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    • Golf dictionary

    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

      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)

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