Golf is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing sports for all categories of people. But as with all sports, golf comes with its own unique language. If you are new to the game, you might get overwhelmed with all the golfers terminology thrown around.
That’s sad, isn’t it? Well, you don’t have to worry because we are here to help you grasp any golfers terminology that comes your way.
We will cover all sorts of terminologies from different categories to help you understand the basics.
You will learn about different terms relating to equipment, scoring, rules, and just common golf slang.
If you know some of them, then it’s cool. You can build up on the new ones or even get more clarity among the ones you know. So, stay along to become an informed golfer.
Top Golfers Terminology You Should Know
1. Condor
In golf, a condor is a score of four strokes under par and usually in a single golf hole. It means the lowest possible score for a single hole.
So, if you are looking to achieve a condor, always try to hit the ball perfectly.
You also need to have a powerful drive off the tee as well as navigate obstacles precisely.
Some people achieve a condor by executing a perfect second shot that goes directly in the hole.
2. Albatross/Double Eagle
An albatross, or simply a double eagle, refers to a score of three strokes on a single hole. This must happen under par.
So, as you may correctly imagine, it is one of the rarest and most admired accomplishments.
Some notable albatrosses include Gene Sarazen, achieved in 1935, and Nicholas Thomson, achieved at the PGA Tour in 2002.
Recently, Louis Oosthuzen also achieved an albatross at the 2012 Masters. He did so in hole number 2.
3. Hybrids
Hybrid is one of golfer’s terminologies that can confuse newbies. In fact, you are probably wondering what it is.
Basically, it is a newer type of golf club. Essentially, hybrids are part iron and part fairway wood (a smaller club), thus earning the term hybrid.
Also Read: The Best Golf Hybrids 2025. The Complete Guide
4. Wedges
Wedges are among the last few clubs that complete a golf set. One unique thing about these clubs is that they have more loft than irons.
They also tend to be shorter. That is why they are easy to hit with straight shots.
Another thing you should note about wedges is that you can use them for short game shorts as well as full-swing shots.
Also, note that each iron set comes with a pitching wedge. And if you are like some clever golfers, you may also want to add a sand wedge, gap wedge, and lob wedge.
Also Read: Best Golf Wedges 2024. The Complete Guide
5. Irons
Irons are also a type of club that make up most sets. Chances are that you have heard terms like 9-iron, 4-iron, and so on.
Basically, these numbers mean something. Iron types range from 1 to 9, where a lower number means that the club is longer and has a lower loft.
Also Read: The 10 Best Players Golf Irons of 2024
6. Putter
Putter is another type of club that you can use to get your golf ball on the hole, especially on the greens.
Surprisingly, it is not only among the most confused golfers terminology but also the shortest club. These short clubs come in different styles, including mallets and blades.
Also Read: The 10 Best Golf Putters in 2024
7. Divot Tools
Your golf bag will not be complete without divot tools. These pieces of golf equipment are just repair tools.
They will help you to repair your divots, allowing the grass to heal properly. And if you are wondering what a divot is, we will keep it simple.
A divot is a piece of turf cut out of the ground by your golf club when you make a stroke.
8. Snowman
You might confuse snowman for a terminology used in winter sports.
Of course that is wrong because it is a common golfer’s terminology that means a player made an eight on the hole. The reason is that the number eight looks like a snowman.
9. Slice
A slice is common golfers terminology used to refer to a golf ball that curves from left to right in the air.
Actually, it is one of the most frustrating shots for right-handed golfers. That is why it is common to find players saying something like ‘banana slice’ to refer to the curve.
Apart from the left-to-right movement, there are other forms of slices. These variations include a pull slice and a push slice.
10. Hook
In golf, a hook is a golfers terminology that refers to the opposite of a slice.
In simpler words, it refers to a situation when the ball curves from right to left in the air. Again, this situation is a common occurrence for right-handed players.
And just like a slice, a hook has variations. Some common variants of this golf terminology include push hook, pull hook, and duck hook.
11. Gimme
Gimme refers to a short putt that your fellow golfer concedes. Also note that this golfer’s terminology means that no putting is required.
One of the most unique things about these putts is that they tend to be inside a putter’s length (about 2-3 feet).
12. Fade
A fade, or cut short as some people refer to it, is a tinier variation of a slice. Both of them involve the ball moving from left to right in the air.
The only difference is that it does so for only a few yards. So, it is easier to control than a hook or even a draw (explained below).
13. Draw
A draw in golf is the opposite of a fade. So, in this case, the ball moves from right to left in the air. Again, it is only after a few yards.
It is not as common as a fade, and in some cases, it is the desired shot shape among some golfers.
14. Lip Out
A lip out refers to when a putt is almost dropping and goes in a portion of the golf hole, only to spin out.
It is like the ball is moving in the direction of the hole, then misses the hole. A similar term that you can use in place of lip out is burned edge.
That is when the ball burns the edge of the cup but fails to get into the hole.
15. Topped Shot
Topped shots occur when a player hits the top part of the ball, resulting in the ball not reaching the intended place.
In most cases, the ball doesn’t go far, for instance, a few yards. And even when it has lots of topspin, it can only go for about 20-30 yards.
16. Driving Range
If you are a new golfer and want to practice your swing, you will go to a driving range.
Driving ranges are ideal for practicing long shots but are different from golf courses.
The latter are designed specifically for playing the game, while the former is for practice.
17. Provisional Ball
A provisional ball is also a common golfers’ terminology that players use for a backup ball.
Basically, it refers to a second ball that you can play while waiting for someone to find the original ball.
The main reason for using a provisional ball is to save time. Golfers also use a provisional ball to avoid having to go back and forth.
18. Flop
A flop is a common golfers terminology that is applied when a golfer uses a high-lofted wedge to hit a high shot.
In most cases, golfers use the term when they use a sand or lob wedge to hit top-flying shots around the greens.
It can be very impressive when you hit it right, but also considered a low-percentage shot. Also note that the ball doesn’t land far.
That is why golfers use a flop shot to get the ball over a bunker or water hazard.
19. Mulligan
Whenever you feel like you hit a bad shot, which is okay, a mulligan is an opportunity to retake your shot.
In this case, you have to take the shot from the position of your previous stroke. And the good thing is that it doesn’t attract any penalty.
But here is the spoiler: you can only use it in your casual play. A mulligan is not applicable in competitions.
20. Shank
A shank is one of those bad shots that you get when you hit the ball off the hosel. As you know, the hosel is not the sweet spot when compared to a clubface.
For right-handed golfers, this shot usually flies in the right direction. Sadly, golfers consider it one of the worst golf errors, worse than even a slice.
Final Thoughts
That’s it. Unfortunately, we have come to the end of explaining common golfers terminology.
There could be a few more terminologies that you need to familiarize yourself with. But get used to these ones first, then add the vocabulary once you’ve mastered these ones.
Remember that learning golf terminology is just like learning a new language. You have to practice using it to become a master.
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