GolfTerms

The size of a USGA conforming ball must not be smaller than 1.680″ (42.67mm.)

The class of irons identified by their equal weight distribution. Blades are identified by their relatively smooth back shape. Blade style irons are popular among better players due to the increased feel and feedback they may provide. Blades are also known as muscle-back irons due to a possible concentration of weight directly behind the center of the club face.

The angle created from the leading and trailing edges of the sole of a golf club. Wedges typically have the most bounce in a set of clubs, where the leading edge will be resting higher than the trailing edge with the club in the square position. Bounce helps these clubs go through sand and high grass easily.

The design of an iron head in which the weight is distributed toward the perimeter of the head. Cavity backs are easily identified as having a recessed area on the back of the head.

The amount of energy put into a golf ball as compared to the amount of energy at (after) impact. The COR is the relation between rebound velocity and initial velocity. Putty would have a COR of 0. A perfectly elastic material has a COR of 1. Any golf club with a COR exceeding 0.83 does not conform to the Rules of Golf.

Arrangement of dimples on a ball. Various dimple patterns provide added lift, accuracy and/or distance. Patterns vary greatly from one manufacture to another.

The common term given to the relative bending properties of a golf club shaft. Flex is usually identified by a letter: L for Ladies, A for Amateur, R for regular, S for Stiff and X for Extra Stiff.

Any one of a number of golf balls designed for maximum spin and control. High spin balls are generally soft feeling and are preferred by better players.

Generic term given to any club designed from characteristics of a wood and an iron. The TaylorMade Rescue clubs popularized this type of club also known as an "Iron/Wood."

Any of a variety of balls designed for less spin. Reduced spin generally yields more distance.

The resistance to twisting of any golf club head when that head is impacted by an off-center shot.

The design concept of redistributing the weight on the head to the heel and toe in an attempt to stabilize the club on all types of impacts.

Iron head design feature in which longer irons have more offset and shorter irons have less. The offset progresses in somewhat uniform increments through the set. More offset is featured in long irons as offset tends to eliminate pushed or sliced shots and helps most players hit the ball straighter.

Any wood or iron having a face height less than the norm. Shallow face clubs typically have lower center of gravity, thus making them easier to get airborne.

Generic term given to a ball with a center core, rubber windings and a cover. A three-piece ball may also have a center and two “cover” materials, eliminating the windings.

General term given to less than perfect balls. Usually top grade balls with a slight cosmetic or manufacturing defect, X-outs are identified by a row of “X’s” somewhere on the cover. X-outs are substantially less costly than first-quality balls.