There are quite a few terms in golf that you should know. We previously provided 10 pieces of advice in an earlier article. Without further ado, here is our list of 20 golf terms that you need to know.

Golf Terms: 1. Ace

The first golf term that you should know is ace. An ace refers to hitting the ball into the hole in a single shot. It is also commonly called a hole-in-one. This is the best possible score on any hole, obviously. An ace is rare but it most commonly happens on par-3s, since these are the shortest holes.

2. Eagle

Another golf term that is important to know is eagle. An eagle means that you complete a hole two shots below the hole’s par rating. For example, if you complete a par-5 hole in three shots, then you have scored an eagle.

Naturally, it is difficult to score an eagle, even if you are an experienced golfer. Eagles are most common on par-5 holes when you get to the green in only two shots and make the following putt. However, scoring an eagle on any hole is impressive and doing so should make you proud.

3. Birdie

It is definitely vital for you to know the term birdie, since you will likely score some of them. Birdies are much more common than aces or eagles. A birdie means that you finished a hole one shot below the hole’s par rating.

For example, if you score a four on a par-5 hole, then you have scored a birdie. Another example is if you score a three on a par-4 hole. This concept is relatively straightforward and you often see birdies in professional tournaments.

Golf Terms: 4. Par

This term is also quite crucial to know and has been used several times in this article already. Par refers to the number of shots the course expects an accomplished golfer to take on a certain hole. The course classifies holes as par-5, par-4, or par-3.

The hole’s length and level of difficulty determines which classification the course assigns to it. Naturally, the longer and more difficult holes are assigned higher par ratings. If you finish even par overall at a certain course, you are considered a ‘par golfer’. This means that you finish with an average score of roughly 72.

5. Bogey

A bogey refers to a golfer finishing a hole one shot above par. For example, this means you finish a par-4 hole with five shots. Additionally, a ‘bogey golfer’ has an average score of 90 if the course is a par-72.

Golf Terms: 6. Double Bogey

A double bogey is the term used for finishing a hole two shots above par. One example of this is getting a score of seven on a par-5 hole. Try to avoid penalty strokes if you want to avoid double bogeys.

7. Mulligan

A mulligan means that you retake a shot when you don’t like how it turned out initially. This is illegal in official tournaments. However, casual play often allows them.

8. Gimme Putt

A gimme putt refers to a short putt that you and the other players agree you are allowed to skip. Everyone considers it a made putt. Also, this is a nice gesture and a common practice when playing casually.

9. Flop Shot

This term refers to a soft, high shot that delicately lands on the green. Also, you typically make this shot using a sand wedge or a lob. Additionally, this type of short requires skill and is usually associated with professional players, such as Phil Mickelson.

Golf Terms: 10. Shank

The term ‘shank’ is a nightmare for a golfer. It means hitting the ball off the club’s heel or neck, making the ball veer sharply right. Also, one golf superstition is that shanks are contagious, so most golfers don’t even say the word out loud.

11. Topped Shot

A topped shot occurs when you hit the ball’s top half with the club’s bottom. Additionally, this causes you to hit an embarrassing shot that only goes a few yards. Hitting this shot is quite embarrassing, but it happens.

12. Hook

A hook refers to curving the ball unintentionally from right to left in midair. Also, this problem affects right-handed golfers. As a result, the ball can move around wildly.

Golf Terms: 13. Snowman

This is something you don’t want to encounter on the golf course. In golf, a snowman means that you scored an eight on a hole. Also, doing so can negatively affect your round quite a bit.

14. Fried Egg

A fried egg in golf is something else you want to avoid. This term refers to a partially-buried ball in a bunker. Additionally, hitting these shots properly is challenging. This is because you will have a hard time generating the necessary spin.

15. Caddie

A caddie refers to a person that you hire in order to give you advice and carry your golf clubs. Caddies usually know courses well and provide useful advice. A good caddie can be invaluable for your success.

Golf Terms: 16. Tee Box

A tee box is the area where you tee off at the start of each hole. You have to tee your ball up behind the markers. If you do not, you will receive a one-shot penalty. That is the rule, anyway.

17. Green

The green is the area of the hole that includes both the flag and the hole. Getting shots onto greens will help you get lower scores. In professional golf, ‘greens in regulation’ measures the number of greens you reach.

18. Rough

In golf, the term ‘rough’ refers to the longest grass near the green and fairway. Landing shots in the rough makes them more difficult to play. Rough lengths can vary quite a bit depending on the course.

19. Putt

A putt means that you hit the ball with your putter on the green. It is quite straightforward. Naturally, it is best to complete each hole with as few putts as possible.

20. Bunker

A bunker is the term for an obstacle filled with sand on a golf course. The two categories of bunkers are fairway bunkers and greenside bunkers. Some courses refer to bunkers as sand traps. It is best to avoid bunkers.

That concludes our article on 20 golf terms that you should know.