Golf Glossary golf guide image
Glossary

Golf Glossary Search

Search common golf words in plain English. This is useful before lessons, before your first round, or while reading our Learn Golf guides.

What the Golf Glossary is for

Golf has many small words that can make a beginner feel lost. This glossary explains them in plain English, so lessons, scorecards, and course chats make more sense.

Search a word before your lesson or first round. You can also open each term page for a deeper guide with examples, mistakes, tables, and practice links.

  • 1. Search a word you heard.
  • 2. Read the plain meaning.
  • 3. Open the full term page for examples.

Birdie

A score of one under par on a hole.

Open Birdie Guide

Bogey

A score of one over par on a hole.

Open Bogey Guide

Bunker

A sand area that makes a shot harder.

Open Bunker Guide

Carry

How far the ball flies before it lands.

Open Carry Guide

Chip

A short shot near the green that rolls after landing.

Open Chip Guide

Draw

A shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed player.

Open Draw Guide

Fade

A shot that curves gently from left to right for a right-handed player.

Open Fade Guide

Fairway

The short grass between the tee and the green.

Open Fairway Guide

Green

The smooth area around the hole where you putt.

Open Green Guide

Handicap

A measure that estimates a golfer's scoring potential.

Open Handicap Guide

Lie

How the ball sits on the ground.

Open Lie Guide

Par

The expected number of strokes for a skilled golfer on a hole or course.

Open Par Guide

Pitch

A short shot that flies higher than a chip.

Open Pitch Guide

Rough

Longer grass beside the fairway.

Open Rough Guide

Slice

A big curve to the right for a right-handed player.

Open Slice Guide

Tee

The starting area for a hole, or the peg used to lift the ball for the first shot.

Open Tee Guide

How the Glossary Helps Your Golf

Use the Glossary with one clear goal

Golf has many small words that can make a beginner feel lost. This glossary explains them in plain English, so lessons, scorecards, and course chats make more sense.

Search a word before your lesson or first round. You can also open each term page for a deeper guide with examples, mistakes, tables, and practice links.

If you are brand new, start with par, bogey, birdie, bunker, fairway, green, and handicap. Those words appear everywhere on the Learn Golf pages and tools.

For a stronger learning path, move between the Learn Golf hub, the Where to Play guide, and your member dashboard. That gives you reading, action, and progress in one loop.

Golf Glossary Step 1

Search a word

Search a word you heard.

Golf Glossary Step 2

Read the plain

Read the plain meaning.

Golf Glossary Step 3

Open the full

Open the full term page for examples.

Glossary Reference Table

What to check when using the Glossary

Best useBefore lessons
Helpful termsPar, birdie, bogey, handicap
Next pageLearn Golf

Glossary Value Chart

Where the Glossary gives the most help

Lessons84%
Rules72%
Scoring88%
Related Blog Reads

Blog Reads for Golf Glossary

Extra context for Golf Glossary

These blog notes support the tool or guide you are using now. Read one, then come back to the main page so your learning turns into a clear golf action.

The First Five Rule Moments Beginners Should Expect

Most beginners meet the same rule moments early. Learn the basics for lost balls, bunkers, relief, and unplayable lies.

Read blog guide

The Etiquette Habits Playing Partners Notice First

Playing partners notice safety, quiet, and readiness before your score. This article covers the habits that make groups comfortable.

Read blog guide

A Calm First Month Plan for New Golfers

New golfers can use this first-month path to start lessons, practise safely, and book a gentle first round without buying half the pro shop.

Read blog guide

Next Steps After the Glossary

Turn the Glossary result into action