Hole
The hole is the opening in the green — exactly 108 millimeters in diameter — and at the same time the term for every hole played.
The word has two meanings in golf. First, the physical hole: a perfectly round cut in the green with a diameter of 108 millimeters and a depth of at least around 100 millimeters, lined with the cup. Inside it stands the flag, which shows you the position from a distance. Second, hole means the whole playing area from the tee to holing out, so "hole 7" as the seventh hole of the round. Both meanings are second nature in everyday use and become clear from context.
The position of the hole on the green changes daily so that no worn paths form. A practical example: today the greenkeeper places the cup front left, tomorrow back right. The same 120-meter approach shot thus becomes a different putt with a different break. On the scorecard or at the tee there is often a position sheet showing the day's placement. Anyone who reads it plans the approach shot to the wide side of the green instead of directly at the flag.
A typical misconception concerns how to behave around the hole. You may leave the flagstick in while putting — since the rule reform of 2019 there is no longer a penalty for it. Many older players still have it tended out of habit, which slows the pace unnecessarily. And those who mean the hole as a playing area often use the playful extension: the "19th Hole" is the clubhouse, where the round ends over a drink.
FAQ
Why does the position of the hole on the green change every day?
So that no worn paths form and the green is used evenly. Today the greenkeeper places the cup front left, tomorrow back right, and the same approach shot becomes a different putt with a different break. On the scorecard or at the tee there is often a position sheet showing the day's placement.
Are you allowed to leave the flagstick in while putting?
Yes, since the rule reform of 2019 there is no longer a penalty for it. Many older players still have the flagstick tended out of habit, which slows the pace of play unnecessarily. Leaving it in is therefore rule-compliant and often the faster option.
What is meant when someone talks about the 19th hole?
The clubhouse is meant, where the round ends over a drink. Besides the hole in the green, the word hole also refers to every playing area, and the nineteenth hole is the humorous finish after the 18 official ones. It is part of the established jargon on and around the course.