clock golf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Historical
Quick answer
What does “clock golf” mean?
A putting game in which players aim to hit a golf ball from each of 12 positions arranged like numbers on a clock face into a single hole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A putting game in which players aim to hit a golf ball from each of 12 positions arranged like numbers on a clock face into a single hole.
A recreational lawn game, often played informally or at garden parties, where players attempt to putt a golf ball into a central hole from designated points on the circumference of a circle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more likely to be recognized in British English due to historical popularity in UK garden culture. In American English, it is extremely rare and may be seen as an obscure or antiquated British term.
Connotations
British: Evokes images of Edwardian/Victorian garden parties, genteel pastimes. American: Little to no recognition, no specific connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, approaching obsolescence. Higher historical frequency in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “clock golf” in a Sentence
They played [clock golf] on the lawn.We set up [a game of clock golf] for the fête.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clock golf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We decided to clock-golf for the afternoon.
- They were clock-golfing on the vicarage lawn.
American English
- We played clock golf at the historical society event.
adjective
British English
- He set out the clock-golf equipment.
- A clock-golf tournament was held.
American English
- They set up a clock golf course on the estate grounds.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially used in historical or cultural studies of leisure activities.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by enthusiasts of historical garden games.
Technical
A specific term within the niche historical taxonomy of golf-related games.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clock golf”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clock golf”
- Confusing it with 'clocking' a golf swing speed.
- Thinking it refers to golf played against a time limit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very rarely played, primarily as a historical curiosity or at themed events.
It requires a putting green (or lawn), a single golf hole, a putter, a golf ball, and markers for the 12 stations.
No. Clock golf is played on a flat circular green with one hole. Mini-golf involves navigating various obstacles on a linear course with multiple holes.
Because the players' stations are arranged in a circle like the numbers on a clock face, typically 12 positions.
A putting game in which players aim to hit a golf ball from each of 12 positions arranged like numbers on a clock face into a single hole.
Clock golf is usually informal, historical in register.
Clock golf: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɒk ɡɒlf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɑːk ɡɑːlf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the positions as numbers on a CLOCK face, and you play GOLF from each one.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME AS A GAME (The clock face structure provides the spatial framework for the game.)
Practice
Quiz
What is 'clock golf' primarily?