Junior Golf Glossary: Key Terms Every Golf Parent Should Know

A plain-English reference for the terms that come up most often around junior golf in Australia.

Format and scoring terms

Stableford: a points-based scoring format (common in junior and social golf) where points are awarded per hole based on score relative to par, rather than simply counting total strokes - it rewards steady play and limits the damage from one bad hole.

Ambrose: a team format where players hit their own shots but the team selects the best result after each shot as the ball the whole team plays from next - common in junior team events like the MyGolf Junior League because it keeps less experienced players fully involved.

Handicap: a number representing a golfer's playing ability relative to par, used to let players of different skill levels compete fairly against each other.

Equipment terms

Junior flex: a softer, more flexible shaft designed for a child's slower swing speed, which helps them generate distance and control more easily than an adult-flex shaft would allow.

Loft: the angle of a clubface relative to vertical, which determines trajectory - higher-lofted clubs (like wedges) hit the ball higher and shorter; lower-lofted clubs (like a driver) hit it lower and farther.

Program and pathway terms

MyGolf: Golf Australia's national introductory program for junior golfers, built around games-based learning rather than formal lessons.

Pennant: an interclub team competition played across a season, distinct from individual club competitions - junior pennant exists in most states as a step up from casual club golf.

PGA of Australia: the professional body for golf coaches and club professionals in Australia; PGA accreditation is a useful reference point when looking for a qualified junior coach.