Golf Glossary

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AcePutting the ball in the hole in one stroke. A hole in one.
AddressThe act of taking a stance and placing the club head behind the ball. If the ball moves its position once a player has addressed the ball, there is a one-stroke penalty. According to the Rules of Golf, a player has "addressed" the ball when he has taken his stance and grounded his club. In a hazard a player is considered to have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance.
Aerify (Also Known As Coring)Process of boring small holes, typically less than 3⁄4" in diameter, into a putting green (or the fairway) in order to improve growth. The process is usually done once or twice per year.
AggregateRefers to a score made over more than one round of play, or by two or more players playing as partners.
AimGenerally, the direction in which the target lies and the direction you intend for your ball to go.
Airmail the GreenWhen a player overpowers a shot aimed at the putting green, and the ball flight carries it completely over the green.
AlbatrossA hole played three strokes under par. It is also known as a double eagle.
AlignmentThe position of a player's body relative to the target line of the ball.
All SquareIn match play, a match is all square (tied) when the players or teams have won the same number of holes. It is abbreviated "AS" on the scorecard.
Alternate BallFormat in which players alternate hitting each other's ball on each stroke until the hole is finished. For example, after teeing off, player one hits player two's ball and vice versa.
AmateurAny golfer who plays the game for enjoyment and who does not receive direct monetary compensation due to his or her playing or teaching skills.
Angle of AttackThe angle at which the club head descends toward the golf ball on the downswing. A steep angle of attack is more likely from an upright swing and a shallow angle of attack comes from a swing with a flatter swing plane.
Anti-shankA design of club that attempts to eliminate striking the ball with the hosel. (Go ahead, look up, hosel. It’s not a typo. It follows Hook in the Glossary…)
Approach ShotA shot intended to land the ball on the green.
ApronThe closely mown area encircling a putting green; also called "the fringe."
ArcThe nearly circular path around the body of the golf club making a golf swing.
Attend (the flagstick)When putting, a partner may "attend" by removing the flagstick while you putt. This is usually done when you are at a distance and have difficulty seeing the hole. It is a penalty for a golf ball to hit the flag when you have putted from the putting surface.
AwayThe player farther from the hole whose turn it is to play.
 

Rules of the Game

Like any organized activity, modern golf has rules of play. From how long you can search for a lost ball to whether you're allowed to talk during the round. However, these rules differ slightly in Europe and North America. Check the following official sites before commencing play in your part of the world.

Check out the rules in your region:


Canadian Flag Canada

USA Flag United States

Europe Europe
 

Submit Golf Terms

If you know a term that's not in our glossary - but should be - post in our Glossary Forum and make a contribution to the great game of golf.

 

Sandy's Trivia

There's an apocryphal story about how golf came to be played over 18 holes. Apparently it was an 18th century suggestion from one of the St. Andrews old-timers, who noted that it took him exactly 18 shots to finish a fifth of scotch -- a shot per hole. While there is a coincidence between 18 wee drams and 18 holes, oddly enough, the modern 18 hole golf course really did originate with the Royal and Ancient course. St. Andrews originally had 11 holes, but as two were considered too short they were eliminated and play on the course became 2 rounds of 9 holes, today's modern 18.