golf
golf
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "golf" is /ɡɒlf/.
golf: /ɡɒlf/
Word Form Variations
Noun: golf (singular, uncountable for the sport), golfs (plural, rare, used to refer to specific types of golf or rounds)
Verb: golf (base form), golfs (third person singular present), golfed (past tense, past participle), golfing (present participle)
Adjective: golf (as in "golf course," "golf club")
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Golf
A game played on a large outdoor course with 9 or 18 holes, in which players use clubs to hit a small hard ball into a series of holes, aiming to do so in as few strokes as possible.
Synonyms: links (referring to the course), fairway (part of the course), putt-putt (miniature golf)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a specific sport)
Verb
Golf
To play the game of golf.
Synonyms: play golf, hit the links, tee off (start a round)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to playing the sport)
Adjective
Golf (used in compound nouns)
Relating to or used in the sport of golf.
Synonyms: golfing, links-related
Antonyms: non-golf, other-sport (by contrast)
Examples of Use
Books
Sports Biographies: Many books chronicle the lives of famous "golf" players. Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict is a notable example, detailing the life and career of the legendary golfer (Simon & Schuster, December 2018).
Instructional Books: Guides on how to play "golf" or improve one's "golf" swing are common. "Master your short game with advanced golf tips."
Fiction: Characters might play a round of "golf" or discuss a business deal on the golf course. "The detective found a clue on the ninth hole of the local golf course."
Newspapers
Sports Sections: Newspapers extensively cover "golf" tournaments, player rankings, and news from the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA). A headline might read, "Scheffler Dominates at The Open Golf Championship" (ESPN, July 2025).
Business Sections: Articles sometimes discuss the business of golf tourism or the financial impact of major golf events.
Lifestyle Sections: These might feature articles on golf course architecture or tips for golfing etiquette.
Online Publications
Sports News Websites: Sites like PGA.com, Golf Digest, and Golf Channel provide comprehensive coverage of professional and amateur "golf." "Watch highlights from the latest golf tournament."
E-commerce Sites: Retailers sell a vast array of "golf" equipment, apparel, and accessories, including golf clubs, golf balls, and golf shoes. "Shop our collection of premium golf wear."
Travel Blogs: Many blogs feature articles on top golf destinations or reviews of luxury golf resorts.
Social Media: Golfers share videos of their swings, discuss their favorite golf courses, or post about their latest round of golf. Hashtags like #GolfLife or #GolfSwing are common.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Films sometimes center around "golf" (e.g., Caddyshack, Happy Gilmore). Sports channels broadcast live golf tournaments. Documentaries might explore the history of golf or the lives of its pioneers.
Video Games: Many video games simulate the sport of "golf," allowing players to virtually play on famous courses. "Experience realistic golf physics in the new game."
Commercials: Advertisements for cars, financial services, or luxury goods often feature scenes of people playing golf to evoke a sense of leisure or success.
Podcasts: Sports podcasts dedicate episodes to analyzing professional golf seasons, major championships, or interviews with golf legends.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly discuss going for a round of "golf," their latest golf score, or the weather being perfect for golf. "Are you free for golf this weekend?"
Workplace: Business deals are sometimes conducted on the golf course, and companies organize golf tournaments for charity or networking.
Hobbies: Enthusiasts discuss different golf techniques, types of golf clubs, or their favorite golf courses.
Gift-giving: "Golf-themed gifts" are popular for enthusiasts of the sport.
10 Quotes Using Golf
"Golf is a good walk spoiled." (Mark Twain)
"Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character." (Arnold Palmer)
"I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators." (Gerald Ford)
"Golf is the closest game to the game we call life." (Bobby Jones)
"Golf is a puzzle without an answer." (Ben Hogan)
"Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated." (Arnold Palmer)
"The most important shot in golf is the next one." (Ben Hogan)
"Golf is twenty percent mechanics and eighty percent magic." (Tommy Bolt)
"A bad day of golf is still better than a good day at work." (Common Saying)
"The true beauty of golf lies in its relentless and constant challenge."
Etymology
The word "golf" comes from the Middle Dutch word "kolf" or "colf," which meant "club," "bat," or "stick." This term was used to refer to a game played with sticks and a ball.
The first known use of "golf" in English dates back to the 15th century, specifically in Scotland. It appeared in texts referring to the game played with a club and a ball over open ground, directly reflecting its Dutch origin. The earliest records include a ban by King James II of Scotland in 1457, who complained that "golf" was distracting his subjects from archery practice.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Golf
Golf course: A large area of land designed for playing golf, typically with 9 or 18 holes. "They spent the afternoon on the golf course."
Golf club: An implement used to hit a golf ball; also, an organization for golfers or the building used by such an organization. "He bought a new set of golf clubs."
Golf cart: A small motorized vehicle used to transport golfers and their equipment around a golf course. "We rented a golf cart for the back nine."
Golf swing: The specific motion used by a golfer to strike the ball. "He's trying to improve his golf swing."
Golf widow/widower: A spouse who is often left alone because their partner spends a lot of time playing golf. "She's practically a golf widow every weekend."
To play golf: To engage in the sport of golf. "Do you play golf regularly?"
A round of golf: A complete game of golf, typically 18 holes. "Let's play a round of golf on Saturday."
Hole-in-one: A shot in golf where the ball goes directly into the hole from the tee. "He scored a hole-in-one on the third hole!"
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of golf from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
