You've picked out the outfit—now let's build your confidence.
There's something exciting about receiving an invitation to play golf. But if you're new to the game, it's natural to wonder whether you'll know the unspoken rules, understand the conversation, or feel comfortable alongside more experienced players.
The good news? Confidence on the course doesn't come from playing perfectly—it starts with knowing the basics.
August is National Golf Month and to celebrate we're excited to introduce Thrive in Five, a new video series designed to make golf feel more approachable, one episode at a time.
Every Saturday throughout August, Chloe—former collegiate golfer and Midspring's Operations Manager—will share five-minute lessons covering the fundamentals every golfer should know. From golf terminology and course etiquette to pace of play and simple on-course tips, each episode is created to help you feel prepared before your next round.
Whether you're stepping onto the first tee for the very first time or simply looking to refresh the fundamentals, Thrive in Five is here to help you play with confidence.
Episode One: Golf Terminology Every New Golfer Should Know
One of the quickest ways to feel at ease in any foursome is understanding the language of the game. Here are five terms you'll hear time and time again.
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"Lying X, Hitting Y"
This is golf's simplest way of communicating score during a hole.
If you're lying three, it means you've taken three strokes and your ball has come to rest. Your next swing will be hitting four.
Once you understand the phrase, following along with your group's scoring becomes much more intuitive.
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Slice vs. Hook
Not every shot flies exactly as planned.
A slice curves sharply to the right (for a right-handed golfer), while a hook curves sharply to the left. These are more dramatic, typically unintentional ball flights that every golfer experiences from time to time.
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Fade vs. Draw
Unlike a slice or hook, a fade and draw are controlled shot shapes.
A fade moves gently to the right, while a draw moves gently to the left. Many experienced golfers intentionally play these shots depending on the shape of the hole.
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Rough
The rough is the longer grass that borders the fairway.
Your ball is still in play, but the thicker grass can make your next shot a bit more challenging. Consider it part of the game—every golfer finds themselves there now and then.
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Fringe
The fringe is the closely mown grass that surrounds the putting green.
Although it's technically not part of the green, it's close enough that many golfers choose to putt from the fringe, while others may opt for a short chip depending on the lie.
Golf Is Easier When You Speak the Language
Like any sport, golf has its own vocabulary. Learning a handful of common terms won't just help you follow the conversation—it will help you feel more relaxed, more prepared, and more confident when it's your turn to tee it up.
At Midspring, we believe golf should feel welcoming, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone. Thrive in Five was created with exactly that in mind.
Join us every Saturday this August as we share practical tips to help you feel more comfortable on the course—one lesson, and five minutes, at a time.
We can't wait to see you out there!