what is a bogey in golf

You’re not going to be a scratch golfer the first time you pick up a club. (If you don’t know what “scratch handicapper” means, keep reading, you’re in the right place!) Similarly, a beginner can’t be expected to know all the golf terms and lingo used throughout the game (let alone the numerouscomedic golf termsyou can read about here).

The problem is that most people have to embarrass themselves in front of friends or colleagues in order to learn it all. That’s why we’ve compiled this glossary of golf terminology used by both amateur and professional players.

It won’t turn you into a golf specialist, but if you spend a little time studying the following golf words, you’ll avoid any embarrassing situations on the course.your first trip to the links(see below for definition).

What is a par? A birdie? A bogey?

Let’s start simply with the golf terms “par”, “birdie” and “bogey”. These three golf words all pertain to scoring.

“Par” represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make on the hole or course. Each golf hole has a “par” value assigned to it. The majority of the holes are par 3, par 4, or par 5. On a par 4, an excellent golfer should take four strokes to get his ball into the hole. A “par” is earned when you make a 4 on a par 4 hole.

Once you grasp the notion of par, the terms “birdie” and “bogey” become clear. A player makes a “birdie” when he uses one less stroke than the hole’s par. A “bogey” occurs when a player requires one stroke more than par to complete a hole. So, if you finish a par 4 with just 3 strokes, you make a “birdie”, but if you take 5 strokes to complete a par 4, you make a “bogey”.

Players often maintain track of their total score for a whole round by noting how many strokes they are above or under par. If a golfer starts a round with two pars, he is “even par” for the round. A golfer is “two under” for the round if he starts with two birdies. A player is “two over” if he makes two bogeys to begin a round. Similarly, if a player makes a birdie on the 1st hole and follows it with a bogey on No. 2, he is “even par.”

What does ‘ace’ mean?

An “ace” is one of the most coveted accomplishments in the golf. It is merely another way of saying “hole-in-one“, which occurs when a golfer just needs one shot to get his ball into the hole.

Almost all “aces” or “holes-in-one” happen on par 3s. That’s because all players are expected to reach the green on par 3s with their tee shot (the first shot on the hole from the teeing ground). If it happens to not only hit the green but actually roll into the hole, you have earned yourself an “ace”. On rare occasions, aPGA Tour player makes an “ace”on a short par 4, but they are exceedingly rare.

What does ‘fore’ mean in golf?

Golfers cry “fore” when their golf ball comes dangerously near to another player.

Basicgolf etiquetteTo avoid striking the golfers in front of you with your golf ball, you must wait until they are totally out of the way before taking your shot. However, if you hit a wayward shot that flies toward other players, bystanders, or spectators, you must cry “fore” loudly to alert them of the impending ball.

The origin of “fore,” like many other golf words, is unknown. There is no doubt that it was first used in Scotland, where the game of golf was invented, even as early as the 1850s. However, there is some controversy regarding where it originates from.

Some think it comes from the golf term “forecaddie”, which is a person that stands in a forward position on each golf hole to pinpoint where the players’ balls go. “Forecaddies” are often in the line of fire and must be notified when a ball is heading their way.

The British military is another possible source. To warn their fellow troops standing close, artillerymen used to cry “beware before” before firing their guns. Golfers are supposed to have copied this strategy for errant golf strokes, but reduced it to the golf word “front.”

What does ‘links’ mean?

“Links” refers to a specific type of golf course and, frequently, the style of golf that is played on those courses (“links golf”). “Links” golf courses are noted for the firm, tightly-mowed grass that covers the course and the naturally undulating and rumpled ground they are built on. Furthermore, trees and water hazards are seldom seen on links courses, with deep sand traps nicknamed as “pot bunkers” taking their place. Links courses are also often found on coastal beaches, where strong, changeable winds play a significant role.

“Links” golf courses originated in Scotland, where the first golf courses were established. Other nations with “links” golf courses include Ireland and England. Famous links courses include the Old Course at St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Turnberry in Scotland. The Open Championship, or British Open, is always played on links courses.

Links golf usually requires golfers to play their balls on a lower trajectory, using the ground to their advantage. Longer, higher shots are often required in American-style parkland golf.

What does ‘albatross’ mean in golf?

One of the best golf terms around, “albatross” refers to when a player uses three fewer strokes on a hole than the par for that hole. An “albatross” can only be made in two ways. To begin, you mayhit your second shot in the hole on a par-5. Second, you can makea hole-in-one on a par-4. Do either and you will go three under par on a single hole (and win bragging rights among your golf friends forever).

What does ‘mulligan’ mean in golf?

A mulligan is a golf phrase used exclusively by recreational players. Amateur golfers may sometimes (and often) hit a bad drive on the first hole, whether due to nervousness or a failure to warm up properly. Rather than begin on a low note, golfers in informal games may sometimes “take a mulligan” and re-play their first shot with a fresh ball without counting the previous terrible stroke.

“Mulligans” are technically against the Rules of Golf, yet players use them nevertheless.frequently make use of them, as long as they are not participating in a tournament or other major match. Often a golfer will suggest or give permission to his playing partner to take a mulligan, but other times the golfer will choose to take a mulligan without consulting his playing partners.

Where does the term ‘golf’ come from?

We’ve gone over a few fundamental golf words, but what about the term “golf” itself? The origins of golfers’ favorite four-letter word are not entirely clear, but it certainly appeared first in the country where the game was created: Scotland. Many people say it comes from theScots-language word “goulf”.

Other golf terms to know

Handicap:A handicap is a measurement of the average number of strokes over par a particular golfer makes during a round on an average golf course. So, a person with a handicap of 15 is expected to shoot a score of 87 on a par-72 golf course of average difficulty. On the same course, a 5-handicapper is anticipated to score a 77. Handicaps are used in amateur matches to level the playing field for players of varying ability levels.

Scratch:A “scratch” golfer is one who has no handicap. These expert golfers are expected to shoot even par or better on most golf courses.

Yips:A condition in which a muscle spasm or mental block prevents you from performing a simple golf task. It is most often connected with putting. Players with the putting yips will make an uncontrollable jerky motion in their putting stroke that results in a poor putt. Attempts are made tocure the yipsare often fruitless.

Shank:A “shank” is a significantly mishit shot that occurs when you hit the golf ball off the neck, toe, or heel of the club, resulting in a wild, short, and sometimes humiliating stroke.

Slice:A “slice” is when your golf ball curves severely to your strong side (right side for righties, left side for lefties), tailing or “slicing” away from your intended target. It is one of the most prevalent and aggravating swing flaws, often produced by an outside-in swing.

Slope:The word “slope” refers to the difficulty of a golf course for the typical bogey golfer. Essentially, it attempts to measure how much harder a course is for a normal golfer compared to an expert golfer. Slope ratings range from 55 to 155.

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