A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ace

Putting the ball in the hole in one stroke. A hole in one.

Action

To impart backspin onto the ball.

Address

Position taken by a player prior to hitting a shot. According to the Rules of Golf, a player has "addressed" the ball when he has taken his stance and grounded his club. In a hazard a player is considered to have addressed the ball when he has taken his stance

Aerify (Also Known As Coring)

Process of boring small holes, typically less than ¾" in diameter, into a putting green (or the fairway) in order to improve growth. The process is usually done once or twice per year.

Aggregate

Refers to a score made over more than one round of play, or by 2 or more players playing as partners.

AGU

Australian Golf Union.

Aimline

When lining up for a putt, the direction of the invisible straight line running from the ball directly to the pin, which you must then adjust according to the amount of break which you have determined the green to have, based on your read of the green.

Air Shot

When a player intends to play a shot but misses the ball completely.

Airmail the Green

When a player overpowers a shot aimed at the putting green, and the ball flight carries it completely over the green.

Albatross

If you get one of these, ring up the newspapers or TV station and you'll become famous. An albatross is playing a hole in three under par. That means taking only two shots on a par five hole or getting a hole-in-one on a par four. Very few golfers have had an albatross. It took Greg Norman 36 years to get his. In America they call an albatross a double eagle.

Alignment

The position of a player's body relative to the target line of the ball.

All Square

In match play, a match is all square (tied) when both players or teams have won the same number of holes. It is abbreviated "AS" on the scorecard.

Alternate Ball

Format in which players alternate hitting each other's ball on each stroke until the hole is finished. For example, after teeing off, player 1 hits player 2's ball and vice versa.

Amateur

Any golfer who plays the game for enjoyment and who does not receive direct monetary compensation due to his or her playing or teaching skills.

Ambrose (also called Scramble)

Term given to a type of game, played as a team, in which all players play from one position. For example, a team of 4 players all hit drives. The next shot is played, again by all 4 players, from the position of the best drive. Play continues in this manner until the ball is holed.

Angle of Approach

The angle or degree at which the club moves downward, or upward, toward the ball.

Angle of Attack

The angle at which the clubhead descends toward the golf ball on the downswing. A steep angle of attack is more likely from an upright swing and a shallow angle of attack comes from a swing with a flatter swing plane.

Anti-shank

A design of club which attempts to eliminate striking the ball with the hosel.

Approach

A shot from off the green toward the hole; also the closely-mown grassy area leading up to a green.

Apron

The closely mown area encircling a putting green; also called "fringe."

Arc

The nearly circular curve around the body made by a golf swing.

Attack

To play with purpose and aggressively.

Attend

When putting, a partner may "attend" by removing the flagstick while you putt. This is usually done when you are at a distance so the ball does not hit the flagstick and bounce out of the hole.

Australasian Tour

Professional golf circuit for players in Australia and Asia.

Away

The player farther from the hole whose turn it is to play.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z