When you’re first starting out in golf, it’s easy to get confused hearing all of the different terms. You’ll more than likely hear things like birdie, bogey, and fore and wonder what they mean. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to know the basic terminology so you’re prepared for the course. Here are some of the most common golf terms explained.
Par
Par is the number of strokes it should take a golfer to finish a hole. Each hole has a par based on its length and difficulty. Holes can be par-3, par-4, or par-5.
Ace
An ace, which is also known as a hole in one, happens when a player puts the ball in the hole in one shot. This is the best score you can get, and when it happens, you write a “1” on the scorecard. These are very rare, but usually happen on par-3’s and par-4’s.
Albatross
An albatross is also very rare and tricky to achieve, but it has happened before by professional golfers. This term is used when players use three shots less than a hole’s par score, either by finishing the hole on the second shot on a par-5 hole, or making a hole-in-one on a par-4.
Eagle
An eagle is a score of two strokes below par. This is pretty rare for beginners, but usually happens on par-5 and par-4 holes. When you finish the hole in three shots on par-5, and two shots on par-4, it’s considered an eagle.
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one under par. Some examples of a birdie include scoring a two on a par-3 hole, a three on a par-4 hole, and a four on a par-5 hole.
Bogey
A bogey is when a player scores one over par. Two over par is a double bogey. Scoring a four on a par-3, five on a par-4, and six on a par-5 is a bogey. Most players get disappointed when they get a bogey, but it’s very common and isn’t always considered a bad score.
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Now that you’ve learned some basic golfing terms, it’s time to get on the course! To learn more about golfing basics or to take a class, visit the Academy of Golf Dynamics at 1700 Kahala Sunset Drive in Spicewood, Texas. You can reach us at (512) 261-3300 or Send Us An Email for more information.
FAQs
Bogey: Scoring one stroke over par on a hole. Slice: A type of golf shot that curves sharply to the right. Eagle: Finishing a hole in two strokes under par. Divot: A piece of turf removed during a golf swing. Putt: A stroke used on the green to roll the ball into the hole.
What do you call a beginner golfer? ›
Duffer - An unskilled golfer. Also called a hacker. Eagle - A score of two under par on any given hole. Fade - The opposite of draw, a shot moving slightly from left to right towards the target.
What is the first swing in golf called? ›
Tee shot. As the name suggests, a tee shot is a shot you make on or from the tee. This is your initial opening shot. Usually, these shots are the most powerful ones, most commonly carried out with wood – a specific club made particularly for this type of swing.
What is a bad shot in golf called? ›
· 1y. A bad shot in golf is often called a "mish*t" or a "bad swing." Other terms used to describe a poor shot include "duff," "shank," "slice," or "hook." The specific terminology used to describe a bad shot often depends on the type of shot and the error that was made during the swing.
What does banana mean in golf? ›
Banana Ball: The ball travels in a ”banana-shaped” curve. A very sharp fade shot known as a “slice”. Barkies: Hitting the golf ball at trees and obtaining a good score despite it.
What is a good hit in golf called? ›
Expressions for Good Shots
Pin high: A shot that lands on the green, even with the hole. Up and down: When a golfer successfully gets their ball onto the green and into the hole in just two strokes. Stiffed: A shot that lands very close to the hole, usually an approach or a chip.
What are the shots in golf called in slang? ›
Fat: golf slang for hitting the ground behind the ball. A “fat” shot will cause a large divot and come up short of the target. Ferret: Golf slang for when you make a shot from off the green, typically for par or better. Flop Shot: Golfing term for a chip shot that goes very high and lands softly on the green.
What is a tie in golf called? ›
In golf, "All Square" is a terminology predominantly used in match play. It signifies that both sides or players are equal in terms of holes won, resulting in a tied match.
What do you call people that play golf? ›
A golfer is a person who plays golf for pleasure or as a profession. ... one of the world's top golfers. American English: golfer /ˈgɒlfər/
What is a hole-in-one called? ›
In golf, a hole in one or hole-in-one (also known as an ace, mostly in American English) occurs when a ball hit from a tee to start a hole finishes in the cup.
Here's what these most-common golf scoring terms mean for holes with pars of 5, 4 and 3, in the actual number of strokes: Par-5 Hole. Double eagle: On a par-5, means you finished the hole in 2 strokes. Eagle: You finished the hole in 3 strokes. Birdie: You finished the hole in 4 strokes.
How to compliment a golfer? ›
Use the “You're an amazing player!” or “You always hit your driver so well!” r “You're such a fantastic putter!” very sparingly, because too many of those can create an unrealistic expectation your kids will try to live up to — and eventually fail at.
What does jigger mean in golf? ›
Jigger – this old golf club name refers to a short-shafted club with low loft which was used in the same way the modern chipper is. Photo credit: Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock. 21. Putting Cleek – we're finally on the green and it's time to hole this thing.
What does dod mean in golf? ›
Carter Smith, a 24-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia, goes by the name 'DOD King. ' In full, that's Driver Off the Deck King.
What is the slang golf clapping? ›
Noun. golf clap (plural golf claps) A sarcastic or humorous form of applause performed by lightly and rapidly clapping the fingers of one hand against the palm of the other, used to show indifference or disdain, or to show polite or quiet appreciation.
What is 4 strokes in golf called? ›
Birdie: You finished the hole in 4 strokes. Par: You finished the hole in 5 strokes. Bogey: You finished the hole in 6 strokes. Double bogey: You finished the hole in 7 strokes. Triple bogey: You finished the hole in 8 strokes.
What are 18 holes of golf called? ›
I simply call it “a round”. When I go out to play 18 holes of golf, I call it a round of golf. Almost all media outlets call a tournament by their “round” number. Thursday they play “Round 1”. Friday they play “Round 2”, Saturday they play “Round 3” and (usually) on Sunday they play “Round 4” or “The final round”.
