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Golf Glossary
Learn the language of Golf — answer-first definitions with real examples, beginner to pro.
70 terms
- Swing WeightAdvancedSwing weight measures how heavy a club feels in the swing, based on where its weight sits. It uses a letter-number scale (commonly C9 to D5), not grams.
- The SlotAdvanced"The slot" is the club's ideal downswing channel: inside and shallow, between the target line and shoulder plane. It allows an efficient, in-to-out strike.
- Toe-Down ImpactAdvancedToe-down impact is the natural drooping of the clubhead's toe during the downswing, caused by shaft dynamics and gravity. If setup does not account for it, the effective strike location shifts toward the toe.
- Trail Elbow CollapseAdvancedTrail elbow collapse is the trail elbow over-folding and losing structure in the downswing. The club loses width and speed, often forcing an early release or chicken wing.
- TransitionAdvancedThe transition is the moment the swing changes direction from backswing to downswing. How the body starts this moment determines sequencing, lag, and the resulting club path.
- Two-Way MissAdvancedA two-way miss is missing both left and right, sometimes hooking and sometimes pushing. The cause is face and path compensating for each other inconsistently.
- Uphill and Downhill Bunker LiesAdvancedIn a bunker, set your shoulders to match the ground. On a downhill lie, put more weight on your lead foot, open the face and swing down the bank, expecting a low shot that runs. On an uphill lie, tilt with the ground, use a fuller swing and expect a higher, shorter shot.
- Vertical Gear EffectAdvancedVertical gear effect is how hitting above or below the face's center of gravity changes spin and launch. High strikes add backspin and launch; low strikes reduce spin.
- Wedge GrindAdvancedWedge grind is how a wedge's sole is shaped and trimmed beyond its loft and bounce. It fine-tunes turf interaction for specific conditions and shot styles.
- Wrong-Handed Recovery ShotAdvancedYes, you can hit left-handed to get out of trouble. Rule 10.1a lets you strike the ball with any part of the clubhead. Turn a right-handed iron upside down so the toe points down, or use the back of the face, and make a short, controlled swing back into play.
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