Golf Terms – Page 4
Eagle: This term refers to a player who finishes a hole in two under par when playing a par-4 or a par-5 hole. You can also “eagle” a par-3 hole, but that is called an “ace” (See Ace).
Executive Course: An executive course is a small, 9-hole (par-3) course which can be played through in under 2 hours (typically 90 minutes).
Explosion Shot: This term describes a bunker shot that sends along with it an “explosion” of sand flying through the air.
Fade: A fade describes a shot that sends the ball veering slightly to the right (right-handed golfers).
Fairway: The fairway is the entire distance (in-bounds) that runs from the tee all the way to the green, and is kept nicely trimmed.
Fat: Whenever you take a swing and your clubface strikes the ground before hitting the ball, this is called a “fat”.
Flagstick: This is the flagged pole that rests inside of the hole on each green.Flex: The flex describes the amount of bend that exists within a club shaft.
Flier Lie: A flier lie is what you have when you take your swing and too much grass comes between the ball and the clubface. This has a tendency to reduce the amount of backspin on the ball as well.
Flop Shot: This is a type of pitch shot that skyrockets the ball high up into the air, but comes down short and lands soft.
Follow Through: Once you have taken your swing and made contact with the ball, the “follow through” describes the movement of your club and your body after the ball has been hit.
Fore: You will hear this term shouted loudly whenever a ball is flying towards another player. A warning signal, you should also shout the term “Fore” should your ball start traveling at another golfer on the course.
Forged Steel Blade: A club where the head is made up of softer forged steel, instead of the harder cast steel cavity-back irons are made of.
Fringe: The fringe is the collar of grass which surrounds the green. The length of this grass is typically shorter than that of the fairway, but longer than the green itself. (See also Collar).
Front Nine: The front nine refers to the first 9 holes of an 18-hole golf course.
Gimme: A Gimme is a putt that is so short and close to the hole that your playing partners do not require you to actually hit the ball in. Why? Because it is an obvious shot.
Glove: Golfers use a glove (typically worn on the lead hand) while playing golf to help enhance their grip. Preventing skin problems like blisters is another good reason to wear a glove.