Common Golf Terms for Beginners

Introduction

The game of golf for some begins as a good way to pass the time, relax and develop a passion after they have known the subtleties of the game. Golf is a great relaxing and entertaining sport and many get attracted to the game for these features. For many beginners the game is difficult to follow in the initial stages because they are not aware of the terms used during the game. The terminology of the game of golf is far too different from other sports with some exceptions. When on the course one must be able to know all the terms lest one may get frustrated on the course for not knowing the particular term. One must be familiar with terms like handicap, match play, penalty stroke, a putt, and many other such terms.

The Terms

The term ace in golf means a hole that is made in one stroke by the player or it is also called as a hole in one. A Backswing is a motion the player makes by taking away their club from ball and keeps it in the top position and then brings down the club with power to hit the ball. Backspin means the spin or the rotating motion of the ball that is produced when the clubface hits the ball. When the backspin is greater the ball flies higher and rotates more and this then results in stopping the ball or even spin backwards when it hits the turf. The term Birdie means a score of one under par on a hole and Bogey means a score of one over par on a hole. A Caddie is a person hired for carrying clubs and also offers help for the rest of the players during their game. The Carry of a ball means the distance the ball covers in the air when it flies upon being hit by a club.

A Bunker is a place which consists of grass and sand or at times even both and works as an obstacle. Bunker is also termed as a hazard in the game. The term Double Bogey means a score of two over par on a hole. Double Eagle means a score of three under par on a hole. Eagle is a score of two under par on a hole. A Chip Shot means a short approach of low trajectory which is generally hit from near the greens. Forward Swing means the motion of the hands and the club that is directed downwards from the top position of the backswing to hit the ball. The term Groove means a swing that maintains the same path every time. The term Lie relates to the ball and to the club also. In relation to ball Lie means the idle position of the ball and in relation to the club it means the angle made by the hosel of the iron with the remaining part of the iron head.

A Penalty Stroke means an extra stroke in the score of the player for the violation of rules. There are many other golf terms which the beginners will have to get familiar with as they progress in the game.