More Common Golf Terms
There are different parts to the head of the club that are also beneficial to recognize and understand. Some parts are interchangeable, while others are standard to the club.
Clubface: The part of the head where actual contact with the ball is made.
Grooves that are imprinted onto the club face allow the ball to fly higher and roll less once it lands. They are also instrumental in keeping the club face clean of any water, dirt or grass debris.
Heel: This is the section at the back of the club head where the shaft will begin to rise up.
Toe: The toe is the front of the club head, opposite the heel.
Sole: Like the sole of the human foot, this section rests on the ground when the club is stood on end.
Hosel: The hosel is the opening into which the shaft connects to the club head.
The golf bag will be used to carry all of your clubs from one hole to the next. It is also the carrying case for golf balls, tees, markers, towels and other accessories that may be deemed to be necessary. The golf bag itself is an accessory, not having any impact on the game itself, but does have great impact on its user. Fatigue will set in from carrying the bag around the course if the player is not using a golf cart or a caddie; the effects of which will have a great impact on the individual’s game.
Beginners who are unfamiliar with the game and golf terms associated with it should begin on a driving range. A driving range is an area designated for practicing the golf swing. Usually, a bucket of balls is purchased, and a booth in the driving range is dedicated for the individual’s use for a specific period of time. Measurements marked on the field in front of the player indicate how far their shot has traveled. Those working on their long ball will strive for the furthest point possible, while those concentrating on their short swing will use closer goals.
Once the beginner golfer feels comfortable to set foot on an actual golf course, a 9 hole course would be the logical choice. This is the time that most of the golf terms encountered in the game will be heard and utilized; putting words into action. Being familiar with the most common terms will allow the beginner to converse easily with other golfers, as well as achieve an understanding of the verbage being used by others.
Common Golf Terms
●Ace: Also called a hole in one, it is when the hole is made in one shot
●Backswing: The backward motion of the club used to gain momentum for hitting the ball.
●Birdie: Making the hole in one shot less than the expected number
●Bogey: Exceeding the expected number of shots to a hole by one
●Bunker: An area on the course where grass and sand exist as an obstacle
●Caddie: One who is hired to assist the golfer on the course
●Carry: How far the golf ball travels in the air
●Double Bogey: Exceeding the expected number of shots to a hole by two
●Double Eagle: Making the hole in three shots less than the expected number
●Downswing: Bringing the club down from the backswing toward the ball
●Eagle: Making the hole in two shots less than the expected number
●Fade: A golf shot that flies slightly from the left to the right
●Follow thru: The part of the swing that occurs after the ball has been struck
●Hitter: An individual who uses a forceful method of striking the ball
●Hook: A golf shot that curves strongly to the left for a right handed player
●Par: Making the hole in the exact number of shots expected
●Slice: A shot that curves from left to right
●Swinger: An individual who relies on timing and rhythm when swinging the club
●Tier: A raised green or tee
Becoming a part of the golfing set can be an enjoyable and challenging experience. Understanding the game and knowing the golf terms that will be used during play will help the beginner to feel more comfortable on the course, which will in turn help them in perfecting their game.