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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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Pace 
The speed of the golf swing, the speed of the greens or the speed of play.
The speed of the golf swing, the speed of the greens or the speed of play. Paddle Grip A putting grip with a flat surface where the thumbs rest.
A putting grip with a flat surface where the thumbs rest. Par The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five. Par for each hole is given on the scorecard.
The score an accomplished player is expected to make on a hole, either a three, four or five. Par for each hole is given on the scorecard.Path The direction the club travels during the swing or the putting stroke. This is best observed from an overhead view. The direction the ball travels after being struck.
The direction the club travels during the swing or the putting stroke. This is best observed from an overhead view. The direction the ball travels after being struck.Penalty Stroke An additional stroke added to a player's score for a rules violation.
An additional stroke added to a player's score for a rules violation.Pendulum StrokeIn putting, a stroke that moves the clubhead back and forth on a constant line, without deviation.
In putting, a stroke that moves the clubhead back and forth on a constant line, without deviation. Perimeter Weighting Redistributing weight on a club head to the heel and toe in an attempt to stabilize the club on all types of impacts.
Redistributing weight on a club head to the heel and toe in an attempt to stabilize the club on all types of impacts. PinSame as "flagstick"
Same as "flagstick"Pin HighA ball even with the pin but off to one side. Same as "hole high"
A ball even with the pin but off to one side. Same as "hole high"Pin PlacementThe position of the hole on a putting green on any given day.
The position of the hole on a putting green on any given day.Pinch Shot A shot played around the green in which a player strikes the ball with a crisp, clean descending blow.
A shot played around the green in which a player strikes the ball with a crisp, clean descending blow. Pistol Grip A grip, usually on a putter, that is built up under the left or top hand.
A grip, usually on a putter, that is built up under the left or top hand. Pitch A short shot lofting the ball into the air in a high arc and landing with backspin.
A short shot lofting the ball into the air in a high arc and landing with backspin.Pitch and PuttA short golf course designed primarily for approaching and putting.
A short golf course designed primarily for approaching and putting.Pitch and RunA shot from around the green, usually with a middle or short iron, where the ball carries in the air for a short distance before rolling towards the hole.
A shot from around the green, usually with a middle or short iron, where the ball carries in the air for a short distance before rolling towards the hole.Pitching WedgeAn iron club with about a 45 deg loft, designed for making pitch shots.
An iron club with about a 45 deg loft, designed for making pitch shots.Pivot The rotation of the body around a relatively fixed point, usually the spine. The rotation of the shoulders, trunk and pelvis during the golf swing.
The rotation of the body around a relatively fixed point, usually the spine. The rotation of the shoulders, trunk and pelvis during the golf swing.PlacementAccuracy in the targeting of a shot.
Accuracy in the targeting of a shot.Play To strike the ball with a club. The action of playing the game of golf.
To strike the ball with a club. The action of playing the game of golf.Play OffTo determine a winner in a tie match by playing extra holes or an extra round.
To determine a winner in a tie match by playing extra holes or an extra round.Playing ThroughPassing a group of players playing ahead.
Passing a group of players playing ahead.Plugged Lie The condition when the ball comes to rest in its own pitch mark, usually in a bunker or soft turf. When the ball or a portion of the ball is below the surrounding ground.
The condition when the ball comes to rest in its own pitch mark, usually in a bunker or soft turf. When the ball or a portion of the ball is below the surrounding ground.Plumb-Bob A method many players use to help them determine the amount a putt will break. It involves positioning yourself behind the ball and holding the putter vertically so it covers the ball. In theory, the shaft of the putter will indicate the amount the ball will break. It does not, however, measure the speed of the green, which is an important element is reading a putt.
A method many players use to help them determine the amount a putt will break. It involves positioning yourself behind the ball and holding the putter vertically so it covers the ball. In theory, the shaft of the putter will indicate the amount the ball will break. It does not, however, measure the speed of the green, which is an important element is reading a putt. Pop UpA short, high shot.
A short, high shot.Practice Green Putting Green set up for putting practice.
Putting Green set up for putting practice.Pre-Shot Routine The actions a player takes from the time he selects a club until he begins the swing. The goal is to promote focus and consistency for all golf shots.
The actions a player takes from the time he selects a club until he begins the swing. The goal is to promote focus and consistency for all golf shots.Preferred LieLocal rules which allow a player to improve his lie in a specific manner without penalty
Local rules which allow a player to improve his lie in a specific manner without penaltyPress To try and hit the ball harder than usual. This also describes an extra effort to play well. In betting terms, it's an additional bet made after a playe r falls behind in a match.
To try and hit the ball harder than usual. This also describes an extra effort to play well. In betting terms, it's an additional bet made after a playe r falls behind in a match. Private Lesson Generally speaking, when a PGA Professional gives a lesson to a single pupil.
Generally speaking, when a PGA Professional gives a lesson to a single pupil. Pro AmA competition which pairs professional players with amateurs.
A competition which pairs professional players with amateurs.Pro Shop The golf course shop operated by the head professional where equipment is sold.
The golf course shop operated by the head professional where equipment is sold.Progressive Offset Iron sets with longer irons having more offset and shorter irons having less.
Iron sets with longer irons having more offset and shorter irons having less. 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 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 Flow Weighting. Pronation An inward rotation of the hands towards the body?s centerline when standing in a palms-facing-forward position. (The term was inaccurately used for many years to describe the rotation of both hands through the impact area. In fact, one hand, the right, was pronating while the left was supinating. Obviously, it is impossible to pronate both hands through the shot.)
An inward rotation of the hands towards the body?s centerline when standing in a palms-facing-forward position. (The term was inaccurately used for many years to describe the rotation of both hands through the impact area. In fact, one hand, the right, was pronating while the left was supinating. Obviously, it is impossible to pronate both hands through the shot.)Provisional BallA ball played if the previously played ball may be lost or out of bounds.
A ball played if the previously played ball may be lost or out of bounds.Public Links A course open to the public.
A course open to the public.PullA ball that goes to the left, inside the target with little curve as hit by a right-handed player. The converse applies to left-handed players.
A ball that goes to the left, inside the target with little curve as hit by a right-handed player. The converse applies to left-handed players.Pulled Hook A shot that begins inside of the target line and continues to curve even further away.
A shot that begins inside of the target line and continues to curve even further away. Pulled Shot A relatively straight shot that begins inside the target and doesn't curve back.
A relatively straight shot that begins inside the target and doesn't curve back.Pulled Slice A shot that starts inside of the target but curves back to the target.
A shot that starts inside of the target but curves back to the target. Punch LowA controlled shot designed for a low penetrationg flight. It is made by slamming the club down into the ball with a short swing.
A controlled shot designed for a low penetrationg flight. It is made by slamming the club down into the ball with a short swing.Punch Shot A low-flying shot played with an abbreviated backswing and finish. The key to the shot is having the hands slightly ahead of the clubhead at impact, which reduces the effective loft of the club.
A low-flying shot played with an abbreviated backswing and finish. The key to the shot is having the hands slightly ahead of the clubhead at impact, which reduces the effective loft of the club. Push A ball that goes to the right, outside the target with very little or no curving for a right handed player. Or the converse for a left-handed player.
A ball that goes to the right, outside the target with very little or no curving for a right handed player. Or the converse for a left-handed player. Pushed Hook A shot that begins outside of the target but curves back to the target.
A shot that begins outside of the target but curves back to the target. Pushed Shot A shot that starts outside of the target and never curves back.
A shot that starts outside of the target and never curves back. Pushed Slice A shot that starts outside of the target and curves further away.
A shot that starts outside of the target and curves further away. Putt The stroke made on the putting green. From a Scottish term meaning to push gently or nudge.
The stroke made on the putting green. From a Scottish term meaning to push gently or nudge.Putt OutTo hole the ball with a putt.
To hole the ball with a putt.Putter A short-shafted club with a straight face for putting.
A short-shafted club with a straight face for putting.Putting Green The surface area around the hole that is specially prepared for putting.
The surface area around the hole that is specially prepared for putting. Golf Instruction Newsletter
