Golf Terminology
Golf is a sport rich with its own set of terms and phrases, many of which can be confusing for new players or even seasoned golfers looking to deepen their understanding. We’ve put together this detailed glossary to help you better navigate the language of golf. Whether you’re out on the course, watching a tournament, or reading through instructional content, this guide on JasonGoreGolf.com will help you understand and use key golfing terms correctly.
1. Par
Definition: The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a round.
- Example: On a par-4 hole, a golfer is expected to complete the hole in four strokes.
- Context: The concept of par is central to the scoring system in golf. Most golf courses are designed with holes of various pars, typically ranging from par-3 to par-5.
2. Birdie
Definition: Scoring one stroke under par on a hole.
- Example: If you finish a par-4 hole in three strokes, you’ve made a birdie.
- Context: Birdies are considered a good achievement for golfers, as they reflect scoring better than the expected number of strokes for a hole.
3. Bogey
Definition: Scoring one stroke over par on a hole.
- Example: Completing a par-4 hole in five strokes results in a bogey.
- Context: While bogeys are not ideal, they are common for amateur golfers and may still reflect solid play, especially on difficult holes.
4. Eagle
Definition: Scoring two strokes under par on a hole.
- Example: Finishing a par-5 hole in three strokes is an eagle.
- Context: Eagles are rare and a sign of exceptional play, often requiring a combination of long drives and accurate short game.
5. Albatross (or Double Eagle)
Definition: Scoring three strokes under par on a hole.
- Example: Completing a par-5 hole in two strokes.
- Context: An albatross is extremely rare in golf and typically happens on par-5 holes when a golfer hits an extraordinary shot after a very long drive.
6. Fairway
Definition: The well-maintained area of short grass between the tee box and the green, where golfers aim to land their shots.
- Example: Hitting the ball onto the fairway gives you a good position to approach the green with your next shot.
- Context: Staying on the fairway is key to maintaining control of your game, as the grass is shorter and easier to hit from than rough or hazards.
7. Green
Definition: The finely trimmed area of grass surrounding the hole, where golfers use their putter to sink the ball.
- Example: Once your ball reaches the green, your goal is to use as few putts as possible to get the ball in the hole.
- Context: The green is designed for putting, so it’s crucial to control your approach shots to land your ball on the green, setting yourself up for fewer strokes.
8. Rough
Definition: The areas of longer grass surrounding the fairway and green, often making it more difficult to hit the ball.
- Example: If your ball lands in the rough, it may be harder to get clean contact and control over your next shot.
- Context: The rough is designed to penalize inaccurate shots, and golfers often need to adjust their technique to play from these areas.
9. Tee Box
Definition: The area from which golfers begin each hole, typically marked with two tee markers to indicate the boundary for teeing off.
- Example: You start each hole by placing your ball on a tee in the designated tee box and hitting your first shot, known as a “drive.”
- Context: The tee box sets the stage for the entire hole, and it’s important to position yourself well for your second shot.
10. Drive
Definition: A long-distance shot typically taken from the tee box using a driver, aimed at covering as much distance as possible.
- Example: A strong drive can set you up for an easier approach shot to the green.
- Context: Driving accuracy and distance are important aspects of scoring well on longer holes, especially par-4 and par-5 holes.

11. Approach Shot
Definition: A shot played from the fairway or rough aimed at landing the ball on the green.
- Example: After a good drive, you might use a mid-iron for your approach shot to get the ball close to the pin.
- Context: Approach shots require precision, as they set up your opportunity for putting. The closer your approach shot is to the hole, the fewer putts you’ll need.
12. Putt
Definition: A short, controlled shot played on the green with the goal of rolling the ball into the hole.
- Example: Once you’re on the green, you’ll use a putter to finish the hole by putting the ball into the cup.
- Context: Putting is a key skill in golf, and even experienced players can struggle with judging the speed and break (curve) of a putt.
13. Bunker (or Sand Trap)
Definition: A hazard filled with sand, usually located near the green or along the fairway, designed to challenge players.
- Example: If your ball lands in a bunker, you’ll need to use a sand wedge and specific technique to lift the ball out.
- Context: Bunkers are designed to add difficulty to a course, and players need to adjust their technique to successfully escape them.
14. Sand Wedge
Definition: A highly lofted club designed specifically for hitting out of sand bunkers, though it can also be used for short approach shots.
- Example: When your ball is in the bunker, a sand wedge can help you lift the ball out with enough height and spin to land it on the green.
- Context: The sand wedge is an essential club for short game play and is often used for high, soft shots around the green.
15. Mulligan
Definition: An informal term for a second chance or “do-over” shot, typically allowed only in casual play and not in competitive golf.
- Example: If you hit a poor shot off the tee in a casual round, your playing partners might give you a mulligan to try again without penalty.
- Context: Mulligans are not permitted in official tournament play but are commonly used during friendly rounds as a courtesy.
16. Handicap
Definition: A numerical measure of a golfer’s ability, used to adjust scores between players of different skill levels to make competition fairer.
- Example: A player with a 10 handicap is expected to score 10 strokes above par for an entire round.
- Context: Handicaps are commonly used in competitive amateur play to level the playing field, allowing golfers of varying abilities to compete against each other on an equal footing.
17. Stroke Play
Definition: A type of golf scoring system where the total number of strokes taken over a round or series of rounds is counted, and the lowest score wins.
- Example: Most professional tournaments, such as the PGA Tour, use stroke play to determine the winner.
- Context: Stroke play emphasizes consistency over an entire round, as each stroke counts toward the final score.
18. Match Play
Definition: A scoring system where players compete on a hole-by-hole basis, with the player winning the most holes declared the winner.
- Example: In match play, if you win the first hole by taking fewer strokes than your opponent, you go “1 up.” The match continues, with each hole counting as a separate contest.
- Context: Match play is common in head-to-head competition and can encourage more aggressive strategies, as each hole offers a fresh opportunity to gain an advantage.
19. Scramble
Definition: A team format where each player hits a shot, and the team then selects the best shot to play from, repeating the process until the ball is holed.
- Example: Scramble formats are often used in charity and corporate golf tournaments, allowing players of all abilities to contribute to the team.
- Context: Scramble is a fun, relaxed format that fosters teamwork and is popular in informal and beginner-friendly tournaments.
20. Tee Time
Definition: The specific time when a group of golfers is scheduled to begin their round.
- Example: Our tee time is at 9:30 AM, so we need to arrive at the course by 9:00 to check in and warm up.
- Context: Tee times help golf courses manage the flow of players and ensure that rounds start in an orderly fashion.