Jackson Reid
In golf, an eagle refers to scoring two strokes under par on a particular hole. This scoring term is part of the broader golf lexicon that helps players and fans understand the nuances of the game. The term eagle is derived from the use of the word birdie for a hole done in one stroke under par, with eagle meaning a big birdie or an even more impressive feat. While eagles are sought after by both professional golfers and average players, they are considered rare, with some golfers playing for years without achieving one.
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What You'll Learn
What is an eagle in golf?
An eagle is a golf scoring term that means a golfer has scored two strokes under par on an individual hole. For example, if a golfer is playing a par-5 hole and they sink the ball in three strokes, they have scored an eagle.
The term eagle is an extension of the theme of birds for good scores. The term birdie, which means scoring one stroke under par, was already in use. As the eagle is the national symbol of the United States, it is thought that the term eagle was developed in the US shortly after birdie. The term was introduced to Britain in 1919.
Eagles most often occur on par-5 holes. Golfers who have the distance to reach par-5 greens in only two strokes have a significant advantage over shorter-hitting golfers. However, golfers who lack distance can still score an eagle by getting a hole-in-one.
Scoring an eagle is a notable achievement for both professional golfers and average players. To score an eagle, golfers should select the appropriate golf club to achieve the necessary distance and accuracy. A consistent and powerful swing is also important.
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How rare is it to make an eagle?
In golf, an eagle is a score of two strokes under par on a particular hole. This term came about as a more impressive version of a "birdie", which is a score of one stroke under par. Completing a hole three strokes under par is called an "albatross" or a "double eagle".
Eagles are considered very rare, especially for amateur golfers. One source suggests that the average golfer is less likely to get an eagle in a given year than they are to get a birdie. However, this does depend on the style of player. For instance, longer hitters make eagles more frequently, but they also tend to bogey more frequently. On the other hand, shorter hitters rarely get the opportunity to make eagles, but they also rarely bogey.
Eagles most often occur on par 5 holes, as golfers who can reach par 5 greens in only two strokes have a significant advantage when it comes to making eagles. In 2019, Sungjae Im made the most eagles among qualifying golfers in the TOUR Championship, with 18 eagles over 2,124 holes (0.85% of holes).
Some golfers have shared their experiences of making eagles. One golfer with a 9.6 handicap shared that they had only made two eagles in their life, both of which came in the same week. Another golfer with a handicap of 4 and 25 years of playing experience also reported that they had only made two eagles. A third golfer with a handicap of 6 reported getting about one eagle per season through 30 rounds on average.
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Tips to score an eagle
An eagle in golf is a score that is two strokes under par on an individual hole. For example, if you're playing a par-5 hole and you finish the hole in three strokes, you've scored an eagle. Now that we know what an eagle is, let's look at some tips to help you score one.
Practice Your Swing
A consistent and powerful swing is essential for achieving an eagle. Make use of golf simulators or indoor golf centres to practice your swing in different conditions. Focus on your grip, stance, and follow-through to ensure a smooth and powerful swing. Consider seeking guidance from a professional golfer or golf coach, as they can provide personalised tips to improve your swing.
Course Management
Understanding the layout of the golf course is crucial. Study the course beforehand, including distance guidelines, hazards, and optimal landing areas. Plan your shots strategically to avoid bunkers and water hazards. Knowing the course well will increase your chances of making an eagle.
Choose the Right Golf Club
Selecting the appropriate golf club can make a significant difference in achieving the necessary distance and accuracy. For long distances, a powerful driver can help you cover more ground with your tee shot, setting you up for a shorter approach shot. Fairway woods and hybrids are excellent for long second shots, helping you reach the green in fewer strokes. Irons, on the other hand, provide precision and control for your approach shots, allowing you to position the ball closer to the hole.
Hitting the Ball Far
Golfers who can hit the ball far and reach the greens in fewer strokes have a significant advantage when it comes to scoring eagles. Work on improving your driving distance, as this will increase your chances of setting up for an eagle putt.
Eagle Opportunities
Most eagles occur on par-5 holes. If you can reach the green on a par-5 hole in two strokes, you'll have a great opportunity to sink that eagle putt. Keep in mind that eagles are rare, and even professional golfers don't score them frequently. However, with practice and a good understanding of course management, you can increase your chances of achieving this remarkable feat.
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Famous eagles in golf history
An eagle in golf is a score that is two strokes under par on an individual hole. This scoring term is part of the broader golf lexicon that helps players and fans understand the nuances of the game.
Gene Sarazen’s Double Eagle at the 1935 Masters:
Gene Sarazen hit a perfect 4-wood shot from 235 yards on the par-5 15th hole at Augusta National, securing a historic double eagle, also known as an albatross. This incredible shot, dubbed "the shot heard 'round the world," was instrumental in Sarazen winning the tournament and remains one of the most legendary moments in golf history.
Jack Nicklaus’ Eagle at the 1986 Masters:
Jack Nicklaus, considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, delivered a stunning eagle during the final round of the 1986 Masters. On the par-5 15th hole, Nicklaus hit a towering 4-iron approach shot that left him with a short putt for eagle, which he successfully sank. This victory, known as "The Golden Bear's Last Roar," was his sixth Green Jacket at the age of 46.
Rory McIlroy’s Eagle at the 2011 U.S. Open:
Rory McIlroy's performance at the 2011 U.S. Open was highlighted by his eagle on the par-5 8th hole during the second round. McIlroy drove the ball perfectly and followed it up with a brilliant second shot, leaving him with a short putt for eagle, which he confidently sank. McIlroy went on to win the U.S. Open by eight strokes, setting multiple records and establishing himself as one of the top players in the world.
Shaun Lynch's Double Eagle:
In 1995, Shaun Lynch, a 33-year-old Irishman, achieved a rare double eagle by making a hole-in-one on the par-5 17th hole at Teign Valley Golf Club in England. He hit a 3-iron over hedges 20 feet high, and his shot ran down a slope into the hole. This remarkable feat was commemorated with a plaque and certified by the Guinness Book of Records.
Albatross at the Durban Country Club:
In 1931, E. E. Wooler scored the first recorded albatross, a hole-in-one on the 18th hole of the Durban Country Club in South Africa. This par-4 hole was 271 yards, and Wooler's achievement set a precedent for naming such a score an albatross due to its rarity.
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The origin of the term 'eagle' in golf
The term "eagle" in golf refers to scoring two strokes under par on a particular hole. The term ""birdie", which means scoring one stroke under par, was already in use before "eagle" was introduced. The term "eagle" was likely introduced to show an even greater success than a birdie, with the eagle being the US national symbol. The term "eagle" was first used by Ab Smith and his group, who referred to two under par as an "eagle". By 1919, the term was introduced to Britain, and by 1922, it was referred to as an "American golfing parlance". The term "eagle" is a remarkable achievement, indicating a golfer's talent and control.
The modern meaning of the terms "bogey", "birdie", and "eagle" comes from their use in the USA. "Bogey" was the first stroke system, developed in England at the end of the 19th century. In 1890, Mr Hugh Rotherham, Secretary of the Coventry Golf Club, conceived the idea of standardising the number of shots at each hole that a good golfer should take, which he called the "ground score". This led to the development of the term "par", which started to emerge in the late 1900s to the early 1910s.
Completing a hole three strokes under par is called an "albatross" or a "double eagle". The term "albatross" is a British term, and its exact origin is unclear. However, the first known reference to it was in 1929, indicating that it had been in use before then. John G Ridland, who scored an "albatross" in India in 1934, theorised that the introduction of steel-shafted clubs in the 1920s made this score common enough to necessitate a name for it.
Completing a hole in one stroke under par is called a "birdie". The term "birdie" most likely first emerged in the United States, where "bird" was colloquial for something outstanding or remarkable. The term "eagle" continues the theme of using bird names to represent good scores in golf.
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Frequently asked questions
An eagle in golf is a score that is two strokes under par on an individual hole.
Scoring an eagle is a rare feat. However, eagles are more common on par-5 holes.
A consistent and powerful swing is the key to achieving an eagle. Practicing regularly, focusing on technique, and seeking professional guidance can help improve your swing. Selecting the appropriate golf club is also crucial when aiming for an eagle.
A double eagle is a score of 4-under par on a par-5 hole. This is also known as an albatross. While some scores of 4-under par have been recorded, the term double eagle is not commonly used.
