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Guide: Golf terms & golf rules for beginners
The clubs are bought, the course is booked—so what’s next? Here you’ll find the most important golf terms and all the rules you need for a successful day on the golf course.
Golf is a relaxing activity but definitely comes with a number of rules—both gameplay rules and etiquette, which can be a bit tricky the first few times you play. We’ve listed important golf terms, etiquette, and rules that every beginner should know. Let the game begin!
Some Basic Golf Terms:
Par: The expected number of strokes to complete a hole. For example, a "par 5" means you're expected to get the ball into the hole in 5 strokes.
Birdie: One stroke under par. If the hole is a "par 4," you finish it in 3 strokes.
Bogey: One stroke over par. If the hole is a "par 3," you finish it in 4 strokes.
Eagle: Two strokes under par. If the hole is a "par 5," you complete it in 3 strokes.
Albatross: Three strokes under par. This is extremely rare. In the U.S., it's sometimes called a "Double Eagle."
Hole-in-one: When the ball goes into the hole on your first stroke. Like the Albatross, this is very rare.
Play and Technique:
Drive: A long shot from the tee, usually with a driver (a specific type of club).
Putt: A short stroke on the green toward the hole, usually with a putter to sink the ball.
Chip: A short shot from near the green to get the ball onto the green.
Fade: A deliberately controlled shot where the ball curves from left to right (for right-handed players).
Slice: An uncontrolled shot where the ball curves sharply to the right (for right-handed players).
Draw: A deliberately controlled shot where the ball curves slightly to the left (for right-handed players).
Hook: An uncontrolled shot where the ball curves sharply to the left (for right-handed players).
The Course and Equipment
Fairway: The neatly mowed area between the tee and the green.
Green: The area with very short grass where the hole is located.
Bunker: A sand-filled hazard on the course.
Rough: The area with longer grass outside the fairway.
Tee: The starting point for each hole.
Irons: Clubs used for mid- to short-distance shots (usually from the fairway or rough).
Driver: Usually the largest and longest club, used for long tee shots.
Woods: Used from the tee or fairway for longer shots, often a more controlled alternative to the driver.
Hybrids: A mix between iron and wood clubs—easy to use and popular with beginners.
Putter: Used on the green to “putt” the ball into the hole.
Tees: Small pegs used to elevate the ball on tee shots.
Ball Marker: A small, flat object used on the green to mark your ball’s position when it's in the way of another player.
Divot Repair Tool (Pitchfork): Used to fix marks on the green made where the ball landed.
Other important gear to bring on sunny days includes sun protection like a golf cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses. In less stable weather, it’s a good idea to have an umbrella and waterproof golf clothing. If you’re unsure how to dress on the course, you can read our guide: Golf Dress Code.