Glossary of golf terminology

B

Backswing
The motion of bringing the club from the ball to the top of the swing. It has also been known to knock the teeth out of a handful of caddies who stood too close behind their player.

Backspin
Backspin is what naturally happens to the ball when struck successfully, especially with irons. The lower lofted irons have less backspin. In contrast, high loft clubs and wedges have the most spin and thus the ball spins back towards the player once it hits the ground. Backspin is also coveted by novices as a sign of advanced shot-making.

Balata
A rubber-like substance used to coat the golf ball. Most advanced players prefer the soft feel a balata provides because it adds extra touch and spin. High-handicappers usually suffer from using balata balls due to their low tolerance for error. Balata balls don't travel as far and errant shots spray further off line than regular two-piece balls. Balata balls are generally more expensive and and are less durable.

Baseball Grip
Probably the most basic grip used by beginners and likened to a grip used to swing a baseball bat. Very few scratch golfers use this grip due to its lack of control of the club.

Birdie
Scoring one shot below a hole's par is a birdie. It is also a cardinal sin to most golfers to ever have a "gimme" or "inside the leather" putt for birdie. Birdies must be holed out in all circumstances.

Bladed shot
Also referred to as a "skulled" shot. This occurs when the top half of the ball is struck only, thus causing a low, screaming, uncontrollable trajectory. "Thin to win" however is an expression used for bladed shots, because bladed shots usually end up closer to the target than a fat shot, which travels a mere ten yards.

Block
This is the cause of a shot that is pushed to the right (for right-handers). The cause is usually a result of not rotating the forearms. This is different from a "slice" because slices start to the left then fade to the right. The path of a block is straight, but off line.