Learning to play golf also involves learning another language because the sport uses a unique lexicon. Familiarizing yourself with the linguistics of the game helps you to figure out how to do everything from keeping score to hitting the ball correctly. Here are some fundamental golfing expressions to get you started.

Basic Golfing Terms

1. Approach Shot

Any shot a golfer plays from the fairway with the intention of hitting it onto the putting green—the area with the hole at the end of the fairway—is called an approach shot, even if the ball doesn’t end up there. The term is commonly used when the golfer plays into the green on their fourth or fifth stroke. In modern terms, it means strokes played with a full swing.

2. Short-Sided

When a player hits the approach shot to the area of the green where the pin is located, they have less room to get close to the hole and land the shot. If they had missed to the “fat” side of the green, they would have an easier time getting the ball in the hole in a fewer number of strokes.

3. Par

The holes on a golf course are all rated as either par-3, par-4, or par-5. This refers to the maximum number of strokes a golfer should take to complete the hole. A birdie is a score one under par on the hole, and an eagle is two under par. A double eagle, or albatross, is three under par, which is extremely rare. The golfer receives a bogey for one over par, a double bogey for two over par, or a triple bogey for three over par. If the golfer gets a hole in one, it’s called an ace.

Become more familiar with these and other golfing terms by signing up for golf lessons at Hastings Golf Club & Events. This semi-private golf club is considered one of the most renowned 18-hole courses in Dakota County and all of Minnesota. They offer private instruction from professionals who have years of teaching and golf experience. Call (651) 437-4210 today to inquire about package rates, visit their website to schedule lessons, and book a tee time online.