Golf Scoring Terms Cheat Sheet
Golf Scoring Term | Explanation |
Stroke | Any forward club swing that's intended t ... |
Par | The number of strokes an expert player i ... |
Birdie | One stroke under par on an individual ho ... |
Eagle | Two strokes under par on an individual h ... |
What is an eagle in golf?
In golf, "eagle" is the term used when a golfer scores 2-under par on any individual hole . Each hole on a golf course is designated as a par 3, par 4 or par 5 (and rarely par 6 ), with " par " representing the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to need to complete play of that hole.
How many strokes to score an eagle on a golf course?
Following the 2-under par definition, to score an eagle, you would need to sink the golf ball in: 1 A single stroke on a par-3 hole – which if you make is actually called a hole-in-one 2 2 strokes on a par-4 hole 3 3 strokes on a par-5 hole 4 4 strokes on a par-6 hole More ...
How do you write Eagles in golf scores?
In addition to the number, eagles are typically represented in golf with a double-circle symbol. Write the score you achieved below the correct hole. For example, if you scored a 3 on the 15th hole, mark a 3 in the column under the header for the 15th hole.
What is an E score in golf?
Even - "Even" ("E") can be used to describe a golfer's score when it is equal to the combined par of all holes that they've completed.

Is an eagle a hole-in-one in golf?
If you holed your ball in three shots on a par-5, that's considered an eagle. Another eagle would be if you holed your ball in two shots on a par-4. A hole-in-one on a par-3 is also considered an eagle, but is almost always referred to as a hole-in-one.
How many hits is an eagle in golf?
An eagle is two shots below par. So if you're playing a par-5, you score a 3 on the hole. These are most common on Par 5's as golfers can hit on in two shots and make a putt for eagle.
What is a birdie in golf scoring?
Birdie: In the 19th century, the term "bird" was the equivalent of "cool" or "excellent" - golf scholars believe this is where the term came from. An Atlantic City, New Jersey, course claims that the term originated there in 1903. The meaning being a score of one under par.
What is a double eagle in golf scoring?
Definition of double eagle US. : a golf score of three strokes less than par on a hole The ball landed on the front right of the green and started heading for the hole.
How many shots under par do you need for an eagle?
2-underIn golf terms, an “eagle” refers to a specific type of shot that is 2-under the par. To figure out how to score an eagle, you will need to take the number of par (five, for example) and subtract it by two. If it's a 5-par, an eagle would consist of three strokes. What are a birdie, a bogey, and an eagle?
Is an eagle the highest in golf?
An eagle in golf represents a score of two under par for a hole. Par for each hole can range from 3 to 5, so for a par 3, you would need to hit a hole-in-one. An eagle is challenging but attainable for advanced golfers.
What is a condor in golf?
Scoring a condor is the rarest event in golf. This is normally a hole in one at a par five (a two at a par six would also count, but this has never been done). Only five condors have ever been recorded: The most recent was Kevin Pon, who made a 2 on a par 6 at Lake Chabot Golf Course on the 10th December 2020.
What is an albatross in golf scoring?
Albatross: This term means three under par, but the "double eagle" synonym is simply a continuation of the aviary theme of good scores. The albatross is rare, as is a three under par.
What is a turkey in golf?
Its origin is almost certainly American in nature. In ten-pin bowling, a trio of consecutive strikes is called a turkey, while six in a row is known as a wild, or golden, turkey. It wouldn't be the first time golf has borrowed from another sport to expand its lexicon.
What is the rarest shot in golf?
A score on a hole equal to three strokes under par in golf is called an albatross or double eagle. An albatross is achieved when a player either scores a two on a par 5 or aces a par 4. In golf, albatrosses are even more rare than a hole in one.
What is a triple eagle in golf?
A condor is also known as a double albatross, or a triple eagle. This is the lowest individual hole score ever made, relative to par. A condor would be a hole-in-one on a par-five (typically by cutting over a dogleg corner), a two on a par-six, or a three on a par-seven (which is not known to have been achieved).
Is an eagle hard in golf?
An eagle can be either a score of 1 on a par 3 (also known as a hole in one), a 2 on a par 4, or a 3 on a par 5. Eagles are extremely rare and are a cause for celebration. Par is the number that represents the number of strokes on a golf hole it should take a golfer to get the ball in the hole from start to finish.
Is a 2 on a par 3 an eagle?
In golf, "eagle" is the term used when a golfer scores 2-under par on any individual hole. Each hole on a golf course is designated as a par 3, par 4 or par 5 (and rarely par 6), with "par" representing the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to need to complete play of that hole.
How many shots under par is a double eagle?
A birdie is universally known as a score of 1-under par on a hole. An eagle is 2-under par. Double that — a double eagle — and it would be 4-under par. "That's American mathematics for you," Hunter Mahan said.
What is an eagle 3 in golf?
Eagle: You finished the hole in 3 strokes. Birdie: You finished the hole in 4 strokes. Par: You finished the hole in 5 strokes. Bogey: You finished the hole in 6 strokes. Double bogey: You finished the hole in 7 strokes.
How many shots is a birdie in golf?
A player makes a “birdie” when he uses one fewer strokes than the par of the hole. If a player needs one stroke more than par to finish a hole, he makes a “bogey.” So, if you finish a par 4 with only 3 strokes, you make a “birdie”, but if you take 5 strokes to complete a par 4, you make a “bogey”.
What is an Eagle in Golf?
In golf, an “Eagle” means scoring two strokes under par on a particular hole. Examples of golf eagles include:
Why is it Called an "Eagles"?
Before a golf eagle got its name, the term "birdie" was already being used. A birdie occurs when a player scores 1 stroke less than par on a given hole.
Par 5 Holes Provide the Best Eagle Opportunities
Most eagles take place on par 5 holes. Golfers who have the distance to reach par 5 greens in only 2 strokes have a significant advantage over shorting hitting golfers to make eagles.
Eagles Are Very Rare, Even For Professional Golfers
In 2019, Sungjae Im had the most eagles among qualifying golfers in the TOUR Championship. He made 18 eagles over 2,124 holes (0.85% of holes).
Eagles Are Far Rarer For The Average Golfer Than Professionals
MyGolfSpy and TheGrint (a golf GPS and Handicapping App) teamed up to find how common birdies or better, pars, and bogey or worse holes are for golfers at various handicaps. While they didn't share data specifically for eagles, they did show how many birdies or better golfers of various handicaps scored.
What Is an Eagle in Golf?
Before you learn what an Eagle is, let’s discuss the par. It is important to note that a hole’s par is the number of strokes it is standard for putting that particular hole. For example, for a par 3 hole, it means that it should take 3 shots for professional golfers to get the golf ball inside such a hole.
Why Is It Called an Eagle?
The golfing terminology Eagle comes from another term, ‘birdie,’ which comes from American golfers. In the book “Fifty Years of American Golf,” H. B. Martin provided an account of a golf match played in the Country Club of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
How to Score an Eagle in Golf
If a golfer gets a hole in one (as in, putting the hole with just one stroke) for a par 3 hole, then it is an eagle too. This is because for a par 3 hole, getting a hole in one means the score is two below the par.
Strategies and Skills Required
You have to increase your skill level by practicing your strokes to get eagles. If you are an amateur golfer, start by practicing birdie and using maximum power in your strokes. Also, hone your maneuvering skills with a golf club you’re comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, it does not. But you can call it descriptive names, such as two strokes under par on a hole.
What Does An Eagle Mean In Golf: Conclusion
I hope by now you have a very clear answer to ‘ What is an eagle in golf ?’ Throughout this article, we have covered a range of examples where you can make eagles during your golf rounds.
What does an eagle mean in golf?
An “eagle” in golf means a score 2-under par on each hole. This golf term is really easy to understand. All there is to know to get the equivalent strokes you need to target to get an eagle score on a particular hole is the par.
How many strokes are there in a par 3?
A single stroke on a par-3 hole – which if you make is actually called a hole-in-one. 2 strokes on a par-4 hole. 3 strokes on a par-5 hole. 4 strokes on a par-6 hole.
Do you make eagles like a machine?
You are a notorious golfer if you do make eagles like a machine. Seriously, though, it can be a big boost to your confidence while sapping your competitors’. Also, the more you make eagles means the lower your golf score will be, the better your chances of winning the game.
What Does Eagle Mean In Golf?
How many shots is an eagle? Eagle means that you have scored 2 shots less than the set par for the hole. This relates to a 3 on a par 5, a 2 on a par 4, and an ace (hole-in-one) on a par 3.
An Eagle In Golf Good or Bad?
Eagle in golf scoring is much rarer than scoring birdies and affects the number of shots related to par. If under par, the score will get further while a score of over par will reduce closer to par.
How Rare Is An Eagle In Golf?
Scoring an eagle on the various par holes differ with an eagle on a par 3 being the least common as it requires one shot to get the ball into the hole.
What's Better Than An Eagle In Golf?
Eagle is not the best that you can score on a hole though, staying with the avian theme, you can score a three-under-par double eagle (also known as an Albatross in Europe) while a rare 4-under par score on a hole is known as a Condor.
Eagle Name Origin In Golf
According to the USGA, the term Eagle is, as the term birdie, American in origin, and retains the avian theme for scores below par.
Is Scoring An Eagle A Good Thing In Golf?
There’s just no denying that an eagle, even though it rarely occurs in the game of golf, is supposed to be very good. It actually is a valid cause for celebration. You should be nothing but proud of yourself and your impressive golfing skills if you get an eagle.
How Rare Is An Eagle In Golf?
So much talk about scoring an eagle whereas it’s such a rare occurrence because of how challenging it is for golfers, even PGA Tour pros, to actually aim for an eagle. You have to be able to maneuver your golfing skills to achieve this particular goal.
Eagle In Golf – How to Score One?
If you’re an average golfer, then chances are you won’t be able to make an eagle. But you can always try. So here’s how to improve those odds stacked up against you. The ultimate goal here is to hit your shots farther so you’re closer to the hole. And if you’re closer to the hole, you’re more likely to hit the next shot right into that hole.
What Is A Double-Eagle In Golf?
If an eagle is rare then a double-eagle is its even rarer sibling. The latter means a score of 3-under par on the hole, which, only when possible, is done on just a par-4 hole or a longer one.
How Many Strokes for An Eagle In Golf?
Based on the definition of eagle i.e. 2-under par, you need to achieve the following to earn an eagle…
What Does It Really Mean When You Score An Eagle In Golf?
You’re sure to become a golf legend if you can make eagles all the time. No doubt, this would boost your confidence levels to a whole new height. And talk about crushing your fellow golfers and competitors!
What is an albatross?
Albatross / Double Eagle - An " Albatross " or " Double Eagle " is when a golfer scores three fewer strokes than par on an individual golf hole. Ex: 2 strokes on a par-5 hole. An Albatross is far rarer than even a hole-in-one (ace).
How many strokes to complete a par-3?
A golfer would be even through three holes if they took 4 strokes to complete a par-3, 3 strokes to complete a par-4, and 5 strokes to complete a par-5 hole. Birdie - A " Birdie " is when a golfer scores one less stroke than par on an individual golf hole. Ex: 2 strokes on a par-3 hole.
What is a forward club swing?
Any forward club swing that's intended to hit the golf ball. The number of strokes an expert player is expected to make for a given hole or a group of holes (usually 9 or 18). One stroke under par on an individual hole. Two strokes under par on an individual hole. Three strokes under par on an individual hole.
What is a stroke in golf?
Golf Scoring Terms Explained. Stroke - In golf, a "Stroke" is any forward club swing, including when putting, that a golfer is trying to hit the ball. You can essentially use "Stroke" as a synonym for a shot/putt, but keep in mind that it also includes "whiffs" if you miss the ball when trying to hit it. Par - " Par " is the number of strokes that ...
How many condors are there in the PGA?
Only four condors have been recorded in PGA history. Generally, the only way to accomplish a condor is to massively "cut off" a "dogleg" par-5 golf hole for a hole-in-one. Hole-in-One / Ace - A "Hole-in-One" or "Ace" occurs when a golfer hits their first shot into the hole (cup), completing the hole in just one stroke.
How many yards is a par 4?
Par-4 – 211 to 400 yards. Par-5 – 401 to 575 yards. The golf scoring term "Par" is also used to reference the combined par of a group of golf holes. Full-length 18-hole golf courses include par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes.
How many chances do you get on a hole in one?
According to American Hole 'N One, the average golfer's chances of making a hole-in-one on a par-3 hole are 12,500 to 1. The odds improve for professional golfers at 2,500 to 1. When aces do occur, it's almost always on a par-3 hole, though hole-in-ones have been accomplished on par-4 and even par-5 holes.
How to recognize a two under par eagle?
If you're skilled or lucky enough to score a two-under-par eagle on a hole during a round of golf, recognize the accomplishment by properly marking it on your scorecard.
What does a square represent in golf?
In golf, a single circle represents a birdie, and a square represents a bogey. Sorry, the video player failed to load. (Error Code: 100013) Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health.
Who is William McCoy?
Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

The Scores Needed to Make An Eagle
Why Is It called An 'Eagle'?
- Now we know what an eagle is ... but why is it called "eagle"? Where does that specific term come from? "Eagle" is used because it followed "birdie" in the golf lexicon. Birdie, meaning 1-under par on a hole, came first. Once birdie was established, golfers simply stuck with the avian theme and added "eagle" for 2-under on a hole. The bigger question is where that bird theme came from in t…
Other Forms of 'Eagle' Used by Golfers
- Golfers also use the term "eagle" as part of a couple other related expressions. For example, an "eagle putt" is any putt that, if the golfer makes it, results in a score of eagle. So if you are on the green in two strokes on a par-5, your first putt attempt is an "eagle putt" because if you make it, you'll have an eagle. And there's "double eagle"...
What Is An Eagle in Golf?
- Before you learn what an Eagle is, let’s discuss the par. It is important to note that a hole’s par is the number of strokes it is standard for putting that particular hole. For example, for a par 3 hole, it means that it should take 3 shots for professional golfers to get the golf ball inside such a hole. The scores of golf are usually calculated relative to the par. This brings us to the Eagle. The ter…
Why Is It called An Eagle?
- The golfing terminologyEagle comes from another term, ‘birdie,’ which comes from American golfers. In the book “Fifty Years of American Golf,” H. B. Martin provided an account of a golf match played in the Country Club of Atlantic City, New Jersey. After a player got a hole with one score under the par, a player exclaimed, calling the shot ‘a bird ...
Strategies and Skills Required
- You have to increase your skill level by practicing your strokes to get eagles. If you are an amateur golfer, start by practicing birdie and using maximum power in your strokes. Also, hone your maneuvering skills with a golf club you’re comfortable with. Most holes in any golf course would be eligible for practicing eagles, as you can get a 2 below on any hole.
What Does An Eagle Mean in Golf: Conclusion
- I hope by now you have a very clear answer to ‘What is an eagle in golf?’ Throughout this article, we have covered a range of examples where you can make eagles during your golf rounds. Despite being a rare achievement in terms of golf scoring it is something that with practice and time and effort you can add to your golf scorecardsfrom time to time. Now, pick up a golf club, fi…