Terminology & Etiquette
In learning the game you will hear lots of new words, listed below is the language you will need to familiarise yourself with to further your understanding of the game.
- Address
- The position taken by the golfer over the ball in preparation to swing.
- Break
- The curve the ball makes as it rolls toward the hole on the green. Also is a reference to the slope of the green.
- Bunker
- Also known as a "sand trap" -a sand filled valley near the green. Considered a "hazard."
- Chip
- A short, low-altitude shot taken on or near the green.
- Divot
- A chunk of the grass taken up by the club on the stroke. Should be replaced after swing.
- Dogleg
- A left or right turn in the fairway that is usually a blind turn.
- Drive
- The longest distance stroke in golf. A shot from the tee box.
- Driver
- A 1-wood, used to get the maximum distance out of a shot.
- Fairway
- The area between the tee and the green on a golf course.
- Green
- The area nearest the hole where the grass is cut the shortest.
- Hazard
- An obstacle on the course such as water or a sand trap.
- Iron
- A club made of iron or steel. Irons are of different sizes and degrees of loft to get different heights for different shots.
- Line
- The path the ball takes, whether on the green or the fairway.
- Loft Angle
- The angle of the club's face. The wider or more "open" the face, the higher the ball will be lofted on contact and the higher the number on the club.
- Mulligan
- A shot taken if the first one is missed. A Mulligan is used sometimes in informal play, but is not allowed under the rules of golf.
- Par
- The number of strokes that a player should take to complete the hole.
- Birdie
- Completing the hole in one less stroke than the par.
- Eagle
- Completing the hole in two less strokes than the par.
- Albatross
- Completing the hole in three less strokes than the par
- Pitching
- A short shot pulling the ball into the air in a sharp arc.
- Putt
- Hitting the ball on the green so that it rolls into the hole.
- Putter
- A short club with a flat face designed to roll the ball along the ground when hit.
- Range
- A place on the course to practice driving and fairway shots. Sometimes there is an area for pitching and sand-shot practice.
- Rough
- Area of the course that has long grass alongside the fairways.
- Stroke
- Swinging at the ball in an attempt to hit it. Each stroke counts when keeping score.
- Tee
- A small plastic or wooden stand that the ball is placed on. The ball is driven off the tee in the first drive of the hole being played. Every other stroke is played where the ball lies.
- Tee Area
- A flat area on the course usually marked with stakes where the first shot of each of hole is played.
- Wedge
- A club used to give the ball maximum loft.
- Wood
- Clubs made of wood and metal with bigger and flatter shaped heads. They are made in varying sizes and thickness for different ways of hitting the ball.
Etiquette On The Course
The Course
There are now many golf courses that are ideal for the new golfer, with fewer hazards and wider fairways allowing you to get a good introduction to the golf course. It can be vary daunting if you are faced with a full size golf course that may not be very forgiving and too tough for someone new to the game. Don’t spoil the game by getting frustrated with throwing yourself in too deep, build up to it.
Pace of Play
No one likes waiting on the golf course so have consideration to others. If there is a group behind you that is playing at a faster pace than you, stand aside and allow them to play through, rather than rush yours or spoil theirs.
Damage to the Course
Holes In Bunkers
Before leaving a bunker, a player should carefully fill up and smooth over all holes and footprints made by them.
Damage Through Practice Swings
In taking practice swings, players should avoid causing damage to the course, particularly on the tees.
Repair Divots, Ball-Marks and Damage by Spikes
A player should ensure that any divot hole made by him and any damage to the putting green made by a ball is carefully repaired. On completion of the hole by all players in the group, damage to the putting green caused by golf shoe spikes should be repaired.
Damage to Greens and Teeing Area by Flagsticks, Bags, etc
Players should ensure that, when putting down bags or the flagstick, no damage is done to the putting green or teeing area and that neither they nor their caddies damage the hole by standing close to it, in handling the flagstick or in removing the ball from the hole. The flagstick should be properly replaced in the hole before the players leave the putting green. Players should not damage the putting green by leaning on their putters, particularly when removing the ball from the hole. If sand and seed mix is provided on the teeing area please poor into any divot you have made.
Please Leave The Course As You Would Expect To Find it.
Equipment
Seek advice from your coach, he will be able to give guidance and find you something within your budget. Golf doesn’t have to be expensive; there is a lot of affordable equipment out there. Once you have become established and have built a basic swing, you will be able to recognise a difference in clubs weather it is down to the weight or look, you will have an opinion. You need to be able to try before you buy; most retail outlets have a facility whereby you can hit some shots with them first.
Many manufactures produce a starter kit, which includes everything, irons, woods, putter, bag, and accessories, to go out onto the golf course, this is everything you need. This is ideal for anyone starting the game.
If you are not on a budget, your range of equipment is much greater but make sure you take your time and try them out, as you want them to last many years. It still may be wise to see if you are going to stick at the game first by either buying a few individual clubs to help build a swing then try clubs you have a preference for late down the line.