Golf Glossary

Take it from us: Talking a good golf game is a lot easier than playing one. So if you're just a beginner, or if you're teeing it up with the boss this weekend and don't know the difference between a 7-iron and pitching wedge, here is some golf jargon that is bound to come in handy.

Carry: The distance the ball travels in the air once it's been hit.

Cut: A directive often screamed at a ball in flight to move a little to the right (if you're a right-handed hitter), typically to avoid a hazard.

Draw: A shot off the tee that, for the right-handed golfer, curves slightly to the left. This is usually done intentionally by the more experienced player.

Fade: A shot off the tee that, for the right-handed golfer, curves slightly to the right. Like the draw, this usually is done intentionally.

Fat: Describing a shot that catches too much ground and results in poor ball flight.

Gimme: A shot that your playing partners allow you to count without actually playing it, such as a putt from a few inches.

Handicap: A number that represents a golfer's playing ability. The lower the handicap the better. A person with a zero handicap is a scratch golfer.

Hook: A shot off the tee that, for the right-handed golfer, curves drastically to the left. This is not done intentionally.

Hazard: A part of the course that either impedes play or can add strokes, such as water and sand traps.

Lag: A long putt designed to get the ball close to the hole.

Lay up: To play a shot conservatively, where the goal is to land the ball before a hazard instead of trying to carry it.