Golf is a game rich with tradition, skill, and language. For newcomers, hearing words like “bogey,” “mulligan,” or “scramble” can feel like stepping into a foreign land. But fear not! This golf glossary of golfing terms, slang, and meanings is your ultimate guide to understanding the language of golf. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to brush up on your knowledge, this blog will help you decode the game.

Kelly’s Golf has been in business for 34 years providing premier custom clubs, club repair, and modifications in the Greensboro Triad area. We take a common sense, no gimmick approach to golf clubs. Most sets perform best when designed with solid fundamentals including flex, length, lie angle, grip size, and shaft flex. We serve a customer base of all ages including men, women, and kids.

Golf Glossary

Basic Golf Glossary

Here are the foundational terms every golfer should know:

• Tee: The small peg used to elevate the ball at the start of play on each hole.
• Fairway: The well-maintained area between the tee and the green.
• Green: The short grass area where the hole is located.
• Rough: The areas surrounding the fairway, often with longer grass or other hazards.
• Hazard: Any feature of a golf course designed to challenge the player, such as bunkers (sand traps) or water bodies.
• Caddie: A person who carries a golfer’s clubs and offers advice on the course.

Scoring Terminology

Understanding how scoring works is essential:

• Par: The expected number of strokes to complete a hole.
• Birdie: One stroke under par for a hole.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par for a hole.
• Bogey: One stroke over par for a hole.
• Double Bogey: Two strokes over par.
• Handicap: A system that levels the playing field, allowing golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly.

Shot or Stroke Terminology

The type of shot can make or break your game:

• Drive: A long-distance shot typically played from the tee.
• Chip: A short approach shot, usually played near the green.
• Putt: A gentle stroke played on the green aiming to sink the ball in the hole.
• Slice: A shot that curves dramatically to the right (for right-handed players).
• Hook: A shot that curves sharply to the left (for right-handed players).
• Mulligan: An unofficial “do-over” shot, often used in casual play.

Golf Formats – Types of Play

Golf offers a variety of formats to keep the game fresh and engaging:

• Stroke Play: The most common format, where the player with the fewest strokes wins.
• Match Play: A hole-by-hole competition where the player winning the most holes wins the match.
• Scramble: A team format where players select the best shot after each stroke and all play from that position.
• Fourball: A match where two teams of two players each play their own ball, with the lowest score on each hole counting for the team.

Golf Glossary FAQs

What Is A Handicap, And How Is It Calculated?

A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential, calculated based on past performances and course difficulty. It allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly by adjusting their scores.

What’s The Difference Between Stroke Play And Match Play?

Stroke play focuses on the total number of strokes taken throughout the course, while match play is about winning individual holes, with the player winning the most holes declared the victor.

Can I Use A Mulligan In Official Tournaments?

No, mulligans are unofficial and typically allowed only in casual or friendly games. They’re not permitted in official or professional tournaments.

What Is The Penalty For Hitting The Ball Into A Water Hazard?

If your ball lands in a water hazard, you typically incur a one-stroke penalty and may either replay the shot or drop a ball near the point where it entered the hazard.

Golf Glossary – Resources

• Our Products: Discount golf clubs, Golf Drivers, Greensboro NC, Golf Irons,
• Our Services: Greensboro NC Golf Club fitting, tuning, regripping, club repair
• Our Location: KELLY’S GOLF

Contact Kelly’s Golf Today!

Golf is more than just a sport—it’s a language of its own. Understanding these terms and their meanings will not only improve your game but also enhance your enjoyment of the sport. Whether you’re on the fairway or discussing the game with fellow golfers, this glossary will ensure you’re always in the know.

Kelly’s Golf specializes in new and used golf clubs, golf products, and custom golf club services. We are conveniently located in Greensboro NC, and we serve the triad areas. Our services include re-shafting clubs, lie/loft adjustment, professional club fitting, professional club making, re-grooving, re-finishing and re-gripping. 

Now that you’re fluent in golf lingo, grab your clubs and hit the course!