Golf February 9, 2026
Are Golf Courses Called Tracks? The Truth Behind the Terminology
Golf Terminology Quiz
Ever heard someone say, "Let’s hit the track" and wondered if they meant a golf course? You’re not alone. The question "Are golf courses called tracks?" pops up more often than you think - especially among newcomers to the game. The short answer? Sometimes, but not officially. And here’s why that distinction matters.
What’s a golf course, really?
A golf course is a specially designed area of land with 9 or 18 holes, each featuring a tee box, fairway, rough, hazards like bunkers or water, and a putting green with a flagstick. It’s not just grass. It’s engineered terrain - elevation changes, drainage systems, irrigation, and carefully placed vegetation. Courses are rated by difficulty, length in yards, and slope. They’re maintained to strict standards by greenkeepers who monitor everything from grass height to moisture levels.Think of it like this: a golf course is a full-blown outdoor sports facility, not just a path. It’s where professionals compete in tournaments like the Masters or the Open Championship. These aren’t casual walks. They’re precision sports environments.
Where does "track" come in?
The word "track" isn’t wrong - it’s just informal. In some regions, especially among older players or in casual settings, "track" is used as shorthand. You might hear someone say, "I played the track this morning," meaning they played a round of golf. It’s similar to how people say "the court" for tennis or "the pitch" for soccer.This usage isn’t universal. In the U.S., it’s rare outside of certain local dialects. In Scotland - where golf was born - you’re more likely to hear "the links" or just "the course." In parts of England, especially in the South West, you might catch "the track" used by club members who’ve been playing for decades. It’s a relic of how language evolves among regular users, not official terminology.
Why "track" feels misleading
Calling a golf course a "track" can cause confusion. A track typically means a linear path - like a running track or a railway. Golf courses aren’t linear. They’re loops. You start at the first tee, play through 18 holes, and end back near the clubhouse. There’s no straight line. You zigzag across hills, around lakes, through trees. That’s not a track. That’s a course.Also, "track" implies speed or racing. Golf is about control, patience, and finesse. Using "track" risks reducing the game to something mechanical, like a treadmill. That’s not how golfers see it. For many, the course is a place of quiet focus, natural beauty, and personal challenge.
Other terms you might hear
If you’re trying to understand golf lingo, here are a few common alternatives to "course":- Links: A coastal-style course, usually sandy, with few trees and firm fairways. Think St Andrews. This term is specific to certain designs, not a synonym for all courses.
- Course: The standard, universally accepted term. Used in rulebooks, broadcasts, and official signage.
- Layout: Often used by architects or designers to describe the overall shape and challenge of a course.
- Course of play: A formal phrase in rulebooks meaning the sequence of holes played.
None of these replace "course" as the correct term. But they add color to how people talk about the game.
What do the rules say?
The Rules of Golf, published by the USGA and The R&A, never use the word "track." Every official document - from handicap systems to tournament regulations - refers to "golf course." Even in casual play, the term "course" is used in the rules governing behavior, penalties, and equipment.If you’re filling out a scorecard, booking a tee time, or talking to a pro shop staff member, you’ll always use "course." It’s the only term that guarantees you’ll be understood everywhere.
Does it matter if people say "track"?
Not really - unless you’re trying to sound professional. If you’re chatting with friends at the 19th hole and say, "I crushed the track today," no one will correct you. But if you’re writing an article, applying for a golf membership, or coaching a beginner, using "course" shows you know the game.Language changes. Dialects shift. But in golf, precision matters. The difference between a "fairway" and a "rough," or a "bunker" and a "waste area," is built into the rules. Using "track" for "course" is like calling a putter a "stick." It’s not wrong - it’s just imprecise.
Bottom line
Golf courses are not called "tracks" in official terms. But yes, some people use the word casually. It’s slang. Like calling a driver a "wood" or a wedge a "chipper." It sticks around because it’s easy to say. But if you want to speak the language of the game accurately, stick with "course."Next time you’re on the first tee, say "I’m playing the course." You’ll sound like someone who knows what they’re doing. And that matters - even if it’s just for your own confidence.
Is "track" ever used officially in golf?
No. "Track" is never used in official golf rules, rulebooks, tournament regulations, or course signage. The only universally accepted term is "golf course." Even in casual play, "track" is regional slang and not recognized by governing bodies like the USGA or The R&A.
Do all golf courses have the same layout?
No. Golf courses vary widely in design. Some are links-style, built on coastal dunes with natural hazards. Others are parkland courses, with trees, water features, and manicured fairways. There are also desert courses, mountain courses, and even indoor simulators. Each type has its own challenges and maintenance needs. But they’re all called "courses," regardless of style.
Why do some people say "the links" instead of "the course"?
"The links" refers specifically to a type of golf course built on coastal, sandy land - typically found in Scotland and Ireland. These courses have firm fairways, few trees, and wind as a major factor. It’s not a synonym for all courses. Only courses built on this type of terrain are called links. Most courses around the world are parkland or hybrid designs, so "course" is still the correct general term.
Can I use "track" when booking a tee time?
You might get away with it in a very casual setting, but it’s risky. Online booking systems, pro shops, and course websites all use "course." If you say "I want to play the track," staff may not know which place you mean. Always use "golf course" to avoid confusion.
Is "golf track" a thing in video games or apps?
Yes - in video games like PGA Tour 2K or Golf Clash, you’ll often see "track" used in marketing or casual UI text. That’s because game developers simplify language for accessibility. But that’s not real-world terminology. In actual golf, "track" still isn’t the standard term.
