What is the proper term for hitting the golf ball?

In golf, the act of striking the golf ball with a club is referred to as a shot. This term encompasses all types of strikes, regardless of the club used or the result achieved.

Variations in Terminology

While "shot" is the most common and general term, there are specific terms used for different types of shots:

• Drive: A shot made with a driver, typically from the tee box.
• Iron shot: A shot made with an iron club.
• Wood shot: A shot made with a wood club (though modern woods are often made of metal).
• Chip shot: A short, low-trajectory shot played close to the green.
• Pitch shot: A shot with a higher trajectory than a chip shot, often played from the fringe of the green.
• Putt: A shot made on the green to roll the ball into the hole.

Other Related Terms

• Swing: The act of moving the club from the backswing to the downswing, culminating in the strike of the ball.
• Strike: The moment the club head connects with the golf ball.
• Hit: A more informal term for striking the ball, often used in casual conversation.

Conclusion

While "shot" is the most common and accurate term for hitting the golf ball, the specific terminology used can vary depending on the type of shot, the club used, and the context.