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NEW TO GOLF

Golf Terminology Explained

By Stephanie Zinser

Apr 1, 2025·3 mins

Like many sports, getting into golf can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with all the unique terms and phrases thrown around on the course. In this article, we’re breaking down the golf lingo so you can talk confidently as you play the game.

Whether you're puzzled by "birdies" or wondering what "the rough" really means, we’ve got you covered!

Fore

"Fore" is a warning shouted by golfers to alert others on the course that a golf ball may be heading in their direction. Take cover and protect your head if you hear "Fore," often accompanied by a direction such as "Fore left" or "Fore right," indicating the ball's path.

Divot

A divot is a piece of turf or grass that is displaced when a golf club strikes the ground during a shot. Golfers are encouraged to repair divots by replacing the turf or using divot repair tools to maintain the course's playing surface.

Pitch Mark 

A pitch mark is a depression on the green caused by a golf ball's impact from a high trajectory. Golfers repair pitch marks using a tool or tee to maintain the green's smoothness and playability, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Rough

The rough refers to the longer grass and vegetation that borders the fairway and surrounds the green on a golf course. It is more challenging to play from the rough than from the fairway due to the thicker grass.

Bunker

A bunker, or sand trap, is a hazard on a golf course filled with sand. Golfers aim to avoid landing their ball in bunkers as it can make the subsequent shot more challenging.

Rake

Raking involves using a rake to smooth bunkers on a golf course. Rakes are typically left outside bunkers for golfers to use after playing to maintain a fair playing surface.

Plug

When a ball that partially buries itself in its own pitch mark upon landing in the bunker, typically caused by a steep descent angle. Playing a plugged ball is more challenging as it requires careful technique to hit it cleanly.

Dogleg

A dogleg is a hole on a golf course that bends or curves, typically creating a left or right turn from the tee to the green. Doglegs add strategic challenge, requiring golfers to carefully plan their shots.

Provisional Ball

A provisional ball is a second ball played by a golfer under specific circumstances, usually when the first ball may be lost or out of bounds. It allows the golfer to save time by continuing play without returning to the original spot.

Out of Bounds (OB)

Out of bounds refers to areas on the golf course that are beyond the defined boundaries of play. Hitting a ball out of bounds typically results in a penalty stroke and requires the player to replay the shot from the original position.

Hazard

Any feature on a golf course that adds difficulty or penalty to a golfer's shot, such as water hazards, bunkers, or rough.

Caddie

A caddie is a person hired by a golfer to carry their clubs, provide advice, and assist during a round of golf. Caddies offer insights on course strategy, distances, and green reading to help improve the golfer's performance.

Greens in Regulation (GIR)

Greens in Regulation refers to the number of times a golfer reaches the green in the expected number of strokes for that hole (typically one stroke less than par). Achieving a green in regulation is a key statistic in assessing a golfer's performance.

Back Nine/Front Nine

The back nine refers to holes 10 through 18 on an 18-hole golf course, while the front nine refers to holes 1 through 9.

Handicap

A numerical measure of a golfer's ability, used to adjust scores for players of different skill levels in competition.

Scoring

Golf scores are often named based on the number of strokes relative to par:

Condor: Four strokes under par (very rare, typically a hole-in-one on a par 5)

Albatross: Three strokes under par (also known as a double eagle)

Eagle: Two strokes under par

Birdie: One stroke under par

Par: Number of strokes expected for a hole

Bogey: One stroke over par

Double Bogey: Two strokes over par

Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par, and so on.

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