Common golf words you should know

A hole-in-one. This means the ball goes into the hole from the tee shot.

The position a player takes before hitting the ball.

When a player tries to hit the ball but misses it completely. If there was intent to hit the ball, it usually counts as a stroke.

A shot played towards the green, usually after the tee shot.

A score of one under par on a hole. For example, 3 shots on a par 4.

A score of one over par on a hole. For example, 5 shots on a par 4.

A sand area on the course. Bunkers are often placed near greens or along fairways.

Someone who helps a player during a round. In junior golf, this is often a parent. A caddie must still follow the rules and event guidelines.

The distance the ball travels through the air before it lands.

A short shot played close to the green, usually with less height and more roll.

The equipment used to hit the ball, such as a driver, iron, wedge or putter.

A way to decide a winner when players have the same score. It often compares scores over the last few holes.

The number of handicap strokes a player gets on a specific course, based on their Handicap Index and the difficulty of the course.

A number that shows how difficult a course is for a scratch golfer. It is used in handicap calculations.

A stage in a tournament where only certain players continue to the next round, usually based on score.

A piece of grass or turf taken out when a player hits a shot. Players should repair or replace divots where possible.

A score of two over par on a hole. For example, 6 shots on a par 4.

In tournaments, the draw is the list showing tee times and playing groups. It can also mean a shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed golfer.

The first shot played from the tee on a longer hole, usually with a driver or long club.

A practice area where players hit balls. Juniors often use the range for lessons, warm-ups and practice sessions.

A way of putting the ball back into play under the Rules of Golf, often after taking relief.

A score of two under par on a hole. For example, 3 shots on a par 5.

The shorter grass area between the tee and the green. It is usually the best place to play from.

All the players taking part in a tournament or division.

The flagstick in the hole on the green. Golfers use it to see where the hole is from farther away. Also see: Pin

A warning shouted when a golf ball may hit or come close to someone.

In everyday junior golf, this often means a group of four players playing together. In formal golf formats, “four-ball” can also mean a specific team format.

When a player is allowed to move the ball without penalty under the rules, usually because of a specific course condition or obstruction.

The short grass around the green. It is not quite the green, but it is usually shorter than the fairway.

The facility or organisation where golfers play, practise or become members. This can also refer to the equipment used to hit the ball, depending on the context.

The total number of shots a player actually takes, before any handicap strokes are applied.

The player with the lowest actual score, without handicap deductions.

An area of the course marked as damaged or under maintenance. Players may often get relief from it.

The percentage of a player’s handicap used for a specific competition format.

One section of the golf course, from the teeing area to the green. A full round usually has 9 or 18 holes.

The right to play first from the tee, usually because a player had the best score on the previous hole.

Tee markers set up for younger players. They make the course shorter and more suitable for age, strength or ability.

How and where the ball is sitting on the course. A good lie is easier to play from than a bad lie.

A rule set by a course or tournament for a specific situation at that venue.

A ball that cannot be found within the allowed search time. This usually comes with a penalty.

The person responsible for recording another player’s score during a round. In junior golf, children may need help understanding this role.

A format where players compete hole by hole instead of by total score.

A player’s score after handicap strokes have been deducted.

The player with the best score after handicap strokes have been applied.

When a player does not submit a completed scorecard. This can happen if they withdraw, do not finish properly or fail to return a score.

An area outside the course boundary. A ball hit out of bounds usually means a penalty and replaying from the previous spot.

The number of shots a good golfer is expected to take on a hole. Common examples are par 3, par 4 and par 5.

An area such as water, bush or marked trouble where special relief options apply, usually with a penalty stroke.

An extra stroke added to a player’s score because of a rule situation.

Another word for the flagstick or the hole location on the green. Golfers often say “pin” when talking about where the hole is placed. Also see: Flag

The location of the hole on the green for that day.

A short shot that flies higher than a chip and usually stops more quickly.

Extra holes or another method used to decide a winner when players are tied.

The handicap used for a specific competition after any handicap allowance has been applied.

A local rule that allows players to lift, clean and place the ball in certain areas, usually when course conditions are poor.

A second ball played when the first ball may be lost or out of bounds. It can save time if the first ball is not found.

A shot played on the green with a putter.

The closely cut grass area around the hole where players usually use a putter.

Points earned from tournament results. These may be used for junior rankings, selections or Orders of Merit.

A pace-of-play approach where players hit when ready, as long as it is safe, instead of strictly waiting for the farthest player.

The process of moving the ball under the rules, either with or without penalty.

Longer grass outside the fairway. It usually makes shots more difficult.

A person at a tournament who can help players with rulings and rule questions.

The card or digital record used to write down a player’s scores for each hole.

A team format where players choose the best shot and all play from there. It is often used in fun or social events.

A very strong player with a Handicap Index around 0.

A number that shows how difficult a course is for a bogey golfer compared with a scratch golfer. It helps calculate Course Handicap.

A scoring format where players earn points on each hole instead of only counting total strokes.

A number showing the difficulty ranking of each hole on the course. It helps decide where handicap strokes are used.

A format where every shot counts, and the player with the lowest total score wins.

The area where players start each hole.

The markers that show where players must tee off from. Different colours often represent different course lengths.

The scheduled time a player or group starts their round.

The person or team responsible for running the event.

A score of three over par on a hole. For example, 7 shots on a par 4.

When a player decides they cannot reasonably play the ball as it lies and takes relief with a penalty.

When a player gets the ball into the hole in two shots from around the green, usually one chip or pitch and one putt.

When a player pulls out of a tournament before or during the event.