Golf is a popular sport that has its own unique terminology. One of the terms that you may have heard is “back nine.” This term is used to describe the last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of back nine, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The back nine is the second half of an 18-hole golf course. It consists of holes 10 through 18. Golfers often refer to the front nine and back nine when discussing their scores or strategies for playing a course.
Origin
The origin of the term back nine is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in Scotland, the birthplace of golf. The term may have come from the fact that the back nine is located at the back of the course, or it may refer to the fact that golfers often play better on the back nine than they do on the front nine.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term back nine is not listed in all dictionaries, but those that do define it generally agree on its meaning. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the back nine as “the last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the last half of an 18-hole golf course.”
Associations
The back nine is often associated with the more challenging and scenic holes on a golf course. Many courses are designed so that the back nine is more difficult than the front nine, requiring golfers to use a wider range of skills and strategies. Additionally, the back nine often features more water hazards, bunkers, and other obstacles that can make it more challenging to play.
Synonyms
There are a few synonyms for the term back nine, including the second nine, the home stretch, and the closing holes.
Antonyms
The antonym of back nine is front nine, which refers to the first nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.
The same root words
The term back nine does not have any root words, as it is a compound word made up of two separate words.
Example Sentences
Here are a few examples of how the term back nine might be used in context:
- “I played really well on the back nine, but I struggled on the front nine.”
- “The back nine on this course is incredibly challenging, with lots of water hazards and narrow fairways.”
- “I always look forward to playing the back nine because it has some of the most beautiful views on the course.”