brassie
/'brɑ:si/
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of golf club: A brassie is a specific type of golf club, historically made of wood, designed for hitting the ball a long distance from the fairway. Its clubface has a loft (angle) greater than a driver's but less than a spoon's.
Usage
The term "brassie" is now considered archaic in modern golf. It refers to a club that was part of the traditional set of wooden-shafted clubs, used primarily in the late 19th and early to mid-20th centuries. Today, its function is served by modern fairway woods (like a 2-wood or strong 3-wood) or utility clubs.
Examples
- The golfer selected his brassie for the long second shot on the par-5 hole.
- In his antique golf bag, he kept a classic hickory-shafted brassie.
- The brassie was ideal for shots requiring both distance and a moderate amount of lift.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The name "brassie" originated from the brass plate or sole that was often affixed to the bottom (sole) of the clubhead. This plate protected the wooden head from wear when striking the ground.
Variants and Related Words
- Brassy: An alternative, less common spelling for the golf club.
- Spoon: Another obsolete wooden golf club with more loft than a brassie, used for higher, shorter shots.
- Driver: The wooden club with the least loft, used for the longest shots from the tee.
- Fairway Wood: The modern category of metal clubs that replaced clubs like the brassie and spoon (e.g., 3-wood, 5-wood).
Synonyms
- 2-wood (the closest modern equivalent in function and loft).
- Strong 3-wood (a similar modern club).
- Fairway wood (the general modern category).
Antonyms
- Putter (a club designed for rolling the ball on the green, not for long-distance shots).
- Wedge (a club with very high loft for short, high shots).
Noun
-
(formerly) a golfing wood with a face more elevated that a driver but less than a spoon
