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 use | Before lessons |
|---|---|
| Helpful terms | Par, birdie, bogey, handicap |
| Next page | Learn Golf |
Glossary Value Chart
Where the Glossary gives the most help
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 guideThe 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 guideA 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 guideNext Steps After the Glossary
Turn the Glossary result into action
- Read one related lesson in the Learn Golf library.
- Use another tool, such as the practice plan generator, to turn the result into action.
- When you are ready to play, compare courses in the Singapore course guide.