A golf lexicon is a collection of terms and vocabulary used in the world of golf to describe, for example, the rules, equipment and techniques used in the sport. Here are some common terms that we feel are important to include in a golf lexicon:
By
The number of strokes a player is expected to make to complete a hole or course.
Birdie
Making one less than the number of strokes normally required to complete a hole.
Bogey
Making one more shot than the number of shots normally required to complete a hole.
Green
The playing surface on which the hole is located, usually composed of grass and sand.
Fairway
The area of cut grass where tee shots are intended to land to facilitate the next shot.
Rough
An area of tall, dense vegetation outside the fairway that makes the next shot more difficult.
Bunker
Area of sand often located around the green, where the player may have to play his shot.
Driver
The golf club used for the tee shots.
Iron
Golf clubs numbered 1 through 9, used for medium and long distance shots.
Putter
The golf club used for putting on the green.
Tee
Small support used to hold the ball during the tee shots.
Foulée
The distance the ball travels during a shot.
Slice
Shot that goes to the right for a right-handed player (left for a left-handed player).
Hook
Shot that goes left for a right-handed player (right for a left-handed player).
Approach
A shot that brings the ball closer to the green.
Putt
Putt on the green to try to put the ball in the hole.
Shopping cart
The person who carries the player's clubs and helps them make strategic decisions on the course.
Cart / Carriage
Electric vehicle used to move around the golf course.
Disability
A scoring system that allows players of different levels to play on an equal footing.
Tournament
Competitive golf event with professional and amateur players.
Warm-up
A set of exercises and stretches to prepare the body and mind before a game.
Green fee
The fee for playing a golf course.
Divot
A piece of turf torn off by the club during a shot.
Foursome
A game format where two teams of two players play against each other, alternating shots.
Scorecard
A card on which the score of each player during a game is recorded.
Albatros
Making a stroke two strokes less than the number of strokes normally required to complete a hole.
Double bogey
Making a stroke two strokes more than the number of strokes normally required to complete a hole.
Putting it into play
The first shot of a hole, often made with the driver.
Course
All 18 or 9 holes of a golf course:
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