Golf Lingo 101
Golf has a lot of unique words and phrases that might be new to you or seem confusing, especially if you’re new to the game! To help you out, we’ve put together a list with the most common golf lingo…
Scoring Terms
Hole In One - when a player makes a golf shot on their first hit. They’re most common on par 3’s because they’re shorter in length.
Albatross - possibly more rare than the hole in one, an albatross (or double eagle) is defined as 3 strokes under par. There’s only two ways to get one:
A hole in one on a par 4 is technically an albatross
Scoring a 2 on a par 5
Eagle - two strokes under par. An eagle can be:
A hole in one on a par 3
Scoring a two on a par 4
Scoring a three on a par 5 (most common)
Eagles tend to happen more frequently on shorter par 5’s where the golfer can reach the green in two strokes and then make their putt.
Birdie - A birdie is one stroke under par
2 on a par 3
3 on a pr4
4 on a par 5
Par - the target score for each hole.
3 Strokes on a par 3
4 Strokes on a par 4
5 Strokes on a par 5
Bogey - a score that’s one over par.
Double Bogey - a score that’s two over par.
Triple Bogey - a score that’s three over over par.
Golf Course Terms
Front 9 - refers to holes 1-9 on the golf course.
Back 9 - refers to holes 10-18 on the golf course.
The Turn - when golfers playing 18 holes finish playing their first 9 holes and are making the “turn” to their next 9 holes.
Rough - the longer grass located on the sides of the fairway and sometimes around the green. The rough varies in length depending on the standards of the golf course.
Fairway - the shorter grass usually down the middle of each hole. There’s less friction caused by the grass when hitting a ball from the fairway, making it easier to hit, which is why it's preferred over the rough.
Tee Box - the area where golfers start each hole. There will be tee markers on the tee box showing you where to place your golf ball to tee off.
Fringe - the short grass that surrounds the outer parts of the green. You can usually putt from the fringe.
Divot - created by any indentations or gouges to the grass caused by either a swing or golf ball. The most common divots are caused by full golf swings. The ones caused by golf balls landing on the green are also referred to as ball marks. You might hear the term “please repair your ball marks on the green”.
Green - the shortest mowed grass and is where the hole is located. They vary in sizes, speed and slopes making each hole unique.
Halfway House - usually located near the clubhouse or at the “turn” where you can grab food or drinks during your round. It’s typically between the front nine and the back nine, “halfway” between your round.
Bunker - pits of sand located around the golf course. There are both greenside bunkers and fairway bunkers. Bunkers are considered a hazard and you aren’t allowed to ground your club while addressing the ball.
OB - stands for “out of bounds” and the areas are outlined by white stakes. If your ball goes OB, it’s a 2 stroke penalty and you need to rehit your shot. You cannot play your ball from out of bounds.
Water Hazard - lakes, rivers or ponds that are located on the golf course.
Lie - refers to the surface the golf ball is on. Ex. You might have an uphill or downhill lie.
Miscellaneous Golf Terms
Fore - yelled when a golf ball is headed in the direction of another person. If your ball is going towards someone, you yell “FORE” loudly so they can move or duck out of the way.
Mulligan - a common saying for recreational golfers meaning a “do-over.” Recreational golfers will use mulligans to give themselves a second chance to make better ball contact when they’re out for a fun game. (There are no mulligans in competitive stroke play)
Gimmie - when it’s assumed that the distance of a putt will be made usually when it’s very close to the hole. For example, if Sarah hits a long putt inside of a foot, her group may give her a gimmie, assuming she’ll make the 1-foot putt. They’ll say, “that’s good” meaning she can just take it away and doesn't have to putt it. (There are no gimmies in competitive stroke play)
Caddie - a golf course employee that carries golf bags, cleans golf balls, repairs divots and gives course advice to the player. Caddies are often available at private or destination golf courses.
Up And Down - when a golfer hits a shot from around the green and then makes their next shot in the hole. Usually when someone makes a great chip shot or sand shot and then sinks their putt.
Hopefully this list helps you feel comfortable with golf lingo. The more you play and talk with other golfers, the more you’ll get used to using these terms!
If you’re looking for a group of wonderful women to play with, visit our Leagues page to find one near you.
