Trevor Ng
In golf, a birdie is a score of one stroke under par on an individual golf hole. The term originated in the early 20th century from the American slang term bird, which meant anything excellent. After a birdie, the next best score is an eagle, which is two strokes under par. Other golfing terms related to par include hole-in-one or ace, which is when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke, and bogey, which is one stroke over par.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Eagle |
| Definition | Scoring two under par on a single hole |
| Synonyms | Double eagle, Albatross |
| Scoring Example | Scoring a hole-in-one on a par-4 hole or scoring a two on a par-5 hole |
| History | The term was introduced to Britain in 1919 |
| Odds | Very rare |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Eagle': Scoring two under par on a hole
- 'Double eagle' or 'albatross': Scoring three under par on a hole
- 'Par': Refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole
- 'Bogey': Scoring one stroke over par
- 'Hole-in-one' or 'ace': When a golfer gets their ball in the hole in one stroke
'Eagle': Scoring two under par on a hole
An eagle is a golf term used to describe scoring two under par on a hole. The term originated in the US in the early 20th century, shortly after the term 'birdie' was coined. The term 'birdie' comes from the American slang term 'bird', meaning anything excellent. So, it would be natural for American golfers to think of the eagle, their national symbol, when scoring two under par.
The term eagle is also used in combination with other terms. A 'double eagle', for example, refers to scoring three strokes under par on a single hole. This is also known as an ''albatross' and is considered very rare. A 'condor', meanwhile, refers to scoring four under par on a hole.
In golf, 'par' refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Most holes are either par 3, par 4, or par 5. On a par-4 hole, for instance, a scratch golfer is supposed to reach the green in two strokes and then complete the hole with two putts.
Golfers also use other terms to refer to their scores in relation to par. A ''birdie' means scoring one stroke under par on an individual golf hole. A 'bogey', on the other hand, means scoring one stroke over par.
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'Double eagle' or 'albatross': Scoring three under par on a hole
In the game of golf, the term "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make on a hole or course. Each golf hole is assigned a par, with most holes being par 3, par 4, or par 5. Understanding the concept of par is essential to comprehending other scoring terms in golf, such as "birdie" and "bogey".
A "birdie" is a common golf term that represents a score of one stroke under par on an individual golf hole. For example, on a par-3 hole, a birdie would be achieved by completing the hole in 2 strokes. Scoring a birdie is considered a good result for golfers, with the term originating from early 20th-century American slang, where "bird" meant something excellent.
Going further, an "eagle" represents a score of two strokes under par for a given hole. The term "eagle" follows the theme of using bird names to represent good scores. While eagles are impressive, the elusive "double eagle" or "albatross" is even more extraordinary.
A "double eagle" or "albatross" refers to scoring three strokes under par on a single hole. This rare feat is typically accomplished by achieving a hole-in-one on a par-4 hole or scoring a two on a par-5 hole. The term "double eagle" continues the aviary theme of good scores, with the albatross being a large, majestic bird.
In summary, understanding the concept of par is fundamental to grasping golf scoring terms. A birdie represents one stroke under par, an eagle is two strokes under par, and the exceptional double eagle or albatross signifies a remarkable three strokes under par. These terms not only reflect scoring achievements but also contribute to the rich vocabulary and history of golf.
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'Par': Refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole
In the game of golf, "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make to complete a hole. Each golf hole is assigned a par value, which is typically either 3, 4, or 5. For example, on a par-4 hole, an expert golfer is expected to take four strokes to get their ball in the hole. If they achieve this, their score for that hole is considered "par".
The term "par" also applies to the combined par of a group of golf holes. A full-length 18-hole golf course typically includes a combination of par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes. The "course par" for these 18 holes usually ranges from 69 to 72, with par-72 being the most common.
The concept of "par" is fundamental to understanding other scoring terms in golf, such as birdie and bogey. A "birdie" is achieved when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke fewer than the par. For example, on a par-4 hole, a birdie would be scored if the golfer completes the hole in just three strokes. On the other hand, a "bogey" is scored when a golfer takes one stroke more than the par. So, on the same par-4 hole, a golfer would score a bogey if they took five strokes to complete the hole.
It's important to note that the distance or "effective distance" of a hole is the main factor in determining its par rating. "Effective distance" takes into account factors such as whether the hole is uphill or downhill and its elevation. Additionally, regardless of the length of the hole, the par number always includes two putts.
Understanding "par" and related terms like "birdie" and "bogey" can enhance one's enjoyment of golf, whether as a player or a spectator. These terms provide a way to assess and compare golfers' performances on different holes and courses.
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'Bogey': Scoring one stroke over par
In the game of golf, a "bogey" is a term used to describe a golfer's score when they have taken one stroke more than the par for a hole. For example, if a golfer takes 5 strokes to complete a par-4 hole, they have made a "bogey". Bogey is considered a bad result for low-handicap or professional golfers, but beginner golfers are often satisfied with only needing one more stroke than par to complete a hole.
The term "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes by a golfer. For example, on a par-4 hole, a scratch golfer is supposed to reach the green in two strokes and then complete the hole with two putts, for a total of four strokes. Par always includes two putts for each hole, regardless of length.
The term "birdie" is used to describe a golfer's score when they have taken one stroke fewer than the par for a hole. For example, if a golfer takes 3 strokes to complete a par-4 hole, they have made a "birdie". A birdie is considered a good score and is more challenging to make for average golfers than pros would indicate.
There are also terms for scores that are multiple strokes over par. For example, a "double bogey" refers to a score that is two strokes over par, a "triple bogey" refers to a score that is three strokes over par, and so on.
Golfers keep their cumulative score for an entire round by tracking how many shots over or under they are relative to par. For example, if a golfer makes two bogeys to start a round, they are "two over par" for the round.
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'Hole-in-one' or 'ace': When a golfer gets their ball in the hole in one stroke
A "hole-in-one" or "ace" is one of the most coveted accomplishments in golf. It occurs when a golfer gets their ball in the hole in just one stroke. Aces are very rare, with the average golfer's chances of making a hole-in-one on a par-3 hole being 12,500 to 1. The odds improve for professional golfers, but only slightly, at 2,500 to 1.
When aces do occur, it is almost always on a par-3 hole. This is because all players are expected to reach the green on par-3s with their tee shot (the first shot on the hole from the teeing ground). If the ball not only hits the green but actually rolls into the hole, the golfer has earned themselves an ace.
Occasionally, a PGA Tour player will make an ace on a short par-4, but these are exceedingly rare. A hole-in-one on a par-4 is known as a "double eagle", and on a par-5, it is called a "condor". These terms are simply continuations of the aviary theme of good scores. A "birdie", meaning a score of one stroke under par, comes from early 20th-century American slang, where "bird" meant anything excellent. A "double eagle" is a synonym for an "albatross", which is a score of three under par and is extremely rare.
The term "par" refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes by a golfer. Par always includes two putts for each hole. On a par-4 hole, a scratch golfer is supposed to reach the green in two strokes, then complete the hole with two putts. "Birdie" and "bogey" are simple concepts once you understand "par". A player makes a birdie when they use one fewer stroke than the par of the hole. If a player needs one stroke more than par to finish a hole, they make a bogey.
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Frequently asked questions
After a birdie, which is a score of one stroke under par, the next best thing is an eagle, a score of two strokes under par.
Par refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Par always includes two putts for each hole.
A birdie is when a golfer scores one less stroke than par on an individual golf hole. For example, a golfer would score a birdie on a par-4 hole if they completed it in 3 strokes.
An eagle is a score of two strokes under par. On a par-4 hole, an eagle would mean the golfer completed the hole in 2 strokes.
There is no limit to how over par a golfer can go. Scores can keep going up, with terms like "quadruple bogey" and "quintuple bogey" to describe very high scores.
