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Golf Glossary A-Z With Definitions

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

A:

Address
The initial stance and positioning a golfer takes before making a swing, addressing the ball.

Albatross
Scoring three strokes under par on a single hole, also known as a double eagle.

Approach Shot
A shot played from a distance to the putting green, typically with an iron or wedge.

Ace
Another term for a hole-in-one, scoring a one on a par-three hole.

Amateur
A golfer who does not receive financial compensation for playing the sport.

Alignment
The process of positioning the body and clubface in relation to the target line.

Away
A statement indicating that a golfer is farthest from the hole and has the right to play their shot first.

Apron
The closely mowed area around the putting green, linking it to the fairway.

Aim
The direction in which a golfer points the clubface to start the ball on a desired path.

Away Game
A golf match played at an opponent’s home course.

B:

Ball Flight
An occurrence when the ball is in the air after being hit.

Birdie
Scoring one stroke under par on a hole.

Bogey
Scoring one stroke over par on a hole.

Bunker
A sand hazard on the golf course, also known as a sand trap.

Backswing
The initial part of the golf swing, where the club moves away from the ball.

Ball Marker
A small object, usually a coin, used to mark the position of the ball on the green.

Blade Putter
A putter with a thin, flat clubface often preferred for its precise feel.

Break
The amount and direction a putt deviates from a straight line due to the slope of the green.

Bent Grass
A type of grass commonly used on putting greens due to its fine texture.

Belly Putter
A type of putter.

Buggy
A vehicle used on the golf course to transport players and their equipment.

Back Nine
The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

C:

Caddie
A person who carries a golfer’s bag and provides assistance during the round.

Chip Shot
A short, low-flying shot played around the green with a lofted club.

Course Rating
A numerical value representing the difficulty of a golf course for scratch golfers.

Cut
The score that determines which players make the halfway point in a tournament and continue to play the final rounds.

Cup
The hole on the green where the ball is intended to be putted.

Caddie Cart
A motorized cart used by caddies to transport clubs and equipment.

Carry
The distance a golf ball travels through the air without any roll after landing.

Course Management
The strategic decisions made by a golfer to navigate the course effectively.

Casting
An undesirable swing flaw where the club is released too early, resulting in weak and inaccurate shots.

Cart Path
The designated pathway on the golf course for golf carts to travel.

D:

Divot
The piece of turf that is cut out when a golf ball is struck from the fairway.

Dogleg
A hole that bends or curves to the left or right from the tee box.

Draw
A controlled shot that curves gently from right to left for right-handed golfers (left to right for left-handed golfers).

Drive
The first shot played from the tee box on a hole.

Driver
The longest club in a golfer’s bag, used for driving the ball off the tee.

Dimple
The small indentations on a golf ball’s surface that reduce air resistance.

Double Bogey
Scoring two strokes over par on a hole.

Downswing
The part of the golf swing where the club is brought down towards the ball.

Dormie
A match play situation where one player leads by the same number of holes remaining.

Duck Hook
A severe and uncontrolled hook shot that curves sharply to the left for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers).

E:

Eagle
Scoring two strokes under par on a hole.

Etiquette
The code of conduct and manners expected on the golf course.

Explosion Shot
A shot played from a greenside bunker, intended to lift the ball quickly into the air.

Extra Strokes
Penalty strokes added to a player’s score due to rule violations or unplayable lies.

Extra Holes
Additional holes played in a match when competitors are tied after the regulation number of holes.

End of Round
The completion of a full 18-hole round of golf.

External Obstructions
Obstacles located outside the golf course that might interfere with play.

Executive Course
A shorter golf course typically consisting of par-three and par-four holes.

Equipment
The clubs, balls, and other gear used by golfers to play the game.

Eye-line
The visual path from the golfer’s eyes to the target or ball during the swing.

F:

Fairway
The closely mowed area between the tee box and the green where most tee shots should land.

Fade
A controlled shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers).

Foursomes
A golf format where two-player teams alternate hitting the same ball.

Fore
A warning shouted to alert others of an errant shot that might hit

Flagstick
The stick with a flag that marks the location of the hole on the green.

Fringe
The closely mowed area surrounding the putting green, between the green and the rough.

Face
The front surface of the golf club head that makes contact with the ball.

Foot Wedge
A humorous term for using one’s foot to improve the position of the ball illegally.

Follow-Through
The continuation of the golf swing after the ball has been struck.

FootJoy
A well-known brand of golf shoes and apparel.

G:

Green
The putting surface surrounding the hole, where golfers try to complete the hole with the fewest strokes possible.

Grip
The way a golfer holds the golf club, which affects the control and feel of the swing.

Green in Regulation (GIR)
Reaching the putting green in the expected number of strokes according to its par value.

Grounding
Placing the clubhead behind the ball before making a stroke.

Grooves
The indentations on the clubface that influence the spin and control of the ball.

Golf Ball
The spherical object used to play golf, typically consisting of a solid core and a cover.

Golf Bag
A bag that holds your golf equipment.

Golf Clubs
lofted equipment used out on the golf course with a capacity of 14. Usually woods, hybrids, irons, wedges or a putter.

Green Reading
The process of analyzing the slope and break of the green to read how a putt will roll.

Gimme
A short putt that is conceded by other players, eliminating the need to putt it into the hole.

Gap Wedge
A golf club with a loft between a pitching wedge and a sand wedge, used for intermediate distances.

Greenside
Referring to the area near the green where golfers play their approach and short game shots.

H:

Handicap
A numerical measure of a golfer’s playing ability, used to level the playing field in competitions by giving strokes to less skilled players.

Hazard
Any obstacle on the golf course that may hinder play, including bunkers, water hazards, and out-of-bounds areas.

Hook
A shot that curves sharply from right to left for right-handed golfers (left to right for left-handed golfers).

Hybrid
A golf club that combines the characteristics of both irons and woods, designed to be versatile and easy to hit.

Hole-in-One
When a golfer makes a shot that goes directly into the hole from the tee, scoring a one on a par-three hole.

Honor
The right to tee off first on a hole, usually given to the player with the best score on the previous hole.

Hazards
Dangerous or tricky parts of the golf course, including bunkers, water hazards, and rough.

Hand Position
The placement of a golfer’s hands on the club grip, which can affect ball flight and shot outcome.

Half Shot
A swing where the golfer takes a shorter backswing and follows through, resulting in less distance than a full swing.

I:

Interlocking Grip
A grip style where the pinkie finger of the trailing hand interlocks with the index finger of the lead hand on the club.

Iron
A type of golf club with a solid metal head, used for various shots from the fairway and rough. E.G. 3-iron

Inside Path
The ideal swing path of the golf club, moving from inside the target line during the downswing.

Impact
The moment of contact between the golf ball and the clubface during a swing.

In-the-Lead
Refers to the player or team with the lowest score in a golf tournament.

In Bounds
The area within the golf course boundaries where play is permitted.

Intermediate Rough
Longer grass around the fairway, penalizing shots that miss the short grass.

Island Green
A green completely surrounded by water, commonly found on specific holes, challenging golfers’ accuracy.

Inside 50
Refers to a shot hit from within 50 yards of the hole, often requiring a delicate touch and short game finesse.

Inside Turn
The first part of the backswing where the clubhead moves inside the target line.

J:

Jigger
An old-fashioned, low-lofted iron club used for chip shots and bump-and-run shots.

Juniors
Young golfers who participate in junior golf programs and competitions.

Jaws
Slang term for the grooves on the clubface that grip the golf ball and create spin.

Jumping Bean
A term used when a golf ball bounces erratically due to striking a rock or hard surface.

Joint Venture
A golf competition format where two players team up, alternating shots throughout the round.

Jack Nicklaus
One of the greatest golfers in history, nicknamed “The Golden Bear,” with numerous major championship wins.

Just Off the Green
When the golf ball comes to rest very close to the edge of the putting green but not on it.

Jumbo Grip
An oversized grip on a golf club, often used to reduce wrist action and promote a smoother swing.

Journeyman
A professional golfer who competes regularly but hasn’t achieved widespread success or fame.

Jiggered
A slang term for being in a difficult or unfavorable situation on the golf course.

K:

Knockdown Shot
A controlled, low-flying shot typically used to combat strong winds or avoid obstacles.

Kickpoint
The point on a golf shaft where it flexes the most during the swing, affecting trajectory and feel.

Knee Knocker
A short putt, usually within three feet, that is considered easy but can create pressure in certain situations.

Kill
Slang term for hitting the ball with excessive power, often leading to a loss of control.

Knuckleball
A putt that wobbles unpredictably due to irregularities on the green’s surface.

Knock-Down Wedge
A wedge used for knockdown shots, offering more control and lower trajectory.

Kikuyu
A type of grass commonly found on golf courses in certain regions, known for its thick and challenging rough.

Keep the Head Down
A common golf tip to maintain a steady head position during the swing, promoting better ball striking.

Kapalua
A famous golf course in Hawaii, known for hosting the Tournament of Champions.

Knee High
A measurement for taking relief from certain hazards, where the golfer drops the ball at knee height.

L:

Lag Putt
A long-distance putt with the primary aim of getting the ball close to the hole rather than sinking it.

Lob Wedge
A high-lofted wedge used for hitting shots over hazards and with a steep trajectory.

Lateral Water Hazard
A water hazard running parallel to the fairway or green, where golfers can take a penalty drop.

Lie
The position of the ball on the ground, or the angle of the clubface when it rests on the ground.

Links Course
A traditional style of golf course often found in coastal regions, characterized by natural terrain and few trees.

Lost Ball
A ball that cannot be found within the five-minute search time, resulting in a penalty and replaying the shot.

Loop
Slang term for a caddy, or the act of caddying for a golfer during a round.

Loft
The angle of the clubface, which determines the trajectory and distance of the shot.

Long Putter
A type of putter different to the traditional length.

Lateral Hazard
A water hazard that runs perpendicular to the line of play, where golfers have options for taking relief.

Lie Angle
The angle formed between the club’s shaft and the sole when the clubhead rests on the ground.

M:

Mulligan
An unofficial “do-over” shot, where a golfer retakes a poor shot without penalty, usually allowed only in friendly rounds.

Medal Play
Another term for stroke play, where the total number of strokes taken is recorded to determine the winner.

Marker
The person responsible for keeping score in a group during a round of golf.

Mallet Putter
A type of putter with a larger, more forgiving head design that resembles a mallet.

Mashie
An old-style golf club with a loft between that of a mid-iron and a mashie niblick (similar to a modern 5- or 6-iron).

Match Play
A format where two golfers or teams compete hole-by-hole, with the winner being the one who wins the most holes.

Mid-Iron
A golf club, such as a 5- or 6-iron, with medium loft used for shots at moderate distances.

Metal Woods
Clubs with large metal heads, including drivers and fairway woods, designed to hit long-distance shots.

Mounding
Artificial mounds or hillocks on the golf course, used for aesthetics and creating challenging playing conditions.

Marker Stone
A permanent marker on the golf course that helps golfers identify distances or landmarks.

N:

Nassau
A popular betting game in golf where three separate bets are made: one for the front nine, one for the back nine, and one for the overall 18-hole score.

Nail it
Slang term for hitting a shot perfectly and with great accuracy.

Nassau Country Club
A historic golf club in New York, where the term “Nassau” originated from its popular betting games.

Nasty Nine
Slang term for a challenging and treacherous set of nine holes on a golf course.

Net Score
The total score of a golfer after subtracting their handicap from the gross score.

Nervous Nine
Slang term for the final nine holes in a competitive round when players may feel increased pressure.

Niblick
An old-style golf club with a high loft, similar to a modern 9-iron or pitching wedge.

Nonconforming Club
A golf club that doesn’t conform to the rules set by golf’s governing bodies, making it illegal for competition play.

Nose
Slang term for the leading edge of a golf club’s sole.

No-Score
A result when a golfer fails to complete a hole due to running out of balls or conceding the hole.

O:

Out-of-Bounds
The area outside the golf course boundaries where play is not allowed, incurring a penalty if a ball enters this area.

Overclubbing
Using a golf club with too much loft or distance potential for the shot at hand, resulting in overshooting the target.

Overseed
The practice of planting winter grass over the existing turf to maintain green fairways during colder months.

Over Par
A score higher than the designated par for a hole, round, or tournament.

Over-the-Top
A swing flaw where the club moves outside the proper swing plane during the downswing, often leading to slices.

Overlap Grip
A grip style where the little finger of the trailing hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand on the club.

Overswing
A swing that exceeds the necessary backswing length, potentially causing a loss of control and accuracy.

Off the Deck
Hitting a fairway wood or hybrid club from the ground, usually from the fairway or rough.

Open Clubface
When the clubface is pointing to the right of the target at impact, leading to fades or slices.

One-Putt
Sinking the ball into the hole with just one putt on a green.

P:

Par
The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a round.

Pitch Shot
A short, high-arching shot typically played with a wedge, designed to land softly on the green.

Punch Shot
A low-trajectory shot used to control distance in windy conditions or to avoid overhanging obstacles.

Penalty Stroke
An additional stroke added to a golfer’s score due to breaking a rule or taking relief.

Provisional Ball
A second ball played when a golfer believes their original ball might be lost or out of bounds.

Pinehurst Format
A golf competition format where two players hit each other’s tee shots, then play their own balls for the remainder of the hole.

Putting Green
The specially manicured area surrounding the hole where golfers putt.

Pre-Shot Routine
The series of actions and mental preparation a golfer goes through before making a shot.

Plugged Lie
A ball that is deeply embedded in the ground, typically in a bunker or soft fairway, requiring special technique to extract.

Power Fade
A controlled shot that curves gently from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers).

Q:

Quail Hollow Club
A prestigious golf course in North Carolina, known for hosting PGA Tour events and major championships.

Qualified Ball
A ball that conforms to the rules and is permitted for use in competitions.

Qualifying School
A series of tournaments that aspiring professional golfers must compete in to earn a spot on the professional tour.

Quadruple Bogey
A score of four strokes over par on a single hole.

Quick Nine
Playing just nine holes instead of a full 18-hole round.

Quarters
A golf betting game where players earn or lose quarters based on specific outcomes during the round.

Quarter Shot
A swing that goes only a quarter of the full distance, typically used for short chip shots around the green.

Quarry Golf Course
A golf course built within an abandoned quarry, providing unique and scenic surroundings.

Quality Ball
Slang term for a well-struck shot that goes where intended and has good distance.

Quail High
A shot hit too high, resulting in a loss of distance and accuracy.

R:

Rough
The longer, thicker grass that borders fairways and greens, making shots more challenging.

Relief
The process of taking a drop or repositioning the ball according to the rules.

Rangefinder
A device used by golfers to measure distances to specific targets on the course.

Reverse Overlap Grip
A putting grip where the index finger of the lead hand overlaps the pinkie finger of the trailing hand.

Reverse Pivot
A swing flaw where a golfer’s weight moves toward the target on the backswing instead of away from it.

Rub of the Green
When a ball’s path is altered by natural, unexpected conditions on the golf course, such as hitting a tree branch.

Round
Playing 18 holes of golf, either as practice or during a tournament.

Ryder Cup
A biennial team competition between the best golfers from Europe and the United States.

Rabbit
A term for the golfer who consistently plays poorly in a competition, frequently finishing last.

Rain Check
A voucher issued by a golf course allowing a golfer to return and complete their round if inclement weather forces them to stop.

R&A
Royal and Ancient Club of St.Andrews.

S:

Sand Save
When a golfer gets up and down from a greenside bunker in two strokes or less.

Slice
A shot that curves sharply from left to right for right-handed golfers (right to left for left-handed golfers).

Stimp Meter
A device used to measure the speed of a putting green by rolling a ball a specific distance.

Stance
The position of a golfer’s feet in relation to the ball and the target line before making a shot.

Stroke Play
A format where golfers count the total number of strokes taken to complete the entire round, and the lowest score wins.

Snap Hook
A severe and uncontrolled hook shot that curves sharply to the left for right-handed golfers (right to the right for left-handed golfers).

Sand Wedge
A high-lofted wedge club designed primarily for shots out of bunkers and soft lies.

Short Game
The aspect of golf focused on shots played from close to the green, including chipping, pitching, and putting.

Scratch Golfer
A golfer who typically plays at or below par, with a handicap of zero or lower.

Slope Rating
A measure of the relative difficulty of a golf course for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer.

T:

Tee Box
The area where golfers start each hole, marked by tee markers from where the first shot is played.

Top
To strike the ball above its center, causing it to travel poorly and stay low to the ground.

Trap
Slang term for a bunker or sand hazard on the golf course.

Tournament Play
Golf played competitively in an organized event, often with multiple rounds and various divisions.

Texas Scramble
A format where all members of a team tee off, and the best shot is selected to be played by all team members from that spot.

Triple Bogey
A score of three strokes over par on a single hole.

Trapped Shot
A shot played from a difficult lie, such as deep rough or a greenside bunker.

TrackMan
A sophisticated technology used to measure and analyze golf swings and ball flight data.

Toe
The outermost part of the clubhead, opposite the hosel, where the ball may strike if a golfer mishits a shot.

Two-Put
Sinking the ball into the hole with just two putts on a green.

U:

Up and Down
Successfully getting the ball into the hole with two strokes or less when close to the green, typically after a missed green in regulation.

Uphill Lie
A lie where the ball is above the golfer’s feet, usually resulting in a shot that tends to go to the left for right-handed golfers.

Unplayable Lie
When a golfer is unable to take a stance or make a swing due to the position of the ball, allowing them to take relief with a one-stroke penalty.

Under Par
A score lower than the designated par for a hole, round, or tournament.

USGA
The United States Golf Association, which governs the rules of golf in the United States.

Underclubbing
Using a golf club with too little distance potential for the shot at hand, resulting in falling short of the target.

Up-the-Hill Putt
A putt that requires the ball to travel uphill towards the hole.

Unforgiving
A term describing a golf course or specific hole that offers little room for error and severely punishes errant shots.

Unlimited Mulligans
A casual and playful format where golfers can take as many mulligans (do-over shots) as they wish during a round.

Utility Club
A versatile golf club, usually with a hybrid design, designed to replace long irons and fairway woods.

V:

Vardon Grip
An overlapping grip style named after Harry Vardon, where the little finger of the trailing hand overlaps the index finger of the lead hand.

Vardon Trophy
An award given to the golfer with the lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour during the season.

Vardon Swing
A classic and efficient golf swing style, with a slightly steeper and more upright plane than a modern swing.

Valley Course
A golf course situated within a valley, often offering picturesque views and challenging elevation changes.

Vice Captain
An assistant to the captain of a golf team, typically during team competitions like the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup.

Vertical Groove
The grooves on the clubface that run perpendicular to the club’s leading edge, influencing spin and control.

Vardon Flyer
A shot that flies longer than intended due to reduced spin, often caused by a clean lie in the rough.

Village Links
A common name for public golf courses located near residential areas or villages.

Volunteer
A person who assists in organizing and managing golf events, often offering their time and services for free.

Vardon Schoo
A golf school or academy that focuses on teaching the Vardon grip and swing technique.

Y:

Yips
A psychological condition where a golfer experiences involuntary muscle spasms, typically while putting, resulting in a loss of control and accuracy.

Yardage Book
A detailed guide to the golf course, providing distances to various landmarks and green contours for strategic planning.

Yield
Slang term for a successful shot that results in the desired outcome.

Yardage Marker
A marker on the golf course that indicates distances to specific points, such as fairway bunkers or the green’s front, middle, and back.

Yellow Stakes
Markers designating water hazards on the golf course, from which golfers can take penalty relief.

Yazoo Clay
A type of soil common in some golf course regions, known for being dense and challenging to maintain.

Yank
A severe and uncontrolled pull shot that curves sharply to the left for right-handed golfers (right to the right for left-handed golfers).

Yonex Cup
A former professional golf tournament on the Japan Golf Tour sponsored by Yonex, a sports equipment manufacturer.

You’re Away
A statement indicating that a golfer is farthest from the hole and has the right to play their shot first.

Yardage Gaps
The difference in distance between clubs in a golfer’s bag, typically measured in yards.

W:

Wedge
A type of golf club with a high loft, designed for shots around the green and out of sand bunkers.

Worm Burner
A shot that stays very low to the ground, skimming the grass, typically resulting in reduced distance and control.

Waggle
A small, rhythmic movement of the clubhead and hands just before starting the swing.

Wrist Hinge
The action of cocking the wrists during the backswing, storing energy for release during the downswing.

Waste Bunker
A sandy hazard on the golf course that is not a traditional bunker and has the same status as a lateral water hazard.

Wound Ball
A type of golf ball with a liquid or solid core surrounded by rubber threads, used in the past but mostly replaced by solid-core balls today.

Woods
A term used for a type of golf clubs.

Wraparound Season
A period on the PGA Tour that spans two calendar years, with events held in both fall and spring.

Winter Rules
 Temporary rules applied during the winter season, allowing golfers to improve their lies in certain areas.

Water Hazard
A body of water, such as a pond or a lake, that is designated as a hazard, and golfers have specific rules for playing from or around it.

Weak Grip
A grip style where the hands are turned to the left (for right-handed golfers) on the club, promoting a fade or slice ball flight.

X:

X-Flex
The stiffest flex option available in golf club shafts, suitable for high swing speeds.

X-Out
A golf ball with cosmetic imperfections that are sold at a reduced price.

X-Factor
A term referring to the difference between a golfer’s shoulder turn and hip turn during the backswing, contributing to power generation.

X-Marks-the-Spot
Slang term for hitting the exact target intended.

Xenon
A type of putter material known for its soft feel and responsiveness.

Xerox Classic
A former name of a golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions (formerly known as the Senior Tour).

X-Cross
Slang term for a score that includes a combination of pars, birdies, and bogeys.

X-Out Wedge
A specialized wedge with grooves designed to increase spin and control on short shots around the green.

Xanadu
A name inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “Kubla Khan,” sometimes used for upscale golf courses.

X-Grip
A type of grip used on golf clubs that includes a softer, textured rubber material for added traction.

Y:

Yips
A psychological condition where a golfer experiences involuntary muscle spasms, typically while putting, resulting in a loss of control and accuracy.

Yardage Book
A detailed guide to the golf course, providing distances to various landmarks and green contours for strategic planning.

Yield
Slang term for a successful shot that results in the desired outcome.

Yardage Marker
A marker on the golf course that indicates distances to specific points, such as fairway bunkers or the green’s front, middle, and back.

Yellow Stakes
Markers designating water hazards on the golf course, from which golfers can take penalty relief.

Yazoo Clay
A type of soil common in some golf course regions, known for being dense and challenging to maintain.

Yank
A severe and uncontrolled pull shot that curves sharply to the left for right-handed golfers (right to the right for left-handed golfers).

Yonex Cup
A former professional golf tournament on the Japan Golf Tour sponsored by Yonex, a sports equipment manufacturer.

You’re Away
A statement indicating that a golfer is farthest from the hole and has the right to play their shot first.

Yardage Gaps
The difference in distance between clubs in a golfer’s bag, typically measured in yards.

Y:

Yips
A psychological condition where a golfer experiences involuntary muscle spasms, typically while putting, resulting in a loss of control and accuracy.

Yardage Book
A detailed guide to the golf course, providing distances to various landmarks and green contours for strategic planning.

Yield
Slang term for a successful shot that results in the desired outcome.

Yardage Marker
A marker on the golf course that indicates distances to specific points, such as fairway bunkers or the green’s front, middle, and back.

Yellow Stakes
Markers designating water hazards on the golf course, from which golfers can take penalty relief.

Yazoo Clay
A type of soil common in some golf course regions, known for being dense and challenging to maintain.

Yank
A severe and uncontrolled pull shot that curves sharply to the left for right-handed golfers (right to the right for left-handed golfers).

Yonex Cup
A former professional golf tournament on the Japan Golf Tour sponsored by Yonex, a sports equipment manufacturer.

You’re Away
A statement indicating that a golfer is farthest from the hole and has the right to play their shot first.

Yardage Gaps
The difference in distance between clubs in a golfer’s bag, typically measured in yards.

Z:

Zap
Slang term for an extremely fast and powerful shot.

Zero Putts
Completing a hole without needing to make any putts, usually due to chipping in or holing out from off the green.

Zombie Putter
A putter with a head shaped like a zombie or other whimsical design, often used for fun or novelty.

Zinger
A shot hit with great power and accuracy, often used when driving the ball.

Zone
A mental state in which a golfer feels completely focused and in control, often leading to peak performance.

Zigzag Putt
A putt that takes an erratic and unpredictable path to the hole due to the slope of the green.

Zinc Core
A material used in some golf ball designs as a core substitute, typically providing a soft feel and lower spin.

Zero Handicap
A golfer with a handicap index of zero, indicating that they play at scratch level.

Zoom
Slang term for the impressive speed and distance achieved by a well-struck shot.

Zurich Classic
A PGA Tour golf tournament held in New Orleans, sponsored by Zurich Insurance Services.