Glossary of Golf - G

G

GCSAA

The American professional association for golf course superintendents. Analogous to BIGGA in the United Kingdom.

Gimme

Refers to a putt that the other players agree can count automatically without actually being played (under the tacit assumption that the putt would not have been missed). "Gimmes" are not allowed by the rules in stroke play, but they are often practiced in casual matches. However, in match play, either player may formally concede a stroke, a hole, or the entire match at any time, and this may not be refused or withdrawn. A player in match play will generally concede a tap-in or other short putt by his or her opponent.

Goldie Bounce

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

Golf club

(i) An implement used by a player to hit a golf ball. A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc.

Grain

The direction in which the grass grows, specifically on the green (see below). Depending on the variety of grass used on the green and mowing patterns, grain can significantly influence the speed and movement of a putt.

Grand slam

Winning all the golf's major championships in the same calendar year. Before The Masters was founded, the national amateur championships of the U.S and the UK were considered majors along with the two national opens and only Bobby Jones has ever completed a grand slam with these. No man has ever achieved a modern grand slam, Tiger Woods being the closest in winning all four consecutively, but over two calendar years. A "Career Grand Slam" is having won each of the majors at least once, not necessarily in the same year.

Green

The area of specially prepared grass around the hole, where putts are played.

Greensomes

Is a variation of foursomes, where each side consists of 2 players. Both players play one tee-shot each from every tee. A choice is then made as to which is the more favorable of the 2 ball positions, the other ball being picked up. Thereafter the players play alternate shots. So if A's tee-shot is selected, the playing order from the tee will be A-B-A-B etc until the ball is holed out. If player B's tee-shot is selected, the playing order will be B-A-B-A etc. The team with the lowest score wins the hole.

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 at least two fewer than par (i.e., by the first stroke on a par 3, the second stroke on a par 4, or the third stroke on a par 5). Greens in regulation percentage is one of many statistics kept by the PGA Tour.

Grounding the club

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

Ground under repair (GUR)

An area of the golf course that is being repaired. A free drop is allowed if the ball lands in an area marked "GUR".

Groove

(i) The crevices on the face of a club that are designed to impart spin on the ball.
(ii) A well practiced swing that is easily repeatable by the golfer is often described as "well grooved"

Golden Ferret

Holing out from a green-side bunker.

Good-good

When both players in a match agree to concede each others' putts.