Definition: In common usage, "address" refers to the golfer being in position and ready to play a stroke. That is, the golfer is standing over the golf ball with his club grounded (the sole of the club is touching the turf, except, of course, in situations where grounding the club is forbidden by the rules), in position to start his swing.
Another way of putting it: When a golfer is at address, it's go time.
The official definition of "addressing the ball," which appears in the Rules of Golf, used to specify that being in the address position meant the golfer had taken his stance; as of Jan. 1, 2012, the stance is no longer included in the official definition in the Rules. Now, the Rulebook states that a golfer has taken his address "by grounding his club immediately in front of or behind the ball, regardless of whether or not he has taken his stance."
Also Known As: At address, address the ball, addressing the ball, address position
Examples:
"She took her address and is ready to play the stroke.""He's in the address position and about to putt."
