ENGLISH
REFERENCE

golf

n. uncountable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɡɑɫf// UK //ɡˈɒlf// golf General-service

n. a game played on a large area of grass where you hit a small ball into a series of holes. You use different metal or wooden sticks called clubs to hit the ball in as few turns as possible.

n. a sport played on an expansive outdoor course in which a small, hard ball is struck with various clubs into a series of small holes. The objective is to complete the course in the minimum number of strokes.


SIMPLE

He plays golf with his friends every Sunday morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The local business leaders often meet at the golf course to discuss deals while playing eighteen holes.

COMPLEX

While often perceived as a leisurely pastime, professional golf requires immense psychological focus and precise mechanical consistency to navigate the hazards of a championship-level course.

Origin

The word is first known in English from the 17th century as a borrowing from Middle Scots golf, gouff. Although the etymology is uncertain, the most likely origin is that it comes from the Middle Dutch colve, colf (“club”), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *kulbaz (“club”), related to German Kolben (“piston, rod”), Swedish kolv (“piston, rod”), Old English clopp (“rock; cliff”), English kelp.

Usage

Typically used without an article when referring to the sport itself.

Pitfall

I am going to play the golfI am going to play golfNames of sports are generally uncountable and do not take a definite article.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference