Glossary of golf terms

Our golf dictionary covers the main terms used in golf. The first step in demystifying the game is to understand the language and terminology that golfers commonly use.

Term

Definition

eagle
A score of two under par for a hole.
Eisenhower Trophy
[See World Amateur Team Ch'ships].
Espirito Santo Trophy
[See World Amateur Team Ch'ships].
etiquette
Golf etiquette is based on a set of rules and practices that aim to make golf a safer and more enjoyable game, while minimizing any damage to golf equipment and courses. These practices are not part of the formal rules of golf, but golfers are expected to observe them.
European Challenge Tour
Established in 1987, and run by the PGA European Tour, this is the second-tier mens' tour in Europe for professional golfers. The Challenge Tour provides a stepping-stone and proving ground for aspiring hopefuls to the full PGA European Tour. With a season-long schedule of events mainly in Europe, but also some further afield, the Challenge Tour is a fully established part of the professional golf game in Europe. [Website : europeantour.com].
European Seniors Tour
Established in 1989, and run by the PGA European Tour, this is the leading mens' tour in Europe for professional golfers aged 50 and above. The Seniors Tour provides a season-long tour for professional golfers with events played mainly in Europe and farther afield. [Website : europeantour.com].
European Tour
Established in 1972, the PGA European Tour is the top level mens' tour in Europe for professional golfers. It was created following the appointment of John Jacobs to the post of Tournament Director-General of the PGA in October 1971. The 1972 Spanish Open was effectively the Tour's first event, with 1972 marking the introduction of the first official European Tour Order of Merit. The PGA European Tour also runs the European Seniors Tour and European Challenge Tour. [Website : europeantour.com].
executive course
A 9 or 18-hole short course that is comprised mainly of par-3 holes.

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Tournaments

124th US Open: the No.2 Course at Pinehurst once again plays host to this most illustrious championship (June 13-16). Wyndham Clark defends his title, having won at Los Angeles CC in 2023.

79th Women’s US Open: the second women’s major championship of the season gets underway at Lancaster CC in Pennsylvania. It’s the second time the championship has been held here.
(May 30-June 2).

Who's Who

Nelly Korda: won the Mizuho Americas Open (May 16-19) at Liberty National GC, continuing her extraordinary form in LPGA events. This was her sixth win in seven starts in 2024.

Xander Schauffele: recorded his first major championship win, and second record-equalling low score of 62 in a major. Only he, Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler and Shane Lowry have achieved this feat in a men’s major championship.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.

Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.

Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available

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Whistling Straits (Wisconsin, US)

Hamburger GC - Falkenstein, Germany

Littlestone Golf Club (Kent, UK)