A person who plays golf is called, quite simply, a golfer. But within the game, there's a whole world of terms used to classify players by their skill, their status, and even their on-course personality. This guide will walk you through all of it - from the official designations to the friendly (and not-so-friendly) slang you'll hear in the cart.
First things first. The most common, correct, and all-encompassing term for someone who plays golf is a golfer. Whether you’re a seasoned professional competing on television or a total beginner heading to the driving range for the first time, you are a golfer. It’s the universal title that unites everyone who loves the game.
However, if you hang around a golf course long enough, you’ll realize the vocabulary goes much, much deeper. The community uses a variety of other names to describe players more precisely, often based on their official standing or their playing ability.
One of the most significant distinctions in golf is the line between amateur and professional status. This isn't about skill level alone, it’s about whether you play for financial gain. The governing bodies of golf, like the USGA and The R&A, have specific rules defining this status.
A professional golfer is someone who plays or teaches golf for a living. They are allowed to accept prize money in tournaments and have given up their amateur status. Even within the "pro" world, there are a couple of distinct categories:
An amateur golfer is anyone who plays golf for the challenge and enjoyment of the competition, not as a profession or for financial reward. The vast majority of people who play golf are amateurs. To maintain amateur status, a player must adhere to a strict set of rules, which historically limited the value of prizes they could accept.
Don't be fooled - "amateur" does not mean "unskilled." Many elite amateur golfers play at an incredible level, competing in prestigious events like the U.S. Amateur, the British Amateur, and collegiate championships. Some of the world’s best players were highly decorated amateurs before turning pro.
Beyond official status, golfers love to categorize a player based on their ability, which is measured by a handicap. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's potential that allows players of different skill levels to compete against each other fairly. The lower the handicap, the better the golfer.
A "scratch" golfer is a player with a handicap index of 0.0. This means, on an average day, they are expected to shoot an even-par score on any course. For example, on a par-72 course, a scratch golfer would be expected to shoot a 72. Achieving scratch status is a significant accomplishment that requires incredible consistency, a stellar short game, and mental toughness. It represents a level of mastery that very few amateurs ever reach.
What if you're even better than scratch? Then you become a "plus-handicap" golfer. A player with a plus handicap (e.g., +2) is so good that they are expected to shoot under par. To have a "net score" of par, they actually have to add strokes to their gross score. These golfers are in the elite tier of amateur players and often compete at the highest national and international levels.
The term "mid-handicapper" typically refers to golfers with a handicap between 8 and 18. This is arguably the largest segment of the golfing population. A mid-handicapper is a capable player who can hit quality shots and string together a good run of holes but struggles with consistency over an entire round. They understand the fundamentals but may battle a recurring swing fault or have trouble with course management, leading to a few "blow-up" holes that inflate their scores.
A "high-handicapper" is a player with a handicap of 18 or above. This group includes a wide range of players, from dedicated golfers working to improve to those who play more casually for socialization and fun. The term "bogey golfer" is often used to describe a player with a handicap of around 18. This nickname comes from the idea that they average about one bogey (one stroke over par) per hole, which results in a score of roughly 90 on a par-72 course.
This is where the language of golf gets really colorful. These informal terms are rarely used in an official capacity but are thrown around constantly during a friendly round. They paint a vivid picture of a player's style or reputation.
While the simple answer to "What is a golf player called?" is a golfer, the reality is much richer. The terms golfers use for each other reflect a deep culture built around standards of etiquette, measures of skill, and a shared passion for a challenging game.
No matter if you're a scratch player, a weekend warrior, or a complete beginner, every golfer wants to tee it up with more confidence. For that, we designed Caddie AI to be your personal on-demand coach. It's built to give anyone - regardless of skill level - the kind of instant answers and smart strategy that used to be for the pros. By offering guidance on tough lies, helping with club selection, and breaking down strategy, it takes the guesswork out of the game so you can focus on one goal: hitting better shots and playing with conviction.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
