Golf terminology

Some golf terms can be confusing to a newcomer.

‘Clubs’ and ‘balls’ aside, there are several other words and phrases which are synonymous with golf – some of which have found their way into the lexicon of everyday life.

However, if you’re completely new to the sport, allow us to explain some of the more common words and phrases you may hear on the golf course:

Par

The number of shots a proficient golfer should take to complete a hole. If a hole is listed as a ‘par-4’, that means a player should be able to finish the hole in four shots.

A ‘par-72’ golf course suggests a golfer should be able to complete the 18-hole course in 72 shots.

Birdie

A ‘birdie’ refers to a player completing a hole in one shot less than par. From the above example, if a player completed the hole in three shots then they would have birdied the hole.

Bogey

In contrast, a ‘bogey’ means a player would have taken one shot more than par. If a golfer takes two more shots than par, that is a ‘double bogey’.

Eagle

When a golfer completes a hole in two shots under par, that is called an eagle e.g. taking three shots on a par-5.

Albatross

These are very rare, and are celebrated wildly, but an albatross refers to a golfer finishing a hole in THREE shots under par e.g. only needing two shots on a par-5.

Hole-in-one

One of the most venerated achievements in sport, a ‘hole-in-one’ is fairly self-explanatory; when the ball goes into the hole from the tee shot.

Fairway

Every golfer’s objective is to get their ball onto the fairway from the tee. The fairway is a long passage of short grass (of differing widths) between the tee box and the green. Landing on the fairway from the tee, theoretically, gives a player an easier shot into the green.

Rough

The ’rough’ is a stretch of longer grass normally found either side of the fairway. If a player’s ball lands in the rough it theoretically makes their next shot more difficult.

Green

The ‘green’ is the name for the putting surface, the shortest sections of grass across the whole course – from where players attempt to putt their ball into the hole.

Caddie

Every professional golfer is blessed with a caddie. Not only does a caddie carry a player’s clubs; more so, they are a vital confidante, an expert word in the ear and a valued member of a golfer’s team.

Pin

You’ve seen the flagstick on a green, right? That’s also known as the ‘pin’.

Bunker

A bunker is a mischievous plot of land filled with sand which can be found on any area of a golf course, between tee and green.

Stroke

A ’stroke’ is another name for a shot; one swing of a golf club.