What is an Eagle in Golf (and How to Get One)

Knocking the golf ball in as few strokes as possible is the goal when playing golf.

On each hole of a golf course, there’s a normal or par figure – that’s how many strokes a good player should take.

Scoring under par is awesome!

A birdie is one stroke under, but an eagle is even better – two strokes under par!

Think of it like scoring way below average on a test.

A hole-in-one is the best, but eagles are extremely rare, even in professional golf.

Scoring above par, like a bogey (one over), a double bogey (two over), or even a triple bogey (three over), happens more often.

But don’t worry; eagles are still achievable!

This guide will explain what a golf eagle is and how you can increase your chances of scoring one.

We’ll break down the concept of par for different holes.

Understanding Eagles

Golf courses have different hole lengths, like mini-golf.

Shorter holes are like par-3s, where good golfers can reach the green in one golf shot and putt twice.

Longer holes are like par-4s or par-5s, taking more shots.

• Par-3: Holes with a par of three mean an average golfer should reach the green with their tee shot and then take two more shots (putts) to sink their ball.
• Par-4: These are the most common holes on golf courses. A good golfer should hit the green in two shots and then use two putts to finish.
• Par-5: These are the longest holes. Usually, it takes three good golf shots to reach the green, followed by two putts to get the ball in the hole.

Now, here’s where things get exciting!

If a golfer manages to sink their ball in fewer strokes than the par for a given hole, they score below par.

Here’s how those golfing terms work

• Birdie: One stroke under par.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par.
• Double Eagle (or Albatross): Three strokes under par (extremely rare!)

On the flip side, if you take more strokes than par, those scores get a bit less exciting:

• Bogey: One stroke over par.
• Double Bogey: Two strokes over par.

You might imagine that scoring above par is like an old-fashioned bad grade: F for bogey, D for double bogey, and so on.

Some golfers jokingly call this “meeting Mr. Bogey” or battling the “bogeyman.”

Important Note: The words “birdie” or “eagle” have nothing to do with actual birds! These are just fun golf terms that have been around for a long time (some think since Atlantic City in the early 1900s, or even related to old stock exchange terms!)

The Rarity and Allure of Eagles

Scoring an eagle is a big deal in golf.

Think about the toughest pop quiz your teacher has ever given, which most of the class barely passes.

That’s how rare eagles are compared to birdies or even just making par.

Here’s why eagles are so special

• Extra Power: Even professional golfers normally need four or five strokes to complete a par-5 hole, but an eagle means doing it in just three shots! That takes extraordinary skill.
• Super Exciting: Imagine the rush of seeing your golf ball sink into the hole with fewer strokes than expected. Even pros get seriously pumped after scoring an eagle.
• Golf Lingo: The reason we use the word “eagle” makes sense – it’s even better than a “birdie.” A birdie is one under par, and a bird is, well, smaller than an eagle! Some think this term might have started with a group referred to by Ab Smith in the early 1900s or maybe even way back with old stock exchange terms.

Tough Shot: Eagles are rare because it takes distance, accuracy, and a good putt. Most golfers aim for birdies or pars, with an occasional bogey. For most golfers, an eagle is like a lucky strike that sometimes happens during years of play. Some folks even compare it to meeting a kind of Scottish goblin named the “bogeyman” since your bogey score tends to be a lot more common.

How to Increase Your Chances of Scoring an Eagle

Okay, now you’re probably wondering how to make those awesome eagles happen more often.

Here’s the thing: eagles are tough, even if you’re a good golfer. But there are ways to improve your chances!

• Hitting it Far: The further you can drive your ball from the tee box, the better your chance of setting up a good second shot on par-4s and par-5s. This means practice and maybe getting some lessons if your drives aren’t going long distances.
• Smart Play: On longer par-5 holes, you need to decide whether to go for it or play it safe. If getting the ball on the green after two shots seems impossible, don’t waste a stroke! Instead, focus on setting up a good third shot close to the green.
• Attack the Pin: Mastering shots with your wedges and irons is key for eagle chances. You need to be able to hit your shots close to the hole from different distances to set up a makeable putt.
• Sinking Putts: Don’t forget to practice on the putting green! Eagles mean getting the ball in the hole with as few strokes as possible.
• Confidence is Key: Going for an eagle takes some guts! You shouldn’t be reckless, but you also need to believe you can pull off those amazing, lower-than-par scores.

Remember: Don’t get frustrated if eagles don’t happen right away. The fun of golf is improving and chasing those exciting moments!

Beyond the Basics: The Double Eagle (Albatross)

Remember how rare and exciting we said eagles are?

Well, there’s something even more incredible – it’s called a double eagle or sometimes an albatross.

Here’s How it Works

• Par-5 Magic: To score a double eagle, you need to sink your ball in the hole on a par-5 with just three shots. That means a great drive, an even better second shot to reach the green, and then sinking a putt!
• Mega Rare: Double eagles are super rare, even for skilled golfers. For example, winning the lottery is rare.
• Golf History: Sometimes, you’ll hear about a professional golfer getting a double eagle in a big tournament. These moments become part of golfing history!

Quick Note: Like “birdie” and “eagle,” the term “albatross” has nothing to do with the actual seabird! It’s just another fun golf term that has stayed around for a long time.

Conclusion

So, now you get the deal with Eagles in golf.

They mean sinking the ball in the hole with two strokes fewer than par, which is a major accomplishment even for experienced golfers.

Remember, it takes powerful drives, pinpoint, accurate shots, and clutch putts to make eagles happen.

Don’t worry if you’re scoring mostly pars or even the occasional bogey right now.

Golf is a sport that takes practice and a bit of luck!

Just keep getting out on the course, focus on improving your shots, and the thrill of those under-par scores will keep you hooked on the game.

One day, you’ll be celebrating your eagle!

Frequently Asked Questions