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Golf Terms

note

This page assumes you play right-handed like me.

For definitions of golf terms and accompanying images, see Golf Distillery.

Flight paths

A draw or hook is when the ball goes right to left. Draws are less severe than hooks. Too much counterclockwise spin causes draws and hooks. You can fix them by making your club "go back outside" (farther from your back) on the backswing because that causes the ball to spin more clockwise, thereby causing it to go more left to right.

A fade or a slice is when the ball goes left to right. Fades are less severe than slices. Too much clockwise spin causes fades and slices. You can fix them by making your club "go back inside" (closer to your back) on the backswing because that causes the ball to spin more counterclockwise, thereby causing it to go more right to left.

Impact

A fat shot is when you hit the ground before the ball. A thin or blade shot is when you hit the side of the ball and it rolls instead of flying. A top shot is when you hit the top of the ball and it bounces a few times. An ideal shot is when you hit the bottom of the ball before hitting the ground.