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

Sony Open in Hawaii: played at Waialae Country Club near Honolulu, the Sony Open takes over the spotlight from The Sentry as the PGA Tour’s calendar-year opening event (Jan 15-18). The Sentry (not being played in 2026) was formerly known as the Tournament of Champions, with a field typically restricted to golfers who won a PGA Tour event in the previous calendar year.

Dubai Desert Classic: the DP World Tour’s first Rolex Series event of 2026, is contested for the 37th time (Jan 22-25). First won by Englishman Mark James in 1989, it now boasts a four-time winner, Rory McIlroy. Played on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course, this once desert-surrounded course is the long-time flagship for Golf in Dubai.

Recently visited

Our visit last month included two rounds at Golf de Chantilly, one of France’s most prestigious clubs.
It offers two superb layouts: Le Vineuil, a five-star championship course with a rich history, and Longères, an excellent four-star course that provides a strong and enjoyable test.

The wider Paris region offers plenty more. Courses such as Fontainebleau, Golf de Saint-Germain, and several other top-rated layouts make this area one of Europe’s most rewarding golf destinations, offering a mix of woodland, heathland, and parkland designs.

The Dutch GC, The Netherlands

The Dutch: "It's no' just a game", as they say in Scotland, and that's certainly true at The Dutch. With 5-star services throughout, a lavishly comfortable Loch Lomond-inspired clubhouse, and a superbly designed and presented golf course, one could not ask for more from this top-end private club.

Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.

Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available

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Bethpage State Park (New York) host of the Ryder Cup 2025

Hamburger GC - Falkenstein

Golf de Chantilly (Picardie, France)