Mario Golf: Advance Tour/Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

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1W

Abbreviation of driver.

3W

Abbreviation of 3-wood.

4W

Abbreviation of 4-wood.

5W

You don't have one in this game, but this is an abbreviation of a 5-wood, often called a "cleek."

A

Address

Taking a stance and preparing to hit the ball. In a hazard, your club may not touch the ground.

Against

Refers to hitting a ball into the wind. The ball won't go as far, so use a more powerful club or hit the ball low.

Air Ball

A ball with a trajectory much higher than the golfer intended. Usually results in a short shot.

Albatross

A score of three strokes under par on a hole. An albatross is harder to get than a hole in one.

Alternate

A game in which two players on a team take turns hitting the same ball.

Approach

A short-distance shot to the pin, usually 60 yards or less. Chip and pitch shots are often used for approaches.

Approach Shot

A shot aimed at the pin from off the green.

Approach Wedge

This club, abbreviated to AW, has a good loft and falls between the PW and SW for distance. Requires an accurate sense of distance and direction.

Apron

Refers to the green's edge.

Average

The average number of a set of statistics. Average scores and other shot data are saved under Story Status.

Average Drive

A golfer's average distance off the tee box.

Average Putts

The average number of putts a golfer takes on a hole.

Average Score

The average of all your scores in 18-hole rounds.

AW

Abbreviation of approach wedge.

B

Back Tee

A tee box from which golfers hit the first shot of a hole. Farther from the hole than the closer tee box.

Backspin

A front-to-back spin on the ball that causes it to rise and float in the air. Makes the ball bite on impact.

Backswing

During the swing, the backward movement of the club from rest to the set position. A smooth backswing halting at the set position is important.

Baffy

Another name for the 4-wood.

Ball

The round, white thing you hit with a club.

Ball Mark

The dent or hole your ball makes when it hits the green. You should always repair your ball marks.

Bare Ground

A spot where the grass is thin and the dirt is visible. Missing on bare ground can have terrible repercussions, so watch your timing!

Baseball Grip

A method if gripping the club using all ten fingers on the grip with no overlapping.

Beach Bunker

A bunker that neighbors a water hazard.

Bent Grass

A fine smooth grass used on some greens. Bent greens are much more difficult to read.

Best Drive

The longest tee shot you've ever had.

Best Gross

This is the best true total score, not including a handicap. It's a true measure of a golfer's skill.

Best Position

The best, most strategic spot to aim for on a golf hole. Hit best positions consistently and you will score well.

Best Score

The lowest number of strokes you've ever taken to play a full round.

Bet

A wager on a score, holes won, etc.

Birdie

A term for holing out in one stroke less than par.

Bite

A act of the ball stopping quickly as the result of a backspin.

Blind

A state where the pin or green can't be seen from the tee due to a dogleg or shadows.

Blowup Hole

Any hole where you miss several shots, making a decent score for that hole an impossibility.

Bogey

A score of one stroke over par in a single hole.

Break

To score under par for a hole or a round. Usually a result of playing good, aggressive golf.

Break Ratio

The percentage of holes on which a golfer breaks par.

Bump and Run

A low, short chip shot which stresses the roll after landing.

Bunker

A hazard made of sand, also known as a trap. There are various types of bunker, and you should try hard to avoid them all.

C

Caddie

A caddie helps a player by carrying clubs and offering shot advice and other assistance.

Caddie Master

Caddie masters oversee caddies, deal with foursome or group formation, and set start times.

Carry

The distance the ball travels from the time it's hit until it first touches the ground.

Cavity Back

A type of iron with a hollow backside and thicker edges, which give it a larger sweet spot. These clubs take away a little distance, but they also reduce the number of missed shots.

Champion Tees

The longest and most difficult tee box on a hole. Also referred to as black tees.

Chili Dip

When a short chip or pitch shot is hit fat, causing the ball to go much shorter than intended.

Chip

An approach shot where the ball is hit high, lands on the green, and rolls slowly toward the cup.

Chip In

To sink the ball in the cup from a short distance off the green. Usually done with a club other than a putter.

Cleek

You don't have one in this game, but it's roughly equivalent to a 1-iron or a 5-wood.

Club

The stick used to hit the ball. ...Obviously.

Club Champion

The winner of a club championship. Also referred to as "club champ" for short.

Club Championship

A championship tournament sponsored by a country club.

Club Face

The grooved part on the front of a club head that directly impacts the ball.

Club Number

The number listed on the bottom of a golf club. Generally corresponds to the loft of a club.

Club Set

The clubs carried in the caddie bag during play. Rules permit up to 14 clubs per set.

Clubhouse

A country club's main building, where the lounge and locker rooms are located.

Collar

A green's edge.

Competition Golf

Competing against other golfers in competitions such as tournaments.

Concede

When a player recognizes that his or her opponent will hole out on the next shot and gives up. Don't forget to add one stroke for conceded shots.

Course

The venue where golf is played. Normally, even par is 72. A course generally has 18 holes, a front nine and a back nine.

Course Layout

The shape of a course, including the locations of cups, greens, and hazards. Use it to plan a strategy or manage your plan of attack.

Course Management

Using strategy to make the wisest, not longest, shots to post the best possible score.

Course Rating

A means of expressing course difficulty for a scratch player. By comparing ratings, you may find a par 73 course to be tougher than a par 71.

Creek

A water hazard that flows through a course or hole. Landing in one will cost you a penalty stroke.

Cross-bunker

A bunker that cuts across the fairway.

Cup

The hole in the green that you aim for. Marked by a flag, or "pin," to be visible from afar.

D

Dance Floor

A slang term for a green. See the definition for "green."

Dead Aim

Aiming for the pin rather than in front of it when attacking the green.

Deep

Refers to a drive that's hit really far.

Deep Rough

An area of grass that longer than the rough and even harder to escape. If your ball lands here, your first priority should just be to get it out.

Defending Champion

A golfer in a tournament who won the last time it was played.

Dimple

An indentation on a golf ball. Dimples affect ball control and air resistance.

Divot

A chunk of grass the club pulls up when it makes contact with the ball. Always replace your divots.

Dogleg

A hole whose fairway turns sharply between the tee and the green. The shape of the hole is reminiscent of a dog's leg, hence the name.

Dormie

In match play, the moment when a player can win the round by tying his or her foe on the next hole.

Dormie Hole

In match play, a hole in which a player can win the round by tying.

Double Bogey

Two strokes over par. On a par 4 hole, a double bogey would be a score of 6.

Double Eagle

Same as an albatross. The chances of hitting a hole in one are better than hitting an albatross.

Double Par

Refers to two times a hole's par. If you take 8 strokes on a par 4, you score a double par.

Double Sandy

Hitting from a fairway bunker into a greenside bunker and holing out in two from there.

Doubles

When two players on one team compete against other doubles teams.

Double Cup

A tournament in which players on teams of two alternate hitting a single ball.

Downhill Lie

When a golfer addresses the ball and the back foot is higher than the front foot.

Downswing

The part of the swing where the club begins its downward motion and the strikes the ball.

Draw

An outside-in shot where the ball starts to the outside then draws back in toward the target.

Dribble

A terribly missed shot that only rolls the ball ahead a tiny bit.

Drive

A shot hit with a driver from the tee box.

Driver

The wood with the longest drive distance. A good drive will help you win long-drive contests.

Drives-in-fairway Ratio

The percentage of holes on which the tee shot lands properly in the fairway.

Driving Contest

A competition to see who can drive the farthest off the tee on a given hole. In these competitions, the ball must land on the fairway.

Driving Iron

An alternate name for a 1-iron. An uncommon club.

Driving Range

A practice facility where golfers can practice a variety of different shots. Good shots are easier to hit at the range.

Drop

The physically drop a ball in a playable area after hitting into a hazard or unplayable lie.

Duff

To miss a shot by hitting the ground behind the ball before hitting the ball itself. Duffing the ball ruins shot distance.

E

Eagle

A score of two strokes under par on a hole.

Edge

The edge of a green.

Even

A score of par on a hole or course.

Even (Square)

When players in match play have won the same number of holes.

Even Par

Playing a hole or course in the number of strokes established for that hole or course.

Explosion

A technique of scattering sand or dirt to free the ball from a hazard. The sole of the sand wedge has a projection designed for this purpose.

F

Fade

An inside-out shot that starts to the inside and fades outside on its way to the target.

Fairway

The tended grass that stretches from the tee to the green. It's easier to hit from the fairway that it is to hit from the rough.

Fairway Bunker

A bunker located beside or in a fairway.

Fairway Wood

An oversized club similar to a driver. Used for hitting balls long distances from the fairway.

Fat

Hitting the ground before the ball, resulting in the ball not going as far as intended.

Flag

An alternative term for the pin.

Flat

A more shallow or horizontal swing. Typically inside-out.

Flier

A shot that flies farther than desired because of decreased backspin. Usually the result of grass between the ball and club face upon impact.

Follow-through

The continuation of the swing after the club hits the ball. It's important to have a good follow-through on all shots.

Fore!

A warning shouted to golfers who may be in danger of getting hit by a golf shot.

Forged Irons

Unlike cavity back clubs, forged clubs have a thin, solid face. They have a smaller sweet spot but travel farther and feel smoother when hit well.

Foursome

A group of four golfers playing together.

Fried Egg

A bunker lie in which the ball is half-buried and this resembles a fried egg.

Fringe

Also called the apron, the short grass that separates the putting green from rough or fairway.

Full Swing

A swing that uses maximum backswing and follow-through.

G

Gallery

The spectators at a golf match.

Gamble Shot

A risky shot through difficult terrain.

Gimme

When an opponent thinks you'll make your next putt and permits you to skip taking it. If you lie 3 and get a gimmie, your score will be 4!

Give Up

To whit trying to sink the ball. In Mario Golf, you automatically give up if you score triple par.

Golf Bag

The bag used to hold clubs and other equipment while playing a round.

Golf Club

A place where one plays golf, in addition to the stick used to hit the ball.

Golf Shoes

Special shoes with cleats or spikes on their soles to keep the feet steady during the swing.

Golf Student

A member of a particular club in training to enter a competitive golf circuit.

Gooseneck

An iron with a bent neck between the shaft and the head.

Grass Hazard

A grass-covered hollow in the ground, similar to a bunker. Not considered a true hazard.

Green

The area of short grass surrounding the cup where the ball is putted. You can mark, pick up, and clean your ball once it is on the green.

Green Edge

The thin strip of grass around the green's edge. Also called the apron, collar, or fringe.

Greenside Bunker

A bunker that borders the green.

Greens-in-regulation Ratio

The percentage of holes on which a golfer gets on the green in regulation. A high ratio should ensure many pars and birdies.

Grip

The end of the club you grab! Also refers to the way a player holds the club.

Grip's Length

The length of a club's grip. Used as the length you can improve you lie under winter rules.

Grooves

The lines carved in the face of a golf club. Used to place spin on golf shots.

Gross

A player's total score for a round before handicap is calculated in.

H

Hacker

An erratic golfer characterized by a jerky swing.

Handicap

The number of points you subtract from your score to match your skill to a scratch player's.

Hazard

An obstacle such as a bunker or water hazard. The rules don't count grass bunkers as hazards.

Head

The part of the club that hits the ball. It's connected to the shaft.

Heath

An area of untended land scattered with low bushes.

Heavy Rough

Also called the deep rough, this grass is much thicker than the normal rough. Just hitting the ball can be very difficult.

Heel

The end of the club head nearest to the shaft.

Hole

The cup in the green that you aim for. Also refers to one of the 18 areas between the tee and the cup.

Hole in One

Getting the ball into the cup in just one stroke. Usually, this only happens on par 3 holes.

Hole Out

To sink your ball in the cup and complete the hole.

Home Hole

The 18th hole. Called this because once you're done, you're on your way home!

Honors

Hitting the first off the tee. After the first hole, the winner of the previous hole has honors.

Hook

For righties, it's when the ball flies far left of its intended path. Vice versa for lefties.

I

Impact

The moment the club hits the ball and trajectory it determined. Impact timing is vital because it affects left and right shot direction.

Impact Zone

Line up this area on the power gauge to hit the ball correctly. Also called the hitting zone.

In

A term sometimes used to refer to the last or back nine holes of a course. Also called the "back."

Inside-out

A swing that starts inside, finishes outside, and makes the ball spin to the inside. The inside spin makes the ball break toward the golfer, or "draw."

Intentional

Purposely hooking or slicing the ball left or right to avoid an obstacle and get on the green.

Interlock Grip

Gripping the club with the index finger of the top hand hooked on the pinky of the bottom hand.

Iron

A metal club used to hit the ball. The lower its number, the greater its distance.

Iron Shot

Any shot made with an iron club.

Island Green

A green that's completely surrounded by water.

L

Lag

A putt intended to stop close to the hole, not be holed.

Lateral Water Hazard

A water hazard that allows you to drop your ball two club lengths from where it landed. All of Mario Golf's water hazards are lateral.

Lay Up

To play a short, straight shot to avoid danger. Often used to avoid landing in water hazards.

Layout

A shot played to a specific spot to avoid too much distance or set up for an easier subsequent shot.

Leading Edge

Also called the "blade," the lowest edge of a club's head, where the sole and face meet.

Lie

The quality, manner, or position relative to level in which a ball rests on the ground.

Line

The path of the ball, used mostly in reference to putting, as in: "I can see the line!"

Links

Originally a term for a seaside course, this is now slang for any golf course.

Lip

The top edge of the hole.

Lob Shot

A shot that slowly flies high in the air. An advanced technique with disastrous mis-hit results.

Loft

The angle of a club's face.

Long Drive Contest

A side contest which takes place in a golf tournament whereby participants compete to hit the longest drive on a particular hole.

Long Hole

Another name for a par 5 hole. "Long" is also used to describe a hole, like a long par 4.

Long Irons

The 2-, 3-, and 4-irons. Long middle, and short irons are named for their drive distances.

Lost Ball

A ball that can't be found! In Mario Golf, you can always find your ball.

M

Marker

The object used to mark ball position on a green. Also someone who checks competition scores.

Match Play

A competition between two players to see who can win the most holes. The match ends as soon as the winner is decided, even if unplayed holes remain.

Member

Someone who belongs to a country club. A good club takes excellent care of its members.

Middle Hole

Another name for a par 4 hole.

Middle Irons

The 5-, 6-, and 7-irons. They're called this because of their midrange drive distances.

Mis-hit

A poorly hit shot that does not do what the golfer intended.

Mound

A place where the ground rises like a tiny hill.

Mulligan

A second attempt, or do-over, on a shot when you didn't like the result of the first.

N

Nassau

A three-part bet based on scores on the front 9, the back 9, and finally, all 18 holes.

Near-pin

A contest to see whose tee shot can get closes to the pin on a short hole.

Neck

The area where a golf club's head meets the shaft.

Net

A player's gross, or overall, score minus their handicap.

Normal Water Hazard

A water hazard which requires the ball to be dropped behind the hazard. Not used in this game, but in real golf, don't forget the one-stroke penalty!

O

OB

OB stands for out-of-bounds. You get a one-stroke penalty, and you must re-hit from the same spot.

Obstacle

An obstacle between your lie and the pin. Usually the result of a poor shot or bad management.

On

To be at rest on the green. If the green is reached in one stroke, that is "on in one."

On in Regulation

Reaching the green in two strokes under par for the hole. On a par 4 hole, it's on in two.

One-putt

To take only one putt on the green to hole the ball.

Out

A term sometimes used to refer to the first or front nine holes of a course. The back nine is sometimes called the "in."

Outdrive

When a player hits a tee shot farther than another player. Outdriving opponents feels great. Being outdriven feels absolutely awful.

Outside-in

A swing that starts outside, finishes inside, and makes the ball spin to the outside. The outside spin makes the ball break away, or "fade," from the golfer.

Over Par

Scoring higher than par on a hole or course.

Overlap Grip

Gripping the club with the pinky of the bottom hand atop the index and middle fingers of the top one.

P

Pair

A team of two golfers.

Par

The standard number of strokes needed to play a hole or course. A typical course is a par 72.

Par Save

When you score par or better without being on in regulation. Basically, a par under duress.

Par-save Ratio

The percentage of holes on which a golfer saves par.

Partner

Refers to a member of your foursome or a player on a doubles team.

Penalty Stroke

A stroke added to your score for dunking you ball or hitting it out-of-bounds.

Pin

The flagstick that marks the cup.

Pin High

When the ball travels the correct distance and is even with the hole, but off to one side.

Pin Position

Also referred to as "pin placement," the exact location of the hole and flagstick.

Pitch Mark

Also known as a "ball mark," the dent a ball makes when it hits the ground; usually, the green.

Pitch Shot

A short approach shot where the ball is lofted into the air and lands with a quick stop.

Pitching Wedge

A club with good control that easily lofts the ball into the air. Similar to the AW and SW

Play Through

To pass the group in front of you while they wait.

Playoff

A competition used to break a tie at a match's end. Sudden death is common, but rounds can also be replayed.

Poley

A putt that's longer than the flagstick or pin.

Pot Bunker

A small, round, pot-shaped bunker often found in the fairways and around greens on links courses.

Private Course

A course where only members and their guests can play golf.

Public Course

A course that anyone can play without having to be a member.

Push

A shot that goes to the right of the intended line for a right-handed player.

Putt

To hit the ball with the putter. A stroke using the putter off the green doesn't count as a putt.

Putt Out

An alternate term for "finish," to complete play by holing out. Also, to putt your ball into the hole whether you're away or not.

Putter

A club with a flat vertical head used to roll the ball across the green.

Putting Line

The path a putt travels once hit. If you can read putting lines, it takes fewer putts to hole out.

PW

Abbreviation of pitching wedge.

R

Rake

A tool used to smooth out the sand in a bunker.

Read

To assess or survey the line of a putt to determine its break and behavior.

Recovery

A comeback from a missed shot or bad Lie, as in: "Nice recovery!"

Registration

Entering a golf tournament. You must not forget to register prior to the beginning of tournament.

Regular Tees

The tee box used by golfers of average skill to hit their first shot. Also called the white tees.

Relief

A rules term meaning to legally move your ball away from some trouble or hindrance.

Rough

Areas off the fairway where the grass is longer. The grass makes it harder to swing.

Round

18 holes of golf.

Run

After you hit the ball, the distance it moves from its first bounce until it stops.

S

Safe Zone

Areas with no hazards that players can aim or without fear of taking penalty strokes.

Sand Wedge

A club used to get a ball out of a bunker. It has a sole that's used for explosion shots.

Sand-save Percentage

The percentage of balls holed out at par or better after landing in a bunker.

Score

The number of strokes taken to finish a hole or the total tally on a round of golf.

Scorecard

A card usually made of stiff paper used to record and tally scores during a round of golf.

Scratch Golfer

A golfer with a zero handicap.

Semi-rough

A strip of grass separating the rough and fairway. Longer than fairway and shorter than rough.

Set Position

The point where the backswing ends and the club sets just before beginning the downswing

Shaft

The rod that connects a club's head to its grip. Shafts are now made of both steel and graphite.

Shank

To hit the ball with the base of the club head, sending it way of base. Usually caused by hitting the shot fat (ground first).

Short

Refers to an approach shot that doesn't reach the green. Results from a poor club selection or a missed shot.

Short Game

The part of golf that consists of short-range shots aimed at the pin. A good short game is vital for scoring well.

Short Hole

This is another name for a par 3 hole. "Short" can also describe a hole, like a short par 4.

Short Irons

Irons used for hitting short distances, such as the 8, 9, PW, AW, and SW.

Shortcut

The path straight across the bend in a dogleg, instead of the safe path along the fairway.

Shot

The act of hitting the ball.

Shot Maker

A skilled golfer that can execute well-planned shots.

Side Bunker

A bunker on either the left or right side of a fairway.

Slice

For righties, a shot where the ball turns far to the right of its intended path. For lefties, a shot where the ball turns far left.

Slow Play

Playing slowly isn't against the rules, but it's terrible etiquette and causes backups.

Sole

The bottom of the club head where the club number is written.

Spike Mark

A mark made on the green by the cleats of a golf shoe.

Spin

When the ball rotates in flight. Spin can change shot trajectory.

Spoon

Another name for the 3-wood.

Stance

The position of your feet when you address the ball. A bad stance results in a bad shot.

Starter

The person who sets the order of play from the first tee to keep the course flowing smoothly.

Starting Hole

The number one hole on the golf course. Everyone wants to tee off well on the starting hole.

Steady

Consistent, precise play during which you aim for the green in front of the cup, not the pin.

Stick Shot

A shot that drops and sticks hard and fast right next to the hole.

Stroke

The number of times you address and swing the club to hit the ball are your strokes. Don't whiff! Those count as strokes too.

Stroke Play

A competition in which the total number of strokes for one round determines the winner. Can also be played for a predetermined number of rounds.

Sudden Death

A tiebreak situation in which victory is decided on the next hole. In match play, if no winner has been determined by the last hole, a sudden death playoff is held.

Sunny-side Up

When a ball gets halfway buried in a bunker, resembling an over-easy egg. Very difficult to hit.

SW

Abbreviation of sand wedge.

Sway

Turning the body from side to side during the swing. To much sway causes erratic ball flight.

Sweet Spot

The dead center of the face of the club. Hitting this spot is important for getting the appropriate distance out of a club.

Sweet-spot Ratio

The percentage of shots that you hit in a club's sweet spot.

Swing

The act of pendulating a club to hit a ball.

T

Tailwind

A wind that comes from behind. It carries the ball.

Tap-in

A short, simple putt that doesn't require concentration.

Teaching Pro

A trained instructor who teaches golfers to finer points of the game. Novices should listen up!

Tee

The wooden peg the ball rests on for the first shot on a hole.

Tee Box

The designated area from which each player hits the first shot of every hole.

Tee Marker

A mark that specifies from where in the tee box you should take your tee shot.

Tee Off

To hit the first shot on the starting hole.

Tee Shot

The first stroke on a hole. Taken from the tee box.

Tee Time

The assigned time for a group to begin play on their first hole.

Tee Up

To set the ball on the tee for the tee shot. If it falls off, there's no penalty to replace it.

Tend the Flag

To hold the pin so a player can see the hole and to remove it after the player has putted.

Texas Wedge

A shot made with the putter from off the green.

The Turn

"Making the turn" refers to finishing the front nine and moving on to the back nine.

Tight

A descriptive term for a course or hole that's very narrow.

Title Holder

A player that wins a championship tournament and therefore holds that particular title.

Toe

The far end of the club head, away from the neck and shaft.

Tool

An instrument used to fix a ball mark on the green.

Top

To hit the top of the ball, resulting in a low, missed shot.

Topspin

A back-to-front spin on the ball that causes it to drop faster, yet roll further.

Touch

An abstract term that refers to having a feel or sensitivity for playing good golf shots.

Tournament

A competition among many golfers for a prize, trophy, or title.

Tournament Green

For use in tournaments, this green is harder and faster than a normal green. It's had to make the ball stop on a tournament green.

Trajectory

The flight path of the ball.

Trap

See "bunker."

Triple Bogey

A score of three strokes over par. On a par 4 hole, a triple bogey would be a score of seven.

Trouble Shot

When the ball is in a difficult position to hit, like behind a tree or under a bush.

U

Under Par

Scoring less than the par score for hole or course.

Undulation

The ups and downs of the terrain. It's important to study since the ball always rolls downhill.

Unplayable

A ball that cannot be played due to terrain. There's a one-stroke penalty to drop the ball.

Up and Down

To hole out in two shots from off the green. Usually a ship or pitch followed by one putt.

Uphill

Refers to any up-sloping shot. Down-sloping shots are referred to as "downhill."

Upright Swing

A term for a swing in which the club's path is vertical.

V

Visitor

A guest playing at a course that he or she does not belong to.

W

Waggle

The back-and-forth club motion at address meant to loosen the wrists and arms.

Waste Area

Terrain covered in pebbles and rocks. Like in deep rough, these areas are hard to hit from.

Water Hazard

An obstacle made of water. If you dunk your ball, you have to take a one-stroke penalty.

Wedge

A short-range club used to loft the ball into the air. Sand, pitching, and approach wedges are the most common.

Wet Ball

A shot that lands in any water hazard on the course. Also called water balls.

Whiff

A swing that attempts to hit the ball and misses.

Wood

A distance club once made of wood but now often made of metal. 1-, 3-, and 4-woods are in Mario Golf.

Worm Burner

A shot with an extremely low trajectory that skims or appears to skim the ground.

Y

Yard

One yard equals 3 feet. That's about the same as 90cm.

Yardage

The unit used to measure distance outside the green.

Yardage Marker

A landmark indicating yardage to the green. Usually measured to the center of the green.

Yips

The inability to play well due to nerves. Yips are most common to, but not limited to, putting.