Golf is a sport that is filled with terminology that is only relevant to the sport. Therefore, for people who are not familiar with the sport, golf terms can be confusing. This article provides you with a brief guide of golfing terminology.
Par
All golf holes have a set amount of shots that it is expected. A golfer should get the ball in the hole in. This expected number of shots is known as par. Par is also the expected number of shots a golfer is expected to do the entire course in. Holes are either a Par 3 hole, Par 4 or Par 5 whilst course pars can vary.
Birdie
Birdie is one of the golfing phrases for hitting and completing a golf hole in a number of shots that is one under par. For example, a birdie on a par four hole would be completing the hole in three shots whilst a birdie on a par five hole would be completing the hole in four shots.
Bogey
A bogey is a phrase used to explain completing a hole in a number of shots that is one over par. So, for example, completing a par four hole in five shots would be a bogey. Completing a par four hole in six shots is known as a double bogey and completing a hole three shots above par is known as a triple bogey.
Albatross
An albatross is a golfing term used to describe completing a hole in three shots under par. This term is only applicable to par five holes and is used if somebody completes the hole in just two shots.
Eagle
An eagle is a term used to describe completing a hole in two shots under par. So, for example, completing a par four hole in just two shots is known as an eagle.
Hole in one
A hole in one is exactly what it says it is, hitting the ball in the hole off the tee in just one shot. Par three holes are the most common holes for somebody to get a hole in one in because they are the shortest.
Bunker
A bunker is also known as a sand trap and is a hole in the ground purposely put on a on a course that is full of sand. It is designed to catch players out and make the course more difficult.
