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    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

      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

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