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Fairway Support›Glossary›Dogleg

Dogleg

A hole that bends left or right partway down the fairway instead of running straight from tee to green.

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Named for its resemblance to the bend in a dog's hind leg, a straight section followed by a sharp change of direction. The Historical Dictionary of Golfing Terms traces the comparison back to a 1902 article in Golf Illustrated, and a hole with two such bends is sometimes called a "double dogleg."

More course & etiquette terms

Fore!

The traditional warning shout when a ball might be heading toward someone, always yell it, immediately, if there's any doubt.

Honor

The right to tee off first on a hole, traditionally earned by having the lowest score on the previous hole.

Ready Golf

An informal approach to pace of play where whoever is ready hits, instead of strictly playing in honor order, common (and encouraged) in casual rounds.

Out of Bounds (OB)

The area outside the legal boundaries of the course, marked with white stakes, hitting a ball there costs stroke and distance.

Penalty Area (Hazard)

Water or other marked areas (yellow or red stakes/lines) where a ball landing inside carries a one-stroke penalty and specific relief options.

Provisional Ball

A backup ball played when the original might be lost or out of bounds, to save time walking back if it is.