Golf Glossary

What Is a Birdie in Golf? Definition & How to Make More

A birdie in golf is scoring one stroke under par on a hole. Learn the definition, origin of the term, and how to improve your birdie percentage.

What Is a Birdie Putt in Golf?

Learn what a birdie putt is, how it differs from par and eagle putts, and the strategic and technical approaches that help you convert more birdie...

What Is a Bogey in Golf? Definition, Origin & How to Avoid Them

A bogey in golf is scoring one stroke over par on a hole. Learn the definition, origin, types of bogeys, and strategies to make fewer of them.

What Is a Divot in Golf?

Learn what a divot is in golf, what it tells you about your swing, the correct divot direction and depth for good iron shots, and the etiquette around...

What Is a Draw in Golf? Definition & How to Hit One

A draw in golf is a controlled shot that curves gently from right to left (for right-handed golfers). Learn the definition, causes, and how to hit a draw...

What Is a Fade in Golf? Definition & How to Hit One

A fade in golf is a controlled shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed golfers. Learn the definition, causes, and how to hit a fade on...

What Is a Gimme in Golf?

Learn what a gimme means in golf, when they're allowed under official rules vs. informal play, the etiquette around accepting and offering them, and how to...

What Is a Golf Handicap? Complete Beginner's Guide

A golf handicap measures your skill level relative to par and allows golfers of different abilities to compete fairly. Learn how it's calculated and used.

What Is a Golf Handicap Index?

Learn what a golf handicap index is, how it's calculated using the World Handicap System, how course handicap is derived from it, and how to use your...

What Is a Hole-in-One in Golf? Facts, Odds & How to Attempt One

A hole-in-one is hitting the ball directly into the cup from the tee on a single stroke. Learn the odds, famous examples, and tips to improve your chances.

What Is a Hook in Golf? Causes & How to Fix It

A hook is a shot that curves sharply from right to left for right-handed golfers. Learn what causes a hook and the proven fixes to straighten your ball flight.

What Is a Mulligan in Golf?

Learn what a mulligan means in golf, when it's used, how it affects the game, and the unwritten rules around taking one without ruining your playing...

What Is a Provisional Ball in Golf?

Learn when and how to play a provisional ball in golf, what the rules say about declaring and playing provisionals, and how they save time and strokes.

What Is a Scratch Golfer?

Learn what a scratch golfer is, what it takes to achieve scratch handicap, the statistics that define scratch-level play, and a realistic roadmap for...

What Is a Slice in Golf? Causes & How to Fix It

A slice is an extreme left-to-right shot shape that is the most common miss among amateur golfers. Learn what causes it and the proven fixes.

What Is Stableford Scoring in Golf?

Learn how Stableford scoring works in golf, how points are calculated, why many golfers prefer it to stroke play, and the strategy differences Stableford...

What Is an Albatross in Golf?

Learn what an albatross (or double eagle) means in golf, how rarely it occurs, the most famous albatrosses in golf history, and the mathematical likelihood...

What Is an Eagle in Golf? Definition & How Rare They Are

An eagle in golf is scoring two strokes under par on a hole. Learn the definition, how common eagles are, and the most common ways to make one.

What Is Par in Golf? Definition & How Par Is Set

Par in golf is the expected number of strokes for a skilled golfer to complete a hole or course. Learn how par is determined and how it affects scoring.

What Is the Fairway in Golf?

Learn what the fairway is in golf, how it's different from the rough and other areas, why hitting fairways matters for scoring, and strategies to hit more...

What Is the Green in Golf?

Learn what the putting green is in golf, how greens are maintained, how green speed is measured, and the basics of reading a green for accurate putting.

What Is the Rough in Golf?

Learn what the rough means in golf, the different types of rough, why it's more challenging than the fairway, and the techniques to escape it effectively.

What Is the Sweet Spot on a Golf Club?

The sweet spot is the optimal striking area on a golf club face. Learn where it is, why it matters, and how to hit it more consistently.

What Are the Yips in Golf? Causes & How to Overcome Them

The yips are involuntary muscle spasms during putting or chipping that cause missed shots. Learn what causes the yips and proven strategies to overcome them.