Meanings to Common Golf Terms You May Not Know
Posted on: 26 December
Golf is a fickle sport with plenty of seemingly made-up words thrown around that only add to the frustration of an already frustrating sport.
We’ve rounded up some of the more common golf terms and their meanings. Next time you hear them out on the golf course or back in the clubhouse, you’ll be well-versed to know what they actually mean.
What Does “Links” Mean?
A “Links” course refers specifically to a type of golf course.
Links courses are generally very firm, tightly mown, and have naturally undulating ground upon which they have been built. Links courses are known for their abundance of bunkers, wastelands, and naturally created hazards and are generally located on or near coastlines where strong winds play a major role in your round. Being able to play a “Punch” shot and control your ball flight is a definite advantage in these conditions.
What Does “Punch” Shot Mean in Golf?
A “Punch” shot is generally used when hitting into strong winds or playing from out of the trees. A punch shot allows you to not only lower the trajectory of the shot, but it will also reduce the spin on the ball meaning that it is less affected by the wind. This is a great shot to practice and will come in handy as part of your golf shot arsenal when playing here at Lonsdale Links.
Why Would Someone Yell “Fore!”
In golf, “fore” is shouted when the ball is heading towards a person or group of golfers and looks highly likely that it is going to come very close to hitting them. It is a common warning to take cover and is an extremely important word to keep in mind for not only your own safety but also the safety of others.
What is a handicap in golf?
A handicap is the numerical measure of a golfer’s individual ability, which allows them to compete against players of all levels.
A handicap is basically the average score, in relation to par, for that player. A player’s handicap will then be used when playing in Club Competition to score for that particular event.
The most common event that is played is “Stableford” (explanation to come). The maximum handicap for a female golfer is 54 and for a male golfer is 45. Not everyone who plays golf has a handicap.
What is Stableford Scoring in Golf?
Stableford is the most commonly used competition that you will notice on a golf club’s booking fixture.
Stableford is a scoring system that will award the player with points based on the number of strokes they have for each hole. Stableford takes the player’s handicap into account and adjusts the player’s par for the hole accordingly.
For example, if a player has a handicap of 18, they receive an extra shot in comparison to par on each hole. This would mean that a par 3 becomes a par 4, a par 4 becomes a par 5, and a par 5 becomes a par 6. The points a player receives for a hole are:
- (In comparison to YOUR par)
- 0 points – Double Bogey or worse
- 1 point – Bogey (One stroke over par)
- 2 pts – Par
- 3 pts – Birdie (One stroke under par)
- 4 pts – Eagle (Two strokes under par)
- 5 pts – Albatross (Three strokes under par)
- 6 pts – Double Albatross (Four strokes under par & HIGHLY unlikely!)
What is the Casual Water Rule in Golf?
Given the amount of rain we have recently had, “casual water” is something you may come across out on the golf course. Casual water refers to water that has accumulated on course and is not a part of the pre-designed water hazards.
Normally created by heavy rainfall, sprinkler leaks, or flooding, if a player lands in casual water, they are allowed a free drop at the nearest point of relief, no closer to the hole.
Golf Lessons and Clinics at Lonsdale Links
Want to learn more golf terms, tips, and tricks to learn golf or improve your game quickly? We have dedicated PGA Professionals at Lonsdale Links who offer group clinics and private tuition to speed up your confidence and accelerate your golf skills.
