Welcome
Welcome to Golf's Usage Dictionary. This blog will enable anyone, golfer and non-golfer alike, to understand the terms involved in golf. Not only does this blog provide key definitions, it makes clear common errors that are made when discussing the game of golf.
A
ACE
A score of "1" on any hole - a hole-in-one, in other words. Aces are most commonly made on par-3s, but sometimes occur on short par-4s being played by long hitters.
Commonly used synonymously with the term "eagle". While they are the same on par 3 holes, an eagle on a par 4 or par 5 is not considered an ace.
A score of "1" on any hole - a hole-in-one, in other words. Aces are most commonly made on par-3s, but sometimes occur on short par-4s being played by long hitters.
Commonly used synonymously with the term "eagle". While they are the same on par 3 holes, an eagle on a par 4 or par 5 is not considered an ace.
B
BALL MARK
The indentation that a ball makes in the surface of the putting green upon landing. The softer the surface of the putting green, the more likely a ball mark is to result, and the more like that ball mark is to be larger.
This term is synonymous with the term "pitch mark" and is commonly confused with the term "divot". A divot refers to the mark left in the fairway or rough by the club. A ball mark only occurs on the green and the mark is made by the golf ball, not the club.
The indentation that a ball makes in the surface of the putting green upon landing. The softer the surface of the putting green, the more likely a ball mark is to result, and the more like that ball mark is to be larger.
This term is synonymous with the term "pitch mark" and is commonly confused with the term "divot". A divot refers to the mark left in the fairway or rough by the club. A ball mark only occurs on the green and the mark is made by the golf ball, not the club.
C
CLOSEST TO THE PIN
Closest to the pin is a contest that is a staple of charity tournaments, corporate outings and similar amateur golf tourneys. On a designated par-3 hole, tee shots that find the green will be measured throughout the day for distance from the flagstick. At the end of the day, the golfer with the best tee shot - the one who was closest to the pin - wins a prize.
The confusion with this term is in its abbreviation: KP. There is no reasoning behind using a K to abbreviate closest; this is simply the way it is.
Closest to the pin is a contest that is a staple of charity tournaments, corporate outings and similar amateur golf tourneys. On a designated par-3 hole, tee shots that find the green will be measured throughout the day for distance from the flagstick. At the end of the day, the golfer with the best tee shot - the one who was closest to the pin - wins a prize.
The confusion with this term is in its abbreviation: KP. There is no reasoning behind using a K to abbreviate closest; this is simply the way it is.
D
DIVOT
Most shots from the fairway with an iron will scrape off the top of the turf where the ball was resting. "Divot" refers to both the turf that is scraped up, and the scarred area in the fairway where the turf had been.
This term is easily confused with "ball mark." A ball mark refers to the hole or mark that is left on the green after a well struck ball lands there. The divot is the damage done to the course on an iron shot off of the green.
DRAW
A flight path of the ball in which the ball curves gently right-to-left for a right-handed player, or left-to-right for a left-handed player. At impact, the ball starts out slight to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer), before gently curving back to the left arrive at its target.
Commonly confused with terms hook and pull. Hook is essentially a draw that travel too severely to the left. This shot is not wanted and never played intentionally. A pull is a shot that ends up left of the intended target but on a straight trajectory.
Most shots from the fairway with an iron will scrape off the top of the turf where the ball was resting. "Divot" refers to both the turf that is scraped up, and the scarred area in the fairway where the turf had been.
This term is easily confused with "ball mark." A ball mark refers to the hole or mark that is left on the green after a well struck ball lands there. The divot is the damage done to the course on an iron shot off of the green.
DRAW
A flight path of the ball in which the ball curves gently right-to-left for a right-handed player, or left-to-right for a left-handed player. At impact, the ball starts out slight to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer), before gently curving back to the left arrive at its target.
Commonly confused with terms hook and pull. Hook is essentially a draw that travel too severely to the left. This shot is not wanted and never played intentionally. A pull is a shot that ends up left of the intended target but on a straight trajectory.
E
Eagle
A score of two strokes below par on any individual hole. Eagles are most commonly made on par-5s, where an eagle is a score of 3. An eagle on a par-4 (a score of 2) would require holing out from the fairway. An hole-in-one on a par-3 is technically also an eagle, but is never referred to as such. Why would you call it an eagle when you can call it a hole-in-one?
Sometimes confused with the term "ace". An ace and an eagle are only interchangeable on a par 3. An eagle on a par 4 or a par 5 are not considered aces. An ace is simply a hole-in-one.
A score of two strokes below par on any individual hole. Eagles are most commonly made on par-5s, where an eagle is a score of 3. An eagle on a par-4 (a score of 2) would require holing out from the fairway. An hole-in-one on a par-3 is technically also an eagle, but is never referred to as such. Why would you call it an eagle when you can call it a hole-in-one?
Sometimes confused with the term "ace". An ace and an eagle are only interchangeable on a par 3. An eagle on a par 4 or a par 5 are not considered aces. An ace is simply a hole-in-one.
F
FADE
A fade describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball comes off the clubface moving to the left of the target before curving gently back to the right (for a right-handed golfer; reverse directions for a left-hander).
Commonly confused with slice and push. With a slice the ball flight is much more severe and much more frustrating. A push refers to a shot that is right of the target but travels in a straight trajectory.
A fade describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball comes off the clubface moving to the left of the target before curving gently back to the right (for a right-handed golfer; reverse directions for a left-hander).
Commonly confused with slice and push. With a slice the ball flight is much more severe and much more frustrating. A push refers to a shot that is right of the target but travels in a straight trajectory.
G
GIMMIE
A putt that one player requests be conceded by another player, allowing the first player to pick up and move on as if the putt had been holed. The word derives from "give me," as in, "Will you give me that one?" Many golfers play using gimmies for any short putt.
The usage confusion here is with the term "inside the leather" which refers to the distance required in most instances for a putt to be considered a gimmie. Because "inside the leather" is the main characteristic of a gimmie, many will use the terms incorrectly.
GROSS SCORE
Gross score refers to the total number of strokes taken during your round of golf, plus any penalty strokes. In other words, your total score without adjustments. Add up the numbers on your scorecard at the end of the round, and that's your gross score.
Commonly confused with "net score" as both refer to a golfer's score, just in different ways.
A putt that one player requests be conceded by another player, allowing the first player to pick up and move on as if the putt had been holed. The word derives from "give me," as in, "Will you give me that one?" Many golfers play using gimmies for any short putt.
The usage confusion here is with the term "inside the leather" which refers to the distance required in most instances for a putt to be considered a gimmie. Because "inside the leather" is the main characteristic of a gimmie, many will use the terms incorrectly.
GROSS SCORE
Gross score refers to the total number of strokes taken during your round of golf, plus any penalty strokes. In other words, your total score without adjustments. Add up the numbers on your scorecard at the end of the round, and that's your gross score.
Commonly confused with "net score" as both refer to a golfer's score, just in different ways.
H
HOOK
Hook describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball starts out to the right (for a right-handed golfer) before curving severely back to the left and missing its target to the left.
A hook, much like a slice, describes a shot traveling out of control to one side. A draw travels on the same trajectory as a hook but it is controlled. A pull is a miss to the left, but one that travels on a straight trajectory. For this reason, the three terms are commonly confused.
Hook describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball starts out to the right (for a right-handed golfer) before curving severely back to the left and missing its target to the left.
A hook, much like a slice, describes a shot traveling out of control to one side. A draw travels on the same trajectory as a hook but it is controlled. A pull is a miss to the left, but one that travels on a straight trajectory. For this reason, the three terms are commonly confused.
I
INSIDE THE LEATHER
Inside the Leather is the measurement used to determine if a putt is a "gimmie." It refers to the distance from the bottom of the grip down to the clubhead of the putter. To measure, place the putter clubhead inside the cup on the green. Lay the putter flat on the putting surface, extending back toward the ball. If the ball is between the cup and the bottom of the grip (i.e., if the ball lies next to the shaft part of the putter), the putt is said to be "inside the leather" and, therefore, within the gimmie distance.
The fact that the term "inside the leather" is used to determine if a putt is a gimmie or not leads to some usage issues between the two words. They are basically interchangeable even thought one is a characteristic of the other.
Inside the Leather is the measurement used to determine if a putt is a "gimmie." It refers to the distance from the bottom of the grip down to the clubhead of the putter. To measure, place the putter clubhead inside the cup on the green. Lay the putter flat on the putting surface, extending back toward the ball. If the ball is between the cup and the bottom of the grip (i.e., if the ball lies next to the shaft part of the putter), the putt is said to be "inside the leather" and, therefore, within the gimmie distance.
The fact that the term "inside the leather" is used to determine if a putt is a gimmie or not leads to some usage issues between the two words. They are basically interchangeable even thought one is a characteristic of the other.
K
KP
KP is a commonly used abbreviation for "closest to the pin."
The confusion here is that "closest" does not start with a K. The fact that there is no real reason why K is used also does not help with the confusion. Many golfers will become bewildered when it is explained to them that KP stands for closest to the pin.
KP is a commonly used abbreviation for "closest to the pin."
The confusion here is that "closest" does not start with a K. The fact that there is no real reason why K is used also does not help with the confusion. Many golfers will become bewildered when it is explained to them that KP stands for closest to the pin.
L
LINKS
Links refers to a specific type of golf course.
A traditional links course will have many - perhaps all - of the following features:
• The course is built along the seaside;
• The soil is sandy and drains easily;
• The course is laid out naturally, so that unusual bumps and slopes in the fairways and greens remain, rather than being smoothed over;
• The rough features natural seaside grasses;
• Bunkers are numerous, very small and very deep (to keep the seaside breezes from blowing the sand away)
• Fairways are rarely (if ever) watered and play firm and fast;
• Links courses usually have few if any trees;
• The course routes out and back. The No. 1 hole begins at the clubhouse and the front nine plays straight out so that No. 9 is farthest hole from the clubhouse; the direction turns back in at No. 10 and the course ends with No. 18 back at the clubhouse.
Many golfers confuse the term "links" with the term "golf course". Links, as explained above, is a specific type of golf course. It does not refer to all golf courses as a whole. When one says: "I'm going to hit the links," that is really only true if they are going to play a links-style course.
Links refers to a specific type of golf course.
A traditional links course will have many - perhaps all - of the following features:
• The course is built along the seaside;
• The soil is sandy and drains easily;
• The course is laid out naturally, so that unusual bumps and slopes in the fairways and greens remain, rather than being smoothed over;
• The rough features natural seaside grasses;
• Bunkers are numerous, very small and very deep (to keep the seaside breezes from blowing the sand away)
• Fairways are rarely (if ever) watered and play firm and fast;
• Links courses usually have few if any trees;
• The course routes out and back. The No. 1 hole begins at the clubhouse and the front nine plays straight out so that No. 9 is farthest hole from the clubhouse; the direction turns back in at No. 10 and the course ends with No. 18 back at the clubhouse.
Many golfers confuse the term "links" with the term "golf course". Links, as explained above, is a specific type of golf course. It does not refer to all golf courses as a whole. When one says: "I'm going to hit the links," that is really only true if they are going to play a links-style course.
M
MULLIGAN
Most simply put, a "do-over." Hit a bad shot? Take a mulligan and hit it again. Mulligans are played only when expressly agreed upon by all partners in a friendly match, and are never allowed when the official rules are being followed (i.e., in a tournament or handicap round). Mulligans are most commonly played on the first tee, or played as one mulligan per nine holes. Mulligans are often sold at charity tournaments (as distinguished from official tournaments) - for example, if you would like to have five mulligans to use during a round, you would pay to purchase them. Then, five times during a round when you wanted to hit a shot over, you would be able to do so.
The usage issue here is with its usage on the course. Most golfers use mulligans too freely and use them in competitive or official rounds when they are not allowed.
Most simply put, a "do-over." Hit a bad shot? Take a mulligan and hit it again. Mulligans are played only when expressly agreed upon by all partners in a friendly match, and are never allowed when the official rules are being followed (i.e., in a tournament or handicap round). Mulligans are most commonly played on the first tee, or played as one mulligan per nine holes. Mulligans are often sold at charity tournaments (as distinguished from official tournaments) - for example, if you would like to have five mulligans to use during a round, you would pay to purchase them. Then, five times during a round when you wanted to hit a shot over, you would be able to do so.
The usage issue here is with its usage on the course. Most golfers use mulligans too freely and use them in competitive or official rounds when they are not allowed.
N
NET SCORE
The net score is a player's gross score minus the strokes his or her course handicap allows to be deducted during the course of the round.
A golfer may have a gross score of 92 (gross score being the actual number of strokes played), but with a course handicap of 9. So 92 minus 9 equals the net score, in this case 83.
Net score and gross score are often confused because of the closeness of their definitions. Also the fact that net score is created from the gross score leads to the confusion between the two terms.
The net score is a player's gross score minus the strokes his or her course handicap allows to be deducted during the course of the round.
A golfer may have a gross score of 92 (gross score being the actual number of strokes played), but with a course handicap of 9. So 92 minus 9 equals the net score, in this case 83.
Net score and gross score are often confused because of the closeness of their definitions. Also the fact that net score is created from the gross score leads to the confusion between the two terms.
O
OPEN FACE
Open face refers to the position of the clubface relative to the target line at impact (the moment the clubface strikes the ball). However, with an open face (a.k.a., a club that is open at impact), the toe of the club is turned a little rearward. The toe of the club is a little behind the heel at impact. So the angle that is 90 degrees when the clubface is square is more than 90 degrees with an open face.
This term leads to a slice or push and is easily confused as being the same as those two terms.
Open face refers to the position of the clubface relative to the target line at impact (the moment the clubface strikes the ball). However, with an open face (a.k.a., a club that is open at impact), the toe of the club is turned a little rearward. The toe of the club is a little behind the heel at impact. So the angle that is 90 degrees when the clubface is square is more than 90 degrees with an open face.
This term leads to a slice or push and is easily confused as being the same as those two terms.
P
PULL
Pull describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball starts to the left (for a right-handed golfer) of the target line and continues traveling left in a straight line, ending up well left of the target.
This term is easily confused with other golf terms hook and draw. While a hook careens uncontrollably to the left and a draw is simply a ball that travels from right to left, but still stays on target. Pulls simply travel straight but left of the intended target.
This term is also confused with its opposite, which is a push.
PUSH
Push describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf balls starts out right (for a right-handed golfer) of the target line, and continues traveling right on a straight line, winding up well right of the target.
This term is confused with the terms slice and fade. The terms are not interchangeable as a slice travels uncontrollably from left to way right and a fade is usually played intentionally and does not sail out of control from left to right.
This term is also confused with its opposite, which is a pull.
Pull describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf ball starts to the left (for a right-handed golfer) of the target line and continues traveling left in a straight line, ending up well left of the target.
This term is easily confused with other golf terms hook and draw. While a hook careens uncontrollably to the left and a draw is simply a ball that travels from right to left, but still stays on target. Pulls simply travel straight but left of the intended target.
This term is also confused with its opposite, which is a push.
PUSH
Push describes a trajectory or ball flight in which the golf balls starts out right (for a right-handed golfer) of the target line, and continues traveling right on a straight line, winding up well right of the target.
This term is confused with the terms slice and fade. The terms are not interchangeable as a slice travels uncontrollably from left to way right and a fade is usually played intentionally and does not sail out of control from left to right.
This term is also confused with its opposite, which is a pull.
R
REFURBISHED GOLF BALLS
Refurbished balls are golf balls that have been found on a course, cleaned up, and then sold at a discounted price. Refurbished balls are not golf balls that were damaged during the production process.
This type of golf balls is easily confused with other discounted balls, especially X-Outs. X-Outs are name brand golf balls on which the name brand has been crossed out. During the production process if an error is ever made and blemishes are found on balls, instead of simply throwing the balls out the name brand is crossed out (usually with X's) and sold at a discount.
Refurbished balls are golf balls that have been found on a course, cleaned up, and then sold at a discounted price. Refurbished balls are not golf balls that were damaged during the production process.
This type of golf balls is easily confused with other discounted balls, especially X-Outs. X-Outs are name brand golf balls on which the name brand has been crossed out. During the production process if an error is ever made and blemishes are found on balls, instead of simply throwing the balls out the name brand is crossed out (usually with X's) and sold at a discount.
S
SCRAMBLE
Scramble, or scrambling, refers to when a golfer misses the green-in-regulation but is still able to make par. Most of the time this occurs when a player's approach shot narrowly misses the green and then the player chips onto the green and one putts for par.
The term scramble is often confused with the term "up and down". The two are very similar except that in order to scramble the second stroke is always a par. When getting "up and down" the second stroke can be any score (birdie, par, bogie, etc.) and simple refers to taking two strokes to put the ball in the hole when close to the green.
This term is also confusing because there is a team format to playing golf that is referred to as a "scramble" but has nothing to do with scoring par while off the green.
SLICE
A type of shot in which the ball curves in the shape of a banana - starting out to the left of the target and then bending dramatically back to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer; reverse for left-handed golfers). A slice is not played intentionally and usually sails way out of control and for right of the intended target.
Many golfers use this term interchangeably with the terms fade or push. This isn't necessarily correct as a push is a ball that goes on a straight trajectory just right of the target and a fade, although it does travel in this "banana" trajectory is usually played intentionally and does not sail out of control.
Scramble, or scrambling, refers to when a golfer misses the green-in-regulation but is still able to make par. Most of the time this occurs when a player's approach shot narrowly misses the green and then the player chips onto the green and one putts for par.
The term scramble is often confused with the term "up and down". The two are very similar except that in order to scramble the second stroke is always a par. When getting "up and down" the second stroke can be any score (birdie, par, bogie, etc.) and simple refers to taking two strokes to put the ball in the hole when close to the green.
This term is also confusing because there is a team format to playing golf that is referred to as a "scramble" but has nothing to do with scoring par while off the green.
SLICE
A type of shot in which the ball curves in the shape of a banana - starting out to the left of the target and then bending dramatically back to the right of the target (for a right-handed golfer; reverse for left-handed golfers). A slice is not played intentionally and usually sails way out of control and for right of the intended target.
Many golfers use this term interchangeably with the terms fade or push. This isn't necessarily correct as a push is a ball that goes on a straight trajectory just right of the target and a fade, although it does travel in this "banana" trajectory is usually played intentionally and does not sail out of control.
T
TOPPED SHOT
A topped shot - often just called a "top" - is one in which the golfer very nearly swings over the ball, with impact between club and ball occurring near the crown of the golf ball. The result of a topped shot is the ball scooting along the ground with tremendous topsin. How severe the top is determines how far the ball will go, with more severe tops (nearly missing the ball completely) sending the ball only few yards forward.
Topped shots are commonly confused with Wormburners. When a player tops the ball the ball only travels a minimal distance, usually under 20 yards. Wormburners, although kept low to the ground like a topped shot, still travel deceivingly far. The ball is hit hard but low and is still able to travel a surprisingly far distance.
A topped shot - often just called a "top" - is one in which the golfer very nearly swings over the ball, with impact between club and ball occurring near the crown of the golf ball. The result of a topped shot is the ball scooting along the ground with tremendous topsin. How severe the top is determines how far the ball will go, with more severe tops (nearly missing the ball completely) sending the ball only few yards forward.
Topped shots are commonly confused with Wormburners. When a player tops the ball the ball only travels a minimal distance, usually under 20 yards. Wormburners, although kept low to the ground like a topped shot, still travel deceivingly far. The ball is hit hard but low and is still able to travel a surprisingly far distance.
U
UP AND DOWN
An up and down refers to getting the ball into the hole in two strokes when starting from off the green or in a greenside hazard. This normally means one would chip/pitch/putt the first shot (up) onto the green and then putt the second shot (down) into the hole.
This term is easily confused with the term "scramble". The two are very similar except that in order to scramble the second stroke is always a par. When getting "up and down" the second stroke can be any score (birdie, par, bogie, etc.) and simple refers to taking two strokes to put the ball in the hole when close to the green.
An up and down refers to getting the ball into the hole in two strokes when starting from off the green or in a greenside hazard. This normally means one would chip/pitch/putt the first shot (up) onto the green and then putt the second shot (down) into the hole.
This term is easily confused with the term "scramble". The two are very similar except that in order to scramble the second stroke is always a par. When getting "up and down" the second stroke can be any score (birdie, par, bogie, etc.) and simple refers to taking two strokes to put the ball in the hole when close to the green.
V
VARDON GRIP
The most popular way to hold the golf club among golfers. The Vardon Grip consists of placing one's little finger on the trailing hand in between the index and middle finger of on the leading hand.
The Vardon Grip can be confused with the term Overlapping Grip. There is no need for confusion here as the two are actually identical. The Vardon Grip is also known as the Vardon Overlap. There are three different terms for this particular grip which explains the confusion.
The most popular way to hold the golf club among golfers. The Vardon Grip consists of placing one's little finger on the trailing hand in between the index and middle finger of on the leading hand.
The Vardon Grip can be confused with the term Overlapping Grip. There is no need for confusion here as the two are actually identical. The Vardon Grip is also known as the Vardon Overlap. There are three different terms for this particular grip which explains the confusion.
W
WORMBURNER
A wormburner refers to a golf shot that only gets a few feet off the ground.
Wormburners can easily be confused with the term "topping the ball". When a player tops the ball the ball only travels a minimal distance, usually under 20 yards. Wormburners, although kept low to the ground like a topped shot, still travel deceivingly far. The ball is hit hard but low and is still able to travel a surprisingly far distance.
A wormburner refers to a golf shot that only gets a few feet off the ground.
Wormburners can easily be confused with the term "topping the ball". When a player tops the ball the ball only travels a minimal distance, usually under 20 yards. Wormburners, although kept low to the ground like a topped shot, still travel deceivingly far. The ball is hit hard but low and is still able to travel a surprisingly far distance.
X
X-OUTS
X-Outs are name brand golf balls on which the name brand has been crossed out. During the production process if an error is ever made and blemishes are found on balls, instead of simply throwing the balls out the name brand is crossed out (usually with X's) and sold at a discount.
Many golfers confuse X-Out balls with refurbished balls. Refurbished balls are normally golf balls that have been found on a course, cleaned up, and then sold at a discounted price. Refurbished balls are not golf balls that were damaged during the production process.
X-Outs are name brand golf balls on which the name brand has been crossed out. During the production process if an error is ever made and blemishes are found on balls, instead of simply throwing the balls out the name brand is crossed out (usually with X's) and sold at a discount.
Many golfers confuse X-Out balls with refurbished balls. Refurbished balls are normally golf balls that have been found on a course, cleaned up, and then sold at a discounted price. Refurbished balls are not golf balls that were damaged during the production process.
Y
YIPS
A nervous affliction in which the person putting cannot make short putts due to the inability to create a smooth putting stroke.
A case of the "yips" is often confused with the term "shanks". Shanking the ball can refer to both putts and swings made off of the putting green while the "yips" refers strictly to putting.
A nervous affliction in which the person putting cannot make short putts due to the inability to create a smooth putting stroke.
A case of the "yips" is often confused with the term "shanks". Shanking the ball can refer to both putts and swings made off of the putting green while the "yips" refers strictly to putting.
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