Golf Lingo For Beginners

Every sport has its own language, and golf is no exception. If you’re new to the game or just want to brush up on your vocabulary, don’t worry! The pros at Superstition Mountain’s private golf club are here to help you get comfortable with some of the most common and unique golf slang. Understanding these terms will make your experience on the golf course more enjoyable and help you connect with fellow golfers.

Golf Phrases
Learning golf phrases helps you communicate effectively on the course and better understand the game.

Golf Terminology
Understanding golf terminology is essential for beginners and spectators to follow the game and improve their skills.

Round of Golf
A round of golf refers to a complete game or session of playing golf, typically consisting of 18 holes.

Address
This is the position you take when you step up to the ball and place your club behind it, preparing yourself to start your golf swing.

First Shot
The first shot is the initial stroke taken on a hole, often from the tee box, and is important for setting up the rest of your play.

Golf Ball
The golf ball is the main object struck during various types of shots, such as chips and putts, and is the focus of every golf shot on the course.

Golf Clubs
Golf clubs are the equipment used to strike the golf ball. Choosing or upgrading your golf clubs can improve your performance and enjoyment of the game.

Golf Bag
A golf bag is used to carry your golf clubs and other equipment, providing convenience and organization during your round.

Tee Box
The tee box is the designated starting area at each hole where you take your first shot, making proper placement behind the markers important to avoid penalties.

Tee Shot
A tee shot is the initial stroke played from the tee box at the start of each hole, crucial for positioning the ball accurately in the fairway.

Banana
A shot that curves from left to right, also known as a “slice.” For right-handed golfers, a “hook” curves the ball in the opposite direction. If you’re a lefty, these terms are reversed.

Chili-Dip
A “fat” chip shot around the green where the club hits the ground before the ball. Golf Digest’s David Leadbetter has an excellent article on avoiding this common mistake.

Approach Shot
An approach shot is played toward the green, often with the goal of landing close to the pin. Approach shots to the same side of the green as the pin can make subsequent chips or pitches more challenging, especially if you are short-sided.

Flop Shot
A flop shot is a high, soft golf shot used to delicately land the ball on the green, typically executed with a lob or sand wedge and often requiring skill.

Sand Wedge
A sand wedge is a club designed for high, soft shots from sand or around the green, and is commonly used for flop shots.

Soft Shot
A soft shot is a high, delicate shot that lands softly on the green, emphasizing finesse and precision.

Come-Backer
A second putt that you take after your first putt goes past the hole.

Provisional Ball
A provisional ball is played when your original ball may be lost or out of bounds, allowing you to continue play without penalty if the original ball is not found.

Short Putt
A short putt is a close, easily makeable putt that players can concede as made, often as a friendly gesture to save time.

Double Bogey
A double bogey is a golf score that occurs when a player takes two additional strokes beyond the hole's par. For example, scoring a 6 on a par-4 hole is a double bogey. Avoiding penalties can help prevent double bogeys.

Double Eagle
A double eagle, also known as an albatross, is a rare achievement where a player completes a par-5 hole in just two shots. It is considered an exceptional feat in golf.

Two Strokes
Two strokes under par on a hole is called an eagle, typically achieved on a par-5 by reaching the green in two shots and sinking the putt.

Par on a Hole
Par on a hole is the expected number of strokes an expert golfer should take to complete the hole. Scoring relative to par, such as birdies, eagles, and albatrosses, indicates a golfer's performance.

Drink
Golf slang for a water hazard. Alternatively, it can refer to a refreshing beverage enjoyed at the clubhouse bar after your round. Speaking of which, the “nineteenth hole” is a fun nickname for the clubhouse bar/lounge.

Duck-Hook/Snapper/Quacker
When the ball curves sharply to the left of your intended target. If this happens often, consider getting some swing tips from our golf instructors.

Fat/Chunky/Thick
A swing where the club hits the ground or grass before the ball, causing the shot to lose power and distance.

Fried Egg
A fried egg describes a difficult golf shot situation where the ball is partially buried in a bunker, resembling a fried egg, and requiring extra skill to execute successfully.

Sand Trap
A sand trap is a type of bunker filled with sand, commonly located near the green or along the fairway, and is sometimes referred to interchangeably as a bunker.

Hacker
A playful term for someone who is not very skilled at golf.

Seasoned Golfer
A seasoned golfer is an experienced player who is familiar with golf jargon and has significant playing experience.

Inside the Leather
When your ball lies closer to the hole than the length of your putter grip. Many golfers consider it good etiquette to pick up your ball if it’s “inside the leather.”

Lip-Out
When your ball hits the edge of the hole and circles around the rim without dropping in—a frustrating but common occurrence.

Worm-Burner
A low-running shot that barely gets airborne, often caused by a “fat” swing.

Golf Shot
A golf shot is any stroke made to strike the ball. There are many types of golf shots, each with a specific purpose and technique.

Waggle
A small movement or jiggle of the club before the swing to stay loose and relaxed.

Stroke Play
Stroke play is a format of golf where the total number of strokes taken over the round determines the winner, commonly used in professional tournaments.

Match Play
Match play is a format where players compete to win individual holes rather than counting total strokes, often used in professional tournaments.

Ready Golf 
Ready golf is a method to maintain pace of play by allowing golfers to hit when they are ready, rather than waiting for the golfer furthest from the hole.

This list offers just a glimpse into the colorful golf slang you might hear while playing on one of our two Nicklaus-designed courses. For a more comprehensive golf slang cheat sheet, visit PGA.com’s glossary of golf terms. If you’re eager to learn more about the game, check out our guide, What I Wish I Knew Before I Started Golfing, or talk to one of our knowledgeable golf professionals at 480-983-1411.

Happy golfing and enjoy mastering the lingo!