A Beginner’s Guide to Basic Golf Terms

 

            One of the most popular sports in the world is that of golf, yet for a beginner many of the golf terms used on the course may be confusing. 

            Mastering the art of golf can take years.  Indeed, many of today’s golf pros seen playing tournaments still have bad days on the course.  For the beginner, learning the very basics of terms that will be heard and used throughout the game is the first step to mastering the game. 

            The equipment used in golf is specific to the game, and may not be commonly recognized by anyone unfamiliar with it.  The ability to identifying the various pieces of equipment along with their components will be the initial inauguration to the game.

Golf clubs and Bag

            Everyone knows, of course, that golf clubs and the bag used to carry them are instrumental to the game.  What most people do not know is what each club is used for, and the name of each.  It is the clubs you own that will make or break the game you play.  There are three basic types of clubs:  woods, irons and the putter. 

            ●Woods

            This category of clubs has a longer shaft, and is used for shooting longer distances with less concentration on accuracy.  Called Woods because at one time they were constructed of wood, they are now more commonly made with titanium or steel.  The Woods will generally consist of the Driver and two other clubs to be used on the Fairway:  the Three Wood and the Five Wood.  The driver is the club with which the hole is started, and has an average distance of around 220 yards; the longest of any of the clubs used.  The Three Wood will shoot a distance of 200 yards, while the Five will distance at around 180 yards.

            ●Irons

            This type of club will be utilized for shooting shorter distances with accuracy, as well as for playing from hazard areas.  The Irons will include the Sand Wedge, Pitching Wedge and Irons numbered 3 through 9. 

            ●Putters

            The name is demonstrative of the club’s purpose:  putting on the green.  To finish a hole, small strokes traveling very short distances are generally needed, unless a hole in one is accomplished. Because of the importance of this club, it is recommended that only one putter be used until its use is of second nature to the golfer.  The putter is nicknamed the “Money Club”, since getting the ball into the hole with the most accuracy and fewest shots will often win the game.

Each of these clubs carries the same characteristics in appearance.  Getting to know your clubs will help you to understand how they work; giving you more control on using them.

Grip:   This is the top of the golf club where your hands will be placed.  The grip material is a matter of choice to the individual golfer, with some made of rubber and others of leather.  They may have grooves or holes, or may be standard. 

Shaft:  The shaft is the body of the golf club that connects the grip to the head of the club.  They are usually composed of either graphite or steel, and come in a variety of lengths to accommodate people of different heights.

Head:  The part of the golf club that makes contact with the ball is called the club head; found at the base of the club.  There are countless numbers of types, sizes and shapes of club heads.  Thankfully, the club head is an easy component on the club to change.  If you are not comfortable with or are not having the best of luck with the type of head your club possesses, it can easily be changed to another type.  Many golfers prefer to keep covers over the heads of their clubs to prevent them from becoming damaged.