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Below is a list of golf related words and terms along with their most common definitions. Some definitions also contain the USGA’s definition. You can find a more complete list of the USGA Rules and Definitions at www.rulesofgolf.com.
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Face (or Blade) 
The hitting area or surface of the club head. The striking face of an iron head.
The hitting area or surface of the club head. The striking face of an iron head. Face Angle Position of the club face relative to the intended line of ball flight. For right-handed golfers, a square face angle aligns directly at the target; an open face aligns to the right, while a closed face aligns left.
Position of the club face relative to the intended line of ball flight. For right-handed golfers, a square face angle aligns directly at the target; an open face aligns to the right, while a closed face aligns left. Face Insert An epoxy, metal, graphite or fibrous material in the center portion of the face of a golf club.
An epoxy, metal, graphite or fibrous material in the center portion of the face of a golf club. Fade A term used to describe the slight turning of the ball from left to right (by a right-handed player) at the end of its flight.
A term used to describe the slight turning of the ball from left to right (by a right-handed player) at the end of its flight. Fairway The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball.
The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball.Fairway WoodAll other "wood" club other than a driver.
All other "wood" club other than a driver.Fanning An exaggerated opening of the clubface as the backswing begins.
An exaggerated opening of the clubface as the backswing begins. Fat Shot A description of a shot when the clubhead strikes the turf behind the ball.
A description of a shot when the clubhead strikes the turf behind the ball.Featherie An old leather ball stuffed with compressed feathers. Replaced by the gutta percha after 1850. Also spelled feathery.
An old leather ball stuffed with compressed feathers. Replaced by the gutta percha after 1850. Also spelled feathery.Ferrule Decorative trim ring, directly on top of the hosel on many woods and irons.
Decorative trim ring, directly on top of the hosel on many woods and irons. Fescue Grass of the genus Festuca, widely used on for rough on golf courses.
Grass of the genus Festuca, widely used on for rough on golf courses.Five Iron An iron club used for distances between 145-200 yards for men's clubs. Also known as a mashie.
An iron club used for distances between 145-200 yards for men's clubs. Also known as a mashie.Five WoodA "wood" club used for distances between 175-250 yards for men's clubs.
A "wood" club used for distances between 175-250 yards for men's clubs.FlagThe marker attached to the flagstick.
The marker attached to the flagstick.FlagstickA movable marker to show the location of the hole on the putting surface.
A movable marker to show the location of the hole on the putting surface.FlangeThe additional surface of the club head which protrudes at the sole
The additional surface of the club head which protrudes at the soleFlat Lie A lie flatter than specification. For example, if the spec is 60 degrees, a 2 degree flat club would have a lie angle of 58 degrees.
A lie flatter than specification. For example, if the spec is 60 degrees, a 2 degree flat club would have a lie angle of 58 degrees. Flat Swing A swing that is more horizontal and less vertical in plane than is typical.
A swing that is more horizontal and less vertical in plane than is typical. Flex The relative bending properties of a golf club shaft. Flex is usually identified by a letter: L for ladies, A for senior, R for regular, S for stiff and X for extra stiff. Graphite shafts commonly use the term Firm instead of Stiff for Firm and Extra Firm graphite shafts.
The relative bending properties of a golf club shaft. Flex is usually identified by a letter: L for ladies, A for senior, R for regular, S for stiff and X for extra stiff. Graphite shafts commonly use the term Firm instead of Stiff for Firm and Extra Firm graphite shafts. Flexible Face A golf club face designed to "flex" upon ball impact, potentially propelling the ball a longer distance than if the face did not flex. See also "Spring-Like Effect" or "Trampoline Effect".
A golf club face designed to "flex" upon ball impact, potentially propelling the ball a longer distance than if the face did not flex. See also "Spring-Like Effect" or "Trampoline Effect". FlierA shot from the rough or in wet conditions that reduces the amount of backspin on the ball, causing it to fly lower and farther than it might under normal conditions.
A shot from the rough or in wet conditions that reduces the amount of backspin on the ball, causing it to fly lower and farther than it might under normal conditions. Flip Shot A shot, usually played with a wedge, that involves a wristy swing designed to hit the ball a short distance but with a lot of height.
A shot, usually played with a wedge, that involves a wristy swing designed to hit the ball a short distance but with a lot of height. Floater A ball struck from the deep grass that comes out slowly and travels a shorter distance because of the heavy cushioning effect of the grass between the ball and the clubface.
A ball struck from the deep grass that comes out slowly and travels a shorter distance because of the heavy cushioning effect of the grass between the ball and the clubface. Flop Shot Similar to a flip shot except that it involves a long, slower swing.
Similar to a flip shot except that it involves a long, slower swing.Flow Weighting Head design where weight positioning shifts from one club to the next. For example, a #1 iron may have more weight concentrated on its toe, a #2 iron slightly less, and so on. Also called Progressive Weighting.
Head design where weight positioning shifts from one club to the next. For example, a #1 iron may have more weight concentrated on its toe, a #2 iron slightly less, and so on. Also called Progressive Weighting. Fluffy Lie A lie in which the ball rests atop the longish grass. This can be a tricky lie because the tendency is to swing the clubhead under the ball, reducing the distance it carries.
A lie in which the ball rests atop the longish grass. This can be a tricky lie because the tendency is to swing the clubhead under the ball, reducing the distance it carries. Fly The distance the ball carries.
The distance the ball carries.Follow-Through The continuation of the swing after the ball has been hit.
The continuation of the swing after the ball has been hit.Footwork The coordinated action of the lower body during the golf swing.
The coordinated action of the lower body during the golf swing. Fore An expression used to warn anyone who may be in danger from being hit by a ball.
An expression used to warn anyone who may be in danger from being hit by a ball.Forecaddie Someone employed by the course or tournament committee to mark the position of a player's ball
Someone employed by the course or tournament committee to mark the position of a player's ballForged Titanium A method of wood head manufacture in which the body and sole of the head is forged from 100% pure titanium. The face and hosels are usually cast from 6-4 Ti.
A method of wood head manufacture in which the body and sole of the head is forged from 100% pure titanium. The face and hosels are usually cast from 6-4 Ti. Forging Producing a golf club head from a series of forging dies stamping the head to final shape. Forged heads are made of softer metals than cast heads and require hand finishing and chrome plating.
Producing a golf club head from a series of forging dies stamping the head to final shape. Forged heads are made of softer metals than cast heads and require hand finishing and chrome plating.Form Forged Iron club head manufacturing process in which a club is first investment cast from an alloy of carbon steel and then formed to shape through a series of forging dies.
Iron club head manufacturing process in which a club is first investment cast from an alloy of carbon steel and then formed to shape through a series of forging dies. Forward Press A slight movement of the hands and arms (and occasionally the legs) that initiate the golf swing.
A slight movement of the hands and arms (and occasionally the legs) that initiate the golf swing. Foursome A term given to four players playing together. Also a match in which two players play against another two players with each side playing one ball.
A term given to four players playing together. Also a match in which two players play against another two players with each side playing one ball.Free DropA drop where no penalty stroke is incurred.
A drop where no penalty stroke is incurred.Fried Egg The slang term for a buried lie in the sand.
The slang term for a buried lie in the sand. FringeSame as "apron"
Same as "apron"Front SideThe first nine holes of an 18 hole course
The first nine holes of an 18 hole courseGolf Instruction Newsletter
