Select a letter below to view the relevant page of our Glossary of Golf Terms.
Halved
In match play, a hole is halved (drawn) when both players or teams have played the same number of strokes. In some team events, such as the Ryder Cup (though not in the Presidents Cup), a match that is level after 18 holes is not continued, and is called "halved", with each team receiving half a point.
Handicap
A calculation that makes all golfers equal on the playing surface.
Handsy
A term used to describe a player with too much wrist movement in their putting stroke causing inconsistent putts.
Hardpan
A lie consisting of very hard turf.
Hazard
Any bunker or permanent water including any ground marked as part of that water hazard. Special rules apply when playing from a hazard.
Hole
A hole in the ground which is called the cup. 4.25 inches in diameter.
Hole In One (or ace)
Getting the ball directly into the cup with one shot.
Hole In One Insurance
Insurance for a prize for getting a hole in one during a tournament.
Hook
A poor shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves sharply to the left (may occasionally be played intentionally but is difficult to control). Hooks are often called the "better player's miss", thanks to the fact that many of the game's greatest players (Ben Hogan, for instance) have been plagued by the hook at one time or another in their careers.
Hosel
The crooked area where the clubhead connects to the shaft. Hitting the ball off the hosel is known as a shank.
