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

Women’s (British) Open: the last women’s major championship of the season is hosted by Royal Porthcawl GC. It’s the first time this fabulous seaside links course has hosted the event (July 31-Aug 3).

Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7).

After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).

Who's Who

Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.

Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.

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

Whistling Straits (Wisconsin, US)

TPC Louisiana host of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans