Golf Glossary
Golf Glossary
Definitions are written for golfers who want clarity, not jargon. Where Stryper has a dedicated deep-dive lesson or drill, you’ll see a single “Deep dive” link (no link-spam).
Start here: Ball flight explained · Course management basics · Effective practice
A
Holing the ball in one stroke from the tee. Also called a hole-in-one.
Your position at setup when you ‘address’ the ball: posture, grip, alignment, ball position, and balance before starting the swing.
Where the clubface is pointed at address (separate from body alignment). Your aim largely sets the shot’s start direction.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
How your body lines up relative to the target line (feet/hips/shoulders). Good alignment makes your intended start line repeatable.
Deep dive: Alignment, Start Line and Clubface Control
Related: Start line · Clubface control · Ball flight laws
Three under par on a hole (e.g., 2 on a par 5).
The direction the clubhead is moving vertically at impact (hitting down, level, or up). It affects strike, launch, and spin.
Deep dive: Steep vs Shallow: 2 vital elements of the golf swing
A shot played to the green (or near it), usually with an iron or wedge, after the tee shot.
Deep dive: Course Management 3: Approach Shots and Smart Scoring
Related: Approach shot strategy · Course management basics
The natural inside-square-inside path many putting strokes trace due to body rotation. A ‘straight-back straight-through’ feel can still produce a slight arc.
A putting mindset and stroke where you commit to a start line and speed, rather than steering the ball or ‘babying’ it.
Deep dive: 100% of short putts don't go in
B
Spin that makes the ball climb and stay in the air. More backspin usually increases height and stopping power (up to a point).
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A conservative target that avoids the worst trouble (e.g., aiming for the fat side of the green). Core to course management.
Simple rules linking clubface angle and swing path to the ball’s start direction and curve.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Related: Why your golf ball goes where it does · Face-to-path explained · Ball flight principles drill
Where the ball sits between your feet at address. It strongly influences low point, strike, and start direction.
Deep dive: The Unsung Hero: Why Ball Position Is Critical for a Pure Strike
Related: Ball position errors · Stance width
The motion from address to the top of the swing. Sets up your downswing sequence and impact conditions.
Staying centred and stable through the swing so your low point and face/path are repeatable.
Deep dive: Stop Swaying and Sliding: The easiest way to lose power in your swing
One under par on a hole.
One over par on a hole.
The angle that helps the sole of a wedge glide through turf or sand instead of digging.
Deep dive: Wedge Bounce and Grind Explained (simple)
The curve of a putt caused by slope. You aim ‘above’ or ‘below’ the hole based on the break.
Deep dive: How to Read a Green Like a Pro
A low-flying chip that lands early and rolls like a putt. Often the highest-percentage option.
Deep dive: The Chip and Run: Your Most Reliable Shot Around the Green
A shot played from sand near the green, typically using the wedge’s bounce to splash sand and pop the ball out.
Deep dive: Improve Your Bunker Shots In 5 Minutes
Related: Improving bunker shots · Bunker shot drill · Wedge bounce & grind
C
How far the ball flies before it lands (as opposed to total distance including roll).
An immovable obstruction that often gives free relief if it interferes with stance or swing (subject to local rules).
Losing wrist angle too early in the downswing so the club ‘throws’ away speed before impact.
Deep dive: Casting the Club: Are You Wasting All Your Power Before Impact?
Related: Casting explained · Effective practice
Striking the ball near the middle of the clubface for maximum speed and consistent direction.
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
A short shot around the green intended to get the ball on the ground quickly and rolling.
Deep dive: The Chip and Run: Your Most Reliable Shot Around the Green
A chip that uses more roll than carry (often with a less-lofted club).
Deep dive: The Chip and Run: Your Most Reliable Shot Around the Green
Hitting the ground before the ball, producing a heavy, short shot.
Deep dive: Fat Shots Explained: A guide to stop chunking it in golf!
A chunked shot around the green where the club hits turf first and the ball goes nowhere.
Deep dive: The Chunked Chip: How to Stop Duffing It Around the Greens
Related: Chunked chips explained · Wedge bounce & grind
Where the clubface points at impact relative to the target line. The biggest driver of start direction.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Related: Alignment & clubface control · Ball flight laws
Compressing the ball against the clubface at impact (especially with irons), producing a solid strike and efficient launch/spin.
Deep dive: Fat Shots Explained: A guide to stop chunking it in golf!
Choosing targets and clubs to reduce big numbers. Play to patterns, not perfect shots.
Deep dive: Course Management Basics: The hidden fundamental
Related: Course management basics · Tee shot strategy · Approach shot strategy
The hole on the green (and the physical cup/liner) you’re aiming to finish in.
A controlled left-to-right shot for right-handed golfers (a fade).
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
The number of strokes you receive on a particular course and tee set based on your handicap index.
D
A piece of turf taken after impact (usually with irons). A divot starting in front of the ball is a common sign of solid strike.
Deep dive: Fat Shots Explained: A guide to stop chunking it in golf!
The motion from the top to impact. Sequence (lower body, torso, arms, club) matters.
A controlled right-to-left shot for right-handed golfers, created by a face slightly closed relative to path.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
The longest club, used mainly from the tee for maximum distance.
Deep dive: Sky High Driver? Here’s why it happens.
Putting the ball back into play under relief rules by dropping it from knee height in a defined relief area.
Two over par on a hole.
A chunked chip or pitch where the club hits the ground first.
Deep dive: The Chunked Chip: How to Stop Duffing It Around the Greens
The effective loft delivered at impact (static loft plus shaft lean and face angle).
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A defined area (by local rule) where you may drop when taking relief (often near penalty areas).
E
The hips move toward the ball in the downswing, crowding space and forcing compensations (blocks, hooks, thin/fat strikes).
Deep dive: "Early Extension": The Hidden Killer of Consistent Golf Shots
Related: Early extension fixes · Getting stuck · Fat shots explained
Two under par on a hole.
Practice with clear intent, feedback, and transfer to the course—not just hitting balls for volume.
Deep dive: Stop Beating Balls: How to Practice With a Purpose
A ball embedded in its own pitch mark in the general area; free relief is often allowed under the Rules.
Unwritten rules of pace, safety, respect, and care for the course (raking bunkers, fixing pitch marks, etc.).
A bunker technique where you ‘explode’ sand out and the ball rides out on the splash.
Deep dive: Improve Your Bunker Shots In 5 Minutes
F
The difference between clubface angle and swing path at impact. It largely determines curve (draw/fade/slice/hook).
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Related: Ball flight laws · Ball flight principles drill
A controlled left-to-right shot for right-handed golfers, created by a face slightly open relative to path.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
The closely-mown area between tee and green. Hitting fairways usually makes approach shots easier.
A long club (3W/5W/etc.) designed to be hit from the fairway or tee with a sweeping strike.
Deep dive: The Unsung Hero: Why Ball Position Is Critical for a Pure Strike
A heavy strike where the club hits the ground before the ball, killing speed and distance.
Deep dive: Fat Shots Explained: A guide to stop chunking it in golf!
Related: Fat shots explained · Ball position errors
A shot from rough where grass reduces friction, lowering spin so the ball flies farther and doesn’t stop as quickly.
A very high, soft shot played with an open-faced wedge. High risk; use when you must.
Deep dive: Wedge Bounce and Grind Explained (simple)
The motion after impact. Good follow-through is usually a result of good impact, not something forced.
The closely-mown collar around the green, slightly longer than the putting surface.
Partners play their own balls; the best score of the two counts for the team on each hole.
A match where two players play as partners and hit alternate shots with one ball (also called ‘alternate shot’).
Relief without penalty in situations like cart paths or abnormal course conditions (when eligible).
G
A drill using two objects (tees/alignment sticks) as a ‘gate’ to control club or putter path and start line.
Consistent distance spacing between clubs so you have a reliable club for each yardage.
Curvature caused by off-centre strikes (especially with a driver) where the face twists and adds side-spin.
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
When the arms/club drop too far behind the body in the downswing, forcing blocks, hooks, or compensations.
Deep dive: That "Stuck" Feeling: What It Is and How to Create Space in Your Swing
Related: Getting stuck explained · Fix your hook · Early extension fixes
A putt conceded by an opponent in match play. Not part of stroke-play rules.
Reaching the green in par minus two strokes (e.g., on a par 4, in two shots).
How you hold the club. It strongly influences face control, release, and shot shape.
Deep dive: It's Not "One Size Fits All": Finding the Right Grip for Your Swing
Related: Grip matchups · Ball flight laws
Assessing slope and grain to pick an aim point and speed for a putt.
Deep dive: How to Read a Green Like a Pro
Related: How to read a green · Putting start line drills
How you use your feet/legs to create force and rotation. Better pressure patterns improve speed and strike.
Deep dive: Play to Your Physical Abilities
H
A number that represents playing ability and allows different skill levels to compete fairly.
A standardised measure used to calculate your course handicap at a specific course/tee.
Areas marked where a ball incurs penalty relief options (water, red/yellow stakes).
Contact on the heel side of the face. Often causes a weak shot and can add unwanted curvature.
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
The part of the clubhead where the shaft connects. Striking the hosel can cause a shank.
Deep dive: Fix the Shanks Once and For All With This Simple Drill
A shot that curves strongly right-to-left for right-handed golfers. Often face too closed relative to path.
Deep dive: A hook feels as bad as a slice. Here's how to fix it.
Related: Fix your hook · Hook drill · Getting stuck (common cause)
A club that blends iron and wood design; easier launch than long irons for many golfers.
Deep dive: The Unsung Hero: Why Ball Position Is Critical for a Pure Strike
I
The moment the club contacts the ball. Impact conditions (face, path, strike, low point) decide the result.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A swing path travelling from inside the target line to outside through impact (for a right-hander). Often associated with draws/hooks.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Taking the club too far inside early, often setting up a ‘stuck’ downswing.
Deep dive: That "Stuck" Feeling: What It Is and How to Create Space in Your Swing
Numbered clubs used for approach shots. Designed to be hit with a downward strike and a low point in front of the ball.
Deep dive: Fat Shots Explained: A guide to stop chunking it in golf!
K
A lower-flying shot designed to control distance and reduce wind influence.
Deep dive: Controlling Your Golf Ball Flight Trajectory
L
Maintaining wrist angle in the downswing so speed is delivered at the bottom, not early.
Deep dive: Casting the Club: Are You Wasting All Your Power Before Impact?
Distance control on long putts with the goal of leaving a makeable second putt.
Deep dive: 100% of short putts don't go in
The initial vertical angle the ball leaves the clubface. Influenced by dynamic loft, strike, and angle of attack.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Shifting the upper body away from the target in the backswing. Often reduces rotation and strike quality.
Deep dive: Stop Swaying and Sliding: The easiest way to lose power in your swing
The position of the ball on the ground (sitting up, buried, on a slope, in rough, etc.).
The angle between the shaft and the sole when the club rests on the ground. A poor fit can bias direction.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A course-specific rule that modifies how certain situations are handled (e.g., preferred lies, drop zones).
The face angle that helps launch the ball. More loft generally means higher flight and more spin.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
The lowest point of the club’s arc. With irons it should be after the ball; with driver it’s usually before the ball (hitting up).
Deep dive: The Unsung Hero: Why Ball Position Is Critical for a Pure Strike
M
A format where holes are won/lost/tied rather than total strokes. Strategy changes (concessions, aggression).
A small object used to mark your ball’s position on the green so it can be lifted.
Managing emotion, focus, and decision-making under pressure so one mistake doesn’t cascade.
Deep dive: The Mental Game: How to Stop Frustration from Ruining Your Round
Any strike not on the sweet spot or with poor contact (thin, fat, heel/toe).
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
A clubhead’s resistance to twisting on off-centre strikes. Higher MOI generally means more forgiveness.
An informal ‘do-over’ shot. Not allowed under the Rules of Golf unless agreed in a casual round.
N
A grip that tends to deliver a square face without excessive manipulation—often described by how many knuckles you see on the lead hand.
Deep dive: It's Not "One Size Fits All": Finding the Right Grip for Your Swing
A swing path close to the target line at impact. With a square face, it tends to start straight.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
O
A face angle pointing right of the target line at impact for a right-hander. Common cause of slices and weak shots.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A face angle pointing left of the target line at impact for a right-hander. Common cause of pulls and hooks.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
Feet aligned left of the target line (for a right-hander). Can encourage an out-to-in path.
Deep dive: The Over-the-Top Move: What It Is and How to Stop It
Areas marked by white stakes/lines. A ball OB requires stroke-and-distance penalty (replay from previous spot).
A downswing that moves ‘over’ the plane, creating an out-to-in path. Often linked to slices and pulls.
Deep dive: The Over-the-Top Move: What It Is and How to Stop It
Related: Over-the-top explained · Fix your slice · Ball flight laws
A swing path travelling from outside the target line to inside through impact (for a right-hander). Often associated with fades/slices.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
P
The expected number of strokes to complete a hole (3, 4, or 5).
An added stroke under the Rules (e.g., for a lost ball, out of bounds, or penalty area relief).
A higher-flying shot than a chip, with more carry and less roll, typically with a wedge.
Deep dive: The Chip and Run: Your Most Reliable Shot Around the Green
An indentation on the green from a landing ball. Repairing it improves putting quality.
The tilted surface your club travels on. Consistent plane supports consistent path and strike.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A ball embedded in sand or soft ground. In bunkers this often requires a different technique.
Deep dive: Improve Your Bunker Shots In 5 Minutes
Your spine angle, hip hinge, and athletic stance at address. Impacts swing plane and rotation.
Deep dive: Play to Your Physical Abilities
A repeatable routine (decision, rehearsal, commitment) before each shot to improve consistency under pressure.
Deep dive: The Pre-Shot Routine: Your Secret Weapon Under Pressure
A local rule allowing you to lift, clean, and place the ball in certain areas due to poor conditions.
A second ball played in case the first is lost or out of bounds, saving a walk back.
Deep dive: Course Management 4: Getting Out of Trouble and Limiting the Damage
A shot that starts left of the target (right-hander) with little curve. Usually a face aimed left at impact.
Deep dive: Push and Pull Shots: why your golf ball goes left or right
Starts left and curves more left (right-hander). Usually out-to-in path with a face closed relative to that path.
Deep dive: Pull Hook: Causes and Fixes for the Worst Miss in Golf
Related: Pull-hook causes · Ball flight laws
A controlled low shot (often under trees or in wind) using less loft and a shorter finish.
A shot that starts right of the target (right-hander) with little curve. Usually a face aimed right at impact.
Deep dive: Push and Pull Shots: why your golf ball goes left or right
Starts right and curves further right (right-hander). Often an in-to-out path with a face even more open than that path.
Deep dive: Push Slice: the facts behind why you hit a push slice
Related: Push-slice causes · Ball flight laws
On the green, a push starts right and a pull starts left—usually start-line and face-control issues.
Deep dive: Putting Pushes and Pulls: Why Your Putt Misses Right or Left
The direction the ball starts rolling off the putter face. Start line + speed decide if a putt can go in.
Deep dive: Putting Start Line Drills: How to Aim Your Putter
Related: Putting start line drills · Putting gate drills
R
Marks a red penalty area (usually lateral water). Relief options differ from yellow penalty areas.
How the clubhead ‘unhinges’ through impact. Timing and grip strongly influence release and face control.
Deep dive: It's Not "One Size Fits All": Finding the Right Grip for Your Swing
The process of taking a new ball position under the Rules (penalty or free) when you can’t or shouldn’t play it as it lies.
The cadence of your swing—how the backswing and downswing flow together.
Deep dive: Golf Tempo: The hidden factor behind inconsistent ball striking
Turning the body to create speed and control. Good rotation supports consistent path and strike.
Deep dive: The Drill for a Powerful, Connected Rotation
Weight and pressure shift the wrong way (often leaning toward the target in the backswing). Can sap power and cause poor strikes.
Deep dive: Fix Your Reverse Pivot for More Power and Consistency
Longer grass off the fairway. It can reduce spin and control, and cause ‘flyers’.
S
A wedge designed for bunkers and short-game shots, typically 54–56° of loft.
Deep dive: Wedge Bounce and Grind Explained (simple)
A golfer with a handicap of 0 who can play to par on a course of standard difficulty.
Your starting position: grip, posture, alignment, and ball position. Most swing problems get worse with a poor setup.
Deep dive: The Unsung Hero: Why Ball Position Is Critical for a Pure Strike
When the handle is ahead of the clubhead at impact. Common with irons and wedges; changes dynamic loft and strike.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A downswing approach that is flatter and more from the inside. Useful, but too shallow can create blocks/hooks.
Deep dive: Steep vs Shallow: 2 vital elements of the golf swing
A more vertical or ‘down’ approach into the ball. Too steep can cause slices, pulls, and fat shots.
Deep dive: Steep vs Shallow: 2 vital elements of the golf swing
A strike off the hosel that shoots sharply right (right-hander). Often linked to path/space issues.
Deep dive: Fix the Shanks Once and For All With This Simple Drill
Shots around the green (chipping, pitching, bunkers, and putting). Where most strokes are saved.
Deep dive: The Chip and Run: Your Most Reliable Shot Around the Green
A shot that curves strongly left-to-right for right-handed golfers. Often face too open relative to path.
Deep dive: Fix Your Slice: the only drill you need.
Related: Over-the-top explained · Slice drill · Ball flight laws
A very high, short, weak driver shot, often from striking too low on the face or adding excess loft.
Deep dive: Sky High Driver? Here’s why it happens.
A number that describes how hard a course plays for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer.
The difference between dynamic loft and angle of attack. A key driver of spin rate and flight.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
A points-based scoring system where your score on each hole earns points relative to par.
The initial direction the ball starts. With full swings it’s dominated by clubface angle; with putting it’s face angle at impact.
Deep dive: Putting Start Line Drills: How to Aim Your Putter
Distance between your feet at address. Influences stability, rotation, and low point control.
Deep dive: Learning Stance Width for Golf: a simple guide
Related: Stance width guide · Ball position errors
The penalty procedure for lost balls or OB: add one penalty stroke and replay from the previous spot.
Standard format where total strokes over the round determine the score.
Excess lateral movement away from the target in the backswing. Reduces rotation and changes low point.
Deep dive: Stop Swaying and Sliding: The easiest way to lose power in your swing
Related: Stop swaying/sliding · Drill to stop swaying & sliding
Excess lateral movement toward the target in the downswing without enough rotation. Can cause blocks, hooks, and poor strike.
Deep dive: Stop Swaying and Sliding: The easiest way to lose power in your swing
The centre of the face where ball speed and direction are most consistent.
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
A chip struck with the leading edge (thin), sending the ball racing over the green.
Deep dive: Knifed, Bladed and Skulled Chips: causes and fixes
Related: Skulled chips explained · Wedge bounce & grind
T
The straight line from ball to target. Face angle and path are often measured relative to it.
Deep dive: Why your golf ball goes where it does
The area you must start the hole from. Ball must be teed within the tee markers’ boundaries.
The first shot on a hole. Smart tee targets reduce penalty strokes and improve scoring.
Deep dive: Course Management 2: Tee Shots and Avoiding Disaster
Related: Tee shot strategy · Course management basics
Your swing speed and sequencing feel—especially the ratio of backswing time to downswing time.
Deep dive: Golf Tempo: The hidden factor behind inconsistent ball striking
Related: Tempo & rhythm faults · Effective practice · Pre-shot routine
Striking the ball high on the face or near the leading edge, often producing a low, weak shot.
Deep dive: Thin Shots Explained: Stop hitting golf shots thin!
Related: Thin shots explained · Ball position errors
Contact on the toe side of the face. Can reduce speed and change curvature due to gear effect.
Deep dive: Finding the Sweet Spot: How to Cure Heel and Toe Strikes
Hitting the top half of the ball, producing a low runner. Often tied to low point and setup issues.
Deep dive: Topped Driver: Why it happens and the drill to fix it
The shape and height of a shot’s flight. You can control it with club selection, setup, and swing delivery.
Deep dive: Controlling Your Golf Ball Flight Trajectory
Three over par on a hole.
A recovery shot from trees, rough, bunkers, or bad lies. The goal is usually ‘back to safety’, not heroics.
Deep dive: Course Management 4: Getting Out of Trouble and Limiting the Damage
Related: Trouble shot strategy · Course management basics
When you miss both left and right unpredictably. Usually caused by inconsistent face-to-path relationship.
Deep dive: The Two-Way Miss Explained: Why You Miss Both Left and Right
Related: Two-way miss explained · Ball flight laws
U
Balls above/below your feet, uphill/downhill, or sidehill lies that change strike and start direction.
A Rules option where you take penalty relief when you can’t reasonably play the ball as it lies.
Deep dive: Course Management 4: Getting Out of Trouble and Limiting the Damage
W
High-lofted clubs used for approach shots and the short game (PW, GW, SW, LW).
Deep dive: Wedge Bounce and Grind Explained (simple)
Bounce is the sole’s angle; grind is the sole shape. Together they influence turf/sand interaction.
Deep dive: Wedge Bounce and Grind Explained (simple)
Related: Wedge bounce & grind explained · Improving bunker shots
Playing in wind requires trajectory control, solid contact, and conservative targets.
Deep dive: How to Play Golf in the Wind: 7 Essential Tips
Related: Tips for windy conditions · Control trajectory
A shot hit very low along the ground, often from thin contact or too little loft.
Deep dive: Thin Shots Explained: Stop hitting golf shots thin!
Marks a yellow penalty area (usually water in front of you). Relief options are more restrictive than red.
Y
A sudden, involuntary twitch or loss of motor control, usually in putting or short shots. Often linked to anxiety and tension.
Deep dive: The Mental Game: How to Stop Frustration from Ruining Your Round