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

See Examples For:

sclaff

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

From Golf Digest ● Oct. 16, 2013

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

From The Complete Golfer by Vardon, Harry

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 The Golfer's Rubaiyat by Boynton, Henry Walcott

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 New Collected Rhymes by Lang, Andrew