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Golf Glossary
Learn the language of Golf — answer-first definitions with real examples, beginner to pro.
202 terms
- Texas WedgeBeginnerA Texas wedge is a putt played from off the green, such as from the fringe, the apron or a firm fairway. Putt it when the grass between you and the green is short, smooth and dry. Many golfers find it easier to control than a chip, since a mishit putt rarely costs as much as a skulled or chunked chip.
- The 90-Degree Cart RuleBeginnerThe 90-degree cart rule means you keep the cart on the path until you are level with your ball. Then you turn at a right angle, drive straight across the fairway to it, and return the same way. It spreads cart traffic and protects the turf.
- Thin ShotBeginnerA thin shot is when the club's leading edge catches the ball near its equator instead of below it. The opposite of a fat shot, it produces a low, skimming flight.
- Three-PuttBeginnerA three-putt means taking three strokes to hole out after reaching the green. It usually starts with poor distance control on the first putt.
- Topped ShotBeginnerA topped shot is when the club hits the top half of the ball, above its equator. The ball dribbles along the ground with very little height or distance.
- Total DistanceBeginnerTotal distance is how far the ball travels from impact until it stops. It is carry distance through the air plus roll after landing.
- Types of Golf ClubsBeginnerGolf has five main types of club. Woods, the driver and fairway woods, hit the longest shots, hybrids replace hard-to-hit long irons, and irons cover mid-length approaches. Wedges are high-lofted clubs for short shots and bunkers, and the putter rolls the ball on the green.
- Understanding ParBeginnerPar is the number of strokes an accomplished golfer is expected to need to complete a hole, including two putts. Most holes are par 3, 4, or 5, based primarily on the hole's length.
- Unplayable LieBeginnerA golfer may declare their ball unplayable anywhere except a penalty area and take relief for one penalty stroke. Only the golfer makes that call.
- WaggleBeginnerA waggle is a small, rhythmic movement of the club head before the swing — back and through the hitting area a few times. It relieves tension, previews the takeaway, and sets the swing in motion.
- Weak GripBeginnerA weak grip rotates both hands toward the target side of neutral, so fewer than 2 lead-hand knuckles show at address. It leaves the face open longer and is a common hidden cause of a slice.
- Weight TransferBeginnerWeight transfer is the movement of the body's center of pressure from the trail side (backswing) to the lead side (downswing). A complete transfer through impact is a fundamental source of power and consistency.
- What Is a Good Score for BeginnersBeginnerFor most new golfers, shooting 100–120 on a full 18-hole course is normal and respectable. Breaking 100 usually takes months to a couple of years of regular play.
- When to Replace Golf ClubsBeginnerThere is no set schedule for buying new golf clubs. Replace them when they no longer fit your swing, when wedge grooves or grips are worn, or when a fitting shows a clear gain. Wedges wear fastest. Irons and woods can last many years.
- Where to Stand When Others HitBeginnerStand to the side of the player, roughly facing them, well out of reach of their club. Never stand directly behind them on their line or ahead of the ball. Stay still and quiet from the moment they set up until the ball lands.
- Which Tees to PlayBeginnerPlay the tees whose total length lets you reach greens with clubs you hit well. The USGA's Best Tees guidance uses your 7-iron carry. About 125 yards suits a course of 5,400 to 5,600 yards, and about 140 yards suits 5,900 to 6,100 yards.
- WhiffBeginnerA whiff is a swing that misses the ball completely. Beginners do it most, usually from lifting the head or upper body, tension, or misjudging the ball's position.
- Whiff (Air Shot)BeginnerA whiff, or air shot, is a full swing that completely misses the ball. It counts as a stroke under the rules. It is a normal, common experience for beginners rather than a sign of a serious problem.
- Wide StanceBeginnerA wide stance sets the feet noticeably beyond shoulder width. It adds stability for full-effort swings like the driver, but allows less hip rotation.
- Women's Golf Clubs and Ladies FlexBeginnerWomen's clubs are usually about three-quarters of an inch to an inch shorter than men's. They are lighter, with thinner grips, more loft and softer ladies (L) flex shafts to suit average height and swing speed. Fit matters more than the label, and tall or fast-swinging women may suit regular, senior or men's clubs.
- Worm BurnerBeginnerA worm burner is a shot struck with so little loft at impact that it never really gets airborne. It skims along the ground for most or all of its distance.
- Wrong BallBeginnerHitting a wrong ball, any ball other than your ball in play, costs two penalty strokes in stroke play. In match play you lose the hole. In stroke play the strokes with the wrong ball don't count; go back and play your own ball. If you don't correct it before teeing off on the next hole, or before returning your card after the last, you are disqualified.
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