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.

2. Birdie

Definition: Scoring one stroke under par on a hole.

3. Bogey

Definition: Scoring one stroke over par on a hole.

4. Eagle

Definition: Scoring two strokes under par on a hole.

5. Albatross (or Double Eagle)

Definition: Scoring three strokes under par on a hole.

6. Fairway

Definition: The well-maintained area of short grass between the tee box and the green, where golfers aim to land their shots.

7. Green

Definition: The finely trimmed area of grass surrounding the hole, where golfers use their putter to sink the ball.

8. Rough

Definition: The areas of longer grass surrounding the fairway and green, often making it more difficult to hit the ball.

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.

10. Drive

Definition: A long-distance shot typically taken from the tee box using a driver, aimed at covering as much distance as possible.

11. Approach Shot

Definition: A shot played from the fairway or rough aimed at landing the ball on the green.

12. Putt

Definition: A short, controlled shot played on the green with the goal of rolling the ball into the hole.

13. Bunker (or Sand Trap)

Definition: A hazard filled with sand, usually located near the green or along the fairway, designed to challenge players.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

20. Tee Time

Definition: The specific time when a group of golfers is scheduled to begin their round.