stroke hole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Very Low (specialist term)Technical / Sports (Golf)
Quick answer
What does “stroke hole” mean?
In golf, the number of strokes a player is expected to take to complete a particular hole, usually based on its difficulty (par) and the player's handicap.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In golf, the number of strokes a player is expected to take to complete a particular hole, usually based on its difficulty (par) and the player's handicap.
The specific hole on a golf course on which a player is given or owes a handicap stroke; a term used in match play to indicate a scoring advantage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The terminology is identical and standardised internationally in golf.
Connotations
Neutral, technical sports term. No additional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, used only within the context of discussing golf handicaps and match play.
Grammar
How to Use “stroke hole” in a Sentence
[Player] receives a stroke hole on [hole number].[Hole number] is a stroke hole for [player].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stroke hole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stroke-hole allocation is on the scorecard.
- He studied the stroke-hole layout.
American English
- The stroke-hole assignments are posted.
- Check the stroke-hole index before playing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in very specific sports science papers on golf.
Everyday
Not used. Exclusive to golfers discussing handicaps.
Technical
Used precisely in golf to denote a hole where a player gets a handicap stroke to adjust net score.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stroke hole”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stroke hole”
- Using it outside of a golf context.
- Thinking 'stroke' refers to a medical event.
- Confusing it with 'hole in one'.
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'to stroke the hole').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used only within the sport of golf, specifically in the context of handicaps and match play.
No, it is exclusively a compound noun. You cannot 'stroke hole' something.
Par is the expected number of strokes for a skilled golfer to complete a hole. A 'stroke hole' is a hole where a less skilled player receives an extra stroke (due to their handicap) to adjust their net score relative to par.
No, the term and the handicap system it relates to are essentially standardized worldwide, so usage is identical in both varieties of English.
In golf, the number of strokes a player is expected to take to complete a particular hole, usually based on its difficulty (par) and the player's handicap.
Stroke hole is usually technical / sports (golf) in register.
Stroke hole: in British English it is pronounced /strəʊk həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /stroʊk hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a golfer "stroking" the number of the hole on their scorecard to indicate they get an extra shot there.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS ADJUSTED FAIRNESS (The handicap system metaphorically levels the playing field by allocating 'strokes' to specific 'holes').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'stroke hole' in golf?