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

UBS Cup
Presented to the winner of the annual match between two teams of mens professionals representing the USA and the Rest of the World (the teams must each include six players aged 40 - 49 and six players aged over 50). (See Tournaments section in Encyclopedia).
under clubbing
Hitting the ball short of the intended target, usually as a result of incorrect club selection.
under par
A player's score in a stroke play event where he/she has taken less shots than the par for that hole or course. "One-under" at a par-4 hole means the player has taken three shots, and therefore recorded a birdie. Two-under at a hole is an eagle (or hole-in-one at a par-3); three-under par is an albatross (double eagle in the USA). A player who finishes a round on an 18-hole par-72 golf course with a score of six-under, will have gone round the course in 66 strokes.
up
The lead enjoyed by a player over his/her opponent in a match play event. If you have won two more holes than your opponent you will be "two up."
up and down
To get "up and down" means that your shot from somewhere off the green is followed by a putt that sinks the ball into the hole. An "up and down" from a greenside bunker is often referred to as a "sandie" (also spelt sandy).
uphill lie
A situation where the ball comes to rest on a slope facing uphill. When you take your stance your front foot will be above the level of your back foot.
USGA
The United States Golf Association is the governing body for golf in the USA and Mexico. Among its main functions are the organisation of the US Open, US Women's Open, US Seniors Open and several other top level competitions in the USA. It is also the governing body on the rules of golf in the USA (a responsibility in which it collaborates with the R&A Golf Club of St Andrews). [website: www.usga.org].
US LPGA
[See LPGA].
US PGA
[See PGA of America].
US PGA Tour
[See PGA TOUR].

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Tournaments

The Sentry: known for many years as the Tournament of Champions, the PGA Tour’s 2025 season-opener gets underway on Kapalua’s Plantation course (Jan 2-5). Chris Kirk defends.

Tournament of Champions: the LPGA Tour’s 2025 season is launched at Lake Nona with the their Tournament of Champions (Jan 30-Feb 2). The 2024 edition gave Lydia Ko her 20th LPGA Tour title.

Who's Who

Attahya Thitikul: also known as “Jeeno”, the Thai golfer won the LPGA Tour’s 2024 CME Group Tour Championship … and an eye-watering $4 million, the richest first-prize in women’s golf.

Rory McIlroy: scooped the 2024 European (DP World) Tour season-long Order of Merit title, joining Seve Ballesteros as a six-time winner of this prestigious award.

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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