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Green in Regulation: Also known as GIR. The number of strokes a player is expected to take before they put their ball on the green. This number is always two strokes less than the hole's par value.
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Halved: In match play, a hole is halved if each side finishes in the same number of strokes.
Handicap: A way to provide competitive golf for all, each golfer gets a certain amount of shots deducted from their round, depending on their level of play and the hole difficulty. An 18-handicapper will receive one shot per hole, while a 9-handicapper will only get a shot on the nine toughest holes.
Hook: A hook is a mishit that results in the ball going either extremely left (for right-handers) or extremely right (for left-handers).
Honor: The honor goes to the last player or team to win a hole. The player with the honor tees off first.
Immovable obstruction: An obstruction that cannot be moved - bleachers for instance. If the ball lies in, or on, the obstruction, free relief may be taken.
Lateral water hazard: A water hazard is deemed lateral when there is no place to drop behind it. For example, a lake that runs alongside a fairway.
Lay up: When a player cannot reach the green in one shot, he must lay up by hitting short of the green and then playing to the green.
Lie: Where the ball comes to rest on the course, in relation to the pin.
Majors: The golf season has four major tournaments. These are, arguably, the most significant events in the gold year. They are: The Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship.
Match play: This is a form of competition where each hole is won, lost or halved. The winner is whoever won the most holes. A winning score of 3 and 2 means that the winner won by 3 holes with 2 left to play.
Medalist: Another name for the winner of a stroke-play event. Normally used when referring to a qualifying event of some kind, i.e. Q-school or stroke play rounds to seed for match-play, as in many USGA amateur events.
Movable obstruction: A moveable obstruction is one that impedes a golfers swing, yet can be removed without any delay in play or undo effort. An example of a movable obstruction would be a cable or golf cart.
Mulligan: A player is said to take a 'mulligan' when they replay a shot without penalty. This is not allowed in competitive golf.
Observer: An 'observer' is one who is appointed by the Committee to assist a referee to decide questions of fact and to report to him any breach of a Rule.
Out of bounds: Areas on a golf course which are designated to be out of play. If a player hits into these areas they are penalized one shot and must play again from the previous spot.
Par: The predetermined number of strokes that a player is expected to require to complete a hole/ the course. Example: A par-72 course is expected to be played in exactly 72 strokes. If a player takes more than 72 strokes, they are considered over par. If a player takes less than 72 strokes, they are considered to be under par.
Pin: Pin is another term for the flagstick.
Provisional ball: A ball played when a player fears his initial shot may not be found. If the initial ball is found, the player can pick up his provisional ball.
Pull: Another name for a hook.
Rough: The rough is the area beyond the fairway. It is usually characterized by higher, thicker grass than the fairway.
