A few terms I'd like clarified and quantified

Hi all,

I've heard the terms 'in jail' (that ball's in jail) and 'dead' (don't miss there, you'll be dead).

I'm assuming they both refer to a spot that will make the next shot very difficult (either due to a tough lie, or having no backswing, or things of the like). At any rate, I'd like to know if they're synonymous and what they refer to (and if they're not synonymous, what do they refer to?)


Also, I've heard the term 'bail out zone' or 'bail out area'. What is it, how is it identified, and when do you hit there versus going at the green or flag?

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These are TV golf commentator jargon. In jail and dead are indeed synonymous referring to an area of the golf course that is virtually impossible to get up and down from. E.g. a greenside bunker next to a tucked pin on a US open type green. The commentator would say it is dead as the chances of getting the ball up out of the bunker and to stop anywhere near the hole are very low. The golfer will then inevitably manage it making the commentator look stupid.

A bail out area refers to an easier green/pin placement or part of the course that will not penalize a player for going for it. Again the commentator might say, "he'll have a whack at this with his 3w and try to get their in two, there is a generous bail out area behind and right of this green should he miss and he'll have an easy pitch back".

Hope this helps.

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