Dogleg Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dogleg
[ˈdɔːɡlɛɡ ]
Definition
golf term
A dogleg is a type of golf hole that bends to the left or right, creating a turn in the fairway. Instead of a straight shot to the green, golfers must navigate around the corner. The angle and length of the dogleg can influence the strategy a player must adopt, as they may choose to take a more aggressive line or play it safe. Doglegs can vary significantly in difficulty based on their design and the placement of hazards.
Synonyms
bent hole, curved hole.
Examples of usage
- He hit his drive over the dogleg to reach the green.
- The 8th hole is a challenging dogleg that requires precise shots.
- Getting over the dogleg can significantly shorten your approach.
- The course features several dogleg holes that test players' skills.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Golf
- Golf courses often have dogleg holes to challenge players, requiring strategic shots to navigate the turns.
- Well-known dogleg holes can be found at prestigious courses like Augusta National, enhancing the game's excitement and difficulty.
- The shape encourages players to consider their club selection carefully, as the degree of the bend can affect their approach to the green.
Architecture
- In architecture, a 'dogleg' can refer to a staircase design that turns at a right angle, optimizing space in a building.
- Dogleg ladders can be used in loft buildings, making transitions easier and safer as they navigate tight areas.
Sports
- In sports terms beyond golf, 'dogleg' describes the path of a ball in sports like baseball or football that takes an unexpected turn.
- It can refer to plays that involve sharp changes in direction, adding excitement and unpredictability to the game.
Cultural References
- In literature, 'dogleg' is used metaphorically to describe twists and turns in a story's plot, suggesting complexity and surprises.
- Movies or shows may depict doglegs to symbolize characters facing unexpected challenges, illustrating life's path.
Origin of 'dogleg'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'dogleg' originated in golf, where it described holes that have a sharp turn, resembling a dog's leg.
- The earliest recorded use of the term in golf dates back to the 1900s, highlighting its popularity in the sport.
- In hunting, the term also refers to a dog following a scent in a zig-zag pattern, inspired by the animal's movement.
The term 'dogleg' originated in the early 20th century, primarily within the golfing community. The name is derived from the shape of the hole resembling a dog's leg, where the fairway curves sharply at a right angle. Historically, golf course designers began incorporating such features to introduce complexity and strategy into the game. Over the years, as golf gained popularity, the term 'dogleg' became a standard reference among players and courses, indicating specific challenges that require different play styles. The concept has since been adopted in other sports communication, but it remains most commonly associated with golf courses.