Par 3 Course A short golf course comprised of all par 3 holes. Par 3 courses are good learning courses for beginners and help better players to improve their short games.
Par 3, 4 or 5 (See Par.)
Partner A player who is teamed with another player on the same side of a match.
Path The imaginary line formed by the arc of a players swing. (See Square, Inside-Out and Outside-In.)
Penalty Stroke(s) assessed when a ball is hit into a specific area either on (water hazard) or off (out of bounds) the course. Penalties may also be assessed for specific violations as defined in the United States Golf Associations Rules of Golf.
PGA & LPGA Tour Golf organizations for male and female professional golfers respectively, that are responsible for the management of a series of events throughout the world in which members play for monetary remuneration.
PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Governing organization of males making their living in golf-related endeavors. The PGA issues guidelines and accreditation to its members depending upon their individual positions in the game.
Pitch Out Slang term for a "shanked" shot. That is, a ball struck on the hosel of the head resulting in a straight right ball flight.
Play Through A situation in which a faster group is permitted to play a hole on which a slower group is playing. The slower group typically stands out of the way of the faster group, who is said to have played through.
Playoff In the event of a tie at the end of any competition, continuing play to determine the winner. The playoff may be sudden death, a specified number of holes or an entire 18-hole round.
Pot Bunker A small, but very deep bunker, usually filled with sand.
Power Fade A shot, generally from the tee, that combines the control of a left to right fade with the power and distance of a pull. A highly effective shot that is difficult to master. The preferred pattern of Ben Hogan and others.
Private course Type of course requiring a membership to play. Guests may play private courses for a fee at specific times, often accompanied by a member of the club
Professional Golfer An individual who earns a living based upon his or her skill at playing the game. (See Golf Professional.)
Provisional Ball A ball that is played, usually in an effort to speed up play, as a potential replacement for a ball that may be lost or out of bounds. For example, a player hits his ball toward an out of bounds area, but is not sure the ball is out of bounds. He states the intention to hit a provisional (so he does not have to take time to return to the position from where he hit the original shot) in case the ball is out of bounds. If the original is out of bounds, the provisional becomes the ball in play, with penalty strokes added.
Public Course A course open to play for all golfers, subject to time availability.
Pull A shot that tends to go to the left of the intended target, in a straight path (assuming a right-handed player.) A pulled does not curve, but flies straight.
Punch A shot, played intentionally low, to avoid wind, trees or other obstacles. The shot is played with a short backswing with the ball positioned rearward in the stance.
Punch-Out Low shot played from trees designed to get the ball back into play.
Push A shot that tends to go to the right of the intended target, in a straight path (assuming a right-handed player.) A pushed does not curve, but flies straight.
Putting Green The area of the hole being played that is specifically mowed for putting. The term "Putting Green" may also refer to a practice putting area, usually near the clubhouse.
