Golf can be a difficult game to understand if you are not familiar with the terminology. This article will help to clear up some of the confusion by explaining some of the most common terms used in golf. So, when you make it to somewhere such as the san diego driving range, you will then understand the rules of the game and so be able to focus more on your technique. That is your grip, stance, posture, and swing.
Ball
The ball is, of course, the small, round object that is hit with the golf club to make the shot. Golf balls on average will have 336 symmetrical dimples. There is no upper limit on this because one was invented that had 1,700 dimples. Perhaps, however, check with the club and your fellow player if looking to go different from the norm to make sure that you stay within the rules or their expectations of a fair game.
Some golf balls are made so that they glow in the dark. These make night games possible. Generally, though, golf balls are white. You can identify yours from the other golfer because you will either play with a different brand or have a different number on your ball.
Club
The club is the term used for the tool that is used to hit the ball. Each club is designed for a different purpose, such as driving, iron play, or putting. The different kinds include woods, irons, putters, and wedges. Woods are designed for long shots, irons for mid-range shots, putters for short shots, and wedges for very short shots around the green.
The driver is the longest and most powerful club in the golf bag. It is used to hit the ball at the greatest distance. This will likely be when taking your first shot at a particular hole.
Fairway / Green
The fairway is the area of the golf course between the tee box and the green that is well-manicured and free of obstacles. Whereas, the green is the area of the course around the hole where the grass is cut very short. This is where the flagstick is located.
Hole
The hole is defined as the small, circular opening in the ground that the ball is hit into. If you are involved in golf, to whatever level, you will have heard the term “hole-in-one”. This is what every gofer will strive for with each shot. When new to the game, you might just hit in the direction of a hole and hope. Professionals, however, will aim to get the ball in the hole on their first attempt if possible because that will lower their handicap. However, there are some holes where this is unlikely. Although, more skill on your part will mean fewer shots per hole.
Par
The number of strokes that a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole is known as par. The golf scoring systems terms the different strokes as the following:
- Birdie – One stroke under par.
- Eagle – Two strokes under par.
- Albatross / Double Eagle – Three strokes under par.
- Condor – Four strokes under par.
The above, of course, relates to taking a shot on an individual hole.
Putt / Stroke
A putt is a shot that is made on the green with a putter. The goal is to roll the ball into the hole. Whereas a stroke is when a swing of the club is made to hit the ball.
Tee
A small wooden or plastic peg is used to support the ball when teeing off. This gives it some height to avoid making divots in the grass and ruining the course. That is never popular with the club or fellow golfers.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many terms that are used in golf. By understanding these terms, you will be better able to follow and understand the game. Then you can enjoy the golfing range that is closest to home or the one that you have always wanted to play on.