What Are 3 Shots in Golf Called?

Hearing a TV announcer shout That’s a birdie! or An eagle has landed! adds excitement to golf, but if you’re new to the game, these terms can be confusing. To clear things up, a score of three strokes on a single hole can be called three different things, and it all depends on the par of that hole. In this guide, we’ll not only explain what a score of 3 is called, but we will also walk through the three types of shots that help you achieve these great scores.

What is a Score of 3 in Golf Called? It Depends on the Par

In golf, every hole has a “par,” which is the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete it. Most holes are a par-3, par-4, or par-5. Your score on a hole is always relative to that number. So, answering “what is three shots in golf called?” requires one bit of information: what was the par of the hole you just played?

Here’s the simple breakdown:

• On a par-5 hole, a score of 3 is called an Eagle.
• On a par-4 hole, a score of 3 is called a Birdie.
• On a par-3 hole, a score of 3 is called a Par.

Par: Meeting Expectations

Making a "par" means you’ve matched the expected score on a hole. So, when you take three shots to complete a par-3, you’ve made par. For a lot of golfers, making a par feels fantastic. It means you executed the hole just as planned: one shot to the green, and two putts to get it in the hole. It's a sign of a solid, well-played hole, and stringing them together is the foundation of a great round.

Birdie: Going One Better

A "birdie" is a score of one stroke under par. When you score a 3 on a par-4, you’ve made a birdie. Birdies are what separate good scores from average ones. On a par-4, this typically means a great tee shot, an approach shot that lands close to the hole, and a single putt. Making a birdie is a fantastic feeling and something you’ll probably be telling your friends about after the round. It’s a reward for executing two or three quality shots in a row.

Eagle: The Truly Special Score

An "eagle" is a score of two strokes under par, which is a rare and exciting achievement. Scoring a 3 on a par-5 gets you an eagle. For most players, this means hitting a long, accurate drive, followed by another fantastic long shot (like a 3-wood or a hybrid) that lands on the green, and then sinking the putt. Hitting the green in just two shots on a par-5 is called being on "in two," and it gives you a look at eagle. Eagles don’t happen often, even for pros, so when you make one, be sure to celebrate!

The 3 Key Shots to Get You to a Score of Three

Now that you know what a score of three can be called, how do you actually make it happen? Golf holes can be broken down into three main acts: the tee shot, the approach shot, and the short game (including putting). To score well, you need a plan for each one.

Shot Type 1: The Tee Shot (The Foundation of the Hole)

Every hole starts with the tee shot. Its job is to put you in the best possible position for your next stroke. It’s not always about hitting the ball as far as you can - sometimes, accuracy is much more important.

Actionable Advice for a Better Tee Shot:

• Think Smarter, Not Harder: Many amateurs automatically grab the driver on every par-4 and par-5. However, if the fairway is narrow or there's trouble (like water or a bunker) at your hitting distance, the smart play might be a 3-wood or hybrid. Putting the ball safely in an open area of the fairway is often better than being 20 yards closer but in the rough.
• Aim Small, Miss Small: Instead of vaguely aiming "down the middle," pick a very specific target. It could be a specific tree in the distance, a patch of different colored grass, or a single sprinkler head. Focusing on a small target narrows your internal focus and tends to tighten your shot pattern.

Try This: The Fairway Finder Drill

On your next trip to the driving range, imagine a 40-yard-wide fairway out in the distance. Tee up 10 balls. Your goal isn't to hit them as far as you can, but to land at least 7 out of 10 within your imaginary fairway. This simple exercise trains your body to prioritize control over raw power, a skill that shave's strokes off your score fast.

Shot Type 2: The Approach Shot (Setting Up the Score)

Your approach shot is the one that gets your ball onto the green. A good approach sets up an easy putt and a chance at a birdie or eagle. This is a game of precision, and your club selection is everything.

Actionable Advice for a Better Approach Shot:

• Know Your Distances: How far do you really hit each of your irons? Not your "once in a lifetime" best shot, but your average, normal swing. Most golfers come up short of the green because they choose a club based on their best-ever shot. Be honest with yourself and always take enough club. It’s generally better to be a little long than to be short and in a bunker guarding the front of the green.
• Love the Middle of the Green: It's tempting to "flag hunt" and aim directly at the pin, especially when it's tucked in a corner. But that’s a low-percentage play. A smarter strategy for most golfers is to aim for the center of the green. This gives you the largest margin for error. A slight mishit might still leave you with a 20-foot putt, which is far better than being in a bunker or deep rough.

Try This: Learn Your Irons

Next time you're on the range, find a target between 100-150 yards away. Hit three shots at it with the iron you think is appropriate. Don't focus on results, just a smooth, balanced swing. Now, grab the next club up (e.g., if you hit an 8-iron, grab a 7-iron) and hit three more shots with that same smooth tempo. You might be surprised to find that the smoother swing with the stronger club gives you both better distance and more consistent accuracy.

Shot Type 3: The Short Game (Where Scores Are Made)

The short game refers to all the shots you hit from around 50 yards and in, including chipping, pitching, and putting. This is truly where scores are made or lost. A great short game can save a bad hole, and a sharp putting performance is how you turn good approach shots into birdies and pars.

Putting - The Final Say

You can hit two perfect shots on a par-4, but if you three-putt, you walk away with a bogey. Good putting comes down to two things: speed and line. And for most golfers, speed is much more important.

Actionable Advice for Better Putting:

• Focus on Distance Control: If you can get your first putt to stop close to the hole every time, you’ll eliminate those dreadful three-putts. Before you make your stroke, take a few practice swings while looking at the hole. This helps your brain instinctively feel how hard to hit the putt. Don’t just look at the line, feel the distance.

Try This: The Ladder Drill

To really sharpen your speed control, try this drill. Find a flat part of the putting green and place a tee in the ground. Now, place golf balls at 5, 10, 15, and 20 feet away from the tee, forming a "ladder." Starting with the closest ball, your goal is to putt each one past the tee, but no more than three feet past it (the length of your putter is a good guide). Go up and down the ladder a few times. This drill is fantastic for dialng in your distance control on those critical lag putts.

Final Thoughts

So, what are three shots called in golf? It's a question with a few answers: Par for a par-3, Birdie for a par-4, and the coveted Eagle on a par-5. Understanding these terms is the first step, and mastering the three essential shots - the tee shot, the approach, and the short game - is how you'll start seeing more of them on your own scorecard.

Developing that on-course strategy - knowing when to hit driver, where to aim on the green, and how to approach each a tricky shot - is the key to playing with more confidence. For those tough moments when you're stuck between clubs or facing a complicated lie in the rough, our Caddie AI gives you an expert second opinion right in your pocket. You can get instant, simple advice so you can commit to every swing and remove the guesswork from your game.