Golf Terminology

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

  • ladies day - Time when course is reserved for those of the female persuasion.
  • lag - A long putt hit with the intent of leaving the ball close to the cup.
  • laid off - When the club points to the left of the target at the top of the backswing.
  • lateral hazard - Water hazard marked by red stakes and usually parallel to the fairway.
  • lay-up - Conservatively played shot to avoid possible trouble.
  • leader board - Place where lowest scores in tournament are posted. I don’t stay on the leader board too long. In fact, when the scorers are putting up the "d" in McCord, they’re usually taking down the "M." Sometimes I wish my name was Calcavecchia.
  • leak - Ball drifting to the right during flight.
  • lie - Where your ball is on the ground. Also, the angle at which the club shaft extends from the head.
  • lift - What you do before you drop.
  • line - The path of a shot to the hole.
  • line up - To stand behind a shot to take aim.
  • links - A seaside course. Don’t expect trees.
  • lip - Edge of a cup or bunker.
  • lip-out (cellophane bridge) - Ball touches the edge of the cup but doesn’t drop in.
  • local knowledge - What the members know and you don’t.
  • local rules - Set of rules determined by the members, rules committee, or course professional.
  • loft - The degree at which a clubface looks upward.
  • long game - Shots hit with long irons and woods. Also could be John Daly’s game.
  • loop - Slang for "to caddy." Or a round of golf. Or a change in the path of the clubhead during the swing.
  • low side - Area below the hole on a sloping green.
  • low-handicapper - Good player.
  • LPGA - Ladies Professional Golf Association.


Villages Logo