Pages: 1 2

There are numerous Golf terms that are used in almost every game that is played, yet often it is virtually impossible for someone who is new to Golf or just does not understand Golf to understand the terminology. Some of the most popular terms are listed below to ensure that you know exactly what is being said while you are out on the green. Of course, this list is not absolute, but this list will help you get started successfully.

Back Nine – This is the last set of 9 holes that are on the golf course. This is determined by the order that the course is played in. For example, if you start playing on hole 1, the back nine would refer to holes 10-18. However if you started playing on the 10th hole it would actually refer to holes 1-9.

Birdie – This is when a score for a particular hole comes in one stroke below par for the particular hole that is being played. This means if the hole being played is a par -3 then the score must be a 2, if the hole is a par -5 it must be a score of 4.

Bogey – This is a score that comes in a single point over the par. For example, if you are playing a par -3 hole then a score of 4 would be a bogey. In going further, anything that was a par -5 would need a score of 6 to be a bogey. This is just an example and is not restricted to only certain pars.

Bunker – This is what is created as a depression in the ground that is generally filled in with sand, which provides a greenside hazard that needs to be avoided. While the bunker typically shows up in the greenside, it is possible for them to also along the fairways or even beside the fairways.

Green – This is what the very end of a hole is call where the flagstick is located. This is typically, where you will putt out the rest of the hole. The shape can vary, however most are either oblong or oval shape.

Handicap – This is an indication of the overall playing ability that a player has. It is generally compiled based upon the last several scores that have been played as well as the course rating and the slop ratings that accompany the courses that were played. Generally, someone who has a typical average of 10 over par will have a slightly better handicap. In terms of handicaps, someone with a 2 is better than someone with a 3 or higher handicap.

Hole – This is the exact area where the flagstick resides to mark the exact location of the hole on the green. In addition it is also often referred to as the as the specific hole on a course – for example a Golf course typically has 18 holes.

Pages: 1 2

Learning how to improve your handicap can go a long way towards improving your overall Golf game. However, one of the first things that you need to remember is your handicap is not actually the score of a single game. For example, if you play a single game of a 10 over par, then it is virtually impossible to determine your handicap. However, once you have played several games it is possible to start determining your handicap. Another important note about handicaps is the average score that you have is still generally not your handicap. For a good example, a player who typically has an average of 10 over par will usually have a handicap of a 7 to 9 range. The exact score of the handicap will vary based upon the actual courses that are played and the ratings that accompany those courses.

Most professionals consider the absolute best way to lower a handicap to be the method of simply improving your putting as well as wedge skills. If you are able to drive the ball appropriately but fall dramatically short on the putting then you are going to be looking at a very high handicap for the rest of your life. Simply taking the time to focus heavily upon a good putting strategy can really help you shave a few points off of your handicap and improve your game. Between an emphasis on the wedge or putting you should generally focus more on your putting since virtually all holes are going to need to be putted while not all will need a wedge shot.

Most players also typically tend to find that by improving their putting and wedge skills that their long drive skills tend to improve as well. While this is not always possible, the general idea is that improving your shorter shots will gradually work to improve your long shots as well. As long as you are using proper form for your short shots, you should start to see a dramatic improvement in your score, which will ultimate help to improve those long shots as well. This can overall make a huge impact on your handicap since you can see a huge difference in your rating.

Another consideration that you should keep in mind is your confidence. Have you ever noticed that someone who is not very confident tends to make more mistakes no matter what they are doing? They may be an expert in their field, but without confidence, they usually make small mistakes just because they are nervous, if you discover that you are nervous on the field and are making these small mistakes you may need to work on boosting your own self-confidence before you can really improve your overall handicap.

You should focus on what you are good at and improve your concentration and you are sure to improve your confidence.