golf jargon it can feel like a language of its own. Whether it’s from a caddy or a playing partner, you can learn the meaning behind what they’re saying—and even figure out how to apply it to your own game.
If you want to know what’s being said and how to interpret it in a way that benefits your approach to the course, try these five common golf phrases:
1. “Give it all you’ve got”
This phrase generally means the shot is long – they mean you need to use your longest club, such as
How to interpret it:
Use the longest club you feel comfortable with. If it’s not a 3-wood, perhaps a 7-wood or a hybrid is the best choice—something you can hit consistently and confidently.
2. “The other is good”
You’ll often hear this in team events like skirmishes. It means that if you miss the shot, someone else in your group will likely have it covered. What they’re really saying is, “Don’t leave it short.”
How to interpret it:
Be a little more aggressive. Give the ball a chance to reach the hole, but don’t hit it so hard that it doesn’t have a chance to drop due to too much speed. Remember – a golf ball can fall on the edges if it slows down, but with too much momentum, it will just roll forward.
3. “Don’t give the hole away”
This phrase also relates to your setting and purpose. This means the shot putter will break, but not by much—likely less than two inches each way.
How to interpret it:
Be careful of your accurate aim, especially on shorter shots. You might consider using the line on your ball to help aim, so when you drive in, you can trust the alignment of your putter face.
4. “You have a short putt – here’s your sand wedge or lob”
Caddies often assume that when you’re close to the green and don’t need a full swing, your favorite club should be your highest club.
How to interpret it:
This can work, but it’s not always the best solution – especially if you have room for the ball to roll towards the needle.
First set the type of shot (elevated catapult or lower bump and run), and then select the club. Often, a hit and run with a pitching wedge is less dangerous and more consistent.
5. “You put it too high”
When you open a carsomeone might tell you it’s because you put it too high. Although, in most cases, this is not true.
How to interpret it:
When you drive your drive, you want about three-quarters of the ball to be over the crown of the club at address. While you can turn it up pretty high, it’s more likely that another aspect of your setup is causing you to show it. Instead of writing it off as a bug with your pitch, try checking other configuration keys.
Like ball position, for example. Ideally, you want to play the ball forward in your position. It can also be a product of poor shoulder positioning. In drives, you want to angle your shoulders a little – where the shoulder of the lead is a little higher than the shoulder of the track. This will help you hit high and pass the ball.
Now when you hear someone say you’ve got it too high, you’ll know that’s just a possibility and that you should also check your ball position, shoulder angle and make sure you’re hitting the ball up – not down.
