New to golf? Here are some basics to know ahead of the U.S. Open at Oakmont

Unlike most sports, the player with the lowest score wins in golf. So this week, when players take the course at Oakmont Country Club for the 125th U.S. Open, they will be trying to post the fewest strokes possible.

Here’s a look at some other golf basics to help follow along this week as golf’s best head to Oakmont:

Scoring

Ace - a hole in one.

Albatross - a double eagle or hole in two on a par 5.

Eagle - two strokes under par on a hole.

Birdie - one stroke under par on a hole.

Par - the expected score on a hole, listed as par 3, par 4 or par 5.

Bogey - one stroke over par on a hole.

Double bogey - two strokes over par on a hole.

The course

Tee box - square areas where a hole begins and players tee off.

Fairway - area with short grass that is a landing zone for tee shots.

Rough - taller grass along the sides of the fairway which is tougher to play from.

Green - area of short grass that is used as a putting surface.

Bunker - sand traps positioned throughout the course that are difficult to play from.

Hazard - obstacles on the course, such as bunkers, water or ditches that can impact the score.

Flagstick - movable pole that is placed in the cup to show players where the hole is.

Cup - finishing spot for every hole where the ball ends up.

Clubs

Driver - used for tee shots on par 4 and 5 holes.

Hybrid - used for longer shots as an in-between wood and long-iron.

Irons - clubs used in the fairway on approach shots or sometimes off the tee, especially on par 3 holes.

Wedges - clubs hit from short distances near the green, or in high rough, or in bunkers.

Putter - used for hitting putts into the cup on the green.

Terms

Major - there are four major tournaments on the PGA schedule — the Masters, PGA championship, U.S. Open and Open Championship (British Open).

Etiquette - how to act during a golf tournament in regards to silence during play, staying out of a player’s line of sight, and having a quick pace of play.

Ball marker - small, coin-shaped object used to mark a ball on the green.

Caddie - person who helps players with advice during a round and by carrying their clubs.

Divot - chuck of grass that flies from the ground during a player’s swing.

Slice - a shot where the ball bends to the right for a right-handed golfer.

Draw - a shot where the ball bends to the left for a right-handed golfer.

USGA - governing body of the sport of golf in the U.S.