A Simple Guide to Golf Terms for Beginners

Golf Terms for Beginners: A Guide to Basic Golf Lingo & Terminology

Welcome to the wonderful world of golf! It can be intimidating at first, but learning the basic golf terms for beginners is one of the best ways to feel more comfortable on the course. 

Like any sport, golf has its own language, a unique set of golf terminology and slang. This guide will cover the most common golf terms you’ll hear around the beautiful Poconos, from the clubhouse to the 18th green, giving you a fantastic foundation for your first round.

Common Golf Scoring Terms

Scoring in golf is unique, and so are the names for the scores. Understanding these golf definitions starts with knowing “Par.”

  • Par: This is the pre-determined number of strokes a skilled golfer should need to complete a hole. Most holes are a Par 3, 4, or 5.
  • Birdie: A great score! This means you completed the hole in one stroke less than the par. For example, getting a 3 on a Par 4.
  • Eagle: An even better score. An eagle is when you finish a hole in two strokes less than par. Think of getting a 3 on a Par 5.
  • Bogey: A very common score for new and experienced golfers alike. This means you completed the hole in one stroke more than the par.
  • Double Bogey: This is when you complete the hole in two strokes more than the par. Don’t worry, you’ll see plenty of these when you’re starting out!
  • Hole-in-One: A golfer’s dream. This is when it only takes you one shot to get the golf ball from the tee box into the hole. It’s also known as an “Ace.”

Golf Course Terminology: Parts of a Hole

Knowing this basic golf course terminology will help you understand the layout of where you’re playing. Each hole is generally comprised of the following areas:

  • Tee Box: The starting point of every hole, where you’ll take your first shot.
  • Fairway: The ideal path to the hole. This is the short, well-manicured grass that runs between the tee box and the green.
  • Rough: The longer, thicker grass that lines the fairway. It’s more difficult to hit your ball from the rough.
  • Green: The area at the end of the hole with the shortest grass, where the cup and flagstick are located. This is where you will putt.
  • Bunker: A sand-filled trap, usually placed in strategic spots to make the hole more challenging.
  • Lie: No, we aren’t talking about telling tales of your golf game. This piece of golf lingo is used to describe the position where your ball has come to rest. You might have a “good lie” in the middle of the fairway or a “bad lie” in the deep rough.

Essential Golf Lingo and On-Course Slang

Here are a few other essential words and phrases you’ll hear during a round.

  • Fore: This is the most important piece of golf terminology for safety. Sort of like yelling “heads up” in gym class, this word alerts other golfers that a badly hit ball is heading their way. If you hear it, cover your head!
  • Mulligan: A friendly “do-over.” In a casual game, your group might allow you to take a mulligan, which is a golfer’s lucky chance to hit a bad shot again without penalty. You won’t see this golf slang used in official tournaments!
  • Divot: The patch of grass and dirt that is dug up by your club when you hit a shot (usually with an iron). It’s proper etiquette to replace your divot.
  • Putt: The rolling shot you take with a putter once your ball is on the green.
  • Three-Putt: This is what it’s called when it takes you three putts to get your golf ball in the hole once you’re on the green. It’s a frustrating moment for any golfer!
  • The Turn: This refers to the halfway point of a standard 18-hole round of golf, right after you finish the 9th hole. It’s often a time for a quick snack or drink before you start the “back nine.”

Put Your New Golf Lingo to the Test at Hideaway Hills

Now that you can talk the talk, it’s time to walk the walk on the fairway! There’s no better place to practice your swing and try out your new vocabulary than here with us.

We invite you to play at Hideaway Hills, our beautiful par 72, 6933-yard course where you can master your golf skills and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature. Located in the heart of the Poconos, you’ll get your golf fix and relish in a jaw-dropping landscape every step of the way.

Come on! Put your skills—and your new vocabulary—to the test!

Hi! Call our Pro Shop at

(610) 681-6000 to request your Tee Time.
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