non-golfer
UK[ˌnɒn ˈɡɒlfə(r)]US[ˌnɑːn ˈɡɑːlfər]
n
A person who does not play golf.
Morpheme Breakdown
non
golfer
non
not
golfer
one who plays golf
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the Latin-derived negative prefix 'non-' with the English agent noun 'golfer.' The prefix 'non-' entered English from Latin, where it served as a straightforward negator. The term 'golfer' itself originates from the Scottish word 'golf,' of uncertain etymology, combined with the Germanic agent suffix '-er,' which denotes a person associated with an action. The logic of the construction is transparently descriptive, creating a category for anyone outside the specific group of golf players, following a common pattern in English for forming antonyms (e.g., non-smoker, non-member).
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + golfer (one who plays golf)
non: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "the opposite of."
golfer: English origin, a noun formed from the verb 'golf' and the agent suffix '-er,' meaning "one who plays golf."
Examples
The event is open to both golfers and non-golfers.
As a non-golfer, he spent the afternoon at the clubhouse while his friends played.
The resort offers plenty of activities to keep non-golfers entertained.