Golfing Dictionary

Terms in Golf

A

ace A hole made in one stroke

address The stance taken by a player in preparing to hit the ball. The positioning of your body in relationship to the golf ball. Same as "addressing the ball".

Address To position the body relative to the ball just before hitting it.

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

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

albatross Former name of a "Double Eagle" - the score for a hole made in 3 strokes under par. A British term.

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 A golfer who plays without monetary compensation.

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

approach shot Normally a short or medium shot played to the putting green or pin

apron The grassy area surrounding the putting surface. See fringe.

attack To play with purpose and aggressively.

attend the flag To hold and then remove the flag while another player putts.

away The ball that is the greatest distance from the hole when more than one golfer is playing. It is the first to be played.