Golf Terminology - O

O

Open face

When (in relation to the target line) the club-face is angled away from the player's body, ie angled right for right-handed players.

Open stance

When a player's front foot is drawn backwards further from the target line. Used to fade the ball or to prevent a hook.

Ostrich

The single hole score of -5, or five under par. The only way this can occur is with a hole-in-one on a par 6, or two on a par 7. This score has never been achieved and it is unlikely that it ever will considering the dramatic length and rarity of holes over par 5. See Par (score).

Outside agent

Is any agent not part of the match or, in stroke play, not part of the competitor's side. Referees, markers, observers, and fore-caddies are outside agents. Wind and water are not outside agents.

Outward nine

Refers to the first nine holes, so named as links golf courses were set up where the first nine holes went "out" away from the clubhouse.

Out-of-bounds

The area designated as being outside the boundaries of the course. When a shot lands "O.B.", the player "loses stroke and distance", meaning that he/she must hit another shot from the original spot and is assessed a one-stroke penalty. Out-of-bounds areas are usually indicated by white posts.

Overlapping grip

See Vardon grip