Golf
A plain-language guide to golf terms, course language, formats, rules, and tournament phrases.
Events
Paths
Categories
Events
A-Z glossary
A famous three-hole stretch at Augusta National.
Augusta NationalThe golf club and course where The Masters is played.
BirdieOne stroke fewer than the number assigned to a hole.
BogeyOne stroke more than the number assigned to a hole.
BunkerA prepared hollow filled with sand.
Ceremonial tee shotA symbolic opening shot before tournament play begins.
ChipA low, short hit intended to travel mostly along the ground after landing.
Cut lineThe score threshold used to reduce the field after an early stage of a tournament.
Defending championThe player who won the same tournament the previous time it was played.
Double bogeyTwo strokes more than the number assigned to a hole.
DriverThe longest club, usually used for the first hit on longer holes.
FairwayThe closely cut route between the starting area and the target.
ForeA warning shouted when a moving ball may hit someone.
GreenThe closely cut area surrounding the cup.
Green jacketThe garment awarded to the champion at Augusta National.
Greens in regulationA statistic recording whether the ball reached the putting surface within the expected number of strokes.
Handicap indexA number estimating a player's demonstrated ability across recent rounds.
LeaderboardThe ordered list showing players and their current scores.
MulliganAn unofficial do-over that does not count.
Out of boundsAn area outside the permitted limits of play.
ParThe number of strokes a skilled player is expected to take to complete a hole.
PatronThe word The Masters uses for a spectator.
PutterThe flat-faced club designed to roll the ball.
RoughLonger grass bordering the closely cut route.
ScrambleA team format in which everyone plays from the best previous result.
SliceA shot that curves sharply away from the player's body side.
Sunday chargeA late move up the leaderboard during the final round.
Tee boxThe designated starting area for a hole.
The MastersAn annual major golf tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club.