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• golf
  golf

  noun

  a game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.
• Golf
  Golf

  noun

  communications a code word for the letter g

golf

American  

[golf, gawlf, gof] / gɒlf, gɔlf, gɒf /

noun

1. a game in which clubs with wooden or metal heads are used to hit a small, white ball into a number of holes, usually 9 or 18, in succession, situated at various distances over a course having natural or artificial obstacles, the object being to get the ball into each hole in as few strokes as possible.

2. a word used in communications to represent the letter G.

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verb (used without object)

1. to play golf.

golf ¹ British  

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. 1. a game played on a large open course, the object of which is to hit a ball using clubs, with as few strokes as possible, into each of usually 18 holes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a golf bag

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verb

1. (intr) to play golf

Golf ² British  

/ ɡɒlf /

noun

1. communications a code word for the letter g

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Other Word Forms

• golfer
  noun
• nongolfer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of golf

1425–75; late Middle English; of uncertain origin

Explanation

Golf is a game that involves using a club to hit a small ball into a series of cups laid out on a course. If golf seems too difficult, you might try taking up miniature golf — with a short course and whimsical obstacles — instead. Scotland is famous for its golf courses, and in fact the game was invented there during the 15th century. Golf comes from the Scottish gouf, an alteration of the Middle Dutch colf, "bat or club." The first known printed use of the word golf was in a statute banning the game — King James II believed that archery was more important and that golf was a distraction. Later monarchs enjoyed the game and lifted the ban.

Example Sentences

From the age of seven, the star began honing his craft at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex under the watchful eye of pro Darren Prosser.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Rai's ability became apparent as soon as he started regularly going to the 3 Hammers Golf Complex in Wolverhampton at the age of four.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Difficult pin locations all over Aronimink Golf Club meant that no one had been able to break this course.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026

The next drive-through will be held May 29 at the Montebello Golf Course from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

“Along with them all the old man’s mental peculiarities. Characters remain constant throughout a whole lifetime.” “. . . two rounds of Obstacle Golf to get through before dark. I must fly.”

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley