Some “Words” About Golf…Being both a cruciverbalist (a lover of crossword puzzles) and a “golf-o-phile” (or perhaps “golfaholic” is better), I was pleasantly surprised recently when the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle contained a golfer’s theme, mostly of double entendres using common golf terms.
It caused me to look into the some of the more interesting words and terms in the game of golf. For example, did you know that …
“Sabbath Sticks” were golf clubs designed to look like walking sticks, so that players could surreptitiously play on Sundays, when the Church frowned upon engaging in sport.
A “Biarritz Green” is a putting surface with a large gully through the middle of it, named after the Biarritz Golf Club in France, from where the original green of this style is copied.
“Caddie” likely comes from the French word “cadet” -- a boy or youngest member of the family. (It is not surprising that the Scots derive words from the French, as the two countries were often allies, including at the time golf first came into “vogue” in the 16th century. Mary, Queen of Scots was both a golfer and fluent in French.)
“Dormie” – the term used to describe the status of a match-play contest, when one is leading by as many holes as are left to play – also comes from the French. “Dormir” is French for “sleep,” and the leading player can rest knowing he can’t lose when the match is dormie.
“Fore” probably came from “fore-caddie” – the boys (usually male, anyway) often sent before the golfers to track golf balls. Calling to these helpers likely shortened from “Fore-caddy!” to just “Fore!”
The term “Birdie” for a score of one under par is said to have its origin locally. Players at the Atlantic City Country Club apparently coined the term.
While there is no definitive story about how “Mulligan” came to mean a “do-over” in golf, but some believe it is also of Garden State origin. A gentleman named Mulligan was said to be known for his errant and often-replayed tee shots at Essex Fells Country Club.
The “Nassau” – probably the most common form of golf match played by average golfers – is said to have originated at the Nassau Country Club on Long Island.
And in case you are playing a round one afternoon with your old high school English teacher, remember that in bragging about your multiple aces, say “holes-in-one” and not “hole-in-ones.” (If it’s your old civics teacher, remember “Attorneys-General”…)
Of course, with my game, cross words – the kind not suitable for print -- and golf often go together.
Christopher Schiavone is the President and Chief Executive Officer of RDC Golf Group Inc.
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