What Is a Dogleg in Golf?
Dogleg: A hole that bends left or right between the tee and the green.
Dogleg — full definition
A hole that bends to the left or right at some point between the tee and the green, named for its resemblance to a dog’s hind leg. A dogleg left rewards a draw; a dogleg right rewards a fade. Some holes feature a double dogleg with two direction changes. Aggressive players may try to “cut the corner” over trees or hazards to shorten the hole.
Dogleg — frequently asked
Dogleg — how does it affect play?
- Dogleg left rewards a draw shot shape
- Dogleg right rewards a fade shot shape
- Some holes have a double dogleg with two direction changes
How should you play a dogleg?
- Aggressive players try to “cut the corner” over trees or hazards
- Playing safe to the middle of the fairway is usually the smart play
More on Dogleg
Cutting the corner is a distance question, and distance questions have devices.
- Rangefinder comparisonCarry numbers to the corner, model by model.
- Golf rangefindersEvery model we hold specs for.
Other course features
Links
A coastal course style built on sandy terrain with firm conditions, deep bunkers, and wind.
Parkland
The most common American course style — lush fairways, tree-lined holes, and soft conditions.
Elevation Change
The height difference across a course or hole — directly affects club selection.
Green Complex
The entire area in and around the putting surface — green, bunkers, chipping areas, and slopes.
Forced Carry
A shot that must carry over a hazard — no option to play around it.
Risk-Reward
A hole offering a choice: play safe for a modest result, or go aggressive for a bigger reward.
Pin Position
Where the flagstick is placed on the green on a given day — changes daily.