golf

The word “golf” means a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes. In plain terms, the club-and-ball sport played on a course of holes, or the verb for playing it.

“Golf” is pronounced golf (/ɡɑlf/ in IPA).

Here is “golf” used in a sentence: “They played a round of golf before breakfast.”

Depending on how it is used, “golf” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “golf” comes from Dutch. First recorded in English from Scots golf/gouff; likely traces further back to a Middle Dutch word for "club.".

“Golf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Golf” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sport in which players use clubs to hit a small ball into a series of holes on a course, aiming for the fewest strokes.

Golf is played on a large outdoor course, using a set of clubs to drive a ball across long distances into holes, testing power and precision. Mini golf, or putting, is a compact novelty version played on small themed obstacle courses where only the gentle putting stroke is used.

A standard full round is 18 holes, which is why courses are typically laid out that way. Shorter courses often have 9 holes, played twice to make up a full round. Each hole varies in length and difficulty, and the goal is to complete all of them in the fewest total strokes.

Yes. Golf is one of the most age-friendly sports, playable from childhood well into later life because it involves walking and controlled swings rather than intense physical contact. Beginners usually start with lessons from a professional to build a sound swing, then improve steadily through regular practice on the range and course.