Breaking Down (some) Golf Lingo

Golf, like many sports, has its own language, and if golf were a language, I could write a whole glossary. If you really want to dive deep into the rules, you can purchase a Rules of Golf book online, which defines each and every aspect of the game. However, for new and casual golfers, it's useful to familiarize yourself with some of the most common golf terms you’ll encounter.

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  Pull

  A pull occurs when the ball is hit with a shot that goes left (for right-handed golfers) or right (for

  left-handed golfers) without any curve. This happens when the clubface is closed, but the path

  of the swing is straight.

  Hook

  A hook is when the ball curves sharply to the left (for right-handed golfers) or right (for

  left-handed golfers) in the air. It’s often caused by a closed clubface and an inside-out swing

  path.

  Draw

  A draw is a controlled shot where the ball gently curves to the left (for right-handed golfers) or

  to the right (for left-handed golfers). A draw is often used intentionally to navigate around

  obstacles or to set up a better approach shot.

  Fade

  A fade is the opposite of a draw. It’s a controlled shot where the ball curves slightly to the right

  (for right-handed golfers) or to the left (for left-handed golfers). A fade is often used when

  Tee Box

  The tee box is where golfers start each hole. It's typically a flat, level area of ground with tee

  markers that indicate where you should place your ball for the first shot. The tee box can vary in

  length depending on the difficulty of the hole.

  Fairway

  The fairway is the well-maintained area of grass between the tee box and the green. It’s the

  area where golfers ideally want their shots to land, as it gives them the best chance for a

  successful approach shot.

  Green

  The green is the area of the course around the hole, where the grass is cut very short to allow

  for smooth putting. The hole is located on the green, and golfers aim to get the ball into the hole

  with as few strokes as possible.

  Rough

  The rough refers to the areas of longer grass surrounding the fairway. It’s typically harder to hit

  the ball accurately from the rough, and it can make your shots more challenging, especially if

  the rough is thick.

  
  

  By learning these common terms, you’ll be able to enjoy the game more fully and understand

  the conversations happening around you on the course. If you decide to get serious about golf,

  there’s always more to learn, but these basics should get you started! Feel free to email me any

  questions at sadie@martinez.golf and if you’d like to take a lesson or enroll in a program make

  sure to click through the lessons and clinics tabs.