Most important golfing terms
From A to D
Bunker:
An artificially created sand obstacle on the fairway.
Caddie:
Someone who carries the bag of clubs, advises the player on the choice of club, and helps to read the greens.
Chip:
An approach shot from just off the green where you aim to reach the hole or stop near it. One of the most important shots in the game.
Drive:
Every shot from the tee is called a drive.
Driving range:
Where you practise your first swings with a coach.
From F to P
Fairway:
The playing area between the tee and the green where the grass is cut short.
Green:
The lawn around the target hole which is cut very short. Made especially for putting.
Green fee:
The charge you have to pay for playing at a club where you are not a member.
Handicap:
A figure which denotes the approximate playing standard of a golfer. In Germany, the handicap system starts at 36 (in other countries such as Scotland it only starts at 28 or 24).
Pin:
The pin is the name for the stick which is inserted in the hole and has the flag attached to it.
Pitch:
A high and short approach shot where the ball does not roll very far.
Putt:
A shot from on the green where the ball does not leave the ground but rolls.
From S to Z
Swing:
The entire movement of your body as you take a shot.
Tee:
This word has two meanings in golf. Firstly, it is the slightly raised grass surface where you take the first shot of a hole. It is also the small plastic or wooden stand which you put in the ground and balance the ball upon to take your tee shot.
