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

Jack Nicklaus Award
Established in 1990, and administered by the PGA TOUR, the Jack Nicklaus award goes to the PGA Tour Player of the Year, the result of a ballot among the tour players.
Japan Golf Tour
Established in 1973, the Japan Golf Tour is one of the four richest and most prominent mens' tours for professional golfers. It comprises mainly Japanese players, but also attracts several non-Japanese golfers, especially for some of its bigger tournaments. Events on the Japan Golf Tour count for World Golf Ranking points. [Website : www.jgto.org].
JGTO
Established in 1999, JGTO (Japan Golf Tour Organisation) is the coordinating and governing body for the Japan Golf Tour. It also runs a developmental tour for aspiring players, called the Japan Challenge Tour. [Website : www.jgto.org].
jigger (club)
A moderately lofted, shallow-faced, short-shafted iron club that is generally no longer in use. It was used mainly for short approach play to the green and low-running chip shots. With its shallow loft it is sometimes compared to a modern 4-iron, but the jigger was not a club intended for long shots. Also called a "pitching niblick."
Joe Kirkwood Cup
Awarded annually to the winner of the Australian PGA Championship.
John Jacobs Trophy
Awarded annually to the winner of the European Seniors Order of Merit.

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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)