Hack(er) Slang, derogatory term given to a player of lesser ability.
Handicap The number assigned to a players ability level, as related to the number of strokes over or under par a player is expected to play. The lower the handicap, the better the player. A players handicap is deducted from his gross score to establish his net score. (See Gross and Net.)
Hanging Lie A ball resting on a uphill slope.
Hardpan Term given to an area of the golf course (not bunkers or hazards) on which no grass is growing. Shots from hardpan are among the most difficult as it requires a high level of skill to get the club under the ball from such lies.
Heel The part of the club head closest to the hosel. If a shot is struck there, it is said to be heeled.
Hogan Tour Now-defunct professional golf circuit for male players one level below the PGA Tour. The Hogan Tour, sponsored by the Ben Hogan Company, evolved into the Nike Tour and then into the Buy.Com Tour.
Home and Home Match A type of competition in which contestants play one round at one home course and the second at the other. Generally used in country club versus country club competition.
Home Green The 18th green, or any other designated as the last to be played.
Honor The player who hits first on a hole is said to have the "Honor". The honor is gained by having the lowest score on the most recently played hole.
Hook Type of shot, for a right-handed golfer, that often starts to the right of the target and curves dramatically to the left, usually ending much more left of target than desired. A hook is normally considered to be a non-desirable shot.
Hooters Tour Professional golf circuit, sponsored by the Hooters restaurant chain, for male players a few levels below the PGA Tour. The Hooters Tour schedules events throughout the U.S. each year.
Hoseled Shot A shanked shot (see "Shank" and "Pitch Out") that results in a ball flight directly to the right as a result of the ball being struck on the hosel.
