What is a lay up in golf?



What is a lay up in golf?

A "lay up" is a golf shot that is played conservatively in order to avoid trouble ahead on the hole. For example, you might be able to clear that water hazard up ahead … then again, you’re not certain.

What does it mean to lay up on a hole?

A golfer "lays up" on a hole when the risk outweighs the reward, or when the golfer knows that hitting a shorter shot is really the only option. "Lay up" as a golf term is an old part of the golfer’s lexicon, dating to the 19th century at least.

Should you play it safe or lay up on a hole?

If you play it safe, you’ll hit a lay-up shot short of the water hazard that removes the possibility of going into the water and incurring a penalty. A golfer "lays up" on a hole when the risk outweighs the reward, or when the golfer knows that hitting a shorter shot is really the only option.

What is the verb for laid up?

1. verb Of an illness or injury, to cause someone to have to convalesce. A noun or pronoun can be used between "lay" and "up." Man, that cold laid me up for a week—all I did was sleep. 2. verb To obtain and stock something to keep in reserve. A noun or pronoun can be used between "lay" and "up."