Whether you're just starting out or you’re a veteran on the green, you've likely heard some strange expressions while playing golf. While some of these phrases may make sense, others can leave you scratching your head.
So, before you take your full set of golf irons and hit the course, get acquainted with the twelve of the most interesting and downright funny expressions used in golf. Next time you hear one of these phrases, you'll know exactly what it means.
What are some fun golfing expressions?
Do you know what a Mulligan is in golf? Or a “fried egg”? Golf is full of interesting expressions that are used to describe both the good and bad moments on the course. To help you better understand the game’s weird phrases and terms, we've gathered twelve of our favorites. There’s more to golf than just browsing 2022 golf club releases… Let’s have some fun.
1. Dancefloor
No, nobody is asking you to show off your dance moves. The area of the green around the hole that is cut down to a lower height than the rest of the green is called the dancefloor. This area is usually about 3-4 feet in diameter and is designed to help stop balls from rolling off the green.
2. Shotgun start
A shotgun start is a type of start used in some golf tournaments in which each group of players starts from a different teeing ground at the same time rather than taking turns starting from the first tee. This allows for a more efficient use of the golf course and prevents backups on the first tee. Shotgun starts are most common in large tournaments with many players.
3. Chicken stick
Golf is a game of strategy that sometimes forces you to be more reserved with your play. A chicken stick is a golf club that a golfer can always rely on when he "chickens out" of a bold play. It's usually the one he would use when hitting the ball a short distance or when he's being cautious.
4. James Joyce
This golfing phrase is named after the famed Irish novelist and poet James Joyce who was renowned for his challenging style of writing. Ir refers to the most difficult area of the course – the green. Because of its various slopes, a golfer must analyze and decide on what type of shot to take.
5. Yips
Yips is a condition that can afflict golfers in which they lose the ability to control the muscles in their hands and fingers. This results in a loss of accuracy and consistency in their shots. The cause of yips is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to anxiety or stress. Treatment for yips typically involves psychological counseling and relaxation techniques.
6. Cat box
A cat box is a bunker or hazard on a golf course that is shaped like a box. The term "cat box" is most commonly used in the United States, but it is also used in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
The origins of the term "cat box" are unclear, but it is thought to be derived from the shape of the hazard, which resembles a box cats would use to urinate in. The term could also be a reference to the fact that bunkers are often referred to as "sand traps," and cats are known for liking to dig in sandboxes.
7. Mulligan
A mulligan is a do-over in golf. If a player hits a bad shot, they can take a mulligan and try the shot again. Mulligans are usually not allowed in tournament play, but some informal games allow players to take one or two mulligans per round.
8. 19th hole
The 19th hole is the term used to describe the golf course's clubhouse bar where players often go after a round of golf to socialize and relax. Over time, the 19th hole became synonymous with any post-golfing activity, whether it's grabbing a bite to eat or heading out for drinks.
9. Banana ball
No golfer wants to hit a banana ball because it refers to a bad slice. The curvature of the banana is comparable to the trajectory of the slice, as it curves left to right for righties, and right to left for lefties. Banana ball has become such a negative term in the sport that it’s now synonymous with any terrible shot.
10. Snowman
A snowman is a score no golfer ever wishes to have on their scorecard. It refers to a score of 8 which resembles the shape of a snowman. Of course, if you make an 8 on any hole, it's not the end of the world, but it's still a score you'd rather avoid.
11. Fried egg
The ball landing in the bunker is frustrating, but a fried egg trumps it. When your ball is lodged in the sand with only the top part exposed, it gives off the appearance of a fried egg, with the yolk being the ball. This position makes it hard to control the shot for amateurs and pros alike, leading to unreliable shot selections.
12. Albatross
An albatross is a score of three under par on a single hole. It is considered one of the most difficult feats in golf and it’s very rare. Alternatively, the term can also be used to describe a very good score on any hole, especially if it helps the player to shoot a low score for the round.
Where can I find the latest 2022 golf club set releases?
Becoming a skilled and experienced golfer is more than your performance on the course. Getting to know what each part of the fairway represents or how to best prevent blisters will go a long way in making you a true golfing specialist. So before you tee off your 5-player game, get acquainted with some surprising facts about golf courses and amusing statistics about the sport.
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