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

Ryder Cup: Rome plays host to the first ever Ryder Cup to be staged in Italy, with the USA defending golf’s greatest team trophy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Sept 29-Oct 1).

Solheim Cup: also in September, also in southern Europe, the 18th Solheim Cup will be contested at Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, with Europe defending after their surprise win in Toledo, Inverness Club (Ohio) in 2021 (Sept 22-24). 

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To secure the best rates and ensure availability, it's recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during peak golfing season.
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Who's Who

Céline Boutier: with many successes as both an amateur and professional golfer, Boutier added a major championship title to her impressive résumé at this year’s Evian Championship.

Alex Cejka: buffeted by rain and high winds, especially on the high-scoring final day, Čejka prevailed over Pádraig Harrington in a playoff at Royal Porthcawl, to scoop the Senior Open Championship title.

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.

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Hamburger GC - Falkenstein, Germany

The Nairn Golf Club, Scotland

Littlestone Golf Club (Kent, UK)