Golf Definitions - Beginner Level

There is so much golf specific lingo to learn, so here are some basic definitions to get you started:

Ace – a hole in one! This is when your tee shot on a par 3 goes into the hole. You should also know that the person who gets a hole-in-one traditionally buys a round in the clubhouse after the round. In 1999, Golf Digest reported, "One insurance company puts a PGA Tour pro's chances at 1 in 3,756 and an amateur's at 1 in 12,750."

Clubhouse – This is where you find the pro shop where you check in for your round. You’ll also usually find a restaurant and/or bar a the clubhouse and locker rooms/bathrooms

Bag drop – When you drive into the golf course entrance, you’ll often see a sign for a “Bag drop”. This is where you can drop off your golf bag so that you don’t have to lug it all the way from your parked car!!

Pro shop – Check-in for your round in the pro shop when you arrive at the course. The pro shop is also where you can buy anything and everything you could ever need (and a lot of things you do not need) to play a round of golf.

Tee shot – Your tee shot is your first shot on every hole from the tee box. Remember you must tee-up your ball on or behind the markers on the tee box. If you’re lined up ahead of the markers – it’s a 2 stroke penalty!!

Round – A round has two definitions in the game of golf. First, a round is what you call playing 18 holes of golf. Second, and perhaps more importantly, a round is what you buy when you get an ace!

Par – Every hole has a par associated with it. This is the standard number of strokes for each hole on the golf course. Generally, there are only 3 values for par – Par 3s, Par 4s and Par 5s. You should know that sometimes the par for a hole is different for different tee boxes. For example, you may find a hole that is a par 5 for the front tee but a par 4 from the other tees (eg white, blue or black tee)

Front tee – Also known as the forward tee, ladies tee, or red tee. This is the furthest forward tee (ie. the tee box closest to the hole) Generally speaking, women and juniors play from this tee; there is no rule however that says women can not play a different tee. There is also no rule that men can not play the front tee!

Ready golf – This is a really important definition for beginners to know but it’s also very difficult to understand until you play, so when you’re on the course it will make more sense! Traditionally while playing golf, there is very strict etiquette around who hits their ball when. (The furthest player away from the hole hits first) With ready golf however, generally you can hit your ball before someone who is further from the green than you who is not ready to hit their ball. Ready golf is commonly played by amateurs to keep the speed of the round moving quickly. Usually at the first tee, or somewhere on the first hole, someone in your group will suggest playing ready golf – that’s how you know it is okay to hit your ball before someone else.