Below the Hole
Definition: "Below the hole" describes the position of a golf ball in relation to the cup, or hole, once the ball is on the green.
If the green slopes, or if the hole is cut in a position on the green that slopes, being below the hole with your approach shot or lag putt is the desired position.
Below the hole means that your ball is positioned such that you will be putting uphill to the cup. Uphill putts are generally easier than downhill putts, so below the hole us much preferable to above the hole.
Examples: The Golf Guide positioned his ball below the hole, which leaves an uphill putt for par.
Bentgrass
Definition: The grass of choice for putting greens in any climate in which it can be grown. Bentgrass is characterized by very thin blades which grow densely and can be very closely mown, resulting in a felt-like smoothness to the putting surface. Bentgrasses are tolerant of cold, but not too fond of heat. Many courses in hotter climates use a different type of grass, although some spend a lot of time and money keeping bentgrass alive (some even install sub-green cooling systems).
Also Known As: Bent
Alternate Spellings: Bent grass
Bermudagrass
Definition: Bermudagrass is a common turf used by courses in warm, tropical climates and is most common in the southern U.S. Bermudagrasses - Tifsport, Tifeagle and Tifdwarf are common varieties - have thicker blades than bentgrass, resulting in a grainier appearance to putting surfaces. The grain of bermudagrass greens can influence putts, so golfers on such greens must be aware when they are putting with, against or across the grain.
Also Known As: Bermuda
Alternate Spellings: Bermuda grass
Best At Something
Definition: Best At Something is a points-based betting game that can be played right alongside any other type of match in which golfers are playing their own balls throughout (as opposed to alternate shot, for example).
Along with counting strokes, Best At Something requires that each player count points. Points are awarded (or subtracted) for different things throughout the round. Have the most points at the end of the round, win the bet.
In its most common form, 1 point is awarded for any of these accomplishments:
• Fairway hit (it might be stipulated that woods must be used to get a point)
• Green in regulation
• 1-putt green
A single point would be subtracted for:
• 3 putts or more on a green
• Hitting into a hazard
• Lost ball
• Out of bounds
Want to make it more complicated? Tally each category separately. Those leading the positive point categories win from the other players; those leading the negative point categories owe the other players.
Best Ball
Definition: Along with the scramble, "best ball" is one of the most popular golf tournament formats.
Best ball can be played using 2-, 3- or 4-person teams. Each player on the team plays his or her own golf ball throughout the round, and on each hole the low score - or "best ball" - of the group serves as the team score. Player A gets a 5, B gets a 4, C gets a 6, D gets a 6, then the team score for that hole is 4, because the low score of the group was B's 4.
Best ball is usually played as stroke play with the total score added up at the end of the round. It can be played as match play, but best-ball match play with more than 2-person teams results in a lot of halved holes.
When using 3- or 4-person teams, it's almost imperitave to apply handicaps so that the weaker players will be able to contribute.
A 2-person best ball match play competition is also known as Four Ball.
"Best ball" can also refer to a competition in which a single player plays match play against a 2- or 3-person team playing best ball. That variation is good for a low-handicapper taking on a team of higher handicappers.
Handicap allowances for Best Ball competitions can be found in the USGA Handicap Manual, Section 9-4 (
www.usga.com).
Also Known As: With 2-person teams, "better ball." With 2-person teams in match play, "four ball."
Best Nines
Definition: Best Nines is a betting game that is more commonly called Nassau. It's essentially three tournaments (or bets) in one: the front nine, back nine and 18-hole scores all count as separate tournaments or bets. See Nassau for explanation and examples.
Also Known As: Nassau, or 2-2-2 when referring to a $2 Nassau
To be continued.. 