Golf Terminology

Address the Ball
To stand over the ball while preparing to make your shot.

Tending the Pin
Holding the pin for someone else in your group while they putt & pulling it out after they Strike the ball and placing it on the ground somewhere out of the way of all players.

Ball Marker
A coin that you use to mark the location of your ball when you are on the putting surface.

Divot
A hunk of turf that comes loose when you hit your shot. Should always be picked up and Replaced, then stepped on gently to re-­‐root.

Fore!
A term that is used to let other golfers to take cover as a ball may hit them.

Gimme
A putt that is conceded by your opponent, or playing partner. Not valid in tournaments.

Greens Fees
The price you pay to play a round of golf.

Cart Fees
An additional fee charged for the use of a golf cart.

Hat Clip
A golf pin, divot tool, etc. that clips to the visor of your hat.

Head Cover
These are used to protect the golf clubs as they bang together in your bag.

Honor
The winner of the previous hole, gets to tee off first on the ensuing hole.

Pro Shop
Where you check-­‐in prior to playing your round, also where you can purchase equipment.

Driving Range
A practice area where you can work on the various shots in golf using range balls.

Sleeve of Balls
A package of balls (usually 3) that are used during your round of golf.

Tee Marker
Where you start each hole; Black, Blue, White, Red, and Silver are typical tee marker. Colors: Black=Championship, Blue=Pro, White=Mens, Red=Ladies, Silver=Seniors/Kids

Tee Time
The time at which you must be on the first tee and ready to play.

Trajectory
The height at which a shot travels. PW=High Trajectory, Driver=Low Trajectory

Match Play
A method of playing a match on a hole-­‐by-­‐hole basis rather than an 18 hole score.

Stroke Play
A method of playing a match in which the lowest score for a round(s) wins.

Golf Shoes
Shoes designed with special knobs (soft spikes) to help maintain posture during a swing.

Golf Tee
What you place the ball on when teeing off from the tee box.

Golf Cart
A motorized vehicle that you drive around the course, used to help speed up play.

Dog Leg
A hole that is not straight, it may turn to the left and/or right.

Trap / Bunker
A golf course hazard filled with sand. You cannot touch your club to the sand until you are Making contact with the ball.

Out of Bounds
White markers on a golf course dictate the course boundaries. If you hit a shot that goes Beyond these markers, your shot is “out of bounds”. You must take your ball back to where It just was, drop it and try again. Add one stroke for the OB hit, and another when you drop for a total of 2 additional strokes.

Caddie
Someone who carries your clubs, take care of your equipment, and helps you achieve the Best possible score during your round of golf.

Handicap
Your player rating. The lower your handicap, the better your rating. Pro=Scratch or Zero

Fade / Slice
When your ball moves from left to right (as a right hander), slightly = fade, a lot = slice.

Draw / Hook
When your ball moves from right to left (as a right hander), slightly = draw, a lot = hook

Shank
When you attempt your shot and the ball goes completely in the wrong direction.

Worm Burner
When you hit a ball that barely gets off the ground, it at all and just rolls and rolls.