Best Golf Technical Terminology

approach shot Normally a short or medium shot played to the putting green or pin.

backswing The backward part of the swing starting from the ground and going back over the head.

bermuda Type of grass seen mostly on Southern courses in North America. Of the type Cynodon dactylon. Originally native to southern Europe. It was introduced to warmer areas of the world to be used on courses where bent grass will not grow.

birdie One stroke under par for a hole. Also possibly derived from the term "It flew like a bird" to indicate a good shot.

bogey A score of one over par for the hole. To play a hole in one stroke over par.

caddie (caddy) Someone who carries a player's club during play and offers him assistance in accordance with the rules.

caddie master The golf course employee in charge of managing the caddies.

casual water Any temporary accumulations of water that are visible before or after a player takes his stance and is not a hazard or in a water hazard. A player may lift his ball from casual water without penalty.

divot A piece of turf removed with by the club when making a shot. It is always replaced and tamped down.

dogleg A left or right bend in the fairway.

double bogey A score of two over par for a single hole.

driving range This is the practice area. The client needs to rent balls called Range Balls.

eagle Two strokes under par for a single hole. To play a hole at 2 under par.

extra rider An extra person riding the cart and not playing.

fairway The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball.

field The players in a tournament.

flagstick A movable marker to show the location of the hole.

gimme A putt that is certain to be made on the next shot and will most likely be conceded by an opponent.

green The whole golf course according to golf rules. However, in popular usage, it refers to the putting surface.

green fee The charge made by the course to allow the player to use the course.

handicap The number of strokes a player may deduct from his actual score to adjust his scoring ability to the level of a scratch golfer. It is designed to allow golfers of different abilities to basically compete on the same level.

hazard A hazard is any sand trap, bunker or water on the course that may cause difficulty.

hole in one A hole made with one stroke. Same as "ace.

layout The manner in which the holes are placed on the golf course when designed.

local rules A set of rules for a club determined by the members.

marshal A person appointed by a tournament committee to keep order and handle spectators.

out of bounds The area outside of the course in which play is prohibited. A player is penalized stroke and distance. That is he must replay the shot with a penalty of one stroke.

par The number of strokes a player should take to complete a round with good performance. Par for each hole is given on the scorecard.

pin Same as "flagstick".

pro shop The golf course shop operated by the head professional where equipment is sold.

putting green The surface area around the hole that is specially prepared for putting.

rough Long grass areas adjacent to fairway, greens, tee off areas or hazards.

spike Cleats of a golf shoe.

starter Administrates the starting time for each player.

single/twosome/threesome/foursome These numbers indicate the quantity of players integrating a team.

tee time Is the name the reservation hour receives. Time elapsed between two tee times should be 8 minutes.

twilight Is the charge for playing as many holes as the player can after 2:00 p.m. until dusk, 9 holes are guaranteed. In this schedule it is specified that there will not be Rain Check.

tee box or Table is the name given to the starting point.