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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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Sand Trap
The common (and incorrect) name for a bunker
The common (and incorrect) name for a bunkerSand WedgeAn lofted iron with a heavy flange on the bottom that is used primarily to get out of sand bunkers.
An lofted iron with a heavy flange on the bottom that is used primarily to get out of sand bunkers.ScoopAn improper swing in which the player flips the club with thier wrists just before impact.
An improper swing in which the player flips the club with thier wrists just before impact.Scoring ClubsSome coaches refer to the driver, putter and sand wedge as the three scoring clubs, others refer to every club from the eight iron through putter.
Some coaches refer to the driver, putter and sand wedge as the three scoring clubs, others refer to every club from the eight iron through putter. Scoring Lines Lines or grooves on the face of an iron or wood club.
Lines or grooves on the face of an iron or wood club. ScrambleTo recover from trouble or a popular form of team play in which the team members pick the ball in the best position and everyone plays from that spot.
To recover from trouble or a popular form of team play in which the team members pick the ball in the best position and everyone plays from that spot. Semi PrivateA golf course that has members but is still open to the public.
A golf course that has members but is still open to the public.Semi Private LessonAn instruction format where a limited number of pupils work with a Professional.
An instruction format where a limited number of pupils work with a Professional. SeperationWhen any of the body parts used during a swing and/or the club move either faster or slower that the other elements of the swing.
When any of the body parts used during a swing and/or the club move either faster or slower that the other elements of the swing. SetA full set of golf clubs.
A full set of golf clubs.Set UpThe process of addressing the ball, so that the club and body are properly aimed and aligned.
The process of addressing the ball, so that the club and body are properly aimed and aligned. ShaftThe part of the club that joins the club head to the player.
The part of the club that joins the club head to the player.Shallow Face Any wood or iron having a face height shorter than normal.
Any wood or iron having a face height shorter than normal. Shank When the ball is struck on the hosel of the club, usually sending it shooting off to the right.
When the ball is struck on the hosel of the club, usually sending it shooting off to the right. ShapeTo curve the flight of the ball and shot to fit the situation.
To curve the flight of the ball and shot to fit the situation. Short GameAll shots played within 100 yards of and including the green, including all pitches, chips and putts.
All shots played within 100 yards of and including the green, including all pitches, chips and putts. Short IronThe eight iron through the lob wedge.
The eight iron through the lob wedge. ShutA position in the swing when the clubface is closed relative to the target line.
A position in the swing when the clubface is closed relative to the target line. Side Can mean the first 9 holes (front side) or the last 9 (back side) of an 18 hole course.
Can mean the first 9 holes (front side) or the last 9 (back side) of an 18 hole course.SidehillA lie with the ball either above or below your feet.
A lie with the ball either above or below your feet.Sink a PuttMake a putt or putt the ball into the cup.
Make a putt or putt the ball into the cup.SkyA high, short shot caused by the clubhead striking the underside of the ball. Also known as a "pop-up."
A high, short shot caused by the clubhead striking the underside of the ball. Also known as a "pop-up." SliceA ball that curves from left to right (for a righthanded player) to a greater degree than a fade.
A ball that curves from left to right (for a righthanded player) to a greater degree than a fade. SlopeA course rating used to determine the players handicap for the course and tee position. Adjusts your handicap to the difficulty of the course you play. An average course will have a slope rating of 113.
A course rating used to determine the players handicap for the course and tee position. Adjusts your handicap to the difficulty of the course you play. An average course will have a slope rating of 113. Also used to describe the direction a ball will roll on the green.Smothered HookA low, right to left shot that dives quickly to the ground. The cause is an extremely closed clubface.
A low, right to left shot that dives quickly to the ground. The cause is an extremely closed clubface. SoleThe bottom of a golf club.
The bottom of a golf club. Sole Camber The curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge.
The curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge.Sole PlateThe metal plate on the bottom of woods
The metal plate on the bottom of woodsSole WeightedA design, usually for fairway woods, that incorporates additional weight along the sole of the club. This makes it easier to get the ball into the air and is also effective from the rough.
A design, usually for fairway woods, that incorporates additional weight along the sole of the club. This makes it easier to get the ball into the air and is also effective from the rough. Spike MarkMark on the green made by the cleats of a golf shoe.
Mark on the green made by the cleats of a golf shoe.Splash ShotA shot played from a good lie in the bunker. The club "splashes" through the sand, throwing the ball into the air.
A shot played from a good lie in the bunker. The club "splashes" through the sand, throwing the ball into the air. SpoonA term for a 3-wood.
A term for a 3-wood. SpringThe flexibility of the club shaft.
The flexibility of the club shaft.Spring-Like 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.
A golf club face designed to "flex" upon ball impact, potentially propelling the ball a longer distance than if the face did not flex. Square StancePlacing your feet, hips and shoulders in line parallel to the line from the ball to your target.
Placing your feet, hips and shoulders in line parallel to the line from the ball to your target.SquareIt can be used to describe a the status of a match, the stance, or the clubface, contact with the ball.
It can be used to describe a the status of a match, the stance, or the clubface, contact with the ball.StanceThe position of the feet, hips and shoulders at address.
The position of the feet, hips and shoulders at address. StarterPerson who determines the order of play from the first tee.
Person who determines the order of play from the first tee.SteerAn attempt to guide the flight of the ball.
An attempt to guide the flight of the ball.Stipulated Round The playing of all holes of a course in the correct order.
The playing of all holes of a course in the correct order.StrokeThe forward motion of the club head made with the intent to hit the ball whether contact is made or not.
The forward motion of the club head made with the intent to hit the ball whether contact is made or not.Stroke PlayAlso known as medal play, it is a form of competition based on the cumulative number of strokes taken, either over one round or several.
Also known as medal play, it is a form of competition based on the cumulative number of strokes taken, either over one round or several. Strong GripA terms used to describe a grip in which the hands are turned away from the target.
A terms used to describe a grip in which the hands are turned away from the target. Sudden DeathIn a match or stroke competition the score is tied after completing the round, play continues until one player wins a hole.
In a match or stroke competition the score is tied after completing the round, play continues until one player wins a hole.Surlyn A DuPont ethylene and copolymer used for the cover of golf balls and many other packaging applications.
A DuPont ethylene and copolymer used for the cover of golf balls and many other packaging applications.SwayingAn exaggerated lateral movement of the body on either the backswing, forward swing, or both, which results in inconsistent shotmaking.
An exaggerated lateral movement of the body on either the backswing, forward swing, or both, which results in inconsistent shotmaking. Sweet SpotThe center point on a clubface where, if it is struck with an object, the clubface will not torque or twist to either side.
The center point on a clubface where, if it is struck with an object, the clubface will not torque or twist to either side. SwingAny action of stroking the ball.
Any action of stroking the ball.Swing ArcThe entire path the clubhead makes in the course of a swing. It is a combination of the swing's width and length.
The entire path the clubhead makes in the course of a swing. It is a combination of the swing's width and length. Swing CenterA point, usually near the base of the neck and the top of the spine, between the shoulders, around which the arms and upper body rotate during the swing.
A point, usually near the base of the neck and the top of the spine, between the shoulders, around which the arms and upper body rotate during the swing. Swing PlaneAn imaginary surface that describes the path and angle of the club during the swing.
An imaginary surface that describes the path and angle of the club during the swing. Swing WeightA measure of the effective weight of a club.
A measure of the effective weight of a club. Swing Weight ScaleA device used to measure swingweight.
A device used to measure swingweight. Golf Instruction Newsletter
