Scoring an eagle in golf means you’ve finished a hole in two strokes under par. This is a monumental achievement for any golfer, and in this article, we’ll break down exactly what an eagle is, the different ways you can make one, and a realistic strategy for carding your first one. We’ll go beyond the simple definition to give you a true understanding of what it takes to achieve one of golf’s most exciting scores.
Before we can talk about eagles, we have to be clear on what "par" is. Par is the predetermined number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to get the ball from the tee into the hole. Every hole on a golf course has a par rating, which is determined primarily by its length.
Scores on a hole are named based on their relationship to par. A score of 1-under par is a birdie, 1-over par is a bogey, and an even-par score is simply called par. The term "eagle" fits right into this bird-themed family of scoring names, representing an even more impressive feat.
An eagle is a score of 2-under par on a single hole. It's a rare and thrilling moment that requires a combination of distance, precision, and sometimes a bit of luck. Depending on the par of the hole, an eagle can be achieved in a few different ways:
Yes, that's right - a hole-in-one on a Par 3 is also an eagle! While most Par 3 eagles are aces, there are extremely rare Par 3 holes long enough to warrant a score of 2 qualifying as an eagle, but this is highly uncommon. For most golfers, the chance at an eagle will come on Par 4s and, most likely, Par 5s.
Understanding the definition is one thing, but seeing how it plays out on the grass is another. Eagles don't happen by accident. They are the result of executing two or three perfect shots in a row. Let's look at the most common scenarios.
For the vast majority of golfers, fromtour professionals to weekend players, the a Par 5 presents the most realistic opportunity for an eagle. This is the classic "going for the green in two" scenario. Here’s how it unfolds:
Making a 3 on a Par 5 is a massive win on the scorecard, and it's built on a foundation of one powerful, well-placed shot followed by a precise and courageous one.
Perhaps even more thrilling than a Par 5 eagle is one on a short Par 4. These holes are specifically designed to tempt golfers into taking a risk. A "driveable" Par 4 is one where a long-hitter can attempt to hit their tee shot onto the green.
The sequence is straightforward but incredibly difficult: crush your drive onto the putting surface, and then sink the putt for a score of 2. The challenge lies in the course design. These holes are heavily defended with fairway bunkers right where your drive might land, narrowing fairways, a greenside a lake, or a putting green that's difficult to hold. It demands an almost perfect tee shot, but the reward is a shot at one of golf’s most satisfying scores.
As we mentioned earlier, a hole-in-one on a Par 3 is an eagle. You have one shot to do what par says should take three. The ball flies from the tee, lands on the green, and disappears into the cup. It’s a moment of pure magic that golfers of all skill levels can theoretically achieve. While it requires a great shot, a big dose of luck is always a factor, a favorable bounce or a steep slope on the green often helps to deliver the ball to its final destination.
Just when you thought an eagle was the peak, there are even rarer birds in the golf aviary. These scores are so uncommon that many lifelong golfers will never witness one.
An albatross, also called a double eagle in the United States, is a score of 3-under par on a single hole. This can only happen in two ways:
The albatross is arguably a more difficult feat than a hole-in-one. Gene Sarazen's famous "shot heard 'round the world" at the 1935 Masters was an albatross - he holed a 4-wood from 235 yards for a two on the par-5 15th hole, which ultimately propelled him to victory. It remains one of the most iconic shots in golf history.
The rarest score of all is the condor, a mind-boggling 4-under par on a single hole. For this to happen, a golfer must make a hole-in-one on a Par 5. This has only been recorded a handful of times in history, and never in a professional tournament. These occurrences typically involve an extremely sharp dogleg hole where a player cuts the corner over trees, sending the ball on a direct path to the green, or a drive that benefits from a long downslope and hard ground conditions.
Alright, let's bring this back down to earth. If you want to make an eagle, your best bet is to focus on a reachable Par 5. Making one requires a plan, not just wishing for it. As a coach, this is the simple, repeatable strategy I'd recommend you follow.
Your eagle attempt starts on the tee box. We all want to hit the ball far, and that power comes from a solid, rotational swing, not just flailing with your arms. However, power is useless if you're not in play. Your primary goal is to put the ball in the fairway to give yourself a clean look for your second shot. A drive that’s 15 yards shorter but in the middle is far better than a booming slice into the trees. Think "position," not just "power."
This is where smart course management comes in. You need to know, realistically, how far you can hit your fairway wood or hybrid accurately. Let's say your best, flushed 3-wood travels 220 yards. If you find yourself 250 yards from the green after your drive, it's not your day - the smart play is to "lay up" with a shorter club, leaving yourself a comfortable wedge shot for your third. Trying to force a shot you can't realistically execute is how you make a 7, not a 3.
If you're in the fairway and within your "go" number, it's time to execute. The goal is simple: get the ball on the putting surface. Don't fall into the trap of aiming for a tucked pin next to a bunker. A more conservative target in the middle of the green gives you a greater margin for error. A ball on the green is an eagle putt, a ball in a greenside bunker is a fight for par.
You’ve done the hard work. Two great shots have put you in position. Now, it's about trusting your putting stroke. Take your time to read the green, visualize the line, and commit to your putt. Whether it's a 40-footer or a 10-footer, give it your best roll. The ball doesn't know it's for an eagle, so treat it like any other putt and stay relaxed.
An eagle is a score of 2-under par on a hole, most commonly a 3 on a Par 5, and it’s a milestone achievement for any golfer. Making one requires a marriage of powerful ball-striking, pinpoint accuracy, and intelligent course management - and when it all comes together, it’s one of the best feelings in the game.
Intelligent course management, like knowing when to go for that Par 5 in two, often comes down to confident, clear decision-making. Knowing the risk versus the reward can be tough, and that’s a big reason we developed our app. So when you’re standing in the fairway, wrestling with club selection or unsure if it’s the right play, you can get instant, expert advice. Caddie AI helps you analyze the situation and commit to your shot, so you can stop guessing and start turning those eagle opportunities into memories.
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