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The ABC's of Golf
by PGA Professional, Mark Blakemore

Introduction
Part A - All About How to Get Started in Golf
Part B - Basic Fundamentals and Concepts in Golf Swing Technique
Part C - Common Golf Words and Phrases - Glossary
Conclusion

Glossary of Golf Terms and Phrases
 Golf Terminology - Definitions and Usages

Golf words or phrases beginning with the letter
K

Or enter the word in the form below. If the word you're looking for cannot be found it will automatically be suggested to the Glossarymaster (MB) for review and inclusion.

keep it inside the hole

(also "don't give the hole away") an instruction to aim the putter and/or stroke the ball inside the edge of the cup
Example: This putt has a slight break from left to right, but keep it inside the hole/don't give the hole away.

kick

1. bounce of the ball upon landing (implies direction)  2. (also "unloading") the springing back, or releasing of stored energy, of a flexed shaft
Example: 1. I got a good kick and my ball ended up right next to the pin.  2. If one's shaft flex matches their swing speed—and/or if their timing is good—they get the benefit of the shaft's kick/unloading.

kick point

(also "bend point, flex point") the point of maximum bending of a club's shaft, measured with the club in a horizontal position by securing the grip end of the club and hanging a standardized weight just above the club head
Example: All else being equal, a lower kick point/bend point/flex point will produce a higher trajectory and vice versa.

kikuyugrass

(also just "Kikuyu") very durable, creeping, wiry grass, originally from Africa, often used in warm, dry regions
Example: Kikuyugrass/Kikuyu is very tough grass and can be difficult to play from when long.

kiltie

a tongue or flap of leather that covers the laces of some golf shoes (also could refer to the entire shoe or shoe style, not exclusive to golf)
Example: Kilties are most common on women's golf shoes these days.

kitty litter

another term for a sand-filled bunker
Example: Jennifer was usually very good from the kitty litter.

knee knocker

(also "tester") a short putt that, for whatever reason, is challenging (not a gimme)
Example: His chip shot was well played, but still left him with a knee knocker/tester.

knife

(also "1 iron, driving iron, one iron") another term for a one iron
Example: On par 4's with tight fairways Jose frequently used the knife instead of his driver.

knockdown

(also "knockdown shot, punch, punch shot, half shot") a shot played with less than a full swing, mainly to control distance, trajectory and spin
Example: A common variation on the knockdown/knockdown shot/punch/punch shot/half shot is where the hands reach shoulder height on the backswing and also finish shoulder high in the follow-through.

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