Glossary
Common golf and booking terms used throughout TeeTime.
Booking Terms
Tee Time
A reserved time slot to start your round of golf. Tee times are typically spaced 8-10 minutes apart.
Hold
A temporary reservation (usually 5 minutes) while you complete your booking. If not confirmed, the slot is released back to availability.
Fourball / Four-Ball
A group of four players playing together. Most tee times are designed for fourballs.
Single / Solo
A booking for one player. Singles may be paired with other golfers.
Walk-in
A player who arrives at the course without a booking, hoping for available tee times.
No-Show
A player who has a booking but doesn't arrive. Clubs may charge a no-show fee.
Rain Check
A voucher issued when a round is interrupted by weather, allowing you to play again at no additional cost.
Golf Terms
Handicap
A numerical measure of a golfer's ability. Lower handicaps indicate better players. Used to level the playing field in competitions.
Handicap Index
Your official handicap as registered with a golf association (e.g., GolfRSA). Updated based on your recent scores.
Course Handicap
Your handicap adjusted for a specific course's difficulty. Calculated from your Handicap Index and the course's Slope Rating.
Slope Rating
A measure of course difficulty for bogey golfers (compared to scratch golfers). Higher slope = harder course.
Course Rating
The expected score for a scratch golfer on a course. Used in handicap calculations.
Par
The expected number of strokes for a skilled golfer to complete a hole or course.
Scratch Golfer
A golfer with a handicap of zero.
Bogey Golfer
A golfer who typically scores one over par per hole (roughly 18-20 handicap).
Competition Formats
Stroke Play
Total strokes over the round determine the winner. Most common format.
Stableford
Points awarded based on score relative to par. Higher points = better.
| Score | Stableford Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie | 3 |
| Eagle | 4 |
| Albatross | 5 |
Match Play
Holes won/lost against an opponent determine the winner. Score reported as "2 up" or "3 and 2".
Better Ball
Each player plays their own ball; the best score on each hole counts for the team.
Foursomes
Partners alternate shots with one ball. Also called "alternate shot".
Scramble
All players tee off; team selects the best shot and all play from there. Repeated until holed.
Texas Scramble
Like a scramble, but each player's tee shot must be used a minimum number of times.
Ambrose
A scramble format where the team's handicap affects the final score.
Membership Terms
Member
A golfer with a membership at a specific club, typically with playing rights and reduced rates.
Visitor / Guest
A non-member playing at a club, usually paying a higher green fee.
Reciprocity
An agreement between clubs allowing members to play at partner clubs at reduced rates.
Affiliated Member
A member of one club playing at another through a reciprocal agreement.
Green Fee
The fee charged to play a round of golf.
Annual Subscription
Yearly membership fee for club membership.
Playing Rights
The entitlement to book and play tee times at a club.
Course Terms
Front Nine
Holes 1-9 of an 18-hole course.
Back Nine
Holes 10-18 of an 18-hole course.
Tee Box
The starting area for each hole where players tee off.
Fairway
The closely mowed area between tee and green.
Rough
Longer grass bordering the fairway.
Green
The closely mowed putting surface around the hole.
Bunker
A sand trap hazard.
Driving Range
Practice facility for hitting full shots.
Pro Shop
The club's retail store, typically where you check in for your round.
Starter
Club staff member who manages tee time departures and pace of play.
Marshal
Course staff who monitor pace of play and assist golfers.
Pricing Terms
Peak Rate
Higher pricing during high-demand periods (weekends, holidays, mornings).
Off-Peak Rate
Reduced pricing during lower-demand periods (weekdays, afternoons).
Twilight Rate
Discounted rate for rounds starting later in the day with limited daylight.
Dynamic Pricing
Automatic price adjustments based on demand, weather, and other factors.
Auto-Yield
System that automatically adjusts prices based on course utilization.
Cart Fee
Additional charge for renting a golf cart.
Walking Rate
Green fee without a cart.
Inclusive Rate
A package price that includes green fee, cart, and sometimes other amenities.
Equipment Terms
Golf Cart
Motorized vehicle for transporting players and equipment around the course.
Pull Trolley
A two-wheeled cart pulled by the golfer to carry their bag.
Electric Trolley
A battery-powered trolley that follows the golfer.
Caddy / Caddie
A person who carries a golfer's bag and provides advice on the course.
Rental Clubs
Clubs available for hire at the pro shop for players without their own equipment.