – Defined by the overpowering presence of heather, a Heathland course is typically situated in land. Beyond the abundance of heather, they can contain the characteristics of both parkland and links courses. Although they are often less manicured like a Links course.
The heather, often in place of the more traditional thick grass based rough on Parkland and Links course, acts the primary defence of these courses and will punish anything that misses the fairway.
Walton Heath is an exceptional example of the traditional Heathland course.
Downland – These courses are situated, as their name suggests on chalk based hills. They are often very hilly with lots of undulations. Like a Links golf course, they often rely on their exposed location and strong winds as a defence but can also contain substantial amounts of trees. Be prepared for a tough walk if you are playing a Downland course!
Desert – This one should be quite easy to understand; its a golf course built within the desert! Usually these courses are surrounded by vast areas of sand and nothingness. They can look visually spectacular with the contrast of bright green grass against the yellow sandy backdrop.
Lots of the courses used by the European Tour in the Middle East are examples of this but our favourite is Paiute on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
On the Golf Course:
Tee Box (sometimes called ‘the Tee’ or ‘Teeing Ground’) – This is the area at the start of each golf Hole where a golfer hits their Tee Shot from. It is often a rectangular patch of short grass.
Most golf courses have various sets of colour coded teeing options and a golfer would choose which set to use at the start of their round. When on the Tee Box two markers corresponding to the colour chosen will be found, usually about 3-5 meters apart.
A golfer would always hit their Tee Shot in between or just behind these markers.
Fairway – This is the name for the part of the golf course between the Tee Box and the Putting Green where the grass is shortest.
Simply put if you can’t reach the Putting Green on any given shot then you want to hit your ball onto here.
It is named Fairway because it is the ‘fairest way’ (or easiest way) to reach the Putting Green.
Rough – This is the name for the part of the golf course, usually running either side of the Fairway, which has longer grass. It is typically more difficult to hit a shot from the rough than the Fairway and as such golfers should aim to avoid it.
Rough can come in any length or thickness of grass; usually the further you are from the fairway the longer/thicker this becomes. It is designed to penalise inaccurate shots by making it more difficult to hit a good next shot.
Putting Green (or simply ‘the Green’) – This is the name for the part of the course at the end of each Hole where the Flagstick and Cup are situated. It is most often an area of extremely short grass.
Putting Greens come in various shapes, sizes and topography each designed to make Putting easier or more difficult fun!
Hole – Most commonly refers to the collective playing area of land between a Tee Box and a Putting Green.
However, it is also used to refer to the hole in the Putting Green which a golfer must hit their ball into in order to complete the Hole. Confusing right?
Cup (sometimes called ‘the Hole’) – This is the hole in the Putting Green which a golfer must hit their ball into in order to complete the Hole.
The Cup usually contains a Flagstick to help golfers identify its location when playing shots onto the Putting Green.
Flagstick (sometimes called Pin) – This is a thin stick which is placed into the Cup to help golfers identify the location of the Cup on a given hole. This helps golfers when hitting shots onto the Putting Green. It is usually quite tall with a flag at the top of it.
The flag often contains the number of the Hole to help golfers ensure they are playing their shots to the correct location.
Bunker (sometimes called a Sand Trap) – This is an area of the golf course that is dug out to create a crater shape and filled with sand. It is designed to be an obstacle for golfers to avoid.
They are often found on the sides of the Fairway or around the Putting Green and are placed in locations which will punish inaccurate golf shots as it is often more difficult to hit your next shot as far from a bunker.
If you can’t hit the ball straight be sure to bring your bucket and spade with you onto the course as you’ll be spending a bit of time in the sand!
Penalty Area – This is an area of the golf course where it is highly likely that a golf ball will be lost or if found, unlikely you’ll be able to play your next shot from.
The most common example is water (e.g. a pond or stream) on the golf course. They are identified by either red or yellow markings around their perimeter.
Each colour determines the options a golfer has if there ball goes into one of these areas (click here for more information from the Rules of Golf).
Ground Under Repair (GUR) – This is an area of the golf course which is temporarily out of play. It will be clearly marked around its perimeter and a notice saying Ground Under Repair (or GUR).
The most common reasons for a part of the course to be Ground Under Repair is if there is course maintenance ongoing.
If a player’s ball finishes in this area then the player must pick up and Drop their ball, without incurring a Penalty Shot, in accordance with the Rules of Golf, before playing their next shot.
Out of Bounds – This is an area of the golf course which you don’t want to hit your ball into, ever. It is never in play, usually because it is outside of the golf course boundaries or because it is dangerous to try and hit shots into or from that area.
If a golfer hits their golf ball into an Out of Bounds area, they must not play their next shot from there, even if they can find their ball.
Instead a golfer must proceed with one of the options available to them under the rules of golf (click here for more information).
Cart Path – This is a permanent path, usually made of concrete, which often runs down one side of a golf Hole and is the path that Golf Buggy’s must follow unless told otherwise.
Divot – This is the name for the imperfections made in the ground as a result of the golf club hitting it during a golf shot. They are often the width of a golf club and can be up to about 8 inches (20 cm) long.
If a golfer creates a Divot in the process of hitting a shot, they should do their best to replace this to ensure the course is maintained for the next golfer playing the Hole.
Playing the Game:
Tee Shot (sometimes called Teeing Off) – This is the first shot on any given hole. It is called the Tee Shot as the golfer can place their ball on a Tee to ensure they have the perfect conditions for hitting the shot.
Approach Shot – This is the name for any shot where the objective is to get the golf ball onto the Putting Green.
Pitch Shot – This is the name for a specialist type of golf shot, usually with the intention of getting the ball onto the Putting Green.
It is played with a golf club that has a high amount of Loft, such as a Wedge and is usually intended to get the ball to travel high in the air so that it stops quickly on the Putting Green.
It is usually played anywhere from 10 to 100 yards from the Putting Green.
Chip Shot – This is the name for a specialist type of golf shot, usually with the intention of getting the ball onto the Putting Green.
It is played with a variety of golf clubs depending on the circumstances, but the intention is usually to keep the ball low so that it lands on the Putting Green and rolls out a certain distance.
It is usually played within 10 yards of the Putting Green.
Putt – This is the name for any golf shot played using a Putter, almost exclusively on the Putting Green. The intention with a Putt is to try and hit the ball into the Cup/Hole.
Draw – This is the name for an intentional golf shot where the golf ball starts off going right of the intended target (for a right handed golfer) and curves back onto the intended target. For a left handed golfer, the ball would start off by going left.
Fade – This is the name for an intentional golf shot where the golf ball starts off going left of the intended target (for a right handed golfer) and curves back onto the intended target. For a left handed golfer, the ball would start off by going right.
Punch (sometimes called a ‘Stinger’) – This is the name for an intentional golf where the golf ball travels lower and with a more piercing ball flight than would be expected from the golf club used.
It is often used when there are high winds to reduce the impact it has on the golf ball.
When Tiger hits these we all tend to drool.
Hook – This is the start of the bad golf shots! A hook is an unintentional golf shot where the golf ball starts at the intended target but curves drastically to the left (for a right handed golfer) and away from the intended target. For a left handed golfer, the ball would curve right.
Slice – Sadly nothing to do with bread, this is an unintentional golf shot where the golf ball starts at the intended target but curves drastically to the right (for a right handed golfer) and away from the intended target. For a left handed golfer, the ball would curve left.
Pull – This is an unintentional golf shot where the golf ball starts left of the intended target and continues straight on that line (for a right handed golfer). For a left handed golfer, the ball would start right.
Push (sometimes called a Block) – This is an unintentional golf shot where the golf ball starts right of the intended target and continues straight on that line (for a right handed golfer). For a left handed golfer, the ball would start left.
Thin – This is an unintentional golf shot where the golfer doesn’t hit all the ball with all the club, meaning they ‘caught the ball thin’. A thin is usually characterised by the ball travelling a lot lower than intended and a completely different distance to what is expected for the club used.
Fat – This is an unintentional golf shot where the golfer hits the ground before the golf ball. A Fat is usually characterised by the ball not going as far as is expected.
Duff – A slang term for any unintentional golf shot but most typically a Fat shot.
Shank – The worst nightmare of all golfers. If the first day back at work after Christmas was a golf shot, this would be it…
This is an unintentional golf shot where the golfer hits the ball with the hosel (the part of the golf club where the Club Face and Shaft meet).
It causes the ball to fly off dramatically to the right for a right handed golfer and left for a left handed golfer and not very far either.
Provisional – This is the name given to any shot played after a golfer has hit a shot which they think may have resulted in their golf ball being lost.
To prevent a golfer from having to walk back to the spot they played their last shot from, if they cannot find their ball, a golfer is encouraged to hit a Provisional shot.
This ball is temporarily in play until the player can determine if their first ball has been lost or found. If it is lost then the ball used to hit the Provisional is now in play.
Penalty Shot – This is the name given to any scenario where a shot is added to a players’ score without them hitting a golf ball.
For example, if a player hits a ball into a Penalty Area and cannot find or play their ball then they would incur one Penalty Shot for this.
Lay Up Shot – This is the name given to any intentional golf shot where the player could reach the Putting Green with their next shot but chooses not to, normally for strategic reasons.
There’s a brilliant set of guys in America who live by the mantra ‘No Laying Up’ meaning they will never do this – check them out on social media here!
Drop – This is the name for the process of dropping a golf ball, from knee height, onto the ground. This occurs in a variety of scenarios such as when a player has lost their ball in a Penalty Area or their ball is in an area of the course marked as Ground Under Repair.
Whiff (sometimes called a ‘swing and a miss’ or ‘fresh air shot’) – Quite common for beginners and don’t worry it doesn’t mean you smell bad!
This is when a golfer swings the golf club with the intention of hitting the ball and misses.
If the intention was to hit the ball, then this counts as a shot and must be added to a player’s score for that Hole. Unless you are playing a social match with generous friends who let you off!.
Everything Else:
Handicap (sometimes called Handicap Index) – This is a representation of a golfer’s ability and is expressed in a number format, to one decimal place, between 0 and 54.
A golfers Handicap is used to determine their Playing Handicap and the number of additional shots they are expected to take above the Par for the Course.
The benefits of the Handicap system in golf is that it allows two golfers of varying abilities to have a fair and even contest.
Handicaps are currently administered slightly different around the world by varying governing bodies however this is changing shortly with the introduction of a new World Handicap System which is consistent for every golfer around the world. You can find out more about the World Handicap System here.
Playing Handicap – This is the number of additional shots that a golfer is expected to take above the Par for the Course on a given day. Whilst the Handicap is expressed to one decimal place the Playing Handicap is always a whole number.
The golfer then uses this value and the Stroke Index for each hole on the course to identify which Holes they should or shouldn’t take more shots on than the Par for the Hole.
Handicap Allowance – In some of the formats of golf a player is only entitled to receive a certain percentage allowance of their Handicap; this is called a Handicap Allowance. Each format has differing rules and amounts. Check the rules for your chosen format before you go out and play!
Handicap Buffer – In some Handicap systems around the world a player is entitled to score a certain amount of shots above Nett Par without receiving an increase to their Handicap; this is called a Handicap Buffer or Buffer Zone.
This will no longer exist under the new World Handicap System.
Scratch Golfer – This is the name for a bloody brilliant golfer who has achieved a Handicap of 0.
Scorecard – This is a card, often filled in before, during and after a round of golf to track and register a player’s score. For more information on golf Scorecards and how to fill one in correctly please click here to read our guide.
Stroke Index – This is a number given to each hole on the golf course to signal its perceived difficulty. The most difficult hole on the golf course will be given a Stroke Index of 1 and the easiest a Stroke Index of 18.
To determine which Holes a golfer is expected to take additional shots on you take your Playing Handicap and compare this to the Stroke Index.
For example, a golfer with a Playing Handicap of 9 would be expected to take an additional shot on the Holes with a Stroke Index between 1 and 9.
Standard Scratch Score (SSS) / Course Rating – This is the number of shots a Scratch Golfer is expected to take to complete the golf course in good conditions on a summer’s day.
This is different from the Par for the Course as two golf courses with the same Par could have very different difficulty levels.
For example, a Par 3 hole which is 100 yards long with no Bunkers or Penalty Areas is in theory a lot easier than one which is 180 yards long with 3 Bunkers surrounding the Putting Green.
Apply this over all 18 holes and it is easy to see that a Scratch Golfer may play an easier course Under Par and a more difficult course Over Par.
This value is the baseline for calculating changes to a players Handicap after a round of golf.
Competition Scratch Score (CSS) – This is the number of shots a Scratch Golfer is expected to take to complete the golf course on the exact day a competition was played.
Unlike the Standard Scratch Score which is based on a point in time and is fixed, the Competition Scratch Score will be relative to the conditions of a specific day.
This will change to a daily course rating system under the new World Handicap System
Slope Rating – This is a rating of a golf courses difficulty for a Bogey Golfer (meaning a golfer with a Handicap of 20). It is already live under some Handicap systems and will be part of the new World Handicap System.
The reason for this rating is a recognition that the expected scores of a Scratch Golfer and a Bogey Golfer will not always be 20 shots difference.
For example, you would expect a longer golf course to be more difficult for a Bogey Golfer in comparison to a Scratch Golfer. The Slope Rating helps correct this.
It is used along with the Course Rating and a player’s Handicap to determine their Playing Handicap under the new World Handicap System.
The Clubhouse – The name given to the main building at a golf course. It usually houses the bar, restaurant and other communal areas such as changing rooms and toilets.
19th Hole – A slang term given to the bar in the Clubhouse.
Pro Shop – Short for Professionals’ Shop, this is the shop situated at most golf courses traditionally run by the Head Professional at the golf course.
As well as stocking golf equipment and apparel it is often the place where members and visitors check in before commencing a round of golf.
Be nice to the Head Pro and they will no doubt look after you!
Dormie – A term only used in the Matchplay format of golf. It is used when a player is winning by the same number of holes as there are holes remaining.
For example, if a Player is winning 2up with 2 holes to go then they are Dormie, or more specifically Dormie 2.
The term is said to originate from Latin and French words meaning ‘to sleep’ indicating that the Player who is Dormie could fall asleep and still not lose the match.
Hopefully this guide hasn’t sent you Dormie!
Loft – This refers to the angle (expressed in degrees) between the imaginary line between the shaft of the golf club and the club face.
Buggy / Cart – The term for any form of motorised sit on vehicle used to drive around a golf course. Most are operated by battery or petrol.
Pace of Play – The term for how long it should take a golfer or group of golfers to complete a round of golf on a specific golf course.
For example, a golf course may say that the Pace of Play for four golfers is 4 hours. Golfers are expected to check this at the start of a round and take the necessary steps to play to this pace.
Ready Golf – A really cool and modern initiative design to speed up the Pace of Play by actively encouraging players to break some of the unnecessary traditions of the game during social rounds of golf.
For example, when hitting Tee Shots, the player who is ready first plays first, playing when you are ready and it is safe to do so at all other times (even if you are not the furthest from the hole) and playing your next shot before helping someone look for their golf ball.
Have We Missed Anything?
And that’s it, you now know everything these is to know about golf and have your golfing dictionary ready to take onto the golf course.
If you think we’ve missed something be sure to tweet us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!