The correct spelling of "putting rack" is /ˈpʌtɪŋ ræk/. The first part of the word, "putting," is spelled with a double "t" because it is a present participle form of the verb "put." The second part of the word, "rack," is spelled with a "ck" instead of just a "k" because it follows the spelling rule that requires adding "ck" at the end of a one-syllable word that ends with a short vowel sound and a consonant. The putting rack is essential equipment for golfers practicing their putting skills.
Putting rack is a specialized device or structure primarily used in the game of billiards or pool to arrange and hold the balls in a specific formation before starting a game. It is typically a triangular frame made of wood or plastic designed to securely hold the fifteen numbered object balls (ranging from one to fifteen) and the cue ball (white ball) in a precise arrangement.
The putting rack is an essential tool in order to have a fair and standardized start to each game. It ensures that the object balls are tightly packed, allowing for a more impactful break shot. The rack is positioned on the table, centrally at the foot spot, with the top ball (the apex of the triangle) being the fifteen match-point ball, and the other balls placed in a tightly-packed pattern behind it.
Throughout history, putting racks have evolved to accommodate different variations of the game. In eight-ball pool, for instance, the putting rack includes a small gap in the center to also make space for the solid-colored balls (numbers one through seven) and the striped balls (numbers nine through fifteen). The putting rack is typically removed from the table just as the break shot is made, allowing the balls to scatter across the table, commencing the game.
The term "putting rack" does not have a specific etymology. It seems to be a combination of two separate words: "putting" and "rack", each with their own origins.
1. "Putting": The word "putting" is derived from the Old English word "putian", which means "to thrust" or "to push". Over time, it evolved to refer to the act of placing something in a particular position or location. In the context of golf, "putting" is a stroke made with a club to roll a golf ball gently into or near the hole.
2. "Rack": The word "rack" has a longer history and can have multiple meanings. One of its earliest uses can be traced back to the Old English word "hrace" or "hræc", which referred to a framework or frame. It also has connections to Old Norse and Dutch languages.