A:
Abrade:
The process of removing the chrome finish from a steel shaft or the layer of paint from a graphite shaft prior to installation of the shaft into the head. Abrading may be done through the use of a sandpaper, a belt sander, a file, a knife, etc.
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Acetone:
Chemical used to bring ferrules to a high luster as a final step in assembly. Acetone is rubbed onto the ferrule with a rag or towel in order to obtain the luster.
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Air Hammer:
Mechanical device, typically run by an air compressor, that forces a shaft into a head under high pressure. Air hammers are typically used in production line settings in which the manufacturer also crimps the shafts prior to installation. See "Crimp."
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Abrade:
Allen Screw: Threaded screw used in weight ports. May also be known a hex screw or set screw.
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Abrade:
Allen Wrench: Type of wrench used to install or remove Allen screws. Also known as a hex wrench.
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Alloy:
Any combination of metal used to produce a club head or shaft. Alloys may contain aluminum, steel, beryllium, nickel, copper, titanium, or any number of other metals in varying combinations.
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Aluminum Oxide:
Media used in sandblasting applications of metal wood heads and iron faces. Also known as aluminum oxide sand.
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Aluminum Wood Head:
A type of metal wood head constructed primarily from aluminum alloys through a die casting process. Aluminum woods are generally utilized by beginning players due to their lower price. They typically are not as durable as stainless steel woods. They may also be known as aluminum alloy heads.
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Aluminum Shafts:
Golf shafts formed from aluminum tubing, used primarily in the 1960´s and early 70´s. They did not gain popularity due to their feel (as a result of their thicker walls as compared to steel shafts) and due to them being less durable than steel shafts.
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Anti-Shank:
general term given to older hickory shafted golf clubs that had large bends or offsets in their hosels to eliminate shanked shots.
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Appendix II (Design of Clubs):
United States Golf Association (USGA) Rule Book section dealing specifically with regulations for the design of golf clubs.
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Ascending Weight Technology:
The concept of utilizing lighter shafts in the long irons of a set for added club head speed and distance, while using heavier shafts in the shorter irons to promote control.
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Attihedral:
Pattern of dimples on a ball comprised of four straight rows of dimples around the middle of the ball, with four around each pole. Small triangular arrays of dimples fill the remaining area on the ball. This creates 8 triangular groupings of dimples on the ball. This pattern was the predominant pattern prior to the 1970´s. The pattern may also be called octohedral.
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Autoclave:
A pressurized heating device used for shaft construction. The autoclave is a heat treating chamber which applies pressure and high temperature to a material in order to cure it.
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B:
Back Nine:
The final nine holes of an eighteen hole round.
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Backswing:
Before you hit the ball, the backswing is the part where you begin to move back from the ball, to the point where it starts to move forward.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bail Out:
You hit a shot to avoid danger, such as a bunker.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Ball Mark:
Indentation made to the grass/ground on a putting green when a lofted shot lands on the green. Ball marks must be repaired as soon as noticed to properly heal and to maintain a uniform putting surface.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Ballooned:
A shot pattern wherein a golf ball accelerates upwards to an unreasonably high trajectory.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Banana Ball:
A sliced shot that has a flight pattern shaped liked a banana
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bent Grass:
Type of grass, characterized by thin blades, found on most courses with varying seasonal climates.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bermuda Grass:
Type of grass found on most courses located in warmer or tropical climates. Characterized by thick blades and "grainy" surface.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Best Ball:
A match in which one player plays against the better ball of two players or the best ball of three players.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Birdie:
A score of one under par for a hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bite:
When the ball stops, rather than rolls, when it lands.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Blast:
A shot made from a bunker that displaces a noticeable amount of sand.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Block:
Shot that goes straight, but suddenly makes a turn to the right (assuming you are a right handed golfer)
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bogey:
This means to take one shot more than par for a hole. A double bogey is two shots more, a triple bogey is three shots more, and so on. For example a 6 on a par 5 is a bogey.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Borrow:
A term referring to how much break will need to be anticipated when lining up a putt.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Break :
The curve the ball makes as it rolls toward the hole on the green. Also is a reference to the slope of the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 British Open:
Golf championship in Britain that is run by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bump And Run:
A style of golf shot that is most commonly used on traditional British-style courses. With a bump and run shot the golfers aims well short of the intended target and allows for substantial roll to his shot after its initial landing. The majority of American style courses are designed with "Target" golf shots in mind; ones that allow for higher ball flights and less roll.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Bunker:
Holes with sand in the bottom which are placed around the course as obstacles. Usually when your ball goes into a bunker you waste at least one shot hitting it out. They are also called traps.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Buried (Lie):
The lie of a ball, typically in a sand bunker, in which most of it is below the surface. See also "Fried Egg."
C:
Caddy:
A person who carries clubs for a golfer and provides advice regarding the golfer's club selection.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Carry-Double:
A caddie employed by two players and who typically carries two bags, one on each shoulder.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Cart Fee:
Similar to a green fee, the fee required to rent a golf cart for either 9 or 18 holes.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Casual Water:
Any temporary accumulation of water on the course that is visible before or after the player takes his stance. Water in a hazard is not casual water.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Chili-Dip:
A shot in which a player hits behind the ball, not moving it very far. May also be referred to as a "fat" shot or a "chunk."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Chip:
A short, generally lofted shot on or near the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Chip-Out:
A shot, generally going only a short distance, made from trouble in an attempt to get the ball back in play. Chip-outs are commonly made from trees or similar positions.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Choke:
To play badly under pressure.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Chunk:
A shot in which a player hits behind the ball resulting in a more turf being removed than desired. The resulting shot is also much shorter than desired. May also be called a "chili-dip."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Club Pro:
See "Golf Professional."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Collar:
A closely mown area surrounding the putting green. It may be similar to the green in height (fringe) or it may be higher, similar to rough.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Competitor:
A player participating in a stroke play competition
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Coring (Also Known As Aerifing):
Process of boring small holes, typically less than ¾" in diameter, into a putting green (or the fairway) in order to improve growth. The process is usually done once or twice per year.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Course:
The entire area on which a game (or round) of golf is played.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Course Rating:
The difficulty of a course measured by the governing body (AGU, USGA, R&A). They use a formula to obtain the results.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Course Rating:
A numerical rating, usually by a recognized organization, that identifies the difficulty of a course. For example, a course rated 72.4 is more difficult than one rated at 68.5. A scratch player should expect to shoot a 68 or 69 on the course rated 68.5.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Cross Wind:
A wind blowing across the course.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Cup:
The container you ultimately try to get the golf ball in.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Cut:
Type of shot, played intentionally, which curves from left to right.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Cut Shot:
Shot that moves from left to right in the air.
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D:
Dimple:
Depression on a golf ball designed to help get the ball airborne and maintain its accurate flight. Depending upon the number, depth and arrangement of the dimples, ball aerodynamics are greatly influenced.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Divot:
A chunk of the grass taken up by the club on the stroke. Should be replaced after swing.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Dogleg:
The design of a golf hole (a par 4 or 5) in which the layout changes direction, usually at the position a drive is designed to land. If the hole changes direction to the right, it is called a "dogleg right"; a direction change left is known as a "dogleg left."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Dormie:
The player or side having a lead in a match equal to the number of holes remaining to be played. A player is dormie-two if he is 2 holes ahead with 2 holes remaining to play.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Double Bogey:
A score of two over par on a hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Double-Cut:
Method of mowing putting greens in which the mower cuts in one direction and then cuts again in another direction, creating a fast putting surface. Fairways may be double cut as well.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Double-Eagle:
A score of 3 under par on a hole, for example, a 2 on a par 5;also called an "albatross."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 DQ:
Slang for disqualified from a tournament for breaking any of the rules of golf.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Drain:
To sink a putt.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Draw:
A ball that starts straight, or slightly right, and arcs gently to the left. This is a popular shape with low handicappers due to its considerable length of carry and roll. The common spin characteristic turns the ball with its flight line and lands the ball lively giving it extra roll.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Drive:
The first shot on a hole, played from the teeing ground.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Driver:
A 1-wood, used to get the maximum distance out of a shot.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Driving Range:
A practice area, either at a course or on its own, where players of all ability levels go to practice their game. A range may be a simple as a large mowed field with hitting areas or may be as elaborate as a facility with target greens and practice putting greens.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Drop Area:
An area identified by either paint or chalk in which a player may drop his ball under penalty of one stroke. Drop areas are most often found on holes with water hazards and allow the player relief, with penalty, from the water.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Duck Hook:
A shot that starts straight at the target and curves dramatically to the left of target (assuming a right-handed golfer.) One of the most out of control shot types.
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E:
Eagle:
Finishing a hole in two strokes less than par. This means taking three shots on a par five, two shots on a par four or one shot on a par three.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Etiquette:
The correct behaviour on a golf course. It is an important part of golf. Not knowing what to do can ruin other people's enjoyment of the game and result in your being asked to leave the course.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 European Tour:
Professional golf circuit for players in Europe.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Even Par:
A player's score that matches the par for the course at any point during a round.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Explosion:
Type of shot played to extricate a ball from a sand bunker. An explosion, also called a blast, is characterized by a player hitting sand while getting his ball out of the bunker.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Extra Hole:
Extra Holes played when a game is tied at the conclusion of regulation play.
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F:
Fade:
Type of shot that generally tends to curve to the right in the air (assuming a right-handed player.) A fade is a controlled shot preferred by many players.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Fairway:
The short, mown grass between the tee and the green. This is the best place to be because the ball is sitting up nicely and is easy to hit. Off the fairway is the rough, which is not a good place to be because the grass is long.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Fat:
Shot type in which a player hits behind the ball, resulting in a much shorter shot than normal. Fat shots are often characterized by a player taking an excessive divot.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Feel:
Learning to play a shot without having to think about it. Feel is particularly important around the green. Feel is developed by a lot of practice and experimenting.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 First Cut:
Term given to a section of rough (or higher grass) directly bordering a fairway. The first cut of rough is deemed to be considered "light" rough and may vary from a few yards wide to over 10 yards wide, depending upon the course.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 First Off:
The golfer who begins the round before anyone.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Five-Minute Rule:
The amount of time (5 minutes) that the R&A and USGA Rules allow a player to look for his ball. A ball not found after 5 minutes after the search for it is begun is considered to be lost.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Flex:
The amount of bend in a shaft.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Flyer (Flier):
A shot that flies substantially longer than desired, usually as a result of too much grass between the club face and ball. Flyers are more common from the rough than from the shorter fairway grasses.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Fore:
The most dreaded sound in golf. It means that someone has hit a wild shot and it could be coming straight at you. Pronounced four, it is yelled to warn other players. If you hit a shot that looks as if it could hit someone, or you see someone standing in your way before you play a shot, make sure you yell Fore! to warn them.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Four Ball:
A type of match in which two players play their better ball against the better ball of two other players.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Foursome:
A match in which two players play against two others, with each side playing one ball. "Foursome" is also applied to any group of 4 golfers playing together.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Free Drop:
A drop where no penalty is assets
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Fried Egg:
Lie in a sand bunker in which most of the ball is below the surface of the sand. Visually, the ball looks like a "fried egg", hence the term.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Fringe:
Area of grass that borders a putting green. The fringe is typically higher than the grass on the green, but lower than the grass on the fairway.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Froghair:
Thick, tall grass that borders the fringe on certain courses. The froghair, due to its thickness, is a very difficult area from which to play a controlled shot.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Front Nine:
The first nine holes of an 18 hole course.
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G:
Gallery:
Those who attend a golf event for the purpose of watching the tournament.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Gimme:
A shot, usually on the green, but that may be anywhere on the course, that is conceded by a player's opponent. Gimmees are usually applied to short putts that are almost certain to be holed.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Golf Club:
A golf course, either public or private, dedicated solely to golf. There are no pools, tennis courts, etc. at a golf club. Also, the piece of equipment used to hit a golf ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Golf Professional:
A career in golf dedicated to helping others to enjoy the game. This may be accomplished in a number ways: giving lessons, managing operations, running events, etc. (See "Professional Golfer.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Gorse:
Very thick grass and/or shrubs from which it may be impossible to play a shot. Gorse is common on European seaside courses.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Grain:
Direction of growth of blades of grass. Particularly noticeable on putting greens, the grain will have an influence on the direction and speed of the ball as it rolls.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Green :
The finely manicured area surrounding the hole on the course. This area is designed for putting.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Green Fee:
The cost of a round of golf.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Green Jacket :
The prize the winner of the US Masters golf tournament gets.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Greenkeeper:
The person responsible for the condition, care and maintenance of the golf course. He or she may also be called the " greens' superintendent."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Grip:
The top part of a club held by the golfer.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Ground Under Repair (GUR):
A marked area (usually by paint, chalk or roping) of the course from which a player may move his ball without penalty prior to playing his next shot. Common reasons for GUR to be marked are new constructions, damaged water lines, etc.
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H:
Hack:
Slang, derogatory term given to a player of lesser ability.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hacker:
Peasant player, or poor player.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Half:
To finish equal. You can have a half if you shoot the same score on a hole or for a complete round. If you and your partner finish with the same score on a hole, you can say: 'We halved the hole.'
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Handicap:
System of scoring that allows good players and not-so-good players to compete on equal terms. Your first handicap will probably be 36. This means that when you finish playing you deduct 36 strokes from your score. As you get better your handicap becomes smaller. Some players become so good that they actually have to add strokes to their score, rather than taking them off.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hanging Lie:
A ball resting on a uphill slope.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hardpan:
Term given to an area of the golf course (not bunkers or hazards) on which no grass is growing. Shots from hardpan are among the most difficult as it requires a high level of skill to get the club under the ball from such lies.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hazard:
Any obstruction on a golf course such as lakes, ponds, fences or bunkers.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Heel:
The part of the club head closest to the hosel. If a shot is struck there, it is said to be "heeled."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hole:
A small cylinder cut into the ground, measuring 4 ¼ inches in diameter and at least 4 inches deep. It is where you want your ball to eventually end up.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hole-In-One:
Getting the ball from the tee and into the hole with one shot. Also called an ace.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Home Green:
The 18th green, or any other designated as the last to be played.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Honor:
The player who hits first on a hole is said to have the "Honor". The honor is gained by having the lowest score on the most recently played hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hook:
Type of shot, for a right-handed golfer, that often starts to the right of the target and curves dramatically to the left, usually ending much more left of target than desired. A hook is normally considered to be a non-desirable shot.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hoseled Shot:
A shanked shot (see "Shank" and "Pitch Out") that results in a ball flight directly to the right as a result of the ball being struck on the hosel.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Hustler:
Someone who plays better than they claim to.
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I:
Impact:
When the club strikes the ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 In Jail:
Term used when faced with a difficult shot with little option for hitting towards the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Initiation:
Fee paid, up-front, prior to joining a private club. An initiation fee may vary between a few hundred dollars to nearly $100,000 at some of the most elite clubs in the world.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Inside-Out:
Swing path in which the player's club, on the downswing, crosses under its path on the backswing, ending up directed more to the right of target than desired. Inside-Out swings typically result in either pushes, draws or hooks, depending on the position of the club face at impact.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Intended Line:
The line you think the ball will travel after you hit it.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Invitational:
Type of tournament in which contestants must be invited in order to play. The most recognizable invitational event in the world is the Masters Tournament held each spring in Augusta, Georgia.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Iron:
A club made of iron or steel. Irons are of different sizes and degrees of loft on their head faces to get different heights on differing shots.
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J:
Jungle:
A ball hit into the trees is often known as being hit into the jungle.
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K:
Kill:
To smack a long shot
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Knife:
Slang term applied to a #1 iron due to its lack of loft.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Knock-Down:
Shot, intentionally played to keep a ball low in the wind. By reducing the length of a backswing and playing the ball back in the stance, a knock-down shot is played.
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L:
Lateral:
Type of water hazard, defined by red boundary stakes, that often runs parallel to the line of play on a hole. The penalty for hitting into a lateral hazard is one stroke. The term "lateral" may also describe a "Shank". (See "Shank.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Leader Board :
The place where the scores in a tournament are posted.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Lie:
How your ball has finished after you hit it. If it is sitting up beautifully in the middle of the fairway, you have a good lie. If it is in the rough or half buried in a bunker, you have a bad lie. It also has another meaning. If your partner asks you how you lie he/she wants to know how many shots you've taken.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Line :
The path the ball takes, whether on the green or the fairway.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Links:
Specifically the label given to golf courses constructed in which the 1st hole begins at the clubhouse and the 18th ends there, with no holes except those returning to the clubhouse. Links courses are often built near water. Links is also a generic slang term given to any golf course having 18 holes.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Lip:
The edge (or rim) of the hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Lip Out:
A ball as it is rolling on a putting green, that hits the edge of the hole and does not go in.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Lob Shot:
A high, soft shot, generally played near the green with a high-lofted wedge of some type (i.e., a lob wedge.)
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Local Rules:
Rules that are determined by the local folks.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Loft Angle:
The angle of the club's face. The wider or more "open" the face, the higher the ball will be lofted on contact . . . and the higher the number of the club.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Lost Ball:
A ball is considered to be lost if it cannot be located or identified after 5 minutes of searching for it.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Low Riser:
Slang term given to a shot, intentionally played, that starts low and ends at a "normal" trajectory. Generally a player must have some degree of skill to play these shots.
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M:
Major (Championship):
One of four of the most prestigious professional golf tournaments in the world for male golfers. Played every year, the Majors include the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open and the PGA. For female players, the Majors include the U.S. Open, The MacDonald's LPGA, the DuMaurier and the Dinah Shore.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Marker:
A person who records a fellow competitor's score in stroke play. Also, a coin or similar object used to indicate the location of a competitor's ball on a putting green. "Marker" is also the term used to identify the boundaries of the teeing area.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Marshall:
A volunteer, usually at professional tournaments, who job it is to keep the members of the gallery under control so that players can easily play shots, walk from tee to green, and so on.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Match Play:
Type of competition, typically among 2 individuals or two teams, in which the score is kept by the number of holes won and lost. The winner of a match play competition is the side who wins the most holes. A match play score may look like this: "3 and 2". This indicates the winning team was three holes up (ahead) with only two to play. "5 and 4" indicates 5 up with 4 to play, and so on.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Medal Play:
Type of competition in which the lowest total score (number of strokes) wins. The same as stroke play.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Medalist:
The golfer with the lowest score in the qualifying round of a tournament.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Mixed Foursome:
Two men and two women.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Model Swing:
Perfect swing!
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Mulligan :
A shot taken if the first one is missed. Mulligans are used frequently in the USA (and not really in many other countries) but are not allowed under the rules of golf.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Municipal Course:
Type of golf course, usually city or county managed, allowing play by the public, subject to tee time availability.
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N:
Nassau:
One of the most common games, a Nassau consists of a given bet for the front nine, a given bet for the back nine and a total bet for the overall game.
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O:
OB:
See Out of Bounds
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Off-Center Hit:
Not a good hit.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Open:
Type of tournament that is open to anyone who qualifies. Both professional golfers and amateurs may play in open competitions provided they meet certain qualifying criteria
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Out Of Bounds:
Any area encountered during a round of golf from which play is prohibited. Typically, but not always, out of bounds (OB) is off normal course property. The penalty for OB is stroke and distance. The player must return to the spot where the original ball was played, hit another shot from there and add a penalty stroke to his score.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Outside Agency:
A term given to something not part of the match. A dog or bird would be examples.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Outside-In:
Swing path in which the player's club, on the downswing, crosses over its path on the backswing, ending up directed more to the left of target than desired. Outside-In swings typically result in either pulls, fades or slices, depending on the position of the club face at impact.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Over Par:
Term given to the number of strokes a player's score is over the par for the number of holes played. For example, if a player shoots a score of 40 on 9 holes whose par is 36, he is said to be "4 over."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Over The Green:
Ball hit too far.
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P:
Par:
The number of shots a good player should take either ona given hole or for the duration of an 18 hole round. For a short hole the good player should take three shots; on a medium length hole the number is four and on a long hole it is five. We call these holes a par three, a par four and a par five. Par for the course is the pars of all the individual holes added together. On an average 18-hole course the par is 72. It can vary from the low 60s for a very short course to 74 for a long course.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Par 3 Course:
A short golf course comprised of all par 3 holes. Par 3 courses are good learning courses for beginners and help better players to improve their short games.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Par 3, 4 Or 5:
(See "Par.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Partner:
A player who is teamed with another player on the same side of a match.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Path:
The imaginary line formed by the arc of a player's swing. (See "Square", "Inside-Out" and "Outside-In".)
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Penalty:
Stroke(s) assessed when a ball is hit into a specific area either on (water hazard) or off (out of bounds) the course. Penalties may also be assessed for specific violations as defined by the Rules of Golf.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 PGA (Professional Golfer's Association):
Governing organization of males making their living in golf-related endeavors. The PGA issues guidelines and accreditation to its members depending upon their individual positions in the game.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pigeon:
A golfer that you should defeat in a game.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pin:
The flagstick
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pitch:
The pitch shot is one that goes high and does not roll very far when it lands. It is needed to play over bunkers close to the green - and to get out of the bunkers if you don't get over them.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pitch Out:
Slang term for a "shanked" shot. That is, a ball struck on the hosel of the head resulting in a straight right ball flight.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pitching :
A short shot pulling the ball into the air in a sharp arc.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Play Through:
A situation in which a faster group is permitted to play a hole on which a slower group is playing. The slower group typically stands out of the way of the faster group, who is said to have "played through."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Playoff:
In the event of a tie at the end of any competition, continuing play to determine the winner. The playoff may be sudden death, a specified number of holes or an entire 18-hole round.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pop-Up:
High, and short shot.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pot Bunker:
A small, but very deep bunker, usually filled with sand.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Power Fade:
A shot, generally from the tee, that combines the control of a left to right fade with the power and distance of a pull. A highly effective shot that is difficult to master.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Practice Green:
A place to practice putting.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Private Course:
Type of course requiring a membership to play. Guests may play private courses for a fee at specific times, often accompanied by a member of the club
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Professional:
A man or woman who plays golf for a living. There are two kinds: the club pro who teaches people to play and the tour pro who plays in the big tournaments. Some pros do both. If you have a problem with your game or your equipment, see your local pro.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Provisional Ball:
A ball that is played, usually in an effort to speed up play, as a potential replacement for a ball that may be lost or out of bounds. For example, a player hits his ball toward an out of bounds area, but is not sure the ball is out of bounds. He states the intention to hit a provisional (so he does not have to take time to return to the position from where he hit the original shot) in case the ball is out of bounds. If the original is out of bounds, the provisional becomes the ball in play, with penalty strokes added.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Public Course:
A course open to play for all golfers, subject to time availability.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Pull:
A shot that tends to go to the left of the intended target, in a straight path (assuming a right-handed player.) A pulled shot does not curve in flight, but flies in a straight line simply left of the target.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Punch:
A shot, played intentionally low, to avoid wind, trees or other obstacles. The shot is played with a short backswing with the ball positioned rearward in the stance.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Punch-Out:
Low shot played from trees designed to get the ball back into play.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Push:
A shot that tends to go to the right of the intended target, in a straight path (assuming a right-handed player.) A pushed shot does not curve in flight, but flies in a straight line simply right of the target.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Putt:
When a player hits the ball while it is on the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Putter :
A short club with a flat face designed to roll the ball along the ground when hit.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Putting:
Attempting to roll the ball into the hole once you get your ball onto the green. The club used is called a putter.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Putting Green:
The area of the hole being played that is specifically mowed for putting. The term "Putting Green" may also refer to a practice putting area, usually near the clubhouse.
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Q:
Coming Soon:
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R:
Rake:
Used to remove your footsteps in a bunker after you used it.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Range :
A place on the course to practice driving and fairway shots. Sometimes there is an area for pitches and sand-shot practice.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Range Ball:
Type of ball used at a driving range facility. The balls may be used balls or may be specially made, difficult-to-cut balls purchased by upscale ranges for durability. Usually range balls are marked in some way; typically by a red stripe and/or name encircling the ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Ranger:
A golf course employee whose duty it is to keep the pace of play at an acceptable time. A ranger typically drives the course in a motorized cart, identified in some way (flag, sign, etc.), encouraging slow groups to speed up or to allow other groups to play through.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Red Numbers:
Term given to under par scores in a tournament.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Relief:
Under the Rules of Golf, moving (either placing or dropping) a ball in order to make a normal stroke at it. Relief may be with or without penalty depending upon the situation. Common items from which relief is taken are trees, water and obstructions.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Resort:
Type of golf course catering to the guests of the resort with which it is associated. Resort courses may sell limited memberships and may allow public play at specific times.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Rhythm:
In golf, as in music, rhythm is a flowing, uninterrupted movement. Both music and golf are terrible without it.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Rifle A Shot:
To hit the ball far and hard.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Rough:
Type of grass, bordering fairways, that is higher and generally more coarse than the grass in the fairway. Rough may also be present near green, tees and bunkers depending upon the particular course; it may vary in height from one are on the course to another and from course to course as well. (See "First Cut" and "Second Cut.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Round:
Term applied to a typical round of golf, generally 18 holes, but sometimes 9.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Royal And Ancient:
One of the two governing bodies of golf, along with the USGA. Often called the "R & A", it is headquartered in St. Andrews, Scotland.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Rub Of The Green:
A term given to a ball affected in some way by an outside agency (See "Outside Agency.") A rub of the green occurs if a ball is headed out of bounds and hits an animal, deflecting it back in to play.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Rules Of Golf:
There are so many that a lot of golfers carry the 128-page rule book in their bag. If you break a rule in golf, even accidentally, the best thing that can happen to you is that you have to add penalty strokes to your score. The worst is that you are disqualified.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Run-Up Shot:
An intentionally low shot designed to roll on to the green, usually played with a lower lofted iron such a #6 iron or lower.
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S:
Sand Trap:
ATerm given to a bunker filled with sand.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sandbagger:
A golfer who consistently plays to a score better than his handicap indicates that he should.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Scorecard:
The card on which you write your score after each hole. If you are playing in a competition, you swap cards with your partner and write his or her score in the first column and your own score in the second column.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Scotch Foursome:
A type of competition wherein partners alternate hitting the same ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Scramble (also called Ambrose):
Term given to a type of game, played as a team, in which all players play from one position. For example, a team of 4 players all hit drives. The next shot is played, again by all 4 players, from the position of the best drive. Play continues in this manner until the ball is holed. Scramble is also a term applied to a player who often hits his ball in trouble, but typically recovers very well, with a "good" score.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Scratch:
A handicap of 0, indicative of a highly skilled player.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Second Cut:
Term applied to a section of rough (or higher grass) that borders the first cut (See First Cut) of rough. The second cut is farther from the fairway and is generally more severe than the first cut.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Semi-Private:
Type of golf club in which memberships are sold, but that allows public play during specific time periods.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Senior Golfer:
Any golfer 50 years of age or older is considered to be a senior golfer.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Shag Bag:
A bag to carry practice balls.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Shank:
A shot that is struck in the hosel area of the golf club. The resulting ball flight is generally straight to the right. A shank may also be called a "hoseled shot", a "pitch out" or a "lateral."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Shotgun Start:
When competitors all begin play simultaneously from different tees around the course. The starter used a shotgun blast to announce the start. An air horn is now generally used.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sink:
To make a putt.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Skins:
Type of match play game in which each hole is worth a given amount of points or money. Points or money is often "carried over" in the event of ties, making all subsequent holes potentially worth considerably more.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Skull:
To strike the top of the ball with an upwards, glancing blow. Similar to "hitting it thin". Sometimes spelled "scull" as in the glancing motion of an oar that makes improper contact with the water.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sky:
Term give to a shot, usually with a wood, that goes much higher and shorter than desired. A "skied" shot is often hit on or near the top of the club.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Slice:
A shot that tends to start to the left of the target and curve to the right of the target, most often more that the player desires (assuming a right-handed player.) A slice is the most common shot among amateur golfers.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Slope (Index):
Mathematical formula used in the USA to compare the difficulty of one course to the next. It takes into account length, hazards, terrain, etc. A course with a slope rating of 150 will be far more difficult than one sloped at 100. Slope ratings allow fair matches between members from clubs of varying difficulty.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Smother:
To bring the clubface down and over the ball when hitting a shot causing the ball to be poorly struck.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Snake:
A long putt; one that is usually holed from a long distance.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Snap Hook:
A shot that starts quickly to the left and angles sharply downwards and further to the left generally producing a very short and undesirable result.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sod:
A chunk of turf from the course. Commonly referred to as a "divot. (See "Divot.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Soft Spikes:
Generic term given to the plastic type of spikes required on many courses. These softer spikes are believed to do less damage to the course, especially to the greens. (See "Spikes.")
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Spikes:
Metal implements on the bottom of golf shoes designed to aid in traction. Spikes are approximately ½" in length. "Spikes" may also be a slang term used for golf shoes themselves.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Spot Putting:
Aiming not directly at the hole, but a place on the green so the ball will roll into the hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 St. Andrews:
Considered to be the "home" of golf, St. Andrews is the location of Europe's rules-making body, the R & A, as well as being the location of one of the most famous courses (St. Andrews) in all of golf.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stableford:
Type of competition in which points are awarded in relation to a fixed score on each hole. For example, a par may receive 0 points, a birdie, 2 points, and eagle 5 points, a bogey -1, and so on. Points are established for each individual competition.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stance:
Position of the feet prior to making a shot. A player placing his feet in position to make a stroke is said to have taken his stance.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Starter:
A person who introduces you or sets you up with the first tee.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stimp:
Term given to the speed of a green after measurement with a specialized piece of equipment (Stimpmeter.) The higher the Stimp reading, the faster the green. Most courses rate at between 6 and 9 on the Stimp Scale; pro tournament venues may rate at over 12.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stimpmeter:
Apparatus used to measure the speed of a green. It is basically an angled metal piece from which a ball is rolled onto a flat area of the green. Depending upon how far the ball rolls, a "Stimp" reading is determined. The farther the ball rolls, the higher the Stimp reading and the faster the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stroke:
The forward movement of the club made with the intent of hitting the ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stroke And Distance:
Penalty assessed for a ball hit out of bounds or for a lost ball. It involves going back to the spot of the original ball, hitting another ball from there and adding a penalty shot to the score.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stroke Play:
Type of competition, also known as medal play, in which the lowest total score (number of strokes) wins.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Stymie:
A situation, commonly on a putting green, in which one player's ball is directly in the line of another's. The Rules allow for the ball in the line to be marked and moved, allowing the player farther from the hole to play without obstruction. Stymie is also the generic term given to a situation when any object is between the player and the hole, blocking the normal play toward the hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sudden Death:
A type of playoff among tied individuals or teams at the completion of a competition. As soon as a team or individual makes the highest score on a hole, they are eliminated from play.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Supination:
A term made popular by Ben Hogan referring to the rotation and angling of the right wrist during the golf swing.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Sweet Swing:
Term given to a player who swings at the ball in a skilled manner. A golfer who makes a smooth swing is considered to be a "sweet swinger."
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T:
Tap In:
A short putt; to hole a short putt.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Target Golf:
A style of golf played on the majority of American tournament courses where the golfer is required to hit a high, lofted, approach shot that allows for very little roll to the ball after it lands. This is in contradiction to "Bump and Run" style golf found commonly on British-style, traditional courses.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Tee:
This has two meanings. One is the place where you put your ball down to play the first shot on each hole. You hit from behind an imaginary line drawn between the two tee markers. The second is the little wooden or plastic thing that you put the ball on when you play the first shot on each hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Tee Box :
A flat area on the course usually marked with stakes where the initial drive or longest shot is made.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Tee Marker:
Wooden, metal or other material objects between which the ball is teed prior to playing a hole. There may be several sets of tee markers on each hole, each designed to identify the tees suggested for a particular ability group. For example, black tee markers may indicate the longest, most difficult (pro) tees, blue tees are for low handicap players, white tees are for average player, gold tees are for seniors and red tees are for ladies.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Tee Time:
Specific time slot allotted for play on a given day. Tee times are assigned by the golf course, usually in 8-10 minute intervals, and are acquired by calling or signing up in advance of when play is desired.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Teeing Ground:
The area where the play of a hole starts. It is defined by a pair of markers between which play begins.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Texas Wedge:
Slang term given to a putter. The term evolved due to players in Texas, among other dry areas, using a putter to run the ball up to the greens due to the hard ground.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Third Cut:
A section of rough, generally found on tournament courses that borders the second cut (See "Second Cut.") The third cut is very severe and may not be found on all but the most difficult courses.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Three Ball Match:
A match play situation in which three players play against one another, each playing his own ball. Each player is playing two separate matches.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Threesome:
Type of match in which one player plays against two, with each side playing one ball. The term threesome is often mis-applied (according to the Rules of Golf) to a group of three golfers playing in the same group.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Through The Green:
A Term given to all areas of the course, except for the teeing ground, putting green and hazards.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Toe:
The end of the club head most far away from the shaft. Also the term used when a player hits the ball on that area of the club, usually resulting in a shorter shot than desired as well as one going to the right of the intended target, i.e., a "toed" shot (assuming a right-handed golfer.)
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Top:
Shot that does not get airborne as a result of a player hitting the top of the ball. A "top" is most often a result of a player moving his head and not looking at the ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Topdress:
Fertilizer, soil and sand mix applied to greens after they are aerified in order to provide nutrients to the green.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Track:
The term given to the layout of a golf course; for example, that was a "good" track. Also term given to a putt as it rolls toward the hole; for example, a putt that is heading for the hole is "tracking."
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Trap:
Generic term given to a bunker that contains sand. Also called a sand trap.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Triple Bogey :
Three over par on one hole.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Turn:
The halfway point of an 18 hole round. A player "makes the turn" after playing #9 and heading to #10 tee.
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U:
Under Par:
Term given to stokes a player has taken relative to what hole he is playing. If a player has played the front 9 in 34 strokes and par is 36, he is said to be "2 under.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Underclub:
To take at least one club less than is necessary for the distance of the shot. The result of this shot will invariably be short of the intended target.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Unplayable Lie:
A ball hit into a position that does not allow a player to hit it is considered to be in an unplayable lie. Examples are balls hit under pine trees, balls hit into rocky areas, etc.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Up And Down:
Also termed "Up and In", the situation in which a player misses the green and then makes one chip and one putt to achieve his score.
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V:
Coming Soon:
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W:
Waggle:
Pre-shot movement in which a golfer moves the club back away from the ball a time or two, usually to relieve tension.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Waiting List:
The number and ranking of individuals waiting to join a private club that has a full membership at the time. Waiting lists at some private clubs can be many years.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Waste Area:
An area on a golf course that is similar to a sand trap, but is not declared an official hazard. It is generally not maintained or raked and is often comprised of sea shells or pebbles.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Water Hazard:
The term applied to any relatively permanent and open area of water (sea, lake, pond, etc.) anywhere on the course. The penalty for hitting your ball into a water hazard is one stroke.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Wedge :
A club used to give the ball maximum loft.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Whiff:
Term applied to the situation when a player has swung at the ball and missed completely. This is counted as a stroke.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Wind Cheater:
A shot that flies low into the wind in an effort to achieve less wind resistance and greater distance.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Wood :
Clubs made of wood. They are made in varying sizes and thicknesses for different ways of hitting the ball.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123 Worm Burner:
A poor shot characterized by the ball not getting airborne and simply rolling fast along the ground.
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X:
Xylophone:
We had to have something for every letter so this is it for X. Oh and by the way a xylophone is a musical instrument that we all used to play when we were young.
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Y:
Yank:
A shot to the left of the target line for righthand player.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123
Yardage
A distance that is measured in yards.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123
Yips
A bad twitching in the putting stroke that is resulting less accuracy.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123
Z:
Zinc Iron Heads:
Iron heads die cast from an alloy of zinc. These heads typically are considered less expensive and less durable than their stainless counterparts and thus are designated primarily for beginner sets. Zinc heads can be identified by their non-magnetic properties as well as by their typically larger diameter than normal hosels.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123
Zylin:
A proprietary cover material developed by Spalding that is claimed to produce feel and durability.
Top | Contact us | 1-714-968-5123
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