The world of golf is complex and confusing, especially when you are new to it. Suddenly, everyone wants to know your handicap and how you did on a par-3 hole. Do not let the unknown golf lingo scare you, it is really simple. To prove it, we will share some of the most basic golf terms with you.
Golfing Terminology 101
- Par: This refers to the whole average. It is the number of strokes it should take a golfer to complete a hole. For example, a par-4 means that it will take four shots to complete.
- Birdie: A shot under par to complete a hole. For example, using three strokes to sink a hole on a par-4.
- Eagle: Two shots under par to finish a hole. For example, using two shots on a par-4.
- Double eagle or albatross: Three shots under par to complete a hole. This is a rare occurrence.
- Bogey: One shot more than par. For example, five shots on a par-4 hole.
- Double bogey: Two over par.
- Triple bogey: Three over par.
- Ace or hole-in-one: Hitting the ball into the hole with only one shot. Understandably, this is a very rare phenomenon.
- Handicap: The average number of strokes you use when playing a round of golf.
- Fore: This is a warning about an incoming ball, telling people to get out of the way.
- Putt: A shot taken on the green.
- Drive: The first shot when starting a hole. This will be at the tee box.
- Approach: The shot that takes the ball from the fairway to the green.
- Bank shot: Using a slope to influence the ball speed and direction.
- Over clubbing: Hitting the ball too far.
- Best ball: When playing a tournament, the person in each team that had the best score will be the points used to determine the score at the end of the tournament.
- The turn: The halfway point.
- Explosion shot: A powerful shot used to free a ball from a sand trap.
- Duff: A poor shot.
- Mulligan: Used in playing a friendly round of golf. It is an opportunity to redo the shot, however, the points do not count.
- Hacker: Someone who does not play well.
- Fairway: The grassy patch between the tee box and the green.
- Rough: The long grass along the fairway.
- Green: The smooth grass near the hole.
- Hazard: A disruption on the course that can impact your score.
- Bunker: A hazard in the form of a sand ditch. Also known as a beach.
- Casual water: Water that accumulates on the course following rain. You can move the ball without a penalty.
It Is Simple Lingo
As with the sport and Aussie bingo bonuses, understanding golf terminology comes with time and practice. It is part of what makes it such a fascinating sport.