Golf Glossary: a practical A–Z

A hole score three strokes under par.

Example: A two on a par 5 is an albatross.

The highest point of a shot's flight, measured relative to a defined reference.

Example: Two shots with the same carry can reach different heights.

Whether the clubhead is moving upward or downward around impact, expressed as an angle.

Example: A normal iron delivery often has a downward attack angle, but steeper is not automatically better.

The speed of the ball immediately after impact under the measurement system's definition.

Example: Better centered contact can increase ball speed without a higher club speed.

A hole score one stroke under par.

Example: Three strokes on a par 4 is a birdie.

A hole score one stroke over par.

Example: Five strokes on a par 4 is a bogey.

A wedge sole angle defined in a measurement position; sole shape also affects interaction with the ground.

Example: Two wedges with the same listed bounce can behave differently on turf.

The distance the ball travels before its first landing, under the measurement reference used.

Example: Use carry, not rollout, when planning to clear a bunker.

The horizontal direction of clubhead travel around impact relative to the target line.

Example: A face pointing right of target can still be left of an even farther-right path.

The club's speed at a defined point around impact, according to the measurement system.

Example: Check the device's method before comparing two speed readings.

The angle at which a shot is descending at a specified landing or reference point.

Example: A steeper landing can help a long approach stop, depending on spin and surface.

A hole score two strokes over par.

Example: Six strokes on a par 4 is a double bogey.

A controlled curve toward the player's lead side.

Example: A right-handed draw curves left; a left-handed draw curves right.

The vertical orientation of the face delivered at impact.

Example: The same club's static loft can produce different dynamic loft for two players.

A hole score two strokes under par.

Example: Three strokes on a par 5 is an eagle.

The face's horizontal orientation at a defined impact point relative to the target line.

Example: A face pointing right of target strongly influences a centered shot's initial direction.

The angular difference between the face direction and the club path.

Example: For centered contact, a face right of the path tends to create rightward curvature.

A controlled curve toward the player's trail side.

Example: A right-handed fade curves right; a left-handed fade curves left.

The closely maintained general-area route between tee and green on many holes.

Example: A par 3 may not present an eligible fairway target for your fairway-hit statistic.

A count of tee shots finishing in the intended fairway, using a consistent eligible-hole definition.

Example: Record fairways hit out of fairways available, normally excluding par 3s.

Green in regulation: reaching the putting green in no more than par minus two strokes.

Example: On a par 4, the ball is on the green in two strokes or fewer.

The club's handle covering, or the way the hands hold that handle.

Example: A worn grip can slip even when the hand position is comfortable.

A standardized measure of demonstrated playing ability maintained through an authorized handicap system.

Example: It is not simply the average number of strokes you shoot over par.

A pronounced curve toward the player's lead side.

Example: Check strike location before assuming an extreme face-to-path issue caused a driver hook.

The ball's initial vertical angle after impact relative to the measurement reference.

Example: It differs from both static club loft and dynamic loft.

The shaft-to-ground angle under a defined club-measurement position.

Example: A fitting also considers how the club is delivered dynamically.

The lowest part of the clubhead's swing arc in a defined measurement.

Example: On a normal iron shot, the ball is struck before the low point.

Resistance to rotational acceleration about a specified axis.

Example: A head's weight distribution can influence how it twists on an off-center strike.

The benchmark score assigned to a hole or course for an expert player under defined conditions.

Example: Par 4 does not limit a beginner to four strokes in ordinary stroke play.

A committee-defined red or yellow area with specific relief options.

Example: Use the point of last crossing when the chosen relief option requires it.

A ball played provisionally when the original may be lost outside a penalty area or out of bounds.

Example: Announce it clearly before making the stroke.

A statistic commonly describing how often a player makes par or better after missing a green in regulation.

Example: It combines recovery and putting outcomes, so it does not isolate chipping skill.

A golfer with a Handicap Index of 0.0.

Example: That does not mean the player shoots par every round.

A pronounced curve toward the player's trail side.

Example: A right-handed slice curves right, but its start line can vary.

Ball speed divided by club speed using compatible measurements.

Example: 150 mph ball speed divided by 100 mph club speed gives 1.50. This is arithmetic, not a promise of distance.

The tilt of the ball's spin axis under the measurement system's convention.

Example: Axis tilt helps describe curvature; check the device's sign convention.

The rate at which the ball rotates, usually given in revolutions per minute.

Example: Compare driver spin with launch and ball speed rather than choosing the lowest number.

A comparison of a shot's outcome against a defined expected-strokes benchmark, accounting for the stroke taken.

Example: A hypothetical start value of 3.0 and finish value of 1.5 gives 3.0 minus 1.5 minus 1 = 0.5 gained.

The distance including the ball's travel after landing, under the measurement reference used.

Example: Firm ground can increase total distance without changing carry.

Completing the hole in two strokes from off the putting green, often one recovery shot and one putt.

Example: A chip close followed by a holed putt is an up and down.

The shaping of parts of a wedge sole to alter how it behaves in different positions and lies.

Example: Heel relief can affect how a wedge sits when its face is opened.