Select a letter below to view the relevant page of our Glossary of Golf Terms.
Lag
A long putt designed to simply get the ball close to the hole. Or, in the downswing, how far the clubhead "lags" behind the hands prior to release.
Lay-up
Choosing to hit a shot shorter than you are capable of in order to avoid a hazard or to position the ball in a certain spot. For example, on a par 5, on the second shot, instead of going for the green and being under GIR, a player may lay-up which he hits his second shot short of the green and then hits his 3rd shot on the green and gets GIR.
Lie
The ground that the ball is resting on. "Good lies" include the fairway and the green, while bunkers, pine straw, and the rough are examples of "bad lies". Also, the angle between the centre of the shaft and the sole. Incorrect "lie angle" calibration will result in toe-first or heel-first contact with the ground when swinging the club.
Line
The expected path of the ball to the hole, particularly on putts. "Stepping in a player's line" on the green is considered a major golf faux pas.
Links
A course on the ocean, usually devoid of trees and therefore windy. Many courses in the United Kingdom are links.
Loft
The angle between the club's shaft and the club's face.
Loose impediment
A small natural item, which is not fixed or growing, solidly embedded, or stuck to the ball. Players can generally move them away but if they move their ball while doing so, there is a one-stroke penalty.
