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

Nassau
A game between two players or teams where one point is scored for the outcome of the front-nine holes, one point for the back-nine and one point for the overall 18 holes.
Nationwide Tour
Established in 1990, the Nationwide Tour is run by the PGA TOUR as the second-tier tour for US-based professional golfers. It provides a high-quality, season long proving ground and stepping-stone for potential US PGA TOUR players. The tournaments are staged in mostly medium sized markets, with some events held outside the USA. [website: pgatour.com].
net score
A player's score after the deduction of his/her handicap from the gross score.
niblick
Like today's short-irons, niblicks were made for shorter approach shots and pitching to the green. They were metal-headed and included: mashie niblick (equivalent to 7-iron); pitching niblick (8-iron) and niblick (9-iron).
Nines
Also known as "Nine-points" or "5-3-1". A scoring system used when three golfers play together, which is based on splitting nine points per hole amongst the three players. Typically the lowest score for the hole attracts 5 pts, next-lowest 3 pts, and highest score 1 pt. Ties are resolved by dividing the points proportionately among the players: a tie for first is worth 4 pts each, a tie for second is worth 2 pts each, and a three way tie gives 3 pts each. A variation of Nines is the slightly easier to calculate Sixes (also known as Split Six), based on distributing six points per hole.
Nineteenth hole
The clubhouse bar, much visited after the completion of a round of golf.

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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.

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.

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