You’re watching a tournament or checking the live leaderboard on your phone, and you see it next to a match: the letters AS. This simple-looking abbreviation is at the very heart of match play, the head-to-head format that makes for some of golf’s most dramatic moments. This guide will walk you through exactly what AS means, how it happens, and why understanding it is fundamental to enjoying and competing in match play.
Confused about which arm to keep straight in your golf swing? It's one of the most common questions in golf, and the answer is simpler than you might think. For a right-handed golfer, the goal is to keep the <strong>left arm</strong> (your lead arm) relatively straight during the backswing. The key word here is <em>relatively</em>, because forcing a locked, ramrod-stiff arm is a recipe for disaster. This guide will break down why that straight lead arm is so important, what straight really means, and provide practical feelings and drills to build a more powerful and consistent golf swing.
You’ve probably heard announcers mention it during a broadcast of the U.S. Open or The Masters - a player in the field is a Mid-Amateur Champion. This often leaves a lot of golfers scratching their heads. It’s not a term you hear on your average weekend round, but it represents one of the most vibrant and competitive corners of the golf world. This article will break down exactly what a Mid-Am is, why the category exists, and how you might even become one yourself.
If you’ve heard a fellow golfer mention playing a RAW round and felt a little out of the loop, you’re not alone. No, it’s not a new equipment brand or a type of swing technique, it’s an informal slang term that usually stands for <strong>Rules Are Whatever</strong>. This article breaks down exactly what that means, the common on-course adjustments that are typical in a RAW round, and why this casual approach to the game can actually be one of the best things for you and your friends on the course.
Ever stumbled across the term jigger in an old golf book or heard it mentioned by a hickory golf enthusiast and wondered what on earth they were talking about? This isn't just an obscure bit of golf trivia, understanding the jigger gives you a fascinating glimpse into the history of our game and the evolution of the clubs we carry today. This article will break down exactly what a jigger is, where it came from, how it was used, and why its legacy is still alive in the modern golf bag.
Seeing the letters DNP next to a golfer's name on a PGA Tour leaderboard can be confusing, but the meaning is quite simple. This article will break down exactly what DNP stands for, the different reasons it appears, and how it differs from other common golf abbreviations like WD and DQ.
We’ve all had that hole. The one where your tee shot finds the trees, your punch-out hits another tree, you skull a chip across the green, and suddenly you’re staring at a potential 11 on a par 4. When it comes time to post your score for your handicap, do you actually write down that 11? The answer is no. This article will walk you through exactly what your maximum score on any given hole is and how to figure it out, so you can keep an accurate handicap and speed up play.
The right arm in a golf swing can feel like a complete mystery. For many golfers, it’s the source of that dreaded slice, the cause of weak contact, and the main culprit behind an inconsistent swing. You get told to use your body, but your right arm seems to have a mind of its own, lunging at the ball and ruining an otherwise good motion. The truth is, your right arm has a simple but powerful job. This guide will walk you through exactly what your right arm should be doing from address to finish, helping you turn it from a liability into one of your greatest assets for speed, consistency, and accuracy.
Ever wondered why a great round - or an absolute shocker - doesn't immediately slash or inflate your handicap? This isn't an accident, it's a clever, built-in feature of the World Handicap System designed to provide stability. This article will break down this protective mechanism, often mistakenly called the buffer zone, explaining how your handicap is calculated, what keeps it from swinging wildly, and how you can use this knowledge to play more relaxed, confident golf.
When the final putt drops on Sunday at Augusta National and two or more players are tied atop the legendary leaderboard, the tournament isn't over. Instead, we're treated to one of golf's most electrifying spectacles: a sudden-death playoff. This article will break down exactly how the Masters playoff works, explore the iconic holes where legends are made, and revisit some of the most memorable Green Jacket showdowns in history.
Encountering a small, oddly placed flag on the fairway instead of the manicured surface you were expecting can be a confusing moment for any golfer. This is a temporary green, and while it might seem like a frustrating surprise, it’s a vital tool courses use to keep the game going and protect their most valuable assets. This guide will walk you through exactly what a temporary green is, why courses use them, and how you can adjust your strategy to play them effectively and keep your round on track.
Ever heard the term 'scratch match' during a round and quietly wondered what it actually meant? You’re not alone. This article will cut through the golf jargon to explain exactly what a scratch match is, how it’s played, and most importantly, how to strategize like a pro so you can compete with confidence the next time you decide to play straight up.
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