In golf, your score on a single hole isn't just a number, it has a special name based on how it compares to the hole's par. This article breaks down all the essential golf scoring terms, from the common ones like birdies and bogeys to the rarest feats in the game. You'll also learn how these individual hole scores add up and how different game formats are scored.
Before we can talk about scoring terms, we first need to understand the most important word in golf scoring: par. Think of par as the target score for a hole, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to get the ball from the tee into the cup.
Every hole on a golf course has a par rating, almost always a 3, 4, or 5. This number is based on the hole’s length and an assumed two putts on the green. Here’s a simple way to look at it:
It's important to remember that par is a benchmark, not a demand. Your score on a hole gets its name based on how it measures up against this benchmark. You can be under par, over par, or right on the money with an even-par score.
This is where the lingo of golf really comes to life. Once you’re on the course, you probably won't hear your friends say, “I got a four on that par four.” Instead, you’ll hear them say, “I made par.” Here’s a breakdown of the names for the most frequent scores you'll encounter.
When your score matches the par of the hole, you’ve made a par. It’s the baseline, the standard. Making a par is always a solid and satisfying result, a sign that you’ve played the hole as intended.
Taking one stroke less than the par for the hole is a birdie. This is a genuinely fantastic score. The feeling of sinking a putt for birdie is one of the pure joys of golf and what keeps so many players addicted to the game.
A score of one stroke more than the par is a bogey. Don’t get discouraged by bogeys! Every single golfer on the planet makes them, from first-timers to the professionals on TV. A bad bounce or a slight mistake can easily lead to a bogey. For many amateur golfers, a round with nothing worse than a bogey is considered a huge success.
A score of two strokes over par is called a double bogey. These can feel a little more painful because they often come from a big mistake - a shot hit out of bounds, a flubbed chip, or taking three putts. A big part of getting better at golf is learning how to avoid the mistakes that turn bogeys into "doubles."
As you can probably guess, a triple bogey is three strokes over par. After this point, golfers usually stop using special names and just say the number of strokes. For instance, four-over-par is simply a "quadruple bogey" or, more commonly, a "quad." Don’t feel bad if you have one of these, focus on the next shot and try to shake it off. Interestingly, a score of 8 on any hole is sometimes informally called a "snowman" because the number 8 looks like one. It's a bit of gallows humor on the course.
While pars and bogeys are everyday occurrences, some scores are so good they deserve a more majestic name. These are the scores that you and your friends will talk about long after the round is over.
An eagle is a score of two strokes under par. Eagles are rare and magnificent, requiring either exceptional length, a perfectly placed shot, or both. They typically happen in one of two ways: reaching the green of a Par 5 in just two shots and making the putt, or holing out an approach shot on a Par 4 for a score of 2.
Even more rare than an eagle is an albatross, sometimes called a double eagle in the United States. This is a score of three strokes under par. An albatross is considered one of the ultimate feats in golf - many seasoned pros play their entire careers without making one. How do you get one? You have to make your tee shot on a Par 4 (a hole-in-one) or make your second shot on a Par 5. It’s the definition of a "once in a lifetime" shot.
This score is so ridiculously rare that most golfers don't even know it exists. A condor is four strokes under par - a hole-in-one on a Par 5. Yes, you read that right. It requires a tee shot of over 500 yards on a uniquely shaped hole (usually a sharp dogleg). There have only been a handful of verified condors recorded in history, making it the most legendary and mythical score in golf.
A hole-in-one, also known as an ace, occurs when a player gets the ball in the hole with their very first shot from the tee. It’s a moment of pure shock and excitement. While luck is a huge factor, it's a milestone every golfer dreams of.
Technically, the "name" of the score depends on the hole's par:
Despite these technicalities, no one ever says, “I made an eagle on that par 3.” They will always say, “I got a hole-in-one!” It’s also a famous (or infamous) tradition that the lucky golfer who makes an ace buys a round of drinks for everyone in the clubhouse. So be warned, a hole-in-one might be your most expensive shot of the day!
Knowing the names for scores on individual holes is great, but how do we talk about scoring for the entire 18-hole round? There are a few different ways, depending on the game you're playing.
Your gross score is simply the total number of strokes you took to complete your round. If you shot 95, your gross score is 95.
However, golf has a wonderful system called the handicap that allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly. A handicap is a number that represents a player’s potential ability. When you subtract your handicap from your gross score, you get your net score. It’s the great equalizer in golf, letting a beginner have a competitive match against a seasoned player.
Not all golf is scored the same way. The two most popular formats are stroke play and match play.
So there you have it - a complete guide to what golf scores are called. From pars and bogeys to the legendary albatross, understanding this language is a fundamental part of the sport and helps you feel more connected to the game, whether you're playing or watching.
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