green
green
/ɡriːn/
The area of closely mown grass surrounding the hole, designed specifically for putting.
In golf, 'the green' (or putting green) is highly delicate and must be treated with care; players cannot use heavy clubs on it.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English word for the color of vegetation, 'green' was naturally used to describe any grassy common area. In early golf, the 'putting green' was distinguished from the rougher coastal links land because it was kept short and smooth, allowing the ball to roll truly.
Word relationships
- putting surface: Putting surface is a technical term, while green is the standard and most common name.
- tee box: The tee box is where a hole begins, while the green is where it ends.
Commonly confused with
- fairway: The fairway is the long path of grass leading to the green.
Word family
- greens (noun): Plural form of green.
- greenskeeper (noun): A person responsible for maintaining the golf course.
Collocations
- putting green
- on the green
- read the green
- greenside bunker
Example sentences
- "Her approach shot landed softly on the green, leaving her with a short putt for birdie." An approach shot landing on target.
- "The greenskeeper spent hours rolling the green to ensure a perfectly smooth putting surface." Maintaining the course.
Memory hook
The 'green' is the greenest, smoothest grass on the course. Putt on the green.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the color green, though the word is identical.
Fun facts
- The grass on a professional golf green is often cut to a height of just 0.1 inches (2.5 millimeters).
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