Golf Terminology
Stay One Shot Ahead

Golf terminology is what is needed to help you play the game of golf.

If your a beginner, a lot of golf terminology will go straight over your head. On this page we at Passion-for-Golf.com will help you to get to know some of the basic golfing terms, including some golf etiquette, to help get you on your way.

First on the Tee.

The word 'tee' is used as either as two nouns, or one verb. The first noun 'tee', is the little wooden stake used to "tee up" the ball for the first shot on a given hole. The tee is not compulsory, some golfers prefer not to use one, but most do as the tee helps the golfer place the ball on a perfect lie in order to get a clean strike. The second noun, 'tee' indicates the area from which a hole is begun, and is referred to as 'the tee' area or the 'tee box' which will be set by different colored markers indicating the length of the hole. The verb "to tee" means to set the ball on a tee, or "tee up" meaning to get started.

Tee Markers.

Tee markers are the objects of a given color, mounted close to the ground, that indicate the line beyond which a golfer may not "tee" the ball up. They are colored differently to determine the overall length of the hole, the white tee marker being the furthest back and is sometimes referred to as the 'medal tee markers' and is used mainly by the members and for club competitions. Then there would be the yellow tee markers, for general use, and further forward would be the red tee markers for Ladies and or Junior golfers. On golf courses that also host significant tournaments, there will be a set of championship tee markers, usually increasing the lengths of most of the holes by many yards.

Golf Terminology, knowing the pros and cons.

Terrain Terminology.

On a par four or par five your ball should ideally land on the fairway. There is no such 'fairway' on a par three as you should plan to land your tee shot on the green. The fairway is the well manicured strip of grass between the tee and green, the grass is cut very short in order to give you the perfect lie for your next shot. The ball will be sitting up nicely-hence "fair" way. Either side of the fairway and your in the rough, where the grass is allowed to grow that little bit longer, more known as the intermediate rough. Beyond the intermediate rough your in all sorts of trouble, weeds, logs, thickets you name it. Beyond the rough is the out of bounds. A ball that is out of bounds is out of play. Some golf holes will have white out of bound markers clearly marked down one side of the fairway where your ball must not stray!

That's a nice 'lie'.

In golf, the term 'lie' is describing the position of the ball at rest. So, when we say the ball is on a perfect lie, we mean the ball came to rest at the perfect spot. 'Lie' is less frequently used to refer to the angle formed by the shaft and the club head in relation to the ball.

Golf Terminology, what's a Mulligan!

Can I take a Mulligan?

A Mulligan is a second chance and is often used in a friendly game of golf, where everyone is given a Mulligan on the first hole, or second chance if needed. A Mulligan doesn't exist in the R&A Rules, also never assume when playing with a new group that a Mulligan is allowed. Some more serious golfers, even serious bad golfers, don't consider them.

Tips.

In deep rough, it's often best to choose the prudent shot over the most heroic. Think percentage, instead of trying to thread the ball through a narrow slot between a dozen trees, turn sideways and punch the ball out of trouble and onto the fairway. Stand on the opposite side of the ball from the person preparing to hit, and stand still. Never stand behind a player when a shot is taken as this is illegal especially on the putting green.

Golf Terminology, know your P's & Q's!

Golf Etiquette.

Golf etiquette is extremely important to learn, as bad golf etiquette can land you in a lot of hot water, with golfers not wanting to partner with you. Good golf etiquette also helps to keep the flow of the game moving, avoid slow play at all times. If you pick up a copy of the R&A Rules, you'll notice that the etiquette section is Section 1. Golf etiquette isn't incidental; it's essential.

First to Play is the One Away.

After all tee shots have been taken, the ball furthest from the hole is the ball that is hit first. This also applies when on the green, the ball furthest from the hole putts first. Never walk over the putting line of another player. Always attend to the flag if your closest to the hole.

Waving a Faster Group Through.

If a ball from your group strays into the woods, it's always proper to help your playing partner locate it. Always be mindful of players behind you, check to see if they're waiting on the tee, and particularly if they're waiting for you! You are not allowed to search endlessly for a lost ball, (five minutes max) you should therefore waive the players behind through. When you have found your ball, wait for the golfers you waved through to complete the hole before continuing. Avoid slow play at all times.

Golf Terminology, keep up please!

Pace of Play.

Never 'lose' the hole in front. Always strive to keep up with the players on the hole in front of you. You don't have to rush, but by adopting good golf etiquette, your game will flow and proceed more quickly. We all love our golf but no-one wants a five hour round.

What's your handicap?

The great thing about golf is that with the handicap system, players of any ability can play a competitive game with one another. With the handicap system you could even give a pro a run for their money. A handicap is the shot allowance given to players depending on their ability. To get an official handicap you would need to post three cards at your local course. Your cards would then be analyzed to determine how many shots you are 'allowed' in a round of golf. The highest for a man is 28 strokes and for a woman the highest allowance is 36 strokes.

On this page we have covered some of the basic golf terminology and golf etiquette to get you on a golf course straight away. There are lot's of other rules, and much more golf terminology (and you can't possibly know everything about golf-ever.) However if you play as described on this page, you'll be fine, and the more you play, the more golf terminology you will pick up. And you'll also have lots of happy playing partners.

Lesson two, developing your Mental Game