As you learn to play golf, you will realize that there is a vast range of phrases used in the game of golf that may be rather puzzling to any new comer to the game or a person learning golf. A list of some of the popular terms used in golf are listed below so that you are familar with the phrases used while playing the game. The list shown below is not that totally complete but to begin with, it will definitely help you out.

Back Nine – the sequence that the course is played in decides this last batch of 9 holes that are still available on the golf course. For instance, for a player starting at hole 1, the back nine would mean holes 10-18. However, if you set off playing on the 10th hole, it would actually refer to holes 1-9.

Birdie – relates to an example wherein in just one stroke below par, a score comes in for a hole that is particularly played on. This means if the hole being played is a par -3 then the score must be a 2, if the hole is a par -5 it must be a score of 4.

Bogey – a term [that means] a score is taken when a single point comes in over the par. For example, if you are playing a par -3 hole then a score of 4 would be a bogey. In going further, anything that was a par -5 would need a score of 6 to be a bogey for instance.

Sand trap – a build in a depression filled in with sand and is treated as a hazard, which should be avoided. The appearance of the bunker is usually from the greenside but they can also be seen along the fairways or even beside it.

Green – This is what the very end of a hole is called where the flagstick is put. This is usually, where you will putt out the rest of the hole and although the shape can vary, most are either oblong or oval shape.

Handicap – this offers you information regarding the skill level of the golf player. This is usually calculated using the previous scores from the games and the courses that have been played that were accompanied by the course and the slop ratings. If a golfer has the usual 10 over par average, usually, he will then have the somewhat better handicap. With regards to handicaps, you are more likely to be perceived as a better player if you have a 2 rather than have 3 or higher handicap.

Hole – this is the location of the flagstick and it shows you where the hole is exactly placed. In addition, it is also often referred to as the specific hole on a course – for example a golf course typically has 18 holes.

Over par – the phrase implying a score counted over the par of an exact hole or for the course. For instance, a score of 5, which was a par 4, the net result, is over par. Then Again, the entire course can also mean the hole for this term and not only to a definite hole in the course.

Par – a term for the number of shots anticipated to be taken in order to sink the ball in. For finding the par, take at least 2 putts and then add in the number of shots, based on the length of the green. For example, a par of 5 could be allowed for an extra long green, and a shorter green would permit a par 3. The par number is usually added both for the individual hole as well as for the entire golf course as well so this allows players to see exactly what they are looking at distance wise before they even begin playing.

If you want to learn golf, it will do you good to know the golf phrases mentioned above so that you will be able to golf more effectively.