Glossary of golf terms

Our golf dictionary covers the main terms used in golf. The first step in demystifying the game is to understand the language and terminology that golfers commonly use.

Term

Definition

impact
The point at which the club hits the ball.
in play
When the ball is within the playing area of the course and has been teed-off but before it is putted out. During this time the ball must be played as it lies and not touched, unless specific rules dictate otherwise.
interlocking grip
Method of of gripping the handle of the club in which the little finger of the right hand (for a right handed player) intertwines with the forefinger of the left hand. It is a common way to holf the club, and often favoured by players with small hands or short fingers to maintain a firm grip.
Intl. Federation of PGA Tours
The International Federation of PGA Tours is a forum bringing together the main mens' professional golf tours. There are currently six members : European Tour, US PGA Tour, Asian Tour, Japan Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, Sunshine Tour (Southern Africa). These Tours co-sanction the Official World Golf Rankings.
inward nine
The second nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
iron (club)
A metal headed club (forged or cast), the longest and least lofted of which is a driving iron or 1-iron, the shortest and most lofted being a sand-iron or lob-wedge. Irons are distinct from woods, although most woods are now made with hollow metal heads, rather than solid wooden heads. Irons have flat angled (lofted) faces and shorter shafts than woods. They are designed for approach shots to the green or hitting from various difficult lies. A full set of irons comprises: long irons (numbered 1 to 4), medium irons (5 to 7), and short irons (8, 9 and pitching wedge). Wedges are a special type of iron [see "wedge"].

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Tournaments

Chevron Championship: the first women’s major championship of 2023 is played for the first time in Texas, having been uprooted from its home of 51 years at the Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California.

Italian Open: the 80th playing of this prestigious European event will see many 2023 Ryder Cup hopefuls build their “local knowledge” of the Marco Simone course in Rome. (May 4-7). Ryder Cup (Sept 29-Oct 1).

Who's Who

Jon Rahm: dedicated his emphatic Masters Tournament win to the late Seve Ballesteros. “Rahmbo’s” victory came on the day his fellow countryman and golfing inspiration would have turned 66 years of age.

Steve Stricker: four-time senior major championship winner, chases a fifth title as he defends at the 34th Regions Tradition (May 11-14), the first senior major of 2023.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.

Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.

Costa Cruise & Golf

Costa’s "Cruise & Golf" allows golfers and their families to combine a unique golfing experience with the relaxation and fun of a cruise on board Costa Smeralda. Golf enthusiasts are offered a choice from 23 top-quality golf clubs; their chosen courses are played during the ship’s port calls in Italy, France and Spain. While the golfers are driving the fairways, accompanying non-golfers are able to enjoy the amenities and activities on-board, or explore wonderful places on day excursions organised by Costa. Read more ...

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Pebble Beach Golf Links

Ryder Cup 2023 at Marco Simone

Ryder Cup 2021 at Whistling Straits