Golf · Guide
Birdie, eagle, albatross: golf scores explained
Every score on a hole is named for how far above or below par it is. Below par takes a bird's name; above par is a bogey.
| Name | Against par | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Condor | −4 | A hole in one on a par 5. Almost never happens. |
| Albatross (double eagle) | −3 | 2 on a par 5, or a hole in one on a par 4 |
| Eagle | −2 | 3 on a par 5, or a hole in one on a par 3 |
| Birdie | −1 | 3 on a par 4 |
| Par | 0 | 4 on a par 4 |
| Bogey | +1 | 5 on a par 4 |
| Double bogey | +2 | 6 on a par 4 |
| Triple bogey | +3 | 7 on a par 4 |
What par is
Par is what a skilled player is expected to score on a hole, based mostly on its length. Most holes are par 3s, 4s or 5s, and a full course adds up to a par of around 70 to 72. A player "five under" after a round has taken five fewer shots than the course's par.
Other words you will hear
- Hole in one (an ace): holing your tee shot.
- Gross and net: gross is the shots you took; net takes off your handicap.
- Up and down: getting from off the green into the hole in two.
- Scratch: a player with a handicap of zero.
- Level par / E: exactly on par; E means "even" on American leaderboards.
Quick answers
- What is a birdie in golf?
- One under par on a hole: for example, three shots on a par 4.
- What is an eagle in golf?
- Two under par on a hole: for example, three shots on a par 5, or a hole in one on a par 3.
- What is an albatross in golf?
- Three under par on a hole, also called a double eagle: two shots on a par 5, or a hole in one on a par 4. Much rarer than a hole in one.
- What is a bogey in golf?
- One over par on a hole. A double bogey is two over, a triple bogey three over.
- What does par mean?
- The number of shots a good player is expected to take on a hole: 3, 4 or 5 on most holes, depending on length. Add up the holes for the course's par, usually 70 to 72.