GOLF LINGO
Understanding Golf Terms
Golf has a language all its own, but don’t be intimidated! We'll walk you through the most common terms you'll hear during lessons and while playing a round of golf so you can decipher instructions, jokes, and conversation.
Types of Shots
There are a variety of clubs and swing techniques used to advance the ball. The FULL SWING uses a full range of motion to send the ball longer distances. When you get closer to the hole, you'll switch to SHORT GAME shots (the short game is generally 75 yards or closer to the hole). CHIPPING and PITCHING are short game shots designed to get the ball onto the green. Once the ball is on the green, you'll use a PUTTING stroke. Putting is the only shot in golf when the ball is not intended to go airborne.
The SWEET SPOT is the ideal area on the club face to strike the ball. As long as the ball is aimed correctly, these are the shots that keep golfers coming back for more. You’ll know when you’ve connected with the sweet spot - the ball will fly into the air effortlessly and you'll feel the biggest rush in golf. If you’re a right handed player and the ball flies from left to right at a sharp angle, it’s called a SLICE. The opposite is called a HOOK. (For left handed players a slice goes off to the left and a hook goes to the right.)
While you are learning you may not hit the ball flush each time, but with lessons and practice you'll begin to make solid ball contact more often.
A WHIFF is a complete miss. This can be embarrassing or just a minor blip in your round. Though many new golfers go on and on how terrible they are or apologize profusely, it's easy to minimize the situation. Quickly pick up your ball and step aside to let the next player begin her turn. Golf means never having to say you're sorry!
When you hit the top half of the ball and it skims across the ground, it’s called a TOP. When you hit more ground then ball, your shot will pop in the air and either fall quickly or dribble a couple of yards. This is called hitting it FAT. The chunk of grass that is displaced when you swing your club is called a DIVOT. (It’s proper etiquette to put the grass back in place or sprinkle sand and seed in that spot, which is typically provided in canisters on your golf cart.)
Important People
One of the most important things to keep in mind on the golf course is your group’s PACE OF PLAY. The STARTER sends groups out in timed intervals – typically every 8 to 10 minutes. By keeping one shot behind the group ahead of you, play will be continuous and no one will have to wait for players to clear before hitting shots.
One of the biggest misconceptions in golf is that women and beginners "play slow" and start a domino effect that causes groups behind them to back up. It's true that less skilled players take more shots, but we will provide tips and strategies in later FastTrack lessons that will ensure you enjoy your round while keeping up a good pace of play. If you do happen to fall behind, you'll probably encounter the MARSHALL, who patrols the golf course, reminds players to keep a good pace, and responds to questions.
A CADDIE is an attendant, typically paid by the golfer, who carries your bag and offers insightful advice and moral support. A good caddie is familiar with the challenges of the golf course, along with strategies to play it successfully. A FORECADDIE is stationed in the fairway ahead of the players to indicate the position of balls on the course.
A GOLF PROFESSIONAL refers to someone that earns a living playing or teaching the game of golf. A PGA PROFESSIONAL is a male or female member of the PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION (PGA) and is not to be confused with the PGA TOUR, a different organization that is the major organizer of competitive events primarily for male golfers. An LPGA PROFESSIONAL is a member of the LADIES PROFESSIONAL GOLF ASSOCIATION (LPGA), which certifies instructors and manages tour events for competitors.
