The number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole – typically 3, 4 or 5. Par is the baseline every other scoring term is measured against.

Holing your tee shot in a single stroke. The rarest score in golf – and traditionally, the player who makes one buys drinks in the clubhouse afterwards.

Three strokes under par on a single hole. Most often made by holing out in two on a par 5, though a hole-in-one on a par 4 also counts.

Two strokes under par on a hole – for example, 3 strokes on a par 5.

One stroke under par on a hole – for example, 3 strokes on a par 4.

One stroke over par on a hole – for example, 4 strokes on a par 3.

Two strokes over par on a hole – for example, 5 strokes on a par 3.

A number that represents a golfer's playing ability, allowing players of different levels to compete fairly. The lower your handicap, the better you play. A "scratch" golfer plays off a handicap of zero.

A putt so short that your playing partners agree it can count as holed without being played. Common in casual rounds – never in official competition.

An unofficial do-over: replaying a shot (usually a bad opening tee shot) without penalty. Mulligans are not allowed in match play or in any round that affects your handicap – they're strictly for friendly golf.

In professional tournaments, the score line that decides which players continue into the weekend rounds. Only players who "make the cut" earn prize money.

A controlled shot that curves gently from right to left for a right-handed player. Generally a desirable ball flight.

The opposite of a draw: a controlled shot that curves gently from left to right for a right-handed player.

A shot that curves sharply from right to left for a right-handed player (mirror-image for lefties). An exaggerated, usually unintentional version of a draw.

A shot that curves sharply from left to right for a right-handed player. The most common miss among beginners.

A short, low shot played from close to the green, designed to get the ball rolling toward the hole as soon as possible.

A rolling stroke played on the green with a putter. The final act on almost every hole – and where most scores are saved or lost.

The small piece of turf lifted out of the ground when the clubhead strikes down through the ball. Good etiquette is to repair or replace your divots.

Simply put: a bad shot. Every golfer hits them – even the pros.

The angle of the clubface, which determines how high and how far the ball flies. A wedge has a lot of loft; a driver has very little.

The position of your ball while in play – sitting up nicely on the fairway, buried in the rough, or perched on a slope. Your lie dictates what shots are possible.

The area where each hole begins. Swedish courses traditionally use several tee boxes at different distances – historically white, yellow, blue and red markers, with many courses now using distance-based numbering – so every player can choose the length that suits their game. Early mornings on the first tee can be chilly – a knitted sweater or mid layer over your polo is the classic solution.

The short-mown corridor of grass between the tee and the green. The ideal place for your ball to land.

The longer grass bordering the fairway. Shots from the rough are harder to control, so every golfer's goal is to stay out of it.

The very closely mown area surrounding the hole, where you putt. Reading the green's slopes and speed is a skill of its own.

A sand-filled hazard placed around fairways and greens. Escaping one cleanly is one of golf's most satisfying feelings.

A hole whose fairway bends left or right partway along – a "dogleg left" or "dogleg right". A par 5 with two bends is a "double dogleg". The name comes from the fairway's resemblance to the bend of a dog's hind leg.

Areas where play is not allowed, usually marked with white stakes. If your ball goes out of bounds, you replay from the previous spot with a one-stroke penalty.

A used golf ball that has been recovered, washed and sold at a lower price. A smart, budget-friendly choice for beginners who still lose a few balls per round.

The warning shout used when a ball is heading toward other people. If you hear it – cover your head first, look second.

The fee a visiting player pays to play a course. Prices vary from course to course; members typically play their home course without paying a separate green fee.

Your booked starting time. Arriving at the course well before your tee time – warmed up and changed – is basic golf etiquette.

One player is a single, two players a twosome, three a threesome, and four – the most common group on the course – a foursome.

The two main competition formats. In stroke play, every stroke over the full round counts and the lowest total wins. In match play, you compete hole by hole – whoever wins the most holes wins the match.

A person who carries a player's bag and offers advice on club selection and strategy. Common in professional golf; a luxury in club golf.

An extra stroke (or two) added to your score after certain rule situations – water hazards, out of bounds, unplayable lies. An unavoidable part of every golfer's life: add the stroke and play on.

A birdie is one stroke under par on a hole; a bogey is one stroke over par. On a par 4, that means a birdie is 3 strokes and a bogey is 5.

"Fore!" is the traditional warning that a ball is flying toward other people, giving them time to protect themselves. Always shout it if there's any risk your ball could reach someone.

A mulligan is an informal do-over – replaying a shot without penalty. It's only used in casual rounds and is never allowed in competitions or rounds that count toward your handicap.

Tee markers show different starting distances on each hole. Swedish courses traditionally used white, yellow, blue and red markers, and many have moved to distance-based tee names. Choose the tee that matches your hitting distance – not your ego.

Most courses expect a collared or golf-specific top and tailored bottoms – no jeans. A polo or short-sleeved golf top, comfortable stretch golf pants or a golf skort, plus a light jacket or wind vest for changing weather, will have you dressed right on any course.