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

Gallery

Those who attend a golf event for the purpose of watching the tournament.

Gear Effect

The bulge on wooden clubs causes toe or heel hits to have reverse spin applied to the ball which reduces the hook or slice which would be much more pronounced if the face was flat. The term is also applied to irons and the "Gear Effect" comes from cavity back irons having more weight in the heel and toe.

Gimme

A shot, usually on the green, but that may be anywhere on the course, that is conceded by a player's opponent. Gimmees are usually applied to short putts that are almost certain to be holed.

Go Down the Shaft

To grip the club lower to improve control, can also reduce the distance normally obtained from a club.

Gobble

An obsolete slang term meaning a hard-hit putt that holes out.

Goldie Bounce

When the ball strikes a tree deep in the rough and bounces out onto the fairway.

Golf Club

A golf course, either public or private, dedicated solely to golf. There are no pools, tennis courts, etc. at a golf club. Also, the piece of equipment used to hit a golf ball.

Golf Glove

A glove generally worn by a right-handed golfer on the left hand, and by a left-handed golfer on the right hand, to improve the grip.

Golf Professional

A career in golf dedicated to helping others to enjoy the game. This may be accomplished in a number ways: giving lessons, managing operations, running events, etc. (See "Professional Golfer.")

Goose-Neck

Having the neck of a club curved so that the heel is slightly offset from the line of the shaft.

Gorse

Very thick grass and/or shrubs from which it may be impossible to play a shot. Gorse is common on European seaside courses.

Grain

Direction of growth of blades of grass. Particularly noticeable on putting greens, the grain will have an influence on the direction and speed of the ball as it rolls.

Grand Slam

The four major championships: the British Open, the U.S. Open, PGA Championship and the Masters.

Graphite

A lightweight material used to make shafts and clubheads.

Green

The finely manicured area surrounding the hole on the course. This area is designed for putting.

Green Committee

Members of a golf club who are responsible for the maintenance and management of the course.

Green Fee

The cost of a round of golf.

Green in Regulation (GIR)

A green is considered hit "in regulation" if any part of the ball is touching the putting surface and the number of strokes taken is 2 or less than par, i.e. with the first stroke on a par-3 hole, second stroke on a par-4, etc. The Greens in Regulation percentage is a statistic kept by the PGA Tour.

Green Jacket

The prize the winner of the US Masters golf tournament gets.

Greenkeeper

The person responsible for the condition, care and maintenance of the golf course. He or she may also be called the " greens' superintendent."

Greenside

Adjacent to the putting green

Grip

The top part of a club held by the golfer.

Grooves

Cut into club face to help impart spin in V or U shape with a maximum width of .035in.

Gross Score

The actual number of strokes taken by a player for hole or round before the player's handicap is deducted.

Ground Under Repair (GUR)

A marked area (usually by paint, chalk or roping) of the course from which a player may move his ball without penalty prior to playing his next shot. Common reasons for GUR to be marked are new constructions, damaged water lines, etc.

Grounding the Club

To place the clubface behind the ball on the ground at address. Grounding the club is prohibited in bunkers or when playing from any marked hazard.

Gutta Percha

Material used in the manufacture of early golf balls. It was a hard, molded substance made from the sap of several types of Malaysian trees. These balls were in use from 1848 until the early 1900's.

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