sclaff

American  

[sklaf] / sklæf /

verb (used with object)

1. to scrape (the ground) with the head of the club just before impact with the ball.

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verb (used without object)

1. to sclaff the ground with the club.

noun

1. a sclaffing stroke.

sclaff British  

/ sklæf /

verb

1. Also: duff.  to cause (the club) to hit (the ground behind the ball) when making a stroke

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noun

1. a sclaffing stroke or shot

Other Word Forms

• sclaffer noun

Etymology

Origin of sclaff

1890–95; special use of Scots sclaf to shuffle

Example Sentences

The "sclaff" he struck off that 5th tee bore a strong resemblance to a wounded bird.

From Golf Digest

When, as often happens, this is done too suddenly, a sclaff is the result.

From Project Gutenberg

AND some we loved, the feeblest with a Club, Ordain’d to sclaff, to foozle, and to flub, Have turned in Cards a Round or two before, And played that final Green without a Rub.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, would that such mishaps might fall On Laidlay or Macfie, That they might toe or heel the ball, And sclaff along like me!

From Project Gutenberg